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 April 13, 2005PATAKI SIGNS VLT BILL IN NY LOOKING FOR A GOOD JOB?New York governor George Pataki has signed the The Department of Agriculture in Delaware isVLT bill approved by his legislature, and the looking for an Administrator of Racing to representthe state’s interests at Dover Downs andmove could pave the way finally for slots at YonkersRaceway and Aqueduct, and the restoration Harrington Raceway. The Administrator wouldof racing and introduction of gaming at Vernon supervise the Delaware Harness Racing Commissionstaff, including the board of judges, veteri-Downs. As passed, the legislation circumventsthe constitutional prohibition of using the moniesfor purses, by providing the funds to the tracks personnel, and would be the state’s chief liaisonnarians, inspectors, investigators and licensingand allowing them to strike their own deals on officer between the state and track management.purses with their horsemen’s associations. The The job will pay between $60,000 and $75,000 anew law provides tracks with 32% of the first year, with a competitive benefits package. The$50 million in annual VLT revenue, 29% of the closing date for applications is May 6. For a fullnext $100 million, and 26% on anything over that, job description and to submit a resume, contactalong with a marketing and promotional payment the Department of Agriculture, Human Resources,2320 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE,of 8% on the first $100 million in VLT revenueand 5% over that figure. That fund would be 19901.capped at 4% of all VLT revenue for Yonkers andAqueduct. Legislators think the bill will be worthsome $1 billion more a year in revenue for NewYork once racinos are up and running.WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME?When was the last time the governor, lieutenantgovernor and secretary of agriculture of yourstate showed up at your track for a race? Thisweek, in the case of Dover Downs, where Gov.Ruth Ann Minner, Lieutenant Governor JohnCarney Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture MichaelScuse all turned out for dinner and the governorproclaimed Monday “Rainbow Blue Day” inDelaware. The Rainbow and driver Ron Piercedid not disappoint, breezing to victory in the$50,000 race named in her honor.BIG FINE, BAN, FOR ZERONOntario driver Rick Zeron has been fined $35,000and suspended for 10 weeks and trainer RichardMoreau has been fined $15,000 and suspendedfor 15 days for “acts injurious to racing”at Mohawk Raceway.THE TRADER GOES TO EUROPE“Trader Bud” Hatfield, Ohio’s auto dealer andamateur driver par excellence, is headed forEurope....temporarily. He will represent theUnited States in a 12-country amateur drivingcompetition in Austria in late June. Hatfield willbe attempting to improve on the best showing anAmerican amateur has ever made in the WorldCup Amateur Driving Championships, a thirdplace finish earned by Bob Krivelin six years ago.CHURCHILL GOES TO COURTWith the Kentucky Derby looming less than fourweeks away, Churchill Downs has asked a federaljudge to make sure the minions of suddenlysilent Wayne Gertmenian don’t rear their contentiousheads. Churchill filed in U.S. DistrictCourt last week asking for a hearing to ensurethe Jockeys’ Guild does not direct a Derby walkout.The petititon said the Guild “has contractedor conspired with jockeys in an illegal effort tocontrol prices through concerted action,” and itseeks an injunction againts illegal activities.A hearing is set for April 27.