Thoroughbred Races Proposed For Brockton Fair

October 01, 2014

Philip Marcelo

Thoroughbred horse racing may have a home in New England next year.

Raynham Park owner George Carney has submitted an application for a state license to return thoroughbred racing to the Brockton Fairgrounds as expected, according to spokesman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

The commission declined to release the application materials until they have been reviewed by staff. Carney could not immediately be reached for comment. The deadline for those seeking to horse racing licenses next year is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Carney's application comes as Suffolk Downs, the region's last thoroughbred track, says this racing season will be its last. The track had been losing millions of dollars a year and lost its bid for a resort casino license in September. Suffolk Downs' live racing season ends Saturday. Simulcast betting will continue until December.

Seabiscuit, wearing the victory flower garland, is shown with jockey Johnny "Red" Pollard after winning the $51,780 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs in Boston, Ma., on Aug. 7, 1937. (AP Photo)

Related Coverage:

Final Day Of Racing At Suffolk Downs Pushed Back To Oct. 4
Where 700 Horses At Suffolk Downs Will Go After The Races Shut Down
‘It’s A Devastating Day’: Suffolk Downs COO Weighs In On Casino Decision