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 22, 2010JEFF GURAL IS EVERYWHERE!With the darkness lifting everywhere --at the Meadowlands, in Maryland andnow in Syracuse, NY, where plans for anew $100 million harness track were announcedtoday -- Jeff Gural and his teamof Santa trotters and pacers seem to becovering Santa’s footsteps as the man ofthe hour. After opening the door to a possiblefive-year lease of the Meadowlandsand assuring racing there for the first threemonths of the new year, he now pops upas a possible partner with realtor ThomasWilmot in a project to be known as SyracuseRaceway. The idea is to turn thebig track at the state fairgrounds, whereslots are not allowed, into a five-eighthsmile track, and obtain a license for a racinoas a stand-alone separate operationnearby. Gural calls it “a good idea,” sayingrevenue from the racino could subsidizea downtown Westin hotel adjacent tothe Syracuse convention center. The plangot a big official boost yesterday, when theNew York Racing and Wagering Boardissued a certificate of approval, the firststep toward a license. A staff member ofthe racing board called the approval “adoor opener that allows the project to proceed.”A spokeswoman for the Division ofLottery, whose approval would be neededfor a racino, called it “way too early” todiscuss. Gural, asked about competitionwith Vernon Downs if the new track materializes,said he would oppose it “ifwe’re not part of the deal.”Gural pointed out that a Syracuse racinocould provide revenue for the state, whichis not the case with the Indian-operatedTurning Stone casino four miles from hisVernon Downs.2011 MARYLAND RACING OKChristmas also arrived early for thoroughbredracing in Maryland this morning,when Gov. Martin O’Malley brokereda deal for 146 days of racing at Laureland Pimlico, which has unsuccessfullysought 47 dates. Under the agreement,the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’sAssociation agreed to contribute $1.7 millionand the state $3 or $4 million fromits slot machine revenues to help pay forMaryland Jockey Club operating expenses.O’Malley said he was pleasedthat track owners, horsemen and breeders“were able to come together to reach aconsensus that will allow for a full seasonof racing in 2011.”BIG TRADEOFF FOR STRONACHIn a major tradeoff, Frank Stronach hassurrendered control of MI Developmentin return for taking over GulfstreamPark in Florida, Santa Anita in Californiaand Pimlico and Laurel’s share of theMaryland Jockey Club. The deal followsa controversial development earlier thisyear which paid Mr. Stronach $860 millionin cash and stock for his holdingsin Magna Entertainment. The new dealleaves him free to experiment with hismajor tracks.