2002 - Harness Tracks of America, Inc.

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA
Executive Newsletter
A daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyond
Stanley F. Bergstein, Editor
DON MILLAR DEAD AT 89
Don R. Millar, executive vice president of the
United States Trotting Association during its period
of explosive growth from 1948 until 1967, and
vice president of giant Hanover Shoe Farm after
that, died yesterday at his home in Columbus,
Ohio, at 89. During his USTA tenure, early computerization
and the Sires and Dams book were
introduced and the first edition of the hugely successful
Care and Training of the Trotter and Pacer
was published. Millar was instrumental in introducing
the Ohio Sires Stakes program and was an
outstanding small breeder, with three
Hambletonian winners to his credit, Timothy T in
1970, Christopher T in 1974 and Steve Lobell in
1976. HTA extends sympathy to his wife Varley
and the Millar family.
NEW POST FOR WALDROP
In an effort to bring cohesion and coordination to
the effort to oversee government relations for its
far-flung empire, Churchill Downs is realigning its
top management, and Alex Waldrop, track president
since 1999 and its general manager as well,
will take over as senior vice president for public
affairs. Waldrop, 45, is an attorney who joined
Churchill 10 years ago as general counsel, rose to
president and GM, and led the campaign for slots
at tracks in Kentucky last year, an effort he says
is far from over and will require intensive lobbying
in the next few years. Waldrop said, “Right
now, the political stakes are high at both the state
and federal level for this industry. Some of the
greatest challenges we face deal with public policy
issues, and in many respects the horse industry
can’t grow without enabling legislation.” Churchill
CEO Tom Meeker did not immediately appoint a
new president, but announced that COO John
Long will oversee day-to-day operation
and Jim Gates, who has served as VP of
administration, will be interim GM.
July 25, 2002
BIG MONEY & HOPES AT BIG M
Three Breeders Crown events, worth $1.85 million,
are scheduled for decision Saturday at the
Meadowlands, along with eliminations for next
week’s Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks.
The Breeders Crown events are the $1 million Trot
for older horses, ninth race on the Meadowlands’
Saturday card; the $500,000 Pace, for older pacers,
to be raced as the 11th race on the 14-race
card; and the $350,000 Mare Pace, 13th race on
the program. Fool’s Goal has been installed as
the 9-to-5 favorite in the Trot, but he faces a severe
test from the invading Swedish star Victory
Tilly, a winner of $2.6 million, to be driven by
Scandinavia’s most brilliant horseman, Stig
Johansson. The pacing field is led by a powerful
Brittany Farms entry of Real Desire and Capital
Request, but the field includes 2000 Horse of the
Year Gallo Blue Chip, hoping to raise his lifetime
earnings above $4 million. In the mare pace, 2001
Horse of the Year Bunny Lake is morning line favorite,
but she faces an all-star field including Eternal
Camnation and Frightening P, supplemented
to the championship for $40,000, and the hard-hitting
Molly Can Do It, who just might.
TWO MORE WINNERS
In the graphics department, not on the track. Recently
arrived here, a dandy media guide and
record book from Hoosier Park, attractively covered
in green, purple and tan, spiral bound for easy
reference, and containing full info on both harness
and thoroughbred racing at the Indiana track. Also
in recently, Ellen Taylor’s 2003 edition of the Harness
Horse Youth Foundation’s Equine School and
College Directory, compiled by Susan Lewis. This
valuable book includes U.S. and Canadian schools,
colleges and universities offering equine-related
education, vet and farrier schools, scholarship
sources and other related information. Good
job!