During the ongoing controversy in Kentucky over the legalization of slot machines (aka video lottery terminals), people inside and outside of the horse racing and breeding businesses have pondered how a responsible state government could stand by while its flagship industry is left to deteriorate—and cause the loss of thousands of jobs, tax revenues, and tourist dollars. It certainly is a modern example of Nero fiddling while Rome is burning.

One does not have to look very far to find the explanation. The hard evidence is contained in a recent document titled “America’s Top States for Business 2010—A CNBC Special Report.” Following is CNBC’s methodology:

“We scored all 50 states—using publicly available data—on 40 different measures of competitiveness. States received points based on their rankings in each metric. Then, we separated those metrics into the ten broad categories, with input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers. We weighted the categories based on how frequently each is cited in state economic development marketing materials.

Here are the ten categories ranked in our study: cost of doing business; workforce; quality of life; economy; transportation & infrastructure; technology & innovation; education; business friendliness; access to capital; cost of living.”

Overall, in 2010, Kentucky ranked 40 out of 50 states, making it one of the most inhospitable jurisdictions to do business. Moreover, the Commonwealth is getting worse rather than improving: it ranked 34th in 2009. While Kentucky did very well on three criteria (cost of doing business, transportation & infrastructure, and cost of living), it ranked mediocre to poorly in the other seven categories.

According to CNBC, Kentucky has an unemployment rate of 10.4 percent, a projected 2011 budget deficit of $780 million, and ranks 37th in education. Kentucky’s elected leaders’ answer to this predicament is apparently to become even more anti-business: On CNBC’s criterion of “business friendliness,” the Commonwealth ranked 39th of 50 states, down from 31st in 2009. The CNBC study defined business friendliness as “the perceived ‘friendliness’ of [a state's] legal and regulatory frameworks to business.”

It is of little solace to people in the Kentucky horse racing and breeding industry to know that they are not alone in the way state government has treated them—the state’s elected officials, as a group, are hostile to business per se. They are largely inhibitors and destroyers of economic activity, job killers rather than job creators. Reminds me of Green Bay Packers’ right tackle Henry Jordan’s quip about legendary Coach Vince Lombardi: ”He’s fair, he treats us all the same–like dogs.”

Senate President David Williams has been getting too much credit/blame for his antipathy toward racing. Although Williams is culpable, he evidently has plenty of vocal and silent co-conspirators in Kentucky government from both political parties. He did not make Kentucky so anti-business by himself and this kind of negative climate has been generations in the making. Kentucky should have had racetrack slots many years ago, so there is a lot of blame to go around to current and former elected officials in Frankfort. In my research, I can find no other case of where a state government worked against the economic interests of its signature industry.

No doubt the spin out of Frankfort will be that the CNBC report is flawed. Judge for yourself the next time you see that a Kentucky racetrack has cut purses, or read of a trainer moving his or her stable to a racino venue, or see that a stallion is being relocated from Lexington to another state with better incentives.

By the way, two other historically prominent but currently troubled racing states–New York and California—rank 45th and 49th, respectively, on “business friendliness.”

Copyright © 2010 Horse Racing Business

You are cordially invited to join

Friends of Rick Hiles – Democratic Candidate

in the general election on November 2, 2010

for Kentucky State Senator in

Jefferson County – Senate District 36

Hosted by:
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Corey and Debbee Johnsen
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D. Wayne Lukas
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Thursday, July 29, 2010
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

At the home of Ron and Linda Geary

603 Flat Rock Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40245

RSVP at 502-244-5393
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On the heels of a successful opening weekend at Ellis Park comes word of a few initiatives that, if they come to fruition, could generate or repurpose revenue for Kentucky racing. But will it be enough to keep stables of horses from leaving the state to race elsewhere?

Industry representatives the weekend of July 10 indicated movement regarding Instant Racing, legislation for which died in the Republican-controlled state Senate in late spring even though the office of the Democratic attorney general said Instant Racing could move forward with only statutory changes.

Instant Racing machines, offered at two Arkansas racetracks, resemble video lottery terminals but the outcome of games is based on previously run races, which makes them pari-mutuel in nature.

Officials said the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which would implement rules for Instant Racing, may address the plan at its next meeting July 20. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear would have to sign an emergency order should the KHRC pass regulations.

A tax rate, however, would have to be set by the state legislature. Some expressed concern over talk of the state wanting to take twice the amount of revenue the state of Arkansas receives from Instant Racing, which in Kentucky was introduced as a way to increase purses and breed development funds.

The devices haven’t been tested in a crowded gambling market, so revenue projections for Kentucky tracks are sketchy. A hefty tax rate could keep tracks from building facilities to accommodate Instant Racing, officials said.

“We heard (Instant Racing is in the mix), and we also heard the state wants to over-tax it,” trainer William “Buff” Bradley said July 10 at Ellis Park. “We’ll just have to wait until something happens.”

“I can’t help but think that in a Democratic form of government, the legislature will hear the wishes of the people and see that its signature industry is fading away,” Ellis Park owner Ron Geary said. “But I always try to be realistic. It’s really hard to handicap.”

When legislation authorizing racetrack video lottery terminals made no headway in the General Assembly earlier this year, and Instant Racing was torpedoed later in the session, there was speculation little if anything would happen the rest of 2010. Action on Instant Racing, as well as a look at pari-mutuel statutes, could change that.

Republican Sen. Damon Thayer said July 11 proposed legislation has the working title “Horse Racing Reform Act of 2011.”

“I am reviewing all the statutes affecting racing in Kentucky and considering reforms that could help the industry,” Thayer said. “A potential bill could include some of the elements the Senate passed this year, like (advance deposit wagering) reporting and transparency, as well as changes to Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund eligibility that would allow funds to be used for claiming races.”

Thayer said he met with David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, to seek input. The KTA, he said, has formed a working group to offer suggestions and ideas.

Thus far there has been no public discussion about the prospects for racetrack VLTs in 2011, which will feature a gubernatorial election in Kentucky.

Surprises at Ellis Park

The racing opening weekend at Ellis Park, located about three hours west of Lexington, caught some by surprise. Purses averaged $176,000 over two days, while average field size was 9.63, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems.

Also-eligible lists and excluded horses were common when entries were drawn. Most of the higher-level maiden and allowance races filled.

“We’re pleasantly surprised based on the Churchill Downs meet and the problems they had filling races,” Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Marty Maline said. “I think our cheaper races and turf races will work really well as long as the turf course holds up.”

Geary, who purchased Ellis Park from Churchill Downs Inc. in 2006, credited racing secretary Dan Bork for the early success.

“We’ve had total cooperation across the state of Kentucky,” Geary said. “Dan has been monitoring it and said a lot of Kentucky trainers are going to leave some horses here to take advantage of the good purses. I’m optimistic now, and usually I’m pretty guarded.”

