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, May 10, 2010NUMBERS CONTINUE TO FALLLike the oil spill in the Gulf, horse racingcontinues to lose ground. Numbersreleased by Equibase last week showyear-to-date betting down $3.8 million, or8.4%. And that included the appearanceof Rachel Alexandra and the KentuckyOaks, run on the last day of the April reportingperiod this year instead of in Mayas usual. April was still down -- 2.5% belowa year ago -- but that simply seemedto reflect two fewer racing days in Aprilthis year. One that was extremely encouragingas the new month began was a riproaring Derby and the highest televisionviewing since 1989, and U.S. purses heldsteady. The TV audience of 16.5 millionwas the best since Sunday Silence’s 18.5million 21 years ago. There is life in theold gal yet. Those who can figure out theappeal of this year’s Derby, with 20 horsesnamed Joe, please write or call.NYRA AS SEEN BY VIOLETTEAs the boys in Albany debated how muchand how to give NYRA some spendingmoney, a man close to the picture gavehis own view. Rick Violette, president ofthe New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’sAssociation and a NYRA board member,had this evaluation. “NYRA already ischecking under seat cushions and turningits pockets inside out looking for money.That’s not a pretty scenario. This isn’tposturing. It isn’t even a threat. It’sreality. If NYRA says it’s going toclose its doors, it will.”SAD SCENARIO IN LEXINGTONThose who know racing photographerTony Leonard in Lexington, KY, knowthe man’s spirit, spontaneity and dedicationto his trade. To them the recent developmentwhere Tony and his wife Adelle,both former stage performers, were madewards of the state to protect them andtheir vast store of Tony’s photo collectionswas one of the sadder developments of theseason. Last week trial commissionerChoya Oliver granted a petition to endstate control and place Leonard’s massivenegative collection of top thoroughbreds,and many harness horses, in the hands offamily members, and place the Leonardsin a nursing home. Matt Bergantino, anephew, and attorney Rebecca Naser willbecome guardians of the Leonards, andpresumably will be in charge of his photocollection. Judge Oliver expressed theview of most when she said, “Hopefullyall the people who have come forwardand said they want to help Tony and providethe best possible marketing strategyfor the photographs will follow through.”SNARLS IN NJ, MILES IN PAFigures released by the American GamingAssociation reveal New Jersey sufferedthe largest gaming declines in 2009 andPennsylvania enjoyed the highest gains.New Jersey gaming revenues were down13.3% and tax revenue down 18.6%.Pennsylvania recorded increases of21.6% in its 13 commercial casinos.