Retama request denied for winter race dates

The Texas Racing Commission, at a lengthy meeting Tuesday, did not approve Retama Park's request for a winter Thorough-bred meet in 2008 that would begin in January and run through March.

Sam Houston Race Park, which has traditionally raced Thorough-breds at that time, opposed Retama's request on Tuesday.

Last year, Retama, located near San Antonio, asked for 42 dates of Thoroughbred racing for the fall of 2007. But following an agreement with Sam Houston, Retama amended that request to a 12-date meet that would be run at the Houston track. Retama then asked for the 2008 winter dates Tuesday, in a move designed to give the track time to build its purse account and race during a time of year that officials said best suits the San Antonio

market.

Bryan Brown, chief executive officer of Retama, said Wednesday he plans to meet with the track's board of directors to determine the next course of action for Retama. The options could range from again seeking a fall meet for 2007 to putting together a different dates request for 2008.

In other action, the commission granted Class 2 licenses to three yet-to-be constructed tracks in south Texas, two in Laredo and the other in McAllen.