A detailed update of the Virginia racing situation was featured at yesterday's lengthy meeting of the Maryland Racing Commission at Laurel Park.
Maryland Jockey Club president Joe De Francis said the "reason word hadn't gone out to employees is that things were becoming more certain" in Virginia, according to Ken Schertle, executive secretary of the commission.
De Francis said Colonial Downs -- between Richmond and Norfolk -- will start to operate Sept. 1 as scheduled and that some track employees will work there while others will stay behind to handle simulcasting outlets in Maryland.
Also, Bally's Inc., filed a "special performance" suit against Cloverleaf Enterprises to force the latter to complete the pending sale of Ocean Downs, which probably will not open for live racing this summer.
The commission also approved a transfer of dates from Laurel to Pimlico beginning June 10 and running through June 22.
Pub Date: 5/15/97
