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, EditorMARYLAND STILL IN MUDDLEMaryland’s war between the states, or at leastbetween the main parties, continues. The MarylandThoroughbred Horsemen’s Association rejectedthe latest compromise from Magna Entertainment,which owns Laurel Park and PimlicoRace Course, leaving the dates situation in Marylandfor 2006 still unresolved. Magna had proposed180 days of live racing, year-round stablingand a request for contributions to help cover operatingexpenses. The horsemen accepted the 180days, but not the dates. They want local racing inMaryland during the summer, while Magna prefersto keep its tracks closed then because of primeseasons at competing tracks in surrounding states.The horsemen also agreed to contributions to expenses,but not the plan presented by Magna.Richard Hoffberger, president of the Marylandhorsemen’s association, took an optimistic view,saying, “We’re not in agreement, but we’re agreeingto continue to talk and that is a good thing.We did approve the continuation of simulcasting,which could have been a huge problem for tracks,the breeders and the horsemen if not approved.The world isn’t going to blow up on Jan. 2 or 3because we don’t have a deal. There are difficultdecisions to be made by all parties.” The chairmanof the racing commission, John Franzone, alsosounded optimistic, saying, “Let’s focus on a businessplan for Magna. There is no burning fire toget this deal done. Even the racetrack seems tobe taking a ‘let’s see what happens’ approach.”That attitude was a pleasant change from earliercommission threats to resolve the issue unilaterally.POST XMAS SESSION IN ILHarness horsemen in Illinois, still wrapped in controversywith the management of Balmoral andMaywood Parks, have called a meeting oftheir Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Associationfor Dec. 27 to discuss current negotiations.December 22, 2005ISLE IN DEAL WITH PENGUINSIsle of Capri, still stymied in its quest to open acasino in Chicago, has switched gears and destinations.The company announced today it hassigned a joint development agreement with theLemieux Group, owners of the Pittsburgh Penguinsof the National Hockey League, to fund a newmulti-use area and pursue a Pennsylvania gaminglicense in Pittsburgh. Isle president and CEOsaid the proposed arena “will become the bestentertainment venue in the region, and keep thePenguins in Pittsburgh. If awarded a gaming license,Isle said it would begin the construction phase inearly 2007. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reportsthat at least four other groups, including AlcoParking and MTR Gaming, are considering includingmoney for an arena in their slots proposals.IT’S XMAS, AND ELLIOTT STAYSStewart Elliott, the jockey of Smarty Jones whofaced deportation for a 2001 aggravated assaultcharge, has been spared. An immigration judge inNewark, NJ, provided a waiver yesterday allowingElliott to stay. The judge said Elliott’s celebritydid not affect his decision. Okay, judge, if yousay so. After all, Elliott only used a beer bottle, apool cue and a wooden stool in beating a friendinto senselessness. Elliott was ordered to serve ayear of probation, pay the victim, AlexanderKovalik, $13,900 in hospital bills and $50,000 tosettle a civil lawsuit. Lucky Kovalik was a friend;think of what Elliott may have done if he was anenemy.AWARDS AND REWARDSDr. David Reid, chairman and CEO of progressiveHorse Racing Alberta, is the recipient ofCanada’s Cam Fella award for meritorious serviceto Canadian harness racing. The Harness HorseYouth Foundation has recognized Brittany Farms,which provides off-season homes for its pony racers;Living Color Cabinetry, for providing trunks;Jim Taylor, for trucking the ponies 14,000 mileson their youth driving tour; and Ellen Harvey ofHarness Racing Communications, a facilitatorfor much of HHYF’s needs and efforts.