Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway are sticking to their decision to close the stables at Bangor Raceway for two months in the winter.  In May, horsemen representatives met with HSH&R management and compromised on the decision to close after Scarborough Downs shuts down in mid-December until mid-February. Recently, the two parties met again to discuss the situation. After that meeting, MHHA Executive Director Wendy Ireland issued the following statement to the horsemen.

Bangor Winter Barn Update

On Tuesday, The General Manager of Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway, Jon Osborne, made the decision to stick by the original agreement to close the winter barn for two months beginning on Dec. 15th and reopening on Feb. 15th. At the meeting on Sept. 13th between horsemen and Penn Management, Mr. Osborne gave us the impression that keeping the barn open was an option. The horsemen had some great cost saving ideas to cut the costs during those months. The horsemen were not looking for a handout, but simply a place to keep their horses in the two harshest winter months. This decision was not a workable solution for all involved.

Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed and somewhat shocked by the outcome. After the meeting on the 13th, I was optimistic that the lines of communication between horsemen and management would vastly improve and I fear that this will be a giant step backwards. I will continue to work on keeping the winter barn open for year round training.

Thank you,

Wendy Ireland, Ex. Director, MHHA