Rosecroft to close on April 19

Kelley Rogers, president of Cloverleaf Enterprises Inc., notified employees and Standardbred horsemen that Rosecroft Raceway would cease operations on April 19, 2010 without the help of the Maryland legislature.

 

"The Cloverleaf Enterprises board of directors felt that it was important to notify our employees and horsemen that Rosecroft would close on April 19. It is very sad when you consider the loss of the jobs and the demise of an entire industry," Rogers stated.

 

"All of our faith and hope now rests in the hands of the Maryland legislature. We need a miracle from our legislators. They have the ability to save us," Rogers concluded.

 

Rosecroft has a current employee roster of 200 employees, many of which have more than 20 years of service to the track. Additionally, the Standardbred industry has more than 600 horsemen and breeders throughout Maryland. The Standardbred industry employs more than 1,000 people throughout the state.

 

Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association president Thomas Cooke stated, "This is a very sad day for everyone involved with Standardbred racing in the state of Maryland. I can't help but wonder how so many of our career horsemen will survive. It is obvious they will have to move from the state of Maryland and that is a tremendous loss."

 

Both Rogers and Cooke extended their thanks to Prince Georges County businessman Mark Vogel and his efforts to save Rosecroft. "Mark Vogel has been deeply involved in the community of Prince Georges County and we appreciate his willingness to try to save this historic landmark and the jobs for this community," said Rogers.

 

"Mr. Vogel has stepped up with his own money and energy to try to save us and we thank him," Cooke added. (CEI)