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, Editor February 17, 2005MD SENATE OK, HOUSE NOT BALA WANTS VERDICT TOSSEDRosecroft Raceway’s agonizing fight to get slot Susan Bala, found guilty on 12 counts of illegalmachines took two new turns yesterday, one good gambling and money laundering charges in federalcourt, now says the government did not proveand one bad. The Maryland Senate rejected attemptsto strip Prince George’s county, where its case and wants the judge to throw out herRosecroft is located, out of the slots bill it is expectedto pass. But the Prince George’s delegaingBala should be acquitted on all counts, butconviction. Bala’s attorney filed an appeal, saytionin the House, where speaker Michael Busch the U.S. attorney who prosecuted the case said,has been able to kill the bill in the last two sessions,are determined to make sure any slots bill Bala’s appeal said, “The only question that re-“These motions come as a matter of course.”excludes the county. Senate budget and taxationcommittee chairman Ulysses Currie, who criminal offense because of the manner of bookmainsis whether Bala should be convicted of astrongly supports slots, told the Prince George’s keeping relating to her Racing Service’s parimutuelactivities.” The jury ordered Racing Ser-county Gazette that “the leadership of PrinceGeorge’s county has said quite clearly that they vices to forfeit $99 million to the government, including$19.7 million from Bala individually.do not want slots in Prince George’s county,” andsuggested that perhaps “we don’t do Prince Each of the 9 money laundering charges carriesGeorge’s this year and revisit the issue in future a maximum charge of 20 years in prison, and theyears.” The Senate bill, expected to pass today other three counts have a maximum penalty ofor tomorrow, would allow 15,500 slots at four 12 years. No date has been set for sentencing.tracks, including Rosecroft, and three offtracklocations. The bill as proposed would providemore than $800 million a year for public schools,including $150 million for school construction.The president of the Senate, Mike Miller, said,“I’m fairly certain we’re going to get somethingthis year. If you care about kids and you careabout them going to school in quality facilities,you’re going to vote for this bill.”SCOTT GETS LICENSE, FOR NOWA state Supreme Court judge in New York hasreinstated the racing license of Vernon Downs’majority owner, Shawn Scott, and has orderedthe New York State Racing and Wagering Boardto show cause at a March 11 hearing why Scottis unfit to hold such a license. Scott was issued atemporary license after he bought 52% controlof Vernon in 2002, but it was revoked in December,2003, when the board said he had liedon his application. Vernon Downs managementrecently opted to be bought byharness breeder Jeff Gural rather than Scott.CAL CONSIDERS TOUGH STEPSWith three thoroughbred trainers already facingdetention barns for their horses as a result ofhigh milkshake readings, California’s racingboard is considering tougher steps in regulation.The board’s medication committee, during amore than three-hour meeting, considered theillicit use of shock wave therapy; increased inspectionof vehicles in the stable area; expandingthe retention of frozen blood and/or urinesamples for future testing as more sophisticatedand sensitive tests are established; and clearerpenalty guidelines, one of the prime goals of theRacing Medication and Testing Consortium.KY TRACKS BOOST INSURANCETurfway Park and Keeneland have purchasedpolicies from AIG covering jockeys for up to $1million in medical bills for accidents. ChurchillDowns is expected to follow, up from $100,000limits at a 40% increase in premiums.