Texas commission backs historical racing rules

The Texas Racing Commission on Tuesday voted against repealing rules that provide for the installation of historical racing terminals at the state’s tracks, according to a commission spokesman. The vote was a tight one during a meeting in Austin, Texas.

Of the eight commissioners in attendance, three voted to repeal the rules and four voted against repealing them, according to Robert Elrod, the commission’s spokesman. There was one commissioner who abstained from voting.

The commission had passed rules providing for the electronic parimutuel game last August, but their action was challenged in the courts by charitable bingo and tribal interests. A judge ruled the commission did not have jurisdiction to take such action and that the matter was one for the legislature. The commission did not appeal, but several factions within the state’s racing industry did, and they have been rallying support for historical racing. The Texas Thoroughbred Association, which represents owners and breeders, is among the entities challenging the court ruling.

“The only development since the historical racing rules were adopted that casts any doubt on the commission’s authority is a district court decision that is being appealed,” the TTA wrote in a letter to the commission prior to Tuesday’s meeting. “If historical racing rules are repealed, that appeal becomes moot. The TTA believes the commission should await the outcome of that legal process before making any changes that would mean the industry’s hard work over the past year has been all for naught.”

Many see historical racing as key to the survival of racing in Texas as the state cannot supplement purses with gaming, offtrack betting, or account wagering like surrounding states. There are currently no historical racing terminals operating at tracks in Texas.