>Cloverleaf Enterprises, the operator of Rosecroft Raceway, is suing Maryland's thoroughbred racing industry, citing conspiracy and monopolization. The move has spurred lawmakers to consider legislation which would force the state's T-Bred tracks to send their signals to the bankrupt harness track.

 

According to an article on washingtonexaminer.com, Cloverleaf filed suit after thoroughbred tracks Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park pulled their simulcasting feeds to Rosecroft.

 

The report states that Cloverleaf Enterprises President Kelley Rogers stopped paying an annual $5.9 million signal fee to the thoroughbred industry in fall 2008 because of falling revenues. Rogers requested a negotiation of the 15-year contract that began in March 2006. Both sides said no compromise surfaced in the months that followed, and on April 30, 2009 -- days before the Kentucky Derby -- the Maryland Jockey Club cut Rosecroft's signal without warning.

 

The defendants in the suit are reportedly denying the claims and have filed a motion to dismiss.

 

Another article by washingtonexaminer.com explains that lawmakers are considering legislation which would force Pimlico to forfeit revenue from slot machines if it fails to return simulcast signals to Rosecroft.

 

(With files from washingtonexaminer.com)