Dog racing suspended at Twin River

LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI) - Twin River dog racing begins its suspension Sunday, a move that will save millions. The future of dog racing at Twin River depends on the political power of the state legislature.

EPS Kennel owner Doris Benedetti said the suspension of greyhound racing at Twin River is a sad day in her family’s 30-year history.

“It’s just uncertainty. You just don’t know,” Benedetti said. “I weighed in this morning. It could have been my last weigh-in.”

After filing for bankruptcy in June, the owners of Twin River made the decision in made the decision to end dog racing at the track permanently, in an attempt to save millions of dollars.

However, the stoppage today, which may be only temporary, threatens 225 jobs mostly held by kennel operators and dog owners.

Jen Bramley, of RI Greyhound Owners Association, said Twin River has fulfilled its obligations and can now move forward with suspension.

“By statute with the state of Rhode Island, we are required to race 125 races a year,” Bramley said. “Twin River has decided to suspend dog racing as of today.”

The General assembly attempted to retain dog racing for 200 days, but the governor vetoed the bill. The owners association is hoping the general assembly can override the veto in September and save jobs.

“If the governor’s veto is t overridden, that will keep 225 at jobs in place, and workers who've been here 10. 15, 30 years,” Bramley said.

In a statement, Twin River spokesperson Patti Doyle says "it was no longer financially feasible to retain greyhound racing and that Twin River could no longer sustain the $10.5 million annual losses, mostly in subsidizing out-of-state kennel owners."

The owners association also blames big banks taking over Twin River as another problem in overcoming mounting debt.