It’s amazing what a difference an election can make. The upcoming gubernatorial race in Maryland has triggered new and sudden interest in the welfare of Rosecroft
Raceway, where little concern was shown when the track began to slide away two years ago.
Former governor Robert J. Ehrlich, running for the office again, told former Rosecroft employees, “If we win this election, I’ll put my heart and mind, and everything I have, to get this place up and running again. If I don’t win this race, I don’t know. I’m out of politics, but I don’t know what happens to this place.”
Ehrlich blamed the state legislature for not authorizing slots at the site. Cynicism was the response of Cloverleaf Enterprises, horsemen owners of the track. Their lobbyist, Gerard Evans, called Ehrlich’s remarks “a political carnival,” and said, “There’s nothing Gov. Ehrlich can do to help Rosecroft unless he wants to congratulate Gov. O’Malley for stepping up and trying to do so.”
Mark Vogel, former owner of the track and hopeful of returning to that role, told Ehrlich, “It’s obvious you care more.”
Gov. Martin O’Malley, meanwhile, reported that a new buyer was interested in the property and hoped to resolve the simulcasting boycott imposed by the runners which led to Rosecroft closing.
A bill to allow card games at the track passed the Senate but died in the House, also contributing to the demise of the track.
(Harness Tracks of America)