Pennsylvania Equestrian Center Takes Measures Amid Challenges at Esteemed Race Track

The Penn National Race Course has been home to some of the most prestigious stakes in the state. The thoroughbred horse racing track and casino which is located in Grantville, Pennsylvania stands to host the likes of Penn Miles, Lyphard Stakes, Danzig Stakes, and more. However, this equestrian establishment has come across obstacles that have pushed down the operations on site.

The Penn National Race Course houses a mile-long dirt course and a seven-furlong turf. The course stands out from the rest, hosting races throughout the year with the highest purse amount at $500,000. But to the disappointment of the community, the racing track and casino have fallen into the surface depths of wagering decline. This obstacle has forced the Grantville property to consider dire measures.

The equestrian center slides into a decline

Penn Live.com on Sunday reported that the Penn National Racecourse would be going into the dark for 2 months in the next year. It announced that initially, four weeks of October will seize racing followed by the whole month of April in 2024. The organization stated the reason as “ongoing slot revenue declines at Hollywood Casino.”

According to the venue’s site, the property saw a decrease in in-person wagering on slot machines for the third quarter. For this continued reason, the center is speculated to experience declining progress. The statement by the organization states that live racing dates from 2023 have majorly decreased compared to 2022; from 150 to 134. Todd Mosteller, executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, speculates a continued pattern.

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As per the reports, the live racing dates for next year will likely be cut down by 14% to 115 dates. However, with a stump in online-based gaming at the property, the Penn National Race Course will look to implement better conditions.

The race course makes an effort

In September this year, Thoroughbred Daily News reported that Penn National was getting a new track rail. The course has had the rail ever since it opened in 1972. “We are going to a new PVC breakaway type rail…it should be better from a safety standpoint and a maintenance standpoint.”  Chris McErlean, the vice president of racing for PENN Entertainment said. Following the news of the installment, the race course announced the break; lasting from Sept. 22 to October 25th.

The has made adjustments to the training in accordance with the installations and hopes for the process to be completed by mid-October; after which the racing will resume following the schedule. In other news, it was reported that the state had new plans in sight. “Pennsylvania has a new plan and actions to improve the safety of thoroughbred racehorses…in the starting gate race at Penn National in Grantville.” Though the circumstances seem dire for the course, it seems to be walking steps in the right direction.

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