A.G. wants state to pull track’s license

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 | 9:29 a.m.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said Tuesday the owners of the Belmont greyhound track are "not fit to be associated with racing in New Hampshire" and should have their license revoked.

Ayotte laid out her complaints against the New Hampshire Gaming Association, the partnership that owns Lakes Region Greyhound Association, at a news conference. She said the partnership broke state laws by employing people convicted of illegal gambling. She noted that two of its top officials are charged with running an illegal gaming enterprise out of the track. And she said one owner is refusing to cooperate with the investigation.

Pam Walsh, spokeswoman for Gov. John Lynch, said Lynch believes a hearing into whether to revoke the license "is an appropriate step."

Allan Hart, the track's chief owner, said he disagreed "with the reasoning and the findings of the New Hampshire Attorney General's report."

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