(Austin, Texas - Monday, October 6, 2014) - A coalition of Texas horse owners, breeders and trainers has retained the services of Austin attorney Robert Hargrove to represent horsemen in legal matters pertaining to historical racing machines in the state. The coalition includes the Texas Horsemen's Partnership, LLP (THP), Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA), and Texas Quarter Horse Association (TQHA).

On August 29, the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) passed rules for historical racing, which is a form of pari-mutuel wagering that allows players to wager on previously run races. To date, multiple legal attempts to block historical racing have been dismissed.

On October 2, a Travis County District Court Judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order requested by charitable bingo interests and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in their suit against the TRC relative to historical racing terminals. A hearing to consider a request from those parties for a temporary injunction has been set for the week of November 10.

In September, a State District Judge decided not to issue an injunction requested by State Representative Matt Krause (R-Fort Worth) seeking to prevent the TRC from implementing rules for historical racing.

"Retaining legal representation will ensure that the interests of Texas horsemen are protected," said Val Clark, executive director of the TQHA. "Historical racing will allow Texas tracks and horsemen to compete on a more level playing field with those in other states, and it will benefit not only the equine industry but also many related agricultural sectors, from feed stores to hay producers to veterinarians and more."

Historical racing debuted at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas in 2000 and is currently offered in several other states, including Kentucky, Idaho and Wyoming.

For more information, visit www.texashorsemen.com, www.texasthoroughbred.com, or www.tqha.com.