Suffolk: Union of tracks in progress

REVERE – Suffolk Downs Racecourse Chairman Bill Mulrow Monday confirmed reports of a potential partnership with Wonderland Greyhound Park, “adding no final agreements have been signed.””Suffolk Downs remains strongly committed to being one of the best thoroughbred racing facilities in the country,” Mulrow said in a statement released by the track, adding, “These efforts include continuing to work to create a partnership with our neighbors at Wonderland Greyhound Park for expanded gaming opportunities in Massachusetts.”The two tracks have been in discussions for most of the year, but have broken through recently and are on the verge of settling on a deal, sources said.In his statement Monday, Mulrow underscored the proximity of Suffolk, a 167-acre horse track, to Wonderland’s 35-acre dog track and parking complex.”The two sites have been in discussions, off and on, for the past two years about a possible partnership but those talks never produced a final agreement. We are hopeful there will be an agreement this time,” Mulrow said, adding that preserving horse racing at Suffolk and job opportunities at both tracks are “key points” discussed by track representatives.Attempts to reach Wonderland President Richard Dalton Monday were unsuccessful.Talks between the tracks come as the city is putting pressure on Wonderland to pay nearly $800,00 in overdue property taxes and water and sewer charges.The License Commission meets Aug. 21 to decide if the track’s liquor and other licenses should be revoked in view of the outstanding debt and the city has embarked on a yearlong process in state Land Court to seize the track.City Chief Financial Officer George Anzuoni said Wonderland must pay off its debt in one sum.”The city does not make foreclosure payment plans. I’ve never struck one in 30 years,” he said.Wonderland faces a threat on another economic front in the form of a November ballot initiative aimed at phasing out dog racing in Massachusetts.With Revere residents holding many of the track’s 350 jobs, Wonderland has to view casino gambling as a source of salvation.Gov. Deval Patrick just signed legislation extending for one year the right of the racetracks to allow wagers on races simulcast from other tracks, but legislative efforts to introduce casinos or racetrack slot machines have failed in Massachusetts for years.Racetrack owners have pushed slot machines as an alternative to casinos that would funnel money into state coffers more quickly and without many of the anticipated negative impacts of casinos, such as harm to surrounding businesses.