Rockingham Venture, which is exploring land development options for struggling Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, is nearing a decision on whether it will seek Thoroughbred or harness dates for next summer.

Rockingham has not offered harness racing since the 1970s, but such racing would be a less expensive option for the track due to lower purses, Daily Racing Form reports.

Manfred Roos, president of the New England Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said that horsemen would be willing to run fewer Thoroughbred dates and to base purses on handle rather than a guaranteed structure.

Handle on Rockingham races has declined significantly since casinos opened in Connecticut, track officials have said.