Deadline extended in Maryland

The Maryland Racing Commission has extended a deadline it imposed on Thoroughbred and harness racing interests to come to an agreement on revenue-sharing and simulcasting.

Originally, the commission told the two sides to reach agreement by Nov. 12. But the deadline was extended because the two sides appear to be working toward a settlement, The Baltimore Sun reported Tuesday.

Joe De Francis, chairman of the Maryland Jockey Club, which owns Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, did not return phone calls Tuesday. The racing commission was conducting hearings all day and did not return phone calls.

Harness interests told the racing commission last month that they wanted to back out of a revenue-sharing agreement that splits all simulcasting revenues 80-20, with Thoroughbred interests getting the larger share.

State lawmakers have said that they will not consider a tax-supported purse supplement for 2002 without an agreement in place.