AUSTIN, TX—MAY 24, 2017—The Texas Senate recently approved two bills that would have boosted racing in Texas. However, both bills have died in the House.

The current crisis adds another chapter to what seems like a funding soap opera in the state of Texas.

The current Texas Senate chose a more supportive path to racing interests last week when they approved SB1971 by a 23-7 vote with one abstention. That bill would provide the racing industry $25 million over two years. Senators also approved SB1972 by a 27-3-1 vote. That bill would have added support for the state's breeding interests. Absent House action, neither bill will become law. Dissenting House members say they represent districts that resist any form of gambling.

Marsha Rountree, the Texas Horsemen's Partnership executive director said in a written statement, "While we had a banner year in terms of legislative support, it appears our efforts to stabilize our industry have fallen short."

Sam Houston Race Park offers year-round simulcast racing as well as it just completed its 2017 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse seasons, Lone Star Park recently kicked off its Thoroughbred season, to be followed by Quarter Horses this fall. San Antonio's Retama Park has not begun its 2017 Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse seasons.

Texas horse tracks attracted more than $300 million in wagers each of the past two years, with nearly half coming from Sam Houston Race Park.