2005 - Harness Tracks of America, Inc.

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAExecutive NewsletterA daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondStanley F. Bergstein, EditorTHIS DECISION CANNOT STANDThat was the pronouncement of Pennsylvania staterepresentative Mike Veon of Beaver Falls, whohosted a meeting of legislative officials in westernPennsylvania to increase pressure on Gov. EdRendell regarding the state harness racingcommission’s decision not to grant either of twolicense applications to build a track in the region.HTA, meanwhile, has published the full 87-pagecommission report denying the two licenses on thehome page of our Web site, for the entertainmentof our readers.The commission wrote that “neither applicant’sproject will best serve the interests, convenienceand necessity of the public by developing a firstclassgaming facility with integrated harness racing.”It based its decision on the Bedford Downsapplication on financing and alleged past associationswith undesirables, and the Centaur ValleyView Downs proposal because it was concernedabout the design of the track, a traffic entranceand topography of the land, as well as “what appearsto be ongoing compliance/regulatory problemswith Valley View’s parent corporation.” It didnot, however, find evidence “of any improper orillegal activity.” Centaur said it spent $3.2 millionto buy 217 acres for its proposed five-eighths miletrack. Rep. Veon said the commission operated“with a double standard and an undeniable biastoward eastern Pennsylvania when it comes toawarding licenses.” He noted that the commissionhad licensed Chester Downs, which sits on 60acres, a little more than one-fourth the size of theCentaur property.CONGRATULATIONS, ERICUSTA executive vice president Eric M. Sharbaughwas married Sunday to his longtime love,Mary Ann McNally. HTA extends itswarmest good wishes.November 10, 2005TOUGH TALK IN BOSTONMassachusetts state representative Brian Wallacehas blasted the state’s Catholic Conference forsending letters to legislators urging them to voteagainst slots for tracks. Wallace told the BostonHerald, “For an organization which raised millionsof dollars through bingo to now say they are againstgambling is hypocritical and shortsighted.”MORE ON THE MEADOWS SALEMillenium Gaming, one of the purchasers ofHTA’s member track The Meadows, is aLakewood, Colorado-based partnership of LasVegas casino executives William Paulos andWilliam Wortman. Millenium’s partner in the$225 million purchase from Magna Entertainmentis the Los Angeles investment managementfirm Oaktree Capital Management, andThe Meadows’ five OTB parlors in the Pittsburgharea are included in the sale. Paulos,who met with horsemen at The Meadows yesterday,said plans are to build a temporary60,000-square foot slots facility, which wouldbe timed as closely as possible with the state’sgranting of a temporary license. Don’t growold waiting for that, Mr. Paulos. The commissiondoesn’t work on a very fast schedule, asValley View Downs and Bedford Downs cantestify.TWO JOBS OPEN IN DELAWAREThe Delaware Harness Racing Commission is seekingan experienced presiding judge and associatejudge. Applicants must have previous harness racingexperience of not less than 45 days during 3 ofthe past 5 years, or 5 years experience as a driverwho has served as a licensed official for more than 1year, or 10 years as a trainer who has served as anofficial for a year. The job carries competitive salaryand benefits. Applications to Hugh Gallagher, DelawareHarness Racing Commission, 2320 S.Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901, to be receivedby Nov. 25.