Out-of-state simulcasting to resume Saturday

Out-of-state simulcasting of ThistleDown races is expected to resume Saturday following a quick resolution to a dispute between Ohio horsemen and track management over the number of available stalls.

The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association invoked its authority to prohibit the simulcast signal from being exported out of state on Wednesday. As a result, wagers were only accepted ontrack, at other Ohio racetracks, a simulcast parlor in northeastern Ohio, and a handful of advance-deposit wagering platforms.

Handle on Wednesday's eight-race card was a mere $78,803, and Friday’s program produced a handle of just $59,941.

ThistleDown management pledged Friday to build an additional 30 stalls, bringing the total close to the 1,050 as specified in a contract signed with horsemen last year, and the Ohio horsemen responded by dropping their blockade of the simulcast signal.

"We are pleased that the Ohio HBPA agreed to reinstate ThistleDown's export signal in the coming days," said David Ellsworth, director of racing at ThistleDown.