HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICA Executive Newsletter

HARNESS TRACKS OF AMERICAC OF C FOR SLOTS AT BIG MThe president of the Meadowlands Chamber ofCommerce, with 800 members, has voiced approvalof slots for the Meadowlands racetrack.The organization’s CEO, Jim Kirkos, told njbiz.com it only made sense to pursue that goal. Henoted that slots in neighboring states, which arebeyond New Jersey’s control, already threatenAtlantic City casinos, and said he sees no reasonnot to have them at New Jersey tracks.Executive NewsletterGEORGIA ON MY MINDRay Charles sang it first, but legislators andothers in Georgia now have switched to it fromSweet Georgia Brown. Bloodhorse.com reportsthat a meeting is set for this coming Friday at therequest of Georgia House Speaker David Ralstonwith prominent Atlanta attorney Robert Meierto discuss horseracing in the state. Meier, whohas been working on the project for more than ayear and is acting president of the Georgia Ownersand Breeders’ Association, cautioned membersin a memo yesterday that “if this is not doneproperly, it can derail and permanently damageany chance of bringing the racing industry toGeorgia.” Calling representatives, gubernatorialcandidates, and other politicians or groupsto ask if they are for or against gamblingor pari-mutuel betting is the wrong wayto frame this issue and will result in noth-A daily fax and e-mail report on racing and gaming developments in North America and beyondStanley F. Bergstein, EditorTuesday, February 16, 2010$100 MIL FOR HIPPODROME? ing but backlash and ultimately failure. “ThereA Montreal landmark for 137 years and one of is great support for this issue now more thanthe great tracks in harness racing during its life ever. However, it must be done correctly. Thereas Blue Bonnets Raceway, the site of the Hippodromede Montreal has been placed on the marvisorypanel succeed and produce the necessaryare politicians who privately want to see this adketby the government of Quebec and SONACC, information to allow them to publicly supportthe owners. The asking price is $100 million, with a voter referendum on the issue. This advisoryfull availability to build or develop to the buyer. panel’s goal is to provide political and privateA story in examiner.com calls it “likely” that the sector participants with the necessary and accuratefactual details and economic impact state-vast track along heavily traveled Decarie Boulevardwill be used for residential construction. ments to allow for their public support on thisinitiative. We cannot expect elected officials tosupport a bill on an issue of this magnitude withoutsuch information. The advisory panel wantsto provide not only political cover, but also allowthose in support to change the minds of thosewho are currently opposed to the issue.”A HARNESS BEST-SELLERStandardbredcanada.ca reports that “Behind theGate,” a historical look at the 20th century inMaritime Canada harness racing, has reachedbest-seller status and is in its third printing afteronly 14 months. The author, Paul Murphy, is beinghonored tonight with a provincial HeritageAward by the Prince Edward Island Museumand Heritage Foundation. Major bookstores inCanada carry the history, which includes profileson PEI reinsman Wally Hennessey, GillesBarrieau of New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia’sand Canada’s most accomplished female driver,Clare MacDonald.TEN YEARS FOR RIDEAU SLOTSToday marks the 10th anniversary of the riotousopening of slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway,when massive crowds forced closing of the doorsbecause the facility was overcrowded. Thingshave quieted down, substantially, but cbs.ca reportsthat 15 million people have played there,and the machines took in $140 million inthe 2008-09 fiscal year.