As Gretna Racing heads toward its Dec. 1 opening of Florida’s first pari-mutuel barrel racing meet, issues including the wagering format and a Quarter Horse industry group’s administrative challenge to Gretna Racing’s state-approved license remain unresolved.

On Nov, 15 the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (DPMW) told The Blood-Horse it was "clarifying information pertaining to the types of wagers conducted" at the facility in Gretna, Fla., which is about 25 miles west of Tallahassee.

On a separate issue, the Florida DPMW said that within several days it will determine whether it will request a state administrative hearing on the Quarter Horse industry petition that challenges its granting of Gretna Racing’s licenses for racing and poker.

If a hearing is held, it would be at least several months before an administrative law judge issues a ruling. Thus, a ruling against Gretna Racing would not jeopardize its plan to hold 40 barrel racing programs between Dec. 1, 2011, and Jan. 15, 2012. But such a ruling could set a precedent for the Florida DPMW if other holders of Quarter Horse permits seek to use them for barrel racing