With Indiana Downs and its turf course ending its Thoroughbred meet July 14, Ellis Park will catch a break before Hoosier Park in Indiana opens July 30 to overlap the rest of the Ellis Park meet through Labor Day. But Ellis Park has a turf course; Hoosier Park does not.

Geary said cutting live racing days in half to 27 last year was out of “desperation,” but proved a success, so he requested a similar schedule for 2010. He currently plans to apply for 2011 dates, but isn’t sure how many.

Ellis Park benefited from a 2009 purse underpayment of a couple hundred thousand dollars, money that helped increase purses for 2010. Geary said the shutdown of full-card simulcasts saved operating costs and is part of the survival plan even though the track generates no off-season purse revenue and would rather not lay off more than 70 employees.

The track will close Sept. 30 and probably not reopen until spring of 2011.

“It worked out to be a good plan—better than we thought,” Geary said. “A good portion of our purses comes from live handle. Anymore, our simulcast handle is not a major contributor to purses. Long-term it’s not going to get us there, but it gives us a chance for survival down the road.”

Maline said the Ellis Park shutdown, approved by the KHRC, took about $200,000 in purse money out of the mix for the Turfway winter/spring meet. He said when full-card simulcasts became law in 1994, the revenue splits were predicated on all tracks being open year-round and contributing to purses.

“It really can’t work unless everybody is rowing in the same direction,” Maline said.

Ongoing Turfway Park concerns

Maline said horsemen are dealing with the fallout from the July 6 announcement that Turfway Park has eliminated this year’s Kentucky Cup Day of Champions to save $400,000 that will go to maintain overnight purses at about $125,000 a day. A cutback to four days of live racing from five for the late summer-early fall meet wasn’t unexpected.

“The problem is the purse structure up there,” Maline said. “When it was formed, the idea was for breeders to help sponsor Kentucky Cup. When simulcasting was new in Kentucky, purses averaged $250,000 a day at Turfway, so we were able to sustain the purses without sponsorships.

“The day-in and day-out horsemen saw themselves losing several hundred thousand dollars in purses. Last year it almost looked like we’d have to cut purses after Kentucky Cup.”

Bradley, a member of the Kentucky HBPA board of directors, called the Turfway situation “depressing.” He will race in Kentucky through the fall, then probably ship to South Florida like he did last winter.

“It’s hard to believe Kentucky’s signature industry is in so much trouble and we don’t see anybody (doing anything to help it),” said Bradley, whose father, Fred, was a Kentucky lawmaker in the 1980s. “Someone needs to take control of this.

“You can’t have a whole stable and run across the board (with horses at various levels) in Kentucky anymore. We’ve got to look at the whole picture of Kentucky racing. People are trying out different circuits (with tracks that have purses aided by gaming revenue) to experiment, but at some point, they’ll leave Kentucky entirely.

“We really need a year-round circuit to keep everyone in the state.”

Turfway president Bob Elliston said the combination of a purse overpayment necessitated by four-day weeks in March and a 17% decline in full-card simulcast handle created problems for the upcoming meet, which runs through early October. Elliston indicated, however, the horse population should be sufficient.

“What the quality of the racing will be, I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll probably have to card more claiming races than we would prefer to see, but there are a good number of Kentucky-bred horses in proximity to us when they come back to prepare for the Keeneland and Churchill meets.”

Longtime owner Mike Bruder, who has reduced his stable from more than 20 horses to less than 10, said he ships horses to Indiana Downs and Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania whenever they can get in races because of the purse structures. Years ago, he raced predominantly in the Bluegrass State.

“If they don’t get alternative gaming in Kentucky, put a fork in it,” Bruder said. “This place is in dire straits, and Turfway is in dire straits. Until the legislators in Kentucky come up to the plate, it’s going to be like a rollercoaster going downhill without any breaks.”

Said Geary, who is a tad more optimistic this year: “As a Kentuckian, never in my wildest dreams did I think the Kentucky legislature would turn its back on the horse industry. That being said, it doesn’t mean we can’t find a way to make it work.”

Turfway Park plans to eliminate its four Wednesday race cards and all but one stakes race from its fall meet, a move track president Bob Elliston says is necessary to keep its daily purses at last year's already depressed levels.

Among the casualties is the entire Kentucky Cup Day of Champions card, which has produced the winners of seven Breeders' Cup races. The Kentucky Cup was reduced to three stakes in 2009 -- the Grade II Classic, Grade III Distaff and Grade III Sprint -- after its two 2-year-old races were dropped.

The winner of last year's Classic, Furthest Land, went on to win the $1million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

"It's just another blow to Kentucky racing," said Mike Maker, who trains Furthest Land. "That's terrible."

Maker has won more races in Kentucky than any trainer, but he said that cuts in race days and purses at Kentucky tracks could make him reconsider where he races.

The only fall stakes that will be run is the $100,000, Grade III Turfway Park Fall Championship. That 1½-mile race is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "win-and-you're in" stakes, and its winner automatically qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Marathon field.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission will review the track's planned cuts at its July20 meeting. If the commission approves them, which is almost a certainty, Turfway will run Thursday through Sunday Sept.9 through Oct.3, with 16 cards instead of the previously scheduled 20.

The track also has asked to move its fall post times on Thursday and Friday to 5:30p.m. instead of 7p.m.

"It's unfortunate, but that's what we're about now: cutting days," said Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association.

"If we lose Turfway, for all intents and purposes, we lose Kentucky racing from the standpoint of a circuit," he said. "It's barely viable now. But we will lose so many of our horsemen who are forced to make other arrangements. ... It's almost not 'if' anymore but 'when' we lose it. That's what's scary.

Elliston said eliminating Wednesdays and moving the $400,000 from the Kentucky Cup races into non-stakes races will allow the track to average about $125,000 a day in purses. That's the same as 2009 and 2008, which he said were the lowest since whole-card simulcasting began in the early 1990s.

Indiana Downs' purses are about double those offered by Turfway after a recent 30percent purse increase, Elliston said. While Indiana Downs closes next week, Turfway will face competition from Hoosier Park, whose purses should be similar to those of Indiana Downs.

Both Indiana tracks have purses enhanced by video slots.

"It's just extraordinary how they've managed to use alternative-gaming supplements to support their purse program, like West Virginia Derby did before, like Pennsylvania did before," Elliston said in a phone interview. "So here we find ourselves having to maintain a level that's not even competitive, honestly."

Elliston noted that every track in the state has made cuts, including Churchill Downs from a five- to four-day race week in the spring, Ellis Park racing three days a week and Keeneland cutting more than $1million out of its fall purses.

The Kentucky Cup was created in 1994 by former track owner Jerry Carroll. The first year, Preakness and Belmont winner Tabasco Cat beat a field that included future Hall of Famer Best Pal in the Classic. The purse for the Classic got as high as $500,000 before being gradually cut to $200,000 last year.

