by Marty Evans, for the Ohio State Racing Commission

Columbus, OH — The Ohio State Racing Commission approved several items on an agenda shorter than normal when it met in Columbus earlier today, including a request to add a live quarter horse racing day at Belterra Park on Oct. 5. The commission also ratified Northfield Park’s proposal to make up four days lost earlier in the year. Three days will be added in October and another in December.

A majority of time was spent listening to updates on agreements, as required by Ohio law, that relate to the opening of Video Lottery Terminals at two racetracks, and on applications for 2015 racing dates.

Representatives of the seven harness and thoroughbred tracks and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association President Steve McCoy provided assessments.

Updates included the following:

Mr. McCoy and Luther Heckman, representing the racetrack, said Northfield Park and horsemen will sign a two-party agreement allowing the track to schedule 214 live racing days in 2015, four days over the legislated limit without an agreement.

Mark Loewe, representing Dayton Raceway, said he believes the OHHA supports 75 days for next year at the racetrack, and he expects to have a schedule finalized shortly.

Helen Carlo said Miami Valley Gaming and Racing has requested 89 days next year, a number of live days supported by the OHHA.

Scioto Downs has applied for 100 days, the legislated minimum based upon VLT wagering at the racetrack.

Mr. Loewe also spoke on behalf of Mahoning Valley and said an agreement has been signed for 2015 and beyond for the racetrack to schedule 100 live days over 25 weeks annually.

David Ellsworth said Thistledown will revise its current dates application in order to add an extra week and offer 100 live days during 25 weeks. The track has a signed agreement to that effect with the HBPA.

Ken Kaufman, representing Belterra Park, said 93 Thoroughbred days were applied for in 2105, a number he expects the HBPA to endorse.

Mr. Kaufman also addressed possible issues with the racing surface following the deaths of five horses during a short period of time. He had Dennis Moore, track superintendent at Santa Anita in California, visit the Cincinnati racetrack recently. He reported that Mr. Moore made suggestions, already adopted. Mr. Moore is expected to make final recommendations shortly. There have been no problems in this area during the last two weeks.

Belterra Park’s general manager also commented positively about progress to reach agreement on the amount of revenue horsemen will receive from VLT proceeds at the racetrack. OHHA and Northfield Park representatives also expressed optimism related to negotiations for the same type of agreement there.

One or both agreements, if approved in time, would be considered by the racing commission at its next meeting on Oct. 23. It will be held at the Riffe Center in Columbus at 10 a.m.