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Greyhounds can exercise at tracks during casino shutdown but not race yet, commission decides

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Greyhounds can be exercised during West Virginia’s coronavirus-related casino shutdown, but they won’t be racing right away.

That was the decision this morning by the state Racing Commission, which quickly acted on a compromise proposed over the weekend between casinos and kennel owners.

“I commend both groups for getting together and working out an appropriate schedule to give consideration to the welfare of the greyhounds,” said Racing Commission Chairman Jack Rossi, during a quick morning teleconference.

The decision stops short of an agreement approved Friday for horse racing in Charles Town, where races will continue three days a week without fans in the grandstand.

This morning, the commission approved a motion to shut down greyhound racing for at least two weeks at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino Racetrack and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Kanawha County.

Those casinos, both owned by Delaware North, were shut down last week by Gov. Jim Justice as a coronavirus precaution.

Kennel owners were willing to stop racing at the tracks for at least two weeks, but contended the greyhounds need to be exercised at the tracks. Doing without that exercise would invite trouble, they said.

The Racing Commission met by teleconference on Friday and discussed the situation but put off a decision until today, urging the two parties to reach agreement.

“It’s extremely important for us to start working these dogs,” kennel operator Steve Sarras said during Friday’s meeting. “We’re going to run the risk of them having dog fights, being aggressive to other dogs.”

He also said that if a layoff lasts too long then the greyhounds could get out of shape and run greater risk of injury.

Kim Florence, regional vice president of Delaware North, on Friday expressed a preference to err on the side of caution.

“We are of the feeling that taking a two-week break is not going to be detrimental to the greyhounds,” Florence said Friday. “We would respectfully request that we take the measures that we’re taking.”

Today’s agreement means opening the tracks three days a week for “unofficial schooling” for the greyhounds.

That would remain in effect for next two weeks and will be revisited to see if any adjustments are needed.

Rossi concluded the meeting by saying, “Go out and protect everybody, including the greyhounds.”







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