Temporary agreement reopens horse racing tracks

Photo courtesy Lone Star Park.

AUSTIN — Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a press release Wednesday announcing a temporary agreement that would allow horse and dog racing tracks in Texas to reopen for at least 90 days.

Patrick said:

"I am very pleased to announce that House Appropriations Chairman John Otto has joined the Senate Legislative Budget Board (LBB) members’ plan to extend temporary administrative funding for the Texas Racing Commission. This authorization immediately allows the commission to operate for the next 90 days.

It also allows Governor Greg Abbott additional time to name members to the three expired terms of the Texas Racing Commission.

Any disagreement with the commission that resulted in this stalemate was never about ending horse and dog racing in Texas. Instead, it was about making sure the appointed commissioners follow the law as directed by the legislature and a state district judge.

I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Otto and Chairwoman Jane Nelson for working to resolve this issue today."

Tracks across the state had announced their closures Tuesday morning because the Texas legislature failed to provide funding for the Texas Racing Commission.

Click here to read our previous coverage of the horse racing track closures.