Plans to restore live Thoroughbred racing in New England as early as next year are moving forward and coming into focus.
An official with the New England affiliate of the Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association confirmed to the Bloodhorse Sept. 11 that Commonwealth Equine and Agricultural Center, a group headed by former Suffolk Downs owner Richard Fields, is in the process of purchasing a 360-acre property in Massachusetts and will apply to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) for a license to operate a limited meet in 2023. The application deadline is Sept. 30.
Once the purchase and sales contract is executed, Great Meadow Farm in the central Massachusetts town of Hardwick will be the site for the proposed racetrack and equine center that will include a retirement home for horses.
A statement from the group reads, "Our proposal is developed by horse and agricultural enthusiasts. The next chapter of Great Meadowbrook Farm will continue its legacy, providing a place for horses to breed, train, retire, and race as well as create exciting agricultural opportunities for the community. All while preserving this farm so deeply cherished by everyone."
Plans at this stage call for the construction of a turf course only and a boutique-style meet of perhaps six days, likely in the fall of 2023. Future meets may be extended.
The revitalization of live racing got a big shot in the arm at the end of July when the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill authorizing sports betting and the governor signed it into law. Under terms of the bill, any racetrack or simulcasting facility licensed by the MGC is entitled to a sports betting license as well. Sports betting revenue is expected to be a boon for the licensees.
At present the MGC is in the preliminary process of determining the regulatory system for sports wagering and has yet to hire a director to oversee its implementation and operation. The licenses for sports wagering and for live racing are separate entities.
Approval from the Town of Hardwick will be needed for the racetrack plan to come into fruition. At least four other proposed racetrack development plans in locations across the state went down to defeat when the local townsfolk voted against them.
Nonetheless, those proposals were brought forward before sports betting was legalized in-state, and now there is the component for the host town to share in some of the revenue generated.
Town Administrator Nicole Parker said the citizens of Hardwick will learn more about the proposal for their community from Fields and other principals of Commonwealth Equine Center at a Planning Board meeting Sept. 13 that she and members of the Select Board will attend.
There has been no live Thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts or New England since June 30, 2019, when the NEHBPA hosted its final Racing Festival meet of eight days at Suffolk Downs, which was sold to a real estate developer in 2017.
