Horsemens' group reach an agreement
15-Jul-2010 11:11 AM NZT
The Western New England Harness Horsemen's Association and Rockingham Park came to terms today (Wed. July 14)on a contract that will assist the horsemen's group in its effort to bring about a return of live harness racing and pursue an expanded gambling bill that would benefit the state of New Hampshire, Rockingham Park and call for the preservation of open lands through live racing.»»»

A bill, that if passed into law in New Hampshire would allow as many as 17,000 slot machines and table games at the state's three racetracks (Thouroughbred and Harness) and one upstate resort, passed the State's upper house, 14-10, on Wednesday. »»»

Harness racing suffered another blow after Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H. announced there would be no live harness meeting in 2010. The biggest losers in this scenario are the horsemen and women, many of which came from all parts of the country to race at the summer setting provided by one of America's oldest racing plants. »»»

Rockingham Park, the home of thoroughbred and harness racing in the State of New Hampshire for the past 104 years, will not host a live horse racing meeting in 2010, the Salem landmark announced today (Wednesday March 10).»»»

Harness racing returns to Plainridge Racecourse on Monday, August 31, after being inactive during the summer so has not to conflict with Rockingham Park's meet which closed yesterday (Sunday).The agreement not to run against one another was reached late last year with the hopes all parties would benefit.»»»