In a non-binding referendum on February 5, voters in Pflugerville, Texas, overwhelmingly opposed a proposal for the relocation of the Austin Jockey Club’s license to the town. Out of a record turnout of 3,000 voters, 71 percent opposed the racetrack proposal.

The vote is merely symbolic, as the final decision on relocating the license rests with the Texas Racing Commission (TRC).In November, the TRC deferred its decision on AJC’s request, giving its officials time to demonstrate that a track would be in the public interest. Last year, the Pflugerville City Council voted 4-0 to support the track.

Bryan Brown, vice president of Austin Racing Partners Inc., which owns the Austin Jockey Club license, told Thoroughbred Times that the election results would probably not deter the Austin Jockey Club’s plans. Brown, who is also chief executive office of Retama Park near San Antonio, said, “We’ll obviously assess the situation and decide what to do from here, but we’re still committed to Pflugerville.”

The Austin Jockey Club’s proposal to build a Class 2 racetrack and simulcast facility in Pflugerville has drawn opposition from anti-gaming groups, including Pflugerville Pfamilies Pfirst. However, supporters see the track as a way to generate tax revenue.