Racing commission in West Virginia denies Mountaineer’s bid to drop December racing
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NEWELL, W.Va. – The West Virginia Racing Commission has rejected Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort’s proposal to end December horse racing.
The commission said Mountaineer should instead reduce the number of daily races throughout the year from nine to eight.
The East Liverpool (Ohio) Review reported the commission Friday accepted a hearing examiner’s opinion that said Mountaineer’s proposal should be denied.
Mountaineer’s proposal was prompted by concerns about reductions in its purse fund, competition from racetrack casinos in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and a shrinking field size.
A new state law will cut an estimated $2.5 million annually from Mountaineer’s purse fund. The law redirects 10 percent of video lottery revenue appropriations from thoroughbred and greyhound breeders and purse funds to the State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund.