HOUSTON, TX—AUGUST 31, 2015—Earlier this evening, Sam Houston Race Park received notice from the Texas Racing Commission that it was ceasing operations. The letter from the Commission went on to rescind Sam Houston Race Park’s ability to import simulcast wagering, live racing and exporting of live signals at midnight, August 31, 2015.

“After an entire summer with the cloud of a shutdown hanging over the industry’s head, I am bewildered that certain members of the Texas Senate appear to have blocked the release of essential funds to the Texas Racing Commission,” says Sam Houston Race Park President Andrea B. Young.

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“We thank our friends in the Legislature and other branches of government who have fought to protect the Texas racing industry and the hard-working individuals it employs. The legislature did not intend this result, which will now shutter Texas racing facilities, putting thousands of jobs at risk. We believe that this result is irresponsible. We urge the Lieutenant Governor to stand up for 36,000 jobs now before this goes any further. In the meantime, we will continue to examine our legal options. We plan to continue our fight for all the hardworking Texans that make up the Texas Horse industry.”

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced earlier Monday that the board's Senate members agreed to fund the commission temporarily, for at least the next three months. But its House members balked, saying they'd like to see the commission fully funded. Negotiations expire at midnight.