Report: Horsemen make progress on new Massachusetts track

Horsemen in New England are making progress toward opening a new track in Massachusetts.

BloodHorse reported that the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and an investors group are working to develop a track in Gardner, in the central part of the state. City officials recently approved rezoning 170 acres for the project.

New England hasn’t had live racing since Suffolk Downs closed in 2019, the report noted, and efforts for a new track have failed in the last 10 years or so.

NEHBPA executive director Paul Umbrello told BloodHorse that an advantage with this effort is that approval through a city or town vote is not required.

The development would have a one-mile track, grandstand, stables and paddock, according to the report, and would host other equine activities and events.

The developers plan to start with meets of six to 12 days and average daily purses of $500,000.

Massachusetts has reserved more than $22 million for the Thoroughbred industry that could be used for purses, according to the report. And any track in the state also can operate sports betting.

The project requires approval by a planning board and then another vote by the city council. The goal is to have live racing next year.