Harrisburg, PA — Live racing at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows returned April 12 after a one-week maintenance break, and an official told the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission April 25 that the work on the racing surface has been fruitful.

Director of racing Scott Lishia said “more aggressive work” was done on the five-eighths-mile track than had been during previous maintenance breaks.

“Things have gone well and (the surface) has been well-received,” he said.

The Meadows received PHRC approval for several schedule changes. First post on Friday (Aug. 25) will switch from 5:10 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.; the Saturday (Aug. 26) program will be canceled; and live racing will be added Saturday (Sept. 9) with first post at 12:45 p.m. The Meadows will now offer 15 twilight cards on Fridays from May 26 through Sept. 8 with the exception of Aug. 25.

Officials from Mohegan Pennsylvania (Pocono Downs) and Harrah’s Philadelphia told the racing commission that pari-mutuel handle on the live product has shown increases during the respective meets this year. It was also noted during the meeting that the Pennsylvania fair circuit, with 20 stops this year, begins June 24 and extends through late September.

Tom Chuckas, Thoroughbred bureau director for the PHRC, said staff recently conducted out-of-competition testing at The Meadows (30 tests) and Parx Racing (12 tests).

Chuckas also said the PHRC was advised that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program for Thoroughbred racing is expected to resume May 22 rather than May 1. The program was launched March 27 but was suspended March 31 for 30 days after a judge ruled the Federal Trade Commission had failed to follow administrative procedures in approving the ADMC Program rules.

The PHRC earlier entered into various agreements with HISA that were sent to state agencies for final approval.