The Maryland Racing Commission granted preliminary approval for a new wagering regulation on Tuesday, reports The Racing Biz, which would allow multi-race bettors to select an alternate in each leg of a multi-race wager.
The alternate would be used only in the event that the bettor's primary selection scratches, rather than the current practice of reverting to the post-time favorite.
“It gives the bettor the flexibility. Sometimes guys have been frustrated,” said Maryland Jockey Club acting president Mike Rogers. “[They say] I hate the favorite. So this gives them a chance ahead of time to say, 'You know what? I want to put an alternate in this race.'”
According to MRC executive director J. Michael Hopkins, the regulation could be in place by the fall. The delay, he explained, is due to the time it will take to pass a regulatory process which will permit the selection of alternates.
Similar measures are underway at California tracks, as announced during last month's California Horse Racing Board meeting.
Read more at The Racing Biz.
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