Racing commissioner Christine C. White today signed orders eliminating 101 live race dates for the remainder of the 2009 fiscal year ending September 30, 2009.
The budget for the Office of Racing Commissioner (ORC) was reduced by $1.4 million in the Governor’s Executive Order issued on May 5, 2009. The budget for the ORC during fiscal year 2009 was set at $3.8 million and has been reduced by $1.4 million with only four months remaining in the fiscal year.
“This was the last thing we wanted to do,” commissioner White said, “but our hands are tied. There is insufficient funding to get us through the fiscal year.”
While the actual days are still in negotiation, the thoroughbred industry that includes Pinnacle Race Course will see a reduction of 42 days out of its original 82 days. Mount Pleasant Meadows will lose 18 of its 37 days.
The harness industry will see reductions in two tracks. Hazel Park will lose 38 days and Northville Racing Corporation will be cut the three days scheduled for this fiscal year.
(With files from the Office of Racing Commissioner)