SELMA, TX—MAY 29, 2020—According to an article by Mary Rampellini, published this week on the DailyRacingForm.com, Reama Park officials told the Texas Racing Commission Thursday the facility is working toward opening a meet for Quarter Horses.

The Texas Racing Commission asked racetracks in the state for updates during its second meeting in just over a week as racing has been disrupted in the State due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retama was scheduled to open a mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in July, however the track at a previous commission meeting said they were not certain it could be run.

However yesterday (Thursday) Retama's representative said talks are ongoing with industry stakeholders to hold a meet for Quarter Horses at the Selma, Texas racetrack and to transfer Thoroughbred purse funds to Lone Star Park near Dallas.

Lone Star launched its Thoroughbred meet on Friday following a five week delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Quarter Horses have yet to run in Texas this year, after Sam Houston Race Park canceled its season in March. However, Sam Houston now says it will reopen simulating at the Houston facility on Wednesday (June 3).

Retama is working to have their stable area ready to receive horses June 8 and the plan has the support of the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, according to a representative of the organization that is made up of boards for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse interests.

The meet still needs the approval of the TRC, which was receptive to Retama’s proposal. The track said it is waiting on final paperwork, which could come as early as today, (Friday) before submitting firm plans to the commission.

Gillespie County Fair, which operates a small summer mixed meet in Fredericksburg, informed the commission on Thursday their plans were on schedule for its traditional eight dates of racing.