Texas horse race fans know of the Louisiana Derby, the Florida Derby and, certainly, the Kentucky Derby.
Now there will be a Texas Derby for thoroughbreds and quarter horses
under a newly enacted state law designed to boost racing attendance and
showcase Texas-bred horses.
Even though legislators didn't grant the wishes of horsemen and track
owners this year to allow revenue-producing slot machines at horse and
dog tracks — something the struggling industry says it needs — the House
and Senate overwhelmingly supported the Texas Derby bill by Rep. Harvey
Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, whose district includes Callahan, Coleman and
Runnels counties.
Tourism dollars and a boost for local horse breeding will result from
the legislation, Hilderbran said. Gov. Rick Perry signed the measure in
June.
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