KC Classic winners included Derby and Belmont winner Thunder Gulch and Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm (in a dead-heat).

March 22, 2010

MEMORANDUM

TO: Ky. HBPA President and Board of Directors
FROM: Marty Maline
RE: Starving horses

On Thursday, March 18, 2010, Mike Bruder and I travelled to the Vanderburgh County 4-H center where we viewed, first hand, the horses recently confiscated from a farm in Evansville, Indiana, and donated a check from the KHBPA to assist the care and feeding of the horses.



Having viewed the aftermath of three fires and a tornado and the devastation they caused I felt I was prepared to deal with what Mike and I were about to witness. I was terribly wrong.

The appalling physical condition of the eighteen horses was beyond comprehension and you wonder how anyone would allow this to happen.

There were two very young horses suspected to be near six months old, yet their body weight was closer to a foal of two months of age. One of the young horses, due to his lack of proper nutrition, had one leg that appeared to be useless and would probably not survive.

Another horse was suffering from some type of fungus that had literally eaten away the hide on his back. Several of the horses are in danger of losing their feet. Many were emaciated and very weak. Manure was caked on their fur so thick and so close to the skin that in order to cut it off would require cutting into the skin. A halter was embedded into one of the broodmare’s neck, yet it could not be sutured due to the danger of infection from the manure.

One young filly had experienced numerous episodes with colic and is not expected to live. Yet she struggled to her feet and on very unsteady legs walked over to me and nudged my hand.

Several horses had only stubs for tails since the others had eaten them for the little amount of food it provided. The broodmares are in foal, but the babies are expected to be born dead since all of the mares are skin and bones and not capable of providing any type of nutrition to the foals they are carrying.

The people caring for the horses are volunteers and they are in need of help. People are donating bedding and some feed, but for eighteen horses the need is great. Mary, one of the ladies, explained that they are using poultice on many of the horse’s legs in an attempt to draw out the fluid collecting there. Yet the cost is nearly forty dollars per pail. Apparently, the swelling is due to the fact that most of the horse’s kidneys are not functioning correctly, instead of urine flushing waste from their systems the flow is white like condensed milk.

They estimated that many of the horses when recovered from the farm were approximately two weeks away from dying from starvation.

People interested in donating to the horse’s valiant effort to survive can be mailed or dropped off to:
Animal Care and Control
Attn: Spirit Medical Fund
815 Uhlhorn Street
Evansville, Indiana 47710-2729

March 5, 2010

The second meeting of the Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the 2010 Winter/Spring race meeting was held on Friday, March 5, 2010.

Robert Elliston, President; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent, attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Dave England and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

IGNORING BARRICADES-It has been reported that people are driving down the main road during training hours ignoring the barricades. Besides endangering people and horses going back and forth to the racetrack, it is also against the rules. Security will be closely monitoring this situation and anyone violating the track policy will be brought before the stewards for disciplinary action.

ELECTRICAL ISSUES IN BARN 15-Chip reported that Mayer’s electric has repaired the breaker box that had created concern to horsemen in the barn.

OFFICE SPACE-Due to the replacement of the furnace in the administration building, the office originally occupied by representatives of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund (KRHWF), the Thoroughbred Addiction Council of Kentucky (TACK) and the Horsemen’s Retirement Fund is now housing the heating unit. Chip explained that the Clocker’s office will be moved and office space will be available in his old office. They will see that the equipment presently in his office will be moved.

METAL FOUND ON THE RACETRACK-Jeff explained that the two small pieces of metal found in the chute at the quarter pole were portions of two teeth that dislodged from track equipment. He explained that it was an isolated event and was by no means a common occurring event.

HORSE PATH-Chip reported that security continues to monitor vehicle traffic on the horse path and violators have been admonished and repeated events may lead to exclusion from the backstretch.

TRAINING IN THE AFTERNOONS-Turfway Park and the Horsemen’s Committee agreed that no training should take place in the afternoon. It may create a dangerous situation and will not be tolerated. Training will only be allowed during training hours.

TRACK KITCHEN-A discussion ensued regarding the track kitchen. Specifically, the fact that rent was increased appreciably. Therefore, prices for food have been increased and hours of operation reduced. Bob Elliston explained that rent has not been increased in twenty-five years and Turfway expects that the kitchen operation will not be drastically changed.

PURSE STATUS-Currently the purse account is overpaid approximately $50,000 as compared to $40,000 underpaid last year which is a $90,000 difference. Bob Elliston explained that out of state simulcasting of Turfway’s signal is up 19% due to the large fields. On track and in state simulcasting to the other Kentucky racetracks has been decidedly reduced. He further explained that by not sending to Ellis Park, Turfway Park’s revenue for purses and Ellis Park’s revenue for purses is down approximately $200,000 at both locations.

POTHOLE DETAIL-Cliff reported that approximately 100 holes have been patched but as the weather moderates plenty more work is scheduled to be done. Bill Connelly pointed out some key areas which need attention.

HYDRANTS LEAKING-Cliff explained that they continue to address hydrant issues, he requested that horsemen not tie horses to the hydrant. In one instance, they had to repair a hydrant twice that had been damaged due to being used as a hitching post for a horse.

LEAKING IN BARN 22-Cliff maintains that the issue in barn 22 with water in stalls has been corrected.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-Bob Elliston explained that they along with other horsemen’s representatives continue to visit with legislators in an effort to explain to them that help for the horse industry is needed now and without it racing in Kentucky will continue to erode. He appealed to horsemen to, once again, contact your legislators and express your concern.

EQUIBASE-Bob Elliston explained that Equibase will soon have a new program available for horsemen in Kentucky. Once they receive an owner and/or trainer’s e-mail address, they will make Past Performances available for the specific race the horse is in via e-mail. Bob explained that he expects the program to be available for Turfway Park’s Fall race meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Martin Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

A surprisingly good night for business on a winter evening at Turfway Park doesn't hide the fact Kentucky's year-round Thoroughbred racing industry is in serious trouble. Click here to view the full story or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/55049/clock--or-time-bomb--ticking-in-kentucky

Article can be viewed at: http://www.bluebluegrass.com/?p=2552

January 14, 2010

The first meeting of the Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the 2010 Winter/Spring race meeting was held on Thursday, January 14, 2010.

Robert Elliston, President; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer; and Rick Leigh, Director of Racing attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Dave England, Wayne Mogge, Jeff Greenhill, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

1.) LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-Bob Elliston provided a legislative update. He explained that, as reported, he and Kevin Flannery, President, of Churchill Downs met with Senator Damon Thayer regarding his proposed legislation. Both he and Kevin felt it was prudent to meet with Senator Thayer in an effort to review concerns that participants in the Kentucky racing industry have with Damon’s legislation. Specifically, the open bidding process, that may allow another casino interest the opportunity to outbid a racetrack and build a casino in the same county as the racetrack. This will surely cause the demise of the racetrack and thousands of jobs will be lost. In addition, the time lost attempting to pass the constitutional amendment will enable the Ohio casinos to become solidly entrenched. Finally, both Ohio and Indiana will spend millions of dollars to defeat the constitutional amendment in Kentucky. The consensus is that Damon was not swayed to help the racing industry and the thousands of jobs it represents.

