Now two months old, a simulcasting dispute between a company controlled by the Stronach Group and a group of racetracks has shown some signs of progress over the past several weeks, according to an official involved in the discussions, though a deal has not been reached.

MALES

Officials with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and several horseplayers met with an official in the Treasury Department this week in Washington to discuss the NTRA’s request for a change in how gambling winnings are taxed, the president of the NTRA said on Thursday.

Alex Waldrop, the president of the NTRA, said the official for Treasury was a “high-ranking individual … who has policy responsibility.” He declined to name the official but said the person was a horseplayer who understood the dynamics of wagering and how betting is affected by tax policies.

Penn National Gaming Inc., the owner of 26 casinos and racetracks across the U.S. and Canada, took a $316.5 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2014, leading to a $233.2 million loss for the year, according to financial statements released on Thursday.

The Illinois Racing Board, a body in transition as new Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner sets up his administration, certified recapture amounts for racetracks in 2015, which is likely to result in significantly lower purses for the Arlington meet. The board also approved Hawthorne’s request to reduce the Illinois Derby’s purse from $500,000 to $400,000 during a meeting Tuesday in Chicago.

Harold Snyder, the founder of International Sound Corporation, died on Monday at age 91 at his home in Baltimore.

International Sound Corporation provides photo finish, timing, broadcast production services, and simulcast systems, for the racing industry.

Snyder, a lifelong resident of Baltimore, is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marcia Balachow Snyder; a brother, Milton Hartman; four children; and many grandchilddren.

The New York Gaming Commission has completed an investigation into allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals against the trainer Steve Asmussen, officials of the commission said on Monday, with a report on the probe expected soon.

A memorial service for noted equine veterinarian Dr. Jack Robbins, who died in late November at age 93, will be held on Tuesday at Del Mar racetrack from 2 to 5 p.m. Pacific.

Robbins had a distinguished career that included helping to found the American Association of Equine Practitioners, being a founding director of the Oak Tree Racing Association, and treating such equine greats as Ancient Title, John Henry, and Native Diver.

He and his late wife, Maggie, had four sons, all of whom work in or have worked in racing, including Jay, who trained two-time Breeders’ Cup

Publicist Mike Gathagan will be leaving the Maryland Jockey Club as of Feb. 2 to become the director of communications for the Maryland Catholic Conference.

Gathagan has worked for the MJC for 14 years. As part of his responsibilities, Gathagan coordinated all media coverage for the Preakness.

“I was blessed to have terrific bosses throughout the years in Karin and Joe De Francis, Lou Raffetto, and Tom Chuckas, and a hard-working staff featuring Rich Paul, Dave Rodman, Jimmy McCue, Vera Angell, Keith Feustle, Gabby Gaudet and Frank Carulli,” Gathagan said.

Officials of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and its president-elect have filed responses to an appeal lodged by Terry Finley into the conduct of the association’s latest election for president, arguing that Finley’s claims are without merit.

The officials had until Jan. 16 to file the responses to Finley’s formal appeal, which was filed on Jan. 5. The responses were made public by the NYTHA on Friday morning when they were posted on its website.