The Woodlands: Slots casino delayed

The Woodlands in Kansas City, Kan., has pushed back the anticipated opening date of its temporary slots casino to April 1, said Jayme LaRocca, the track's general manager. The Woodlands had hoped to have the slots up and running by Feb. 1, but has been awaiting completion of state rules and regulations governing the casino, such as layout, surveillance, and security requirements. LaRocca said some of the rules were finalized at a Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission meeting last Friday.

Voters approved slot machines at the Woodlands in June. The track has facilities for horse and dog racing, and the temporary casino will be built in the greyhound grandstand. A permanent casino is part of a grand plan to put the dog track inside the horse track, with the casino attached to the horse facility.

The Woodlands wrapped up its 25-date mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses on Oct. 27. It reported average daily attendance of 1,235 patrons, and average daily handle on its live races of $251,863, numbers on a par with the 31-date meet in 2006.

Kenneth Gleason was the leading Thoroughbred trainer, while Charlie Hunt defended his title as leading Quarter Horse trainer. Alex Birzer led all Thoroughbred riders at the meet, while the Quarter Horse riding title went to Stormy Smith.