Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: 2-state racing circuit urged Date: Sun, 22 Nov 92 17:26:45 EST Message-ID: \SE A;METROPOLITAN \SS (WS) \HD 2-state racing circuit urged \BY ASSOCIATED PRESS \DT BALTIMORE BALTIMORE (AP) - Hoping to revive Maryland's troubled horse racing industry, racetrack owner Joe de Francis has proposed linking Maryland and Virginia into one racing circuit. Under the de Francis proposal, racing would be conducted in Maryland nine months a year and shift to Virginia in the summer, when racing would be held at a new resort-like track in Williamsburg. The Virginia track has been given the working name of "Colonial Downs." The two-state racing system also would be linked by an off-track betting network that would eventually include Washington, said Mr. de Francis, owner of the Pimlico and Laurel race courses. He said the new circuit "could double the current purse structure at Maryland tracks and make a Maryland-Virginia circuit the premier racing center in the country, overtaking New York and Southern California." Mr. de Francis said he has discussed the plan with the Maryland Racing Commission and state breeders groups and received a favorable response. "I can't see a major negative economic impact on Maryland and . . . if it works, it could be positive for Maryland," said Jack Mosner, chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission. "It's worth exploring. It would be great if it meant more purses and the people who breed horses would make more money," said J.W.Y. Martin Jr., president of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. However, state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. was much less supportive. "I would not look with favor on any plan that would deprive Maryland citizens the opportunity to enjoy racing at a Maryland track during the racing season," said Mr. Miller, Prince George's County Democrat. Mr. De Francis said he also has discussed the project with Virginia political leaders and said he plans to formally apply with the Virginia Racing Commission soon to build a track. Parimutuel horse racing was legalized in Virginia in 1988, but no tracks have been built. Earlier this year, the state legislature gave approval to a supporting system of off-track betting parlors in hopes it would spur construction of a track. While Mr. de Francis said no specific deals have been made, it is believed that his partner in the venture would be the Chesapeake Corp., a company with extensive real estate holdings in southern Virginia. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM