GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (AP) — The owners of the former Suffolk Downs racetrack in Boston are stepping up efforts to bring live horse racing to the Berkshires for the first time in more than two decades.
But the Berkshire Eagle reports obstacles remain to the plan to host racing at the Great Barrington fairgrounds beginning next year. The town’s select board has scheduled a meeting for Monday to discuss the process.
Racing hasn’t been held at the fairgrounds since 1998, but Suffolk Downs officials believe the license granted that year by what was then known as the state Racing Commission remains valid.
Even if that’s the case, other local permits and state legislation may be necessary, and racing opponents are pushing for a referendum.
Suffolk Downs held its final live races in June, but remains open for simulcast wagering.
(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)