
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 29, 1994                   TAG: 9405290080
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-15   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

TRACK OPERATOR WANTS REFERENDUM CANCELED BY COURT

A Maryland track operator has returned to the Virginia Supreme Court to appeal a lower court's order that scheduled a referendum on pari-mutuel betting in Loudoun County.

Joseph De Francis, who on Friday requested an expedited appeal, wants to build a $55 million horse racing track in Loudoun. His group, the Old Dominion Jockey Club, also asked for a hearing and for the high court to set aside the referendum until the case is heard.

The group's case began with the state Supreme Court after track opponents began circulating petitions seeking a new referendum on pari-mutuel betting, approved by Loudoun residents in 1990.

Old Dominion asked the Supreme Court to stop the referendum.

But the high court denied the request Monday, and Loudoun Circuit Judge James Chamblin set an Aug. 2 date for the second referendum.

The Virginia Supreme Court will meet in full session next week. If the court grants De Francis' expedited appeal, it could hear arguments that week.

by CNB