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, October 4, 2010NEW HARNESS RACING DAILYTwo of harness racing’s top journalists --Bill Finley, who writes for the New YorkTimes and ESPN and other publications,and Mike Farrell, the veteran racing writerof New Jersey’s Bergen Record -- are preparingto launch a daily online newslettercovering harness racing exclusively. Theventure, to be launched January 1, willhave special preview editions this comingThursday for the Breeders Crown, andlater ones for the Grand Circuit meetingat the Red Mile and the Kentucky andHarrisburg yearling sales. It will appearroughly 250 times a year, and will be distributedfree to subscribers. Dean Hoffmanand Andrew Cohen will write for thenews update, and Emily Gaskin, daughterof Indiana trainer Ernie Gaskin, willjoin the permanent staff. The service willbe supported financially by advertising.Finley, discussing the project, said, “Mywife is co-owner of the Thoroughbred DailyNews, so I have watched it grow andbecome one of the most successful thoroughbredpublications in the world. I alwaysthought a similar publication wouldwork for the harness racing industry. Weare going to try to fill what I think hasbeen a void in this sport by creating aproduct that gives extensive coverage toall aspects of the sport on what will beclose to a daily basis. Just as importantly,it will deliver the news to the readerwhen they want it, within hours ofthe horses crossing the finish line.”To receive the preview editions Thursdayand later, and the daily service when theventure launches on the first of the year,viewers can subscribe now by contactingharnessracingupdate.com, free of charge.VISIT PARIS WITH HOFFMANSpeaking of Dean Hoffman, Equi Toursagain will offer harness racing enthusiaststhe opportunity to visit the City ofLight with the light-hearted Hoffman asmaster of ceremonies for the famed Prixd’Amerique, one of the world’s greatestharness races, in January. The trip offersthe opportunity to enjoy clubhouse seatsfor the $1.5 million race, great restaurants,an international cocktail party, andchoice of 3-star or 4-star hotel accommodationsin Montmartre, the famed artists’colony. Included is a tour of the famedGrosbois harness training center and thenew French trotting museum. The costis $1,085 a person, double occupancy, forthe 3-star hotel and $1,295 for 4-star accommodations.You handle your own airfare, arriving when you wish and stayingas long as you wish. The tour starts ona Thursday afternoon and ends Mondaymorning. For information contact www.equitours.se and click on the American flagfor further information, or contact DeanHoffman at hoffman.communications@yahoo.com, or by phone at 614-457-8750.The tour offers an excellent opportunityto see trotting in France and meet new internationalfriends.