Plainridge Racecourse General Manager, Steve O'Toole and Michael Perpall, President of the Harness Horsemen's Association of New England, jointly announced today that they have agreed to a new schedule for live racing at Plainridge Racecourse for 2011. The restructured calendar starts the season at the Plainville, Massachusetts track on Monday, May 16th. The new schedule is subject to the approval of the Massachusetts State Racing Commission.

In making the announcement, O'Toole cited the recent agreement between Suffolk Downs and the New England Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association in helping to keep the two Massachusetts tracks viable. "A reduction of days, if approved by the legislature and an extension of simulcasting for only the two live horse tracks, can preserve live racing this summer while the legislature addresses a gaming bill that would put Plainridge Racecourse and Suffolk Downs on a level playing field with the 13 other states that have gaming at live race tracks". Perpall said it was "refreshing to be able to sit with management and think outside the box" to put an increase of purses in the pockets of the horsemen he represents.

The Plainridge schedule will race Mondays and Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. in May and June before expanding the schedule in the summer months.