04-01-2014, 03:08 AM
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Steve Byk
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Greenwich, NY
Posts: 44,025
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Colonial Downs proposals could end Virginia standoff — but not yet
By Nick Hahn
http://www.theracingbiz.com/2014/03/...-standoff-yet/
A work session held Thursday afternoon after the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) meeting could lead to an agreement between Colonial Downs and Virginia’s horsemen on the 2014 racing calendar. But it appears no deal will be presented to the Commission until at least mid-April.
Earlier in the week in Florida, Colonial Downs officials met with owner Jeff Jacobs, with VRC personnel present, likely to prepare a hybrid proposal of two slates of dates.
At its December meeting, the Virginia Racing Commission had awarded 25 days of racing in a five-day, five-week format that met opposition from the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA), the entity designated by the commission to represent horsemen. At a February meeting, the Commission suggested a meet that would offer 21 days of racing in a seven-week, three-day format that the VHPBA accepted but received no response from Colonial Downs.
Jim Weinberg, counsel for Colonial Downs, stated that discussion held in private would focus on the extension of the length of the meet (that is, weeks), the reduction of live racing days and an increase in average daily purses. In Thursday’s work session, Colonial presented three different scenarios to members of the VHPBA.
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