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, September 8, 2010KY OKS TESTS ANYWHEREA determined Kentucky Horse RacingCommission yesterday unanimously votedto adopt tough out-of-competition testing,in the face of thoroughbred horsemen’sopposition. As passed, the new rules providefor a 5- to 10-year suspension and a$50,000 fine for first offenders. Breederand commissioner Alan Leavitt voted forthe change, but only after he had arguedfor a minimum 10-year suspension. Whenit was suggested that would amount to a“death sentence,” Leavitt replied, “That’sexactly what it’s intended to be.” Underthe new rule the commission has thepower to do testing on almost any horse,anywhere, at any time. In another movetoward greater industry integrity, thecommission also voted to randomly testat least two horses in any race carrying apurse of $2,500 or more without advancenotice of which two would be tested. Thatrecommendation not only increases precautionarytesting, but also offers an effectiveand cheaper alternative, a moverecommended almost 20 years ago in theMcKinsey report advocating new industryapproaches.LONG OUTS, BIG FINES FOR 3Three well-known Ontario drivers havebeen handed long suspensions and bigfines by the Ontario Racing Commissionafter a six-month joint international investigationby Michigan and Ontariopolicing authorities of racesin both jurisdictions.Kevin Wallis, the best known of the three,was suspended for 12 years and fined$100,000 as the alleged ringleader of a conspiracyto arrange pre-ordained resultsof races at Windsor Raceway and Michigantracks between January 1, 2008 andMarch 31 of this year. Unnamed driverstestified that Wallis, who has won morethan 9,000 races in a 30-year career, hadreceived money and paid other drivers toaffect outcomes of races, a charge he denied.Gene T. Piroski, third in winningdrives at Windsor last year, was suspendedfor 10 years and fined $100,000, andBrad Forward, who represented Canadain last year’s world driving championshipand was leading Ontario this year in winningdrives with 374, received a five-yearsuspension and $5,000 fine for his role inthe case. A fourth driver, Art McIlmurray,who was not licensed in Ontario, did notreceive a fine or suspension but is barred,along with owner Haitham Shamoun,from racing in the province. The Ontariocommission stressed that Windsor Racewaywas not involved, and commendedthe track for its full participation and assistance.5 FANS HIT, HURT BY GATEFive fans at the Windsor, Maine, Fairwere hit by the open wing of a startinggate mounted on a pickup truck Mondaywhen the gate malfunctioned. Threewere taken to Augusta Hospital, but latereports say all five suffered only minorinjuries.