2.) PURSE STATUS-The current status of the purse balance is approximately $208,000 overpaid. In 2009 this figure was a $450,000 underpayment. Bob explained that due to the full fields of horses, out of state simulcasting has been very positive. Bob expressed his appreciation to horsemen and jockeys that have braved the frigid conditions thus far to assure full fields without cancellations. In addition, the horsemen’s efforts in opening the ADW markets have proved beneficial. The shortfall is from on track handle and the intertrack wagering at Kentucky’s racetracks. He stated that Turfway has been especially hard hit by Ellis Park’s decision not to open this winter. This is due to the fact that not only does Turfway Park split what is wagered on Turfway Park races, they also receive half of the commissions on wagering from all other simulcasting signals received by Ellis Park like Gulfstream, Fairgrounds, Santa Anita and Oaklawn. By sending to the Indiana OTB in Evansville, Turfway Park only receives a portion that is wagered on Turfway Parks racing signal and not the other racetracks.

3.) PUBLICITY EFFORTS-The committee discussed publicity and advertising in an effort to stimulate on track business. Bob assured the committee that even though they have been incredibly frugal due to the severe economic climate they have not reduced their advertising budget. In addition, they are using Facebook and other means to generate interest in coming to Turfway Park.

4.) INSTANT RACING-In response to a question regarding the instant racing machines that are currently in use at Oaklawn Park, Bob explained that Turfway is exploring every option including the instant racing machines, although he emphasized that they do not produce the same amount of revenue for purses and racetracks that slot machines generate.

5.) SUMMER STABLING-Bob informed the committee that they have no intention of shutting down Turfway Park for summer stabling. He explained that maintaining at least 400 horses on the grounds is essential, but they anticipate that will be accomplished especially since Indiana Downs has limited stabling and being at Turfway Park provides horsemen the option of running at several different locations.

6.) WORK ORDERS-Chip explained that if anyone, after filling out a work order, feels it is not being addressed on a timely basis please call the switch board and ask for him.

7.) RACING SURFACE-Several members of committee expressed confidence in the racetrack since Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendant began using the new piece of equipment called a “cultivator.” Recently, in addition, several jockeys and horsemen have also been complimentary according to Chip.

8.) TRAINING-Chip requested a clarification from the committee on what they might consider a justifiable reason for canceling training. The committee stated that it hinges on weather conditions. They explained that at 5 degrees or below it would probably be appropriate to cancel training. However, they cautioned that if the forecast predicts the next day it is going to be zero degrees, than the 5 degrees may be acceptable. They cautioned that the problem is losing multiple days in succession. A discussion ensued regarding the day that training was rescheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 instead of the normal 6:00 to 10:00. Bob explained that with the impending snowstorm they wanted to give horsemen the opportunity to train. He emphasized that even though the track remained open until the snow actually started falling, the surface was in jeopardy because they did not have the opportunity to properly prepare it. Therefore in the event of a similar situation, horsemen will be required to end training to provide for a suitable amount of time to prepare the track for the snow.

9.)HORSE PATH-The committee expressed anger at the person who repeatedly is driving on the horse path causing ruts that freeze at night and create a dangerous condition to horses using the horse path in the morning. The person responsible is placing their privilege to drive on the backstretch in jeopardy.

10.) GROOM ELITE PROGRAM-Chip explained that the nationally acclaimed groom elite program will be offered at Turfway Park in late February and early March. The program provides an opportunity for grooms and potential candidates to be grooms to improve their horsemanship skills. As the time approaches further information will be provided to anyone interested.

11.) HUMANE EFFORT-Dave England expressed his appreciation to horsemen, Turfway Park, and KHBPA with a special recognition to Jamie Fowler for donating and collecting feed and supplies for the horses that were found starving on a farm in Bethel, Ohio. The effort was a perfect indication of how horsemen come together to help at a time of crisis.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline
Executive Director, KHBPA

A number of jockeys, trainers and other Turfway Park employees worked together to help horses previously removed from a farm in Clermont County. These horses had been under the care of Chad Moore. After reports of starving animals were received by authorities, a number of horses were found in very poor condition and quite a few were already dead. Jamie Fowler, a Jockey agent, drove barn to barn at Turfway Park collecting donations of feed, hay, buckets and other supplies to be used in the care of these horses. The Kentucky HBPA, through David England, also donated money to help these horses. Currently the Clermont County Shelther is helping to oversee the horses’ recovery and are accepting donations for these horses at their facility on Filager Road in Batavia. They still need items such as grass hay, alfalfa cubes, bagged or bailed bedding, wheelbarrows and blankets.

On the left is Dana Ollier and on the right is Jamie Fowler.

December 18, 2009

The second meeting of the Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the 2009 Holiday race meeting was held on Friday, December 18, 2009.

Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer, Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; and Rick Leigh, Director of Racing attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Dave England, Wayne Mogge, Jeff Greenhill, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

1.) LIGHTS ON THE BACKSTRETCH-Cliff Brown explained that upon attempting to correct the lights issue near in the vicinity of the receiving barn they became aware that it was actually a wire problem. He is attempting to pull the wire through the conduit underground but so far has been unsuccessful. It may require trenching the area to access the wires. At the present time, he has corrected the problem on a temporary basis. The lights in the parking area that occasionally are not working is due to a timer issue and requires overriding the timer to assure that the lights are on. In response to a question by Dave England regarding the speaker system, Cliff Brown suggested that they will see if it is attributable to the amplifier.

2.) OUTRIDERS-The issue still exists. Horsemen have requested that one outrider be positioned on the backstretch of the racetrack to address problems that occur near that gap. Chip explained that the outriders are of the opinion that when there is a loose horse they work better in tandem. The horsemen’s committee questioned this logic. Chip suggested that he will contact other racetracks to see what protocol they follow.

3.) PURSE STATUS-After a discussion with Cliff Reed, Chief Financial Officer, the previous morning it appears that the December race meeting will end in the vicinity of $200,000 overpaid in purses. He is of the opinion that with the limited days in January and February, hopefully, that can be eliminated. While the reduced race meeting is uncharted waters, so to speak, he is hesitant to suggest that purses will be increased any time soon or that extra days can be added. He did mention that possibly if entries remain strong and that is reflected in more money being wagered perhaps more races can be added on the days that we are racing.

