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, December 1, 2010ILLINOIS SLOTS VOTE TODAY?A vote in the full Senate in Illinois on allowingslots at the state’s six tracks couldcome as early as today, after the SenateExecutive Committee voted yesterday toapprove SB737. The measure also wouldexpand casino gambling. It would require36 of the Senate’s 59 members forpassage, and still would need a 60% majorityvote in the House, and then couldface a veto from Gov. Pat Quinn, who opposesexpanded gambling.THE DEATH WATCHThe clock is ticking, and once again downto final hours before Friday’s closing ofNew York City OTB. The Assembly haspassed the legislation proposed by Gov.David Paterson that could save the batteredorganization, but the Senate, whosevote also is needed, has left the specialsession in Albany. Unless it returns andapproves in the next 48 hours, OTB willclose 44 shops and dismiss between 700and 1,000 current employees, the precisenumber in dispute. Gov. Paterson’s officesays that OTB closing would trigger some$100 million in state liabilities related tobankruptcy claims, more than $500 millionin pension and retiree health benefitcosts, and unemployment for the employees.The governor’s office also said, “Failureto act on this legislation will impactthe entire racing industry. New York CityOTB manages approximately $750million in handle, which would beeliminated upon closure.”The Senate could return in two weeks,and there is a possibility Friday’s closingcould be deferred until then in hope thebody would then approve the governor’slegislation.In Maryland, the legislature, faced withloss of the Preakness at Pimlico with nolive racing scheduled for the state nextyear, is considering possible moves, includingtakeovers by eminent domain.RACING OFFICE HELP NEEDEDWe are asking assistance from HTA directors,program directors and racing secretariesin making certain owners, trainersand grooms know about submitting nominationsfor the HTA-Hanover Shoe FarmsGroom of the Year award. Jen Foley hasdrawn up and distributed various sizedads to tracks. Posting them in race officesand past performance programs will behugely helpful and appreciated. We hopeHTA directors will follow up on this withthe program department and racing secretaries.All that is needed is a letter toHTA telling why the nominator thinks thegroom is worthy of recognition.JOB OPENING AT BUFFALOBuffalo Raceway has an immediate openingfor an assistant racing secretary forits upcoming late December to late Julymeeting. Salary commensurate with experience.Resumes may be sent to RobinBurns, rburns@buffaloraceway.com, orhe can be contacted by phone at 716-649-1280 ext. 228 after 7 p.m. Wed.-Sat.