Suffolk Downs in Trouble

Suffolk Downs is having some troubles, and it looks as though without the addition of slot machines, there is a good chance that the racetrack may have to close. CEO of the racetrack, Bob O’Malley, announced that for the second year in a row, the Massachusettes Handicap was going to be cancelled. It now looks like any hope of a racing season next year may be gone.

“We continue to be negatively impacted by the onslaught of gaming in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and the current impasse in the Legislature has caused a troubling atmosphere of uncertainty," said O'Malley. “We are concerned about finishing our fall meet and the possibility of a protracted shutdown in 2007 due to the impending expiration of enabling legislation…to date; we have been able to maintain adequate purse levels and our commitment to the local horsemen. This is a difficult decision because local racing fans look forward to the MassCap, but we cannot justify it based on our current business levels."

The racetrack was hoping a change of date might help, but even changing the normal June date to a September one just did not help. The common sentiment is that if the racetrack could bring in slot machines, it could keep its doors open. Without the slot machines, it looks like they are going to have to close down for good.

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