4.) HAY TRUCKS ON THE HORSE PATH-Feed trucks or horse vans maneuvering on the horse path are causing deep ruts which may be dangerous to horses. In an effort to alleviate the problem, Chip suggested that a strongly worded letter will be composed explaining that any van or feed truck found to stray onto the horse path without alerting the guard shack may have their privileges to travel on the backstretch revoked.

5.) ELIMINATING TRAINING ON MONDAYS-The horsemen’s committee agreed to poll horsemen at Turfway Park to determine if it is acceptable not to train on Mondays when the race meeting reduces to three days in January and February. Horsemen committee members emphasized that this is a temporary solution and should not be contemplated as a permanent alternative.

6.) CO 2 TESTING-On occasion, the racing commission veterinarians are cutting it too close and taking blood from horses just as they are ready to leave the barn to race. Rick Leigh expressed the opinion that it is the purview of the stewards to rectify this problem and make sure the veterinarians are taking blood samples within a reasonable amount of time.

7.) POTENTIAL SNOW EMERGENCY-Chip explained that they are well prepared to deal with the inclement weather. Salt has been distributed to the barns and the company responsible for salting and scraping the barn area is prepared. Chip also mentioned additional salt is available to horsemen at the salt pile.

8.) WATER LINE PROJECT-Bill Connelly commented that the water line problem has been satisfactorily corrected. However, the pile of debris left behind is creating a hazard. Cliff Brown assured that the issue will be addressed promptly.

9.) RACING SURFACE-Horsemen have commented that kickback and balling up in the horses feet continue to be significant issues. Jeff commented that they are attempting to address the issues with the cultivator which appeared to work at Woodbine in Canada. In addition, they are in constant communication with the polytrack experts in an effort to alleviate the two issues. He expressed the opinion that watering the track is not a solution especially with temperatures below 32 degrees. In addition, the weight of the water tracks also creates additional problems, but if water turns out to be the only solution, Jeff will contact Keeneland since they have trucks better suited to distribute the weight on the track.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline
Executive Director, KHBPA

December 2, 2009

The first meeting of the Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the 2009 Holiday race meeting was held on Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Reed, Chief Financial Officer; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; and Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Dave England, Wayne Mogge, and Marty attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

PURSE STATUS-The committee discussed the state of the purse account comparing last year to this year. In 2008, starting with the Holiday race meeting, the underpayment of horsemen’s purses was $902.000. This year the purse account starting with the Holiday race meeting is $22,500. The question to Cliff Reed, will the purses be maintained at the present level running five days per week and twelve races on Friday? Cliff felt confident that the purse level can be maintained at this level, but he cautioned that there are no guarantees.

OUTRIDERS-Horsemen have asked that one of the outriders be positioned near the gap on the backside of the racetrack. Chip said he would address the situation with the outriders.

RUTS AT THE END OF THE ROAD-The committee requested that the ruts in the vicinity of the horse path at the entrance of the racetrack near the newer barns be smoothed out. Bill Connelly also reminded Jeff that the entire horse path needs to be attended to on a regular basis now that the weather is changing and the possibility of frozen ruts becomes an issue.

LOADING CHUTE-The committee requested that Turfway consider constructing another loading chute in the vicinity of barn 14 which allows plenty of room for vans to maneuver. Chip said he will see if this is a project that can be addressed with Backstretch Improvement Commission funds.

RACING SURFACE-A discussion ensued regarding tilling the surface and the problems it causes. Committee members explained that the degree of change and lack of consistency are the major issues. Jeff explained that he receives several calls about it, but it is absolutely necessary and recommended by the developer of the racing surface. Chip explained that they are attempting to communicate with horsemen to give them advanced notice of when the surface will be tilled. Jeff also mentioned that they have recently purchased a new piece of equipment that the track superintendent at Keeneland highly recommends. It may enable Jeff to till it less and use this equipment more which will not cause the drastic changes in the depth of the track surface.

TRASH CONTAINERS-Chip agreed to make more trash containers available, they just need to know who needs them. One committee member suggested since trash pickup is three days a week the present number should be adequate.

EXTRA HALF HOUR OF TRAINING-Committee members felt that the current 6:00 to 10:00 schedule is appropriate. As far as safety issues, the lights are creating shadows in the morning. Cliff Brown suggested that he will make sure that the lights are working properly.

ESPN CHANNELS ON THE BACKSTRETCH-The committee asked Chip to address the fact that someone in the video room on the front side is constantly switching channels so that people living on the backside are being deprived of seeing ESPN on a regular basis. He said he would look into the situation.

CHRISTMAS PARTY-The annual Christmas party for horsemen and their families will be held on Tuesday, December 8, from six o’clock until eight o’clock on the third floor of the terrace in the grandstand. Dinner will be served at 6:00 and presents will be handed out to children from ages 12 and under starting at 7:30 until 8:00.

SALT BARRELS-The salt barrels will be out and filled with salt by tomorrow.

PROJECTS-Cliff Brown explained that the waterline in the vicinity of barn 19 will be fixed. The walls of the manure bins will be reinforced and the issue of the pothole in the vicinity will be addressed.

Respectfully submitted,

Martin A. Maline
Executive Director KHBPA

Next Tuesday, December 8, 2009 there will be a special election for the state senate seat for the 14th District. Jodie Haydon is supportive of the horse racing industry’s push for expanded gaming in the state of Kentucky. Please make sure you get out and vote or if you know anyone who resides in these areas, that you encourage them to get out and vote. The 14th District is as follows:

Marion County:
-Lebanon
-Loretto

Mercer County:
-Harrodsburg
-Burgin

Nelson County:
-Bardstown
-New Haven
-Bloomfield

Washington County:
-Springfield
-Willisburg

Taylor County:
-Campbellsville

Also, if you are in House District 96, please be sure to get out and vote for that special election as well. Barry Webb is the candidate supportive of the gaming issue in this race. Thank you!

December 1, 2009

The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA) unanimously elected Rick Hiles to his second consecutive term as KHBPA President. Rick also was elected as KHBPA president for two terms in the 1990s.

“It is both an honor and privilege to serve horsemen in this capacity,” Rick commented. “We have proactively addressed the ADW issue to assure horsemen an equitable share of the revenue and we will continue our efforts to pursue a slot initiative with the General Assembly.” Rick will also continue his appointment by Governor Beshear as the KHBPA representative to the Kentucky Equine Drug Council.

Frank Jones and Dale Romans were elected by the Board as First and Second Vice Presidents respectively.

Upon Rick’s ascendancy to the position of President, Dave England the first alternate is now a Director.

The Finance Committee consists of Frank Jones, Mike Bruder and Kenny McPeek.

The Benevolence Committee is composed of Ann Banks, Dr. Randy Sheen and Pete Salmen.

The Backstretch Committees are Wm. “Buff” Bradley and Dale Romans at Churchill Downs; Bill Connelly and Dave England at Turfway Park; Mike Bruder and R.L Williams at Ellis Park and Dave Banks and R.C. Sturgeon at the Thoroughbred Horse Center.

