Lone Star Park and Texas horse racing tracks cease operations

Photo courtesy Lone Star Park.

GRAND PRAIRIE — Scott Wells, President and General Manager of Lone Star Park, issued a statement Tuesday informing horse racing fans that racing and simulcast operations at Lone Star Park will cease until further notice.

"As a result of the Texas Racing Commission not receiving the required authorization from the Legislative Budget Board to expend administrative funds past August 31, the Commission must cease all operations, including the oversight of both live racing and simulcast wagering," the statement read.

"Lone Star Park's racing and simulcast operations will be closed until further notice. Hold all tickets until a resolution is met."

Wells said, that previously scheduled banquet events will continue as planned as well as the Bar & Book and the Lone Star Park training facility remaining open.

"We hope this matter will be resolved quickly so we can resume hiring the 600-plus additional personnel needed for our fall season which is scheduledc to begin on September 18," Wells said.

Retama Park in Selma, TX also issued a statement on Tuesday affirming the closing of horse racing tracks across the entire state.

"At midnight last night, the Texas Racing Commission ceased all operations due to funding issues. As a result, the agency rescinded legal authorization for Retama Park Race Track to host import simulcast wagering, live racing and the export of live signals. In the absence of mandated operational oversight, all Retama Park racing and simulcast operations are closed until further notice," Retama Park stated in a press release.

Sam Houston Race Park President Andrea B. Young in Houston went further to condemn members of the Texas Senate for the debacle.

"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," Young said. "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."

Young called the result irresponsible and is calling on the Texas Lieutenant Government to take action.

"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," Young said.