TRC NEWS
The Texas Racing Commission met via videoconference earlier this week where racetrack representatives discussed their plans for live racing.
Retama had been scheduled to open a mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in July. At a previous Commission meeting, the meet that runs into September was not certain to be run. But on Thursday, a representative from Retama said talks have been ongoing with industry stakeholders to hold a meet for Quarter Horses and transfer Thoroughbred purse funds to Lone Star Park. Retama could have its stable area ready to receive horses as soon as June 8.
The meet will need approvals from the Commission, which was receptive to Retama’s plans, and has the support of the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership.
Gillespie County Fair officials said plans were on schedule for their traditional eight dates of mixed racing starting in July.
Lone Star saw increases in handle over its three-day opener last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and with more tracks opening around the country will now test a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday schedule of racing. Early next week, Lone Star expects to present a final schedule of days to be run, along with a stakes schedule for TRC approval.
MAY 31 ACCREDITATION DEADLINE
The deadline for accrediting Texas-foaled yearlings (foals of 2019) for $75 is a postmark, fax or email date, or credit card payment of May 31, 2020. The non-member fee to accredit foals of 2019 is $125. Membership packages begin at $60 for a full year. If you are not a TTA member or your membership has expired, you may pay the $60 to become a current member and then pay the $75 accreditation fee. If you are not sure of your membership status, call the TTA office.
Please submit a completed application along with the appropriate fee. TTA will apply a virtual Accredited Texas-Bred stamp to your digital Jockey Club certificate once the foal’s registration is complete.
Applications after the May 31 deadline will require an accreditation fee of $200 (members) or $250 (non-members).
Forms are available at https://texasthoroughbred.com/texas-bred/forms/.
NOTES: Lone Star will not race this weekend, but has 95 horses entered in 9 races carded for Monday, June 1st; 97 horses entered in 9 races on June 2nd and 89 horses entered in 9 races on June 3rd…Sam Houston Race Park will be open for simulcasting on June 3rd – details to come!