NEWS RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Marty Maline, Executive Director, Kentucky HBPA (502) 363-1077

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2009

The accounting firm of Buschermohle & Company, PSC has certified the election of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA) Board of Directors.

Owner Directors:

Ann Banks
Mike Bruder
Frank Jones, Jr.
Peter Salmen, Jr.
Dr. Randy Scheen

First Alternate:

Jack Stewart

Owner/Trainer Directors:

William “Buff” Bradley
William Connelly
Rick Hiles
Kenneth McPeek Dale Romans

First Alternate:

Dave England

The first meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2009. The Board will elect a President.

You should have or will soon be receiving your ballot for the 2009 KHBPA Board of Directors election. If you have not received a ballot, please contact your local KHBPA office. Please see below for a list of candidates.

Trainer or Owner/Trainer Candidates

William "Buff" Bradley
William Connelly
Bert Edwards
David England
Jerry Joe Greenwell
Rick Hiles
Kenneth McPeek
Dale Romans
Jere Smith Jr
R.C. Sturgeon
Keith York

Owner Only Candidates

Ann Banks
Mike Bruder
Nelson Clemmens
Murrell Farmer
Frank Jones Jr
Joan Miller
Dana Ollier
Peter Salmen Jr
Dr. Randy Scheen
Jack Stewart

September 18, 2009

A meeting of the Turfway Park horsemen’s committee was held on September 18, 2009.

Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Reed, Chief Financial Officer; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; and Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer; represented Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Wayne Mogge, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

NTRA SAFETY & INTEGRITY ALLIANCE-Mike Ziegler, Executive Director, of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance accreditation program explained the purpose and significance of their efforts to approve Turfway Park for accreditation.

PURSE STATUS-Cliff Reed reviewed the current status of the purse account as it compares to the Fall race meeting of 2008. In 2008 the race meeting began with an underpayment of $1,342,113. This year in contrast that figure is $515,000. He explained that various issues are involved that have created the drastic difference. We left the 2008 Spring race meeting of 2009 with a sizable overpayment in purses as compared to 2008. The TVG source market fees are appreciably lower, together with a downturn in business have reduced the revenue available for purses.

In response to a question regarding the purse structure for the winter meeting, Cliff explained that he and Bob Elliston will be making projections following the Fall race meeting. At that point they will determine the most reasonable approach for the winter race meeting taking into account the number of days and the purse structure to be offered.

TRACK SURFACE-Jeff Chapman explained the steps including additional wax and carpet fiber added to the track prior to the Fall race meeting. Based on research conducted by Dr. Mick Peterson, and Dr. Phillips the feeling is that this will greatly reduce the problems with kickback and surface sticking to horse’s feet. In addition, Jeff mentioned that it appears that the improved surface requires less maintenance.

WATER LINE ISSUES ON THE BACKSTRETCH-Cliff Brown reviewed the status of water line issues in the barn area. He explained that they are bringing in a backhoe to address the lines that are creating the nuisance. In addition, he discussed his method of resolving the continued clogging of drains in various areas. Chip commented that the projects including wash racks and paving have been completed with the exception of the problem area adjacent to the administration building. Thus far, one car and two entry clerks have disappeared in the vicinity of the mammoth hole.

GARBAGE PICKUP-A discussion ensued regarding the revised system for garbage removal on the backstretch. Committee members remarked that the system actually works well especially with the reminders from the guard shack to get your garbage cans ready. Horsemen having difficulties, they suggested, are probably not aware of the new procedure that garbage cans must be placed next to the main road. If there is confusion, check with other horsemen or track security and they will explain where to locate your can.

RACING PROGRAM AVAILABILITY-The committee requested that the programs be made available earlier than 10:00 each day. Apparently, Ellis Park has the same company making programs, but they were available much earlier. Chip explained that he would see if an earlier time is possible.

MUTUAL CLERK IN HORSEMEN’S HALL-The committee requested that Turfway consider, once again, having a mutual clerk in the recreation hall. It is creating a tremendous hardship on the kitchen proprietor and an inconvenience to horsemen. Chip said that he would explore the idea with Bob Elliston.

WORK ORDER DELAY-Cliff Brown explained that occasionally he must prioritize work orders, but he will do his best to address the problems in a timely manner.

INDIANA “STRANGLES” OUTBREAK-Chip explained that they are in constant communication with the Department of Agriculture and are taking all precautions necessary to assure that the contagious disease does not spread to Turfway Park.

MANURE PICKUP-The committee requested that the company responsible for picking up the manure should attempt to focus on not spilling straw and manure throughout the barn area. It is especially frustrating to the outfits attempting to keep their areas clean. The committee suggested pursuing the purchase of a vacuuming unit similar to Presque Isle that would assist in keeping the barn area clean.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KHBPA and Turfway Park sign contract extension.

The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA) agreed to an extension of the purse contract until the end of the 2010 winter/spring race meeting. The contract extension was signed by Rick Hiles, President of the KHBPA, and Bob Elliston, President of Turfway Park on September 1, 2009. The KHBPA has sent the customary letter of consent to simulcast the Turfway Park racing signal to various outlets.

“The KHBPA board felt that a contract extension was the pragmatic approach to the fluid situation that currently exists in Kentucky with regard to the racing industry,” commented Marty Maline, Executive Director of the KHBPA. “We realize that Turfway is in a vary precarious position due to the competition of surrounding racing jurisdictions fueled by slot enriched purses and we encourage horsemen to support racing at Turfway Park by filling the entry box just as they did at Ellis Park.”

Nominating meetings will be held for the 2009 Kentucky HBPA election for Board of Directors. You may nominate a horseman at this meeting and it will be accepted if seconded by two other members. Nominating meetings will be held at the following locations:

• Turfway Park, 10:00 am in the recreation hall on August 26
• The Thoroughbred Center, 10:00 am outside the HBPA office on August 27
• Keeneland, 12:00 pm in the track kitchen on August 27
• Churchill Downs, 10:00 am in the recreation hall on August 28
• Ellis Park, 10:00 am in the picnic area on August 29

Members may also submit a nominating petition with at least 15 signatures. Please contact your local HBPA office with any questions and to obtain a petition or you can get one on our website at www.kyhbpa.org. Thank you!

July 31, 2009

The second meeting of the 2009 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee meeting was held on Friday, July 31, 2009.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park, Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President; Bob Jackson, Director of Operations and Dan Bork, Director of Racing.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman, and Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

PURSE STATUS - Greg presented an update and while it has dipped a little the wagering is still strong. Mike Bruder suggested that after monitoring a Friday or two, we should seriously consider a purse raise if the business warrants it. The horsemen who have supported Ellis Park with the limited amount of race days offered should be rewarded for their perseverance.

PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM - The P.A. system continues to be an issue. Mike suggested that the steward’s should be alerted so that in the event horses are late to the paddock because of not hearing the message they will receive consideration and not be fined.

TVG - Mike requested that Bob impress upon the TVG hierarchy that the horsemen and wagering public are interested in viewing Ellis Park’s races on a more regular basis. Bob explained that, thus far, HRTV has shown a number of the races, but TVG has been somewhat disappointing in their coverage.

HORSEMEN’S PICNIC - The annual KHBPA/Ellis Park horsemen’s picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2009.

DRIVING THROUGH BARRICADES - People driving through the barricades early in the morning are endangering horsemen and horses going to and from the track. Monitoring will begin immediately and those violating the policy will be dealt with severely, beginning with a trip to the stewards to explain why they feel they should be entitled to violate this safety policy that has been in place for several years.

WAGERING MACHINES ON THE BACKSIDE - Mike suggested that the self service betting machines should be turned on and available in the room adjacent to the kitchen for horsemen who would like to wager on other tracks on the days that Ellis Park is dark. Bob felt he should be able to get this done.

ENTRIES - Dan Bork requested that horsemen please help by getting the word out that, with Racing Commission approval on Tuesday, we will be racing on Fridays starting on August 7, 2009.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

July 16, 2009

The first meeting of the 2009 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee meeting was held on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park, Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President; Mark Geary, Director of Development, Bob Jackson, Director of Operation, and Dan Bork, Director of Racing.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman; R.L. “Bobby” Williams, and Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

MANURE/TRASH PICKUP - Bob Jackson explained that the delay in manure and trash pickup is due to both of the “loaders” being down. He expects the repairs to be completed by today.

P.A. SYSTEM - Cards have been ordered for the amplifiers and are expected to be inserted in the very near future.

STRONG ENTRIES - Dan Bork reported that entries have remained fairly strong, especially entries in the grass races. Regarding running on Fridays during August, he explained that his understanding is that they will review that possibility after assessing how entries go for the next two weeks.

PURSE STATUS - Greg Hardt stated that he has not received the figures necessary to provide an up to date status of the purse account. Marty explained that it is difficult to determine if additional days are appropriate without knowing the status of the purse account. In addition, Mike Bruder requested an update on the underpayment available from the off season. Greg informed the committee that due to the ice storm during the winter which caused Ellis to lose several days of simulcasting and also Churchill Downs cutting back in days, the revenue for purses was significantly decreased from prior years.

HORSE ELECTROCUTED - Marty informed the committee that the HBPA fire and disaster insurance is prepared to pay for the horse that was tragically electrocuted when it bit into a fan cord.

TVG UPDATE - Bob Jackson explained that they still do not have an arrangement with TVG to televise Ellis Park races. Marty stated that the KHBPA President and Board are disappointed that this matter has not been resolved, and he has been instructed to contact TVG in an effort to facilitate a deal. In addition, Bob explained that HRTV, owned in part by Churchill Downs still refuses to show the Ellis Park signal.

HORSEMEN’S PICNIC - There will be a horsemen’s picnic; the date is still to be set.

BREEDER’S CUP - After being informed that the Breeder’s Cup had decided to withdraw funding part of the Ellis Park Turf Stake the KHBPA contacted them. They have agreed to fund $25,000 of the race and the other $25,000 will be funded by the marketing account.

POST TIME CHANGE - Mike Bruder asked about the reasoning behind the earlier post time. Bob explained that it coincides well with other racetracks across the country. In addition, Dan commented that it works well with the number of ship-ins and their interest in getting on the road as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline
Ex. Dir. KHBPA

Horsemen’s Rally

There is going to be a post-vote rally at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:30pm for all Kentucky Horsemen. Both Governor Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo are expected to attend.

Spread the word to everyone you know! Please plan on attending and take whomever you can with you to this important demonstration. We need to show our resolve despite the negative vote from the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee Monday evening.

Keeneland is located at 4201 Versailles Road in Lexington. Click for directions.

The A & R Committee of the Senate will debate HB 2 this afternoon and may take a vote on this bill. WE ASK THAT YOU JOIN US AT THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA AT 3:30PM THIS AFTERNOON. We need as many supporters there as possible so that our Senators know how important this issue is to the state of Kentucky and it’s horse industry. PLEASE JOIN US IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL! Click here for directions to the Capitol.

House lawmakers passed the bill approving slot machines at Kentucky racetracks in a 52-45 vote. The bill will now go to the Senate. Please contact your senator and urge them to pass this bill and thank your representatives. If you do not know who your senator is, please go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm.

The legislation allowing slots at Kentucky racetracks passed the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee with a 19-9 vote. The bill now goes to the full House. Please, if you can, be at the capitol building for the meeting tomorrow at 10:00 am in order to show your support for this important legislation. Tell everyone you can!

Marc Murphy, the Courier-Journal

If you would like to watch yesterday’s press conference at Churchill Downs, please go to http://www.churchilldowns.com/video. Thank you.

KY Horse Industry: 'Time to Act Is Now'

Kentucky racetrack operators said May 20 the state's horseracing and breeding industries have reached a critical juncture, and without legislative assistance in the form of on-track gaming, the damage could be irreparable.

Click here to view the full story or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=50870

By Jennie Rees

BALTIMORE -- Chip Woolley says that if it weren't for legislative action taken in New Mexico a decade ago, he would not have had Mine That Bird to take to -- and win -- the Kentucky Derby.

In interviews leading up to today's Preakness Stakes, the trainer frequently called his home state an excellent blueprint for how slot machines at tracks can help the labor-intensive racing and breeding industries.

Woolley said New Mexico's greatly enhanced purses made it feasible for owners Leonard Blach and Mark Allen to pay $400,000 for Mine That Bird last year. In fact, they purchased the gelding with the $800,000 Sunland Derby in mind.

"In New Mexico the legislature finally gave us slot machines at the racetracks and protected horse racing when they did it," he said. " ... It has improved our program. I wouldn't have this horse if it wasn't for that.

"Churchill just cut purses and cut a day (per week) of racing. That's terrible. It's the standard to the industry. So you hate to see that, and hopefully these other places will … stop watching their money leave their state."

Blach explained that 20 percent of the income from slots at New Mexico tracks goes into purses, with the rest divided among the state, the tracks and the breeding industry.

Woolley's New Mexico circuit goes from Sunland Park (near El Paso, Texas) to SunRay Park in Farmington (currently racing) to Ruidoso Downs to Zia Park and back to Sunland. There also is racing at the Downs at Albuquerque, and a track is scheduled to open next year in Raton.

Blach says when he arrived in New Mexico in 1972, purses were $800 or $1,200. Now 2-year-old maidens run for $28,000 or $32,000, he said.

"It was hanging by a hair," he said of New Mexico racing. "Had it not been for slots, we wouldn't exist right now."

Blach said all the New Mexico tracks are having Preakness simulcast parties for Mine That Bird.

