HOUSTON -- The Texas Racing Commission notified the Sam Houston Race Park to close its doors.
The Commission rescinded Sam Houston Race Park's ability to import simulcast wagering, live racing and exporting of live signals by midnight on Monday, Aug. 31.
Sam Houston Race Park President Andrea B. Young released this statement:
"After an entire summer with the cloud of a shutdown hanging over the industry's head, I am bewildered that certain members of the Texas Senate appear to have blocked the release of essential funds to the Texas Racing Commission. We thank our friends in the Legislature and other branches of government who have fought to protect the Texas racing industry and the hard-working individuals it employs. The legislature did not intend this result, which will now shutter Texas racing facilities, putting thousands of jobs at risk. We believe that this result is irresponsible. We urge the Lieutenant Governor to stand up for 36,000 jobs now before this goes any further. In the meantime, we will continue to examine our legal options. We plan to continue our fight for all the hardworking Texans that make up the Texas Horse industry."
The last televised race at Sam Houston Race Park is set to air at 11:50 p.m. Monday.
