October 5, 2007

As if it couldn't get any worse for the Corpus Christi Greyhound track, it looks like they're facing even more difficult times ahead.

First,  it was competition from the state lottery. Then the state said no to video gaming, and now the Texas Racing Commission has denied a money-saving request from the track's owners to reduce the number of live races next year. 

3News spoke with a Racing Commission spokesperson who says members from the Corpus Christi Greyhound Track testified yesterday asking to reduce the number of races next year to sixty performances. T

That request was denied after, according to the Racing Commission, it did not meet its expectations for year round racing. The Commission also says there were concerns that representatives had no plans as to where the animals would go during the off time.

Patrons say the race track has fallen on hard times since its hey day back in the 90's--whether it is a result of the lottery, increased cost of operation, or just lack of interest.

Track officials would not speak on camera, but did tell 3News they are committed to continuing races until the end of the year. What they would not comment on, is what would happen next year.

People who have been going out to the track since its beginnings say they're worried it might not continue in the future. Racing Patron Mike Ellis said, "That was before the lottery, horse races, gambling ships, back then it was the place to be. Its just not the same anymore. It would be a real shame to see it go."

Track officials will have another chance to plead their case during a Commission meeting on November 27th. The last race, for this year is scheduled on December 30th, but again, after that date, officials could not comment on what would happen next year.

--Bill Churchwell, 3News