On July 4, 2004, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell signed the bill into law in the winner's circle of Philadelphia Park.
Smarty Jones brought worldwide attention to the Bensalem racetrack and became instrumental in the passing of the long awaited slots bill. In 2004, a small chestnut colt, born in Chester County, Penn. three years earlier, won the heart of the nation when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Headed by British gaming entrepreneurs Robert Green and William Hogwood, Greenwood Racing acquired the package of a racetrack facility, the Phonebet system, and the rights to the future development of up to six off-track betting sites in the Philadelphia area for a sum exceeding $67 million. Philadelphia Park changed hands again in December of 1990 with Greenwood Racing, Inc. The show, 'Philadelphia Park Live' was shown over local cable stations in the area. During the ITB reign, many major improvements took place, including the construction of a turf course, the development of the Phonebet system, and the broadcast of a live television show which was created to help bettors enjoy the daily racing card. Parx Racing, formerly Philadelphia Park, was known as Keystone Racetrack from its opening day on Novemuntil International Thoroughbred Breeders (ITB) purchased the Bensalem oval on Dec. 28, 1984 for approximately $40 million and changed the name and look of the track.
