Thistledown cuts off local track

Thistledown has stopped sending its simulcast signal to Northfield Park, a harness track located six miles away.

The Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association had asked Thistledown management to discontinue sending the signal to Northfield because Northfield pays a reduced simulcast fee of 1.375 percent for the signal that generates little or no money for purses at Thistledown.

Thistledown received permission to halt the signal from the Ohio State Racing Commission on Tuesday.

Thistledown, a Magna Entertainment-owned track located in North Randall, Ohio, should benefit from the decision by drawing some customers who used to go to Northfield and bet on Thistledown's races.