A state appeals court in Tallahassee, Fla., Feb. 7 upheld an administrative court’s ruling that the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (DPMW) violated a state rule-making process in 2011 when it granted Gretna Racing LLC a Quarter Horse license to hold pari-mutuel barrel racing event.

The ruling by the First District Court of Appeal in effect will continue to prohibit the Florida DPMW from allowing Gretna Racing or any other Florida entities from holding pari-mutuel barrel racing. Gretna Racing has until Feb. 15 to ask the appeals court for a rehearing on its decision.

Marc Dunbar, an attorney who represents Gretna Racing, couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. He is a minority owner of Gretna Racing, which is located in Gretna, Fla., about 25 miles west of Tallahassee. The Poarch Creek Tribe, based in Alabama, is the majority owner of Gretna Racing.

The appeals court agreed with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, which on May 6, 2013, ordered the Florida DPMW to not allow pari-mutuel barrel racing at Gretna Racing. The administrative court acted on a formal complaint filed by Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association