The roar of racing thoroughbreds, which faded into local history decades ago, might once again thunder from the Great Barrington Fairgrounds.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that the company that operates Suffolk Downs in East Boston has reached an agreement that could bring thoroughbred horse racing back to the racetrack as early as 2019.

The track last hosted thoroughbred racing in 1998 — but only briefly, after a 15-year hiatus.

Under the agreement announced yesterday, Sterling Suffolk Downs would refurbish the 57-acre fairgrounds and operate a commercial race meet at Great Barrington while continuing to operate simulcast wagering at its current location.

The laws allow Suffolk Downs to operate both thoroughbred racing and simulcasting at the East Boston racetrack. The modification sought would allow the track's owners to have separate licenses to conduct simulcasting at Suffolk Downs, and thoroughbred racing at the Great Barrington Fairgrounds.

Live wagering would be allowed at the fairgrounds, but simulcasting would not take place in Great Barrington.  An effort to establish a simulcasting facility at the fairgrounds almost 20 years ago was defeated by town voters multiple times.
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