Westport, NY, Aug 16, 2010 — It's harness racing season once again here in the North Country. At county affairs across the region, local breeders and racers are competing in a sport that's been popular here since the 1800s.

Meanwhile, in Saratoga Springs, the sport's backers are once again trying to expand the amount of slot-machine gambling that goes on at the harness racing track.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway hopes to keep its so-called "racino" open until 4 am. According to the Albany Times-Union, local government officials oppose the change.

The request is now being reviewed by the state Lottery Division.

This link between harness racing and slot-machine gambling has been controversial for years. Brian Mann's report on the debate first aired in the summer of 2008.