Why Simulcasting Might Be Holding Horse Racing Back In Massachusetts

Governor Charlie Baker has ensured that simulcast racing will carry on at three Massachusetts venues for another year by signing a bill that extends the existing simulcast racing laws. The agreements at Plainridge Park Casino, Raynham Park, and Suffolk Downs will now remain in effect until July 31, 2018.

Despite the protestations of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Baker proceeded to sign the bill.

The pro-racing group contends that if simulcast racing is discontinued, Suffolk Downs will be forced to close its doors, making it unlikely for live thoroughbred horseracing to resume in the Commonwealth until the facility shuts down.

Racing in Massachusetts

Out of the three racetracks in Massachusetts, only Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville is currently operational. This racetrack specifically focuses on harness racing.

Suffolk Downs in East Boston and Raynham Park in Raynham primarily function as simulcast facilities, with little to no live racing events.

Suffolk Downs fate sealed by casinos

After being a strong competitor for one of the state’s casino licenses, Suffolk Downs’ hopes were dashed when the Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted the license to the Wynn Boston Harbor project. Consequently, the facility drastically scaled back live racing, reduced its workforce, and is now primarily functioning as an off-track-betting parlor.

Raynham Park last vestige of a bygone era

In 2008, Massachusetts banned dog racing, leading Raynham Park to cease live racing. Today, the venue has transformed into an off-track-betting parlor, providing a new form of entertainment for visitors.

However, there is a possibility that it could change.

Plans for Raynham Park

The Stronach Group, the leading racing company in the United States that operates prominent tracks such as Santa Anita and Pimlico, is focused on Raynham Park with aspirations to revive it as a thoroughbred horseracing facility.

The main concern of the company is likely related to:

• Massachusetts is experiencing a general scarcity of live racing.
• The casino law enacted by the state in 2011 offers financial support to the horseracing sector in the form of subsidies.

The Race Horse Development Fund

Thanks to Plainridge Park’s contribution, the Massachusetts Race Horse Development Fund currently holds an impressive $13.5 million. Consequently, the fund has successfully resulted in a boost in live racing activities at Plainridge Park Casino.

The Enterprise, a local publication, provided further details on the remarkable success of Plainridge Park.

Plainridge Park Casino has expanded its racing schedule from 80 to 125 days. Additionally, the purses have seen a significant rise from $2.6 million in 2014 to $7.4 million in 2017. The live racing handle has also experienced considerable growth, more than doubling from $7.6 million to $18 million. Furthermore, the number of annual registered yearlings has increased from 36 to 51.

With the opening of MGM and Wynn, a significant influx of funds is expected to be directed towards the RHDF. This might clarify Stronach’s inclination towards repurposing Raynham Park and introducing more horseracing activities in Massachusetts.

Stronach wants assurances before committing to MA

Stronach insists on receiving guarantees of a conducive environment in Massachusetts. This likely entails the cessation of simulcasting at Suffolk Downs, a venue that hosts just a few racing events.

However, Suffolk Downs disagrees with this argument. They have presented their testimony to the legislature, which includes the following:

The claim that ongoing betting at Suffolk Downs is hindering the establishment of a new thoroughbred track in Massachusetts lacks any legal or racing and simulcasting evidence to support it.

In essence, Stronach desires Suffolk Downs, located approximately 40 minutes away from Raynham Park, to cease simulcast racing and permanently close its doors before considering any investment in Massachusetts that involves thoroughbred racing.

Besides the option of simulcasting without live racing, another concern could arise from the potential allure of funds stored in the RHDF, leading the owners of Suffolk Downs to potentially expand their live racing schedule. This expansion would pose a more direct competition to Stronach’s Raynham Park project.

Raynham Park’s future prospects are likely to be put on hold until next year due to the Governor’s signing of the simulcast extension, which has piqued Stronach’s interest.