Legislation supporting the reduction of race dates for harness racing at Plainridge Racecourse is awaiting the decision of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
According to an article in The Sun Chronicle, Gov. Patrick has until Aug. 21 to decide whether he will approve the reduction in race dates from 100 to 80.
The reduction in dates was requested to accommodate construction of Penn National Gaming's $225 million slot machine parlor and renovations to the grandstand as well as the overall available horse population and the amount of purse money available prior to the commencement of slot machine gaming.
Reductions in race dates have been approved the past two years, however, Massachusetts law states that Plainridge must host 125 race dates once the slots are open.
(With files from The Sun Chronicle)