(Austin, Texas - June 11, 2010) - On July 7, 2010, the Texas Racing Commission plans to open the application period for racetracks to request race dates for January 1, 2011, through August 31, 2012. The application period is expected to begin on July 12, 2010, and end on August 18, 2010.

The Commission expects to consider the racetracks’ requested race dates at its scheduled September 14, 2010, meeting.

In Texas, it is the responsibility of race tracks to submit formal race date proposals for Commission consideration. Various members of the racing industry reportedly have been meeting to discuss proposals. The Commission is planning to receive developed proposals from the stakeholders through Commission race date working group meetings.

Texas Racing Commission Executive Director Charla Ann King said, “There’s been a fair amount of press about this issue for the past couple days. The bottom line is that it is up to each track to bring a plan for race dates to the Commission. We follow a specific process that allows tracks to request race dates, and we anticipate receiving formal proposals from tracks starting in July. At that time, Commission staff will review the information and prepare reports for the Commission to consider in time for its September meeting.”

The Commission may consider a number of factors in determining whether each racetrack association’s proposed race meeting will serve to nurture, promote, develop, or improve the horse or greyhound industry in Texas.

These factors include the anticipated overall economic effect to the state and to the greyhound and horse breeding industry; the anticipated effect of scheduled race meetings in neighboring states; and the anticipated availability of race animals for the race meeting.

For more information regarding race date allocation, please email info@txrc.state.tx.us, or contact Bill Childs at (512) 833-6699.