It has been announced that after a meeting between the Horse Racing Committee (HRC) and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 18) to discuss the distribution percentage, the HRC voted to recommend that the MGC increase the amount allocated to the Standardbreds from the Race Horse Development Fund (RHDF) from 60 to 65 percent.
Rationale for the increase included the strong and rapidly increasing number of Standardbreds being bred in the state, the growing popularity of its sire stake program, the increase in the size of the fields in overnight races and the overall number of race dates currently being run at Plainridge Park, which is Massachusetts only operating race track.
It was also noted that the split will not become effective immediately. The recommendation will have to be verified by the Massachusetts legislature and then approved by the MGC.
The HRC said it plans to reconvene during the first quarter of 2020 when the distribution percentage will once again be reviewed.
A story from the Boston Globe can be read here.
(with files from the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)