HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA Executive Newsletter

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAExecutive NewsletterA daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondStanley F. Bergstein, EditorMonday, June 7, 2010NY GOV TAKES OVER NYCOTBWith the resignation of Meyer (Sandy)Frucher as chairman of New York CityOff-Track Betting Corporation, Gov.David A. Paterson has effectively takenover by appointing his top aide, LawrenceSchwartz, who holds the title ofsecretary in the administration, to runNYCOTB. Schwartz, described in theNew York Times as “the office’s disciplinarian,”will continue to serve in his Albanyposition, indicating the decision ofPaterson to keep a close hand on developmentsin New York. The final blow toFrucher’s administration came when thestate budget director, Robert Megna, refusedhis request for almost $300 millionin tax-free municipal bonds to finance hisrestructuring of OTB. Frucher referredto the letter of refusal in his resignationnote to Paterson, saying it had made hisposition untenable. The veteran politicalwriter Tom Precious, writing in Albany,said Frucher had “created a laundry listof foes in the state capitol and within theracing industry over his ideas for salvagingthe nation’s largest off-track bettingenterprise.”OHIO HORSEMEN MEET GOVOhio harness and thoroughbred horsemen,almost 400 strong, met with theirgovernor, Ted Strickland, yesterday andreceived vows of support from him fortheir quest of slots at tracks. Whatthat will mean in the Novemberreferendum vote is uncertain.EAVES NEW WOODBINE CEONick Eaves, president of Woodbine EntertainmentGroup, now has taken overas chief executive officer as well. DavidWillmot, CEO for the last 15 years, saidin turning over the reigns of managementto his chief aide, “It is a luxury for anycompany to be in the position to promotea new CEO from within. The board hasgreat confidence in Nick’s ability to leadour company in the years ahead at a timewhen our industry, like others, is facingsignificant challenges. Nick’s experiencein so many aspects of our company’s operationsand his demonstrated vision andgood judgment will stand this companyand our industry in good stead.” Eaves,in accepting the post, said, “It is a greathonor for me to follow David as CEO ofWoodbine Entertainment Group. He hastransformed the company into the recognizedleader in the North American horseracing industry. I intend to continue thatperformance and lead our talented teamin new ways to confront today’s challenges.”TWO POPULAR FIGURES DIERacing has lost two of its leading citizens.Norm Barron, former member of the OhioRacing Commission and a prominent Cincinnatiattorney and horse breeder, was74. Renee Rosenzweig, wife of AmericanTeletimer president Joel Rosenzweig, diedlast week after a long battle with cancer.HTA extends its sympathies to thefamilies of two of its closest friends.