Suffolk remains closed

Suffolk Downs outside of Boston in Massachusetts remained closed on Tuesday for the second straight day because of a legislative impasse over a full-card simulcasting bill, but officials at the track said late Tuesday that they were hopeful state lawmakers would resolve the issue on Tuesday night.

Suffolk Downs closed its doors to customers on Jan. 1 after laws enabling full-card simulcasting at the state's four racetracks expired on Dec. 31.

The state legislature is currently in an informal session, in which any bill can be blocked by the objections of one lawmaker. That session was scheduled to adjourn on Tuesday, with lawmakers not returning until Jan. 8, when voting will be conducted under more typical rules.

According to Christian Teja, a spokesman for Suffolk Downs, a lawmaker representing the district where Raynham/Taunton greyhound park is located has blocked the extension because of the greyhound track's desire to be allowed to broadcast more Thoroughbred simulcasts.