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, EditorWednesday, August 25, 2010MASS. SLOTS DEAD FOR 2010Philosopher Yogi Berra famously said“It’s not over until it’s over,” and MassachusettsHouse Speaker Robert DeLeomade fairly clear yesterday that it’s overfor this year as far as slots at tracks areconcerned. When protracted debate carriedthe legislature to its closing hours beforepassing a bill calling for three casinosand two racinos, Gov. Deval Patrick tookadvantage of the timing and sent the legislatorsan amended bill killing the racinos.With the legislature shut down forthe session, the slim chance for racinosrested on special sessions. Senate PresidentTherese Murray, who sided with thegovernor, announced that there would beno special session of that body, and yesterdayHouse Speaker DeLeo told the BostonHerald, “I think the Senate’s presidenthas been pretty clear that she’s abouta couple votes short in terms of comingback, so right now I don’t think that isan option for us. So I’m moving aheadaccordingly.” He was asked if chanceswere “pretty low” for any action on slotsat tracks this year -- a special project andinterest of his -- and he responded, “Well,yes.” He also said that action on divvyingup $450 million in federal Medicaid relief,which would require two-thirds approvalin both House and Senate if theywere in session, could be accomplished ininformal session if need be. Like the oldBrooklyn Dodgers, there’s alwaysnext year.A TALE OF TWO CITIESNot the Dickens version. The racing edition,from L.A. and New York. On thewest coast, news that the bill providing foran increase of 2% in takeout on exoticsand exchange betting is progressing in theGeneral Assembly, with a third reading inthe Senate and referral to the Committeeon Rules. A two-thirds vote is requiredfor passage. The state’s thoroughbredhorsemen and Del Mar favor the legislation;Santa Anita and Hollywood Park reportedlydo not.On the east coast, NYRA President andCEO Charles Hayward told CNBC in aninterview that takeout was too high, saying“We’re taking too much out of thecustomer’s pocket, and we’re not returningenough to them after each race is run.It sounds a little counter-intuitive, but themore money we put back in the people’shands the more money they will bet backin, so a reduction in takeout could actuallybe more beneficial for us.”SPEED AT SARATOGA HARNESSThey’re burning up the track with blazingmiles at Saratoga Gaming & Raceway.Tracey Brainard sent out ScorpionMoon to win the $66,000 August Fun in1:54, a world record for older geldings ona half-mile track. The Lou Pena-trainedArts Ragin Jet won the $124,000 final ofthe Joe Gerrity Jr. pace in 1:52.3, andKevin Gee’s pacer Joey the Czar won aNYSS pace in a track record 1:51.