"The governor called us; he's making a big deal out of it, too," he said of Bill Richardson, a former presidential candidate. "It's really turned that state on. Everybody is excited."

Woolley said he's heard from "hundreds" of folks back home -- "everybody that does not owe me money," he joked.

No horse based in New Mexico had ever won the Kentucky Derby before Mine That Bird. In fact, 1998 winner Real Quiet was the first Derby starter to have even raced in that state, going 0 for 2 there.

"I must have watched it 100 times, making sure it was real," said New Mexico trainer Joel Marr. "Until about the quarter pole, it was just a dream. Then the last 24 seconds it went from a dream to, 'I think this could happen.' "

Marr trained New Mexico-bred Peppers Pride, who won a modern-day-record 19 consecutive races to retire unbeaten last year. He said the program for New Mexico-breds is so lucrative now that it made no sense to race elsewhere.

"I'm extremely proud of what she did … but you kind of had to go look for it to follow it," he said of Peppers Pride. "Mine That Bird, there was no way around it. Everybody saw it; everybody knows about it. I think it will do more for awareness not just to New Mexico but every smaller jurisdiction in the country. It gives everybody that little taste of, 'We could do that. Look at them; they did it. We've got a shot.' "

A major beneficiary is the Sunland Derby, which has tried to achieve graded status for five years. Not only did Mine That Bird finish fourth in the Sunland Derby, but fifth-place Advice went on to win Keeneland's Grade II Coolmore Lexington before competing in the Derby. Runner-up Mythical Power won the Grade III Lone Star Derby in his next start.

"The people who grade these races have to really take a long look and say, 'Look, we've got to give this a grade,' " Woolley said. "They shouldn't even start as a Grade III; it ought to be a Grade II."

Sunland and Zia Park offer some of the largest purses in the Southwest at more than $200,000 a day.

Woolley said he expects his gelding to race again in New Mexico someday. SunRay racing director Lonnie Barber said he'd welcome that, "but I'm hoping he's good enough that he can stay back there with the big boys."

Woolley said he's heard from "hundreds" of folks back home -- "everybody that does not owe me money," he joked.

No horse based in New Mexico had ever won the Kentucky Derby before Mine That Bird. In fact, 1998 winner Real Quiet was the first Derby starter to have even raced in that state, going 0 for 2 there.

"I must have watched it 100 times, making sure it was real," said New Mexico trainer Joel Marr. "Until about the quarter pole, it was just a dream. Then the last 24 seconds it went from a dream to, 'I think this could happen.' "

Marr trained New Mexico-bred Peppers Pride, who won a modern-day-record 19 consecutive races to retire unbeaten last year. He said the program for New Mexico-breds is so lucrative now that it made no sense to race elsewhere.

"I'm extremely proud of what she did … but you kind of had to go look for it to follow it," he said of Peppers Pride. "Mine That Bird, there was no way around it. Everybody saw it; everybody knows about it. I think it will do more for awareness not just to New Mexico but every smaller jurisdiction in the country. It gives everybody that little taste of, 'We could do that. Look at them; they did it. We've got a shot.' "

A major beneficiary is the Sunland Derby, which has tried to achieve graded status for five years. Not only did Mine That Bird finish fourth in the Sunland Derby, but fifth-place Advice went on to win Keeneland's Grade II Coolmore Lexington before competing in the Derby. Runner-up Mythical Power won the Grade III Lone Star Derby in his next start.

"The people who grade these races have to really take a long look and say, 'Look, we've got to give this a grade,' " Woolley said. "They shouldn't even start as a Grade III; it ought to be a Grade II."

Sunland and Zia Park offer some of the largest purses in the Southwest at more than $200,000 a day.

Woolley said he expects his gelding to race again in New Mexico someday. SunRay racing director Lonnie Barber said he'd welcome that, "but I'm hoping he's good enough that he can stay back there with the big boys."

Jennie Rees can be reached at (502) 582-4042.

Former Kentucky owner and trainer Billy Ashabraner has written a book entitled "Insights into Racing". You may stop by our main Louisville office to purchase a copy or you can visit Billy's website at www.billygashabraner.com.

April 1, 2009

The final meeting of the Turfway Park horsemen’s committee was held on April 1, 2009.

Bob Elliston, President of Turfway Park; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; Steve Peterman, Starter; and Cliff Brown, Plant Engineer; represented Turfway Park management.

Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Bill Connelly, Wayne Mogge, Jeff Greenhill and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

PURSE STATUS-The total overall handle for the Turfway Park winter/spring race meeting is down 25.1% with the out of state portion of the handle being down 34.2%. This downturn in business has attributed to a severe overpayment in horsemen’s purses. While the TVG source market fee component has yet to be factored in, the estimated overpayment balance still will be significant. The KTDF supplement remains fairly constant when comparing it to last year’s balance.

TRACK SURFACE-Jeff explained that they may be adding additional wax later in the summer and perhaps some additional fiber as part of a reconditioning effort. Bob Elliston informed the committee that Turfway Park is included in an ongoing study of various racing surfaces being conducted by Dr. Mick Peterson and Dr. Wayne McElraith. They are traveling across the country measuring the compaction and compression rates of racing surfaces to determine the biomechanics along with the optimum components necessary to assure a safe race track.

MAINTENANCE PROJECTS-Chip explained that while no major projects have been planned they do intend to refurbish some barns on an as needed basis. The hope is to minimize the inconvenience to horsemen. Bob Elliston informed the committee that there is revenue available with the backside improvement fund and while they are limited perhaps the committee will compose a list of projects that horsemen would like to see addressed.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-Bob Elliston explained that it is important for everyone involved in the racing industry to continue efforts to convince members of the General Assembly that racing in Kentucky is under siege by riverboats and racinos in surrounding states. Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs are indicating that they will not be able to run their allotted dates and Turfway Park’s downturn in business is directly related to fewer entries due to competition for horses from Indiana, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania all with higher purses fueled by slot revenue. There is a glimmer of hope that the Governor and members of the Kentucky legislature will decide to address the gaming issue in a special legislative session.

SUMMER STABLING ISSUES:

1.) Training Hours-Training will be from 6:00 until 10:00
2.) Watering policy-Jeff explained that they did not plan to water the track, but they will monitor the situation. Members of the committee explained that the track is much better when wet.
3.) Starting Gate availability-Steve Peterman informed the committee that the starting gate will be open Tuesday through Saturday 7:30-9:30.
4.) Horses shipping in to train-Just as last year the daily charge for each horse shipped in is $15.00. The receiving barn will be barn 22.
5.) Stalls will be allocated by the racing secretary and monitored by Chip and Steve.
6.) Dormitory rooms will be reallocated and inspected to determine who is occupying the dorm rooms.
7.) Moving horses-Chip explained that some barns will be consolidated, but for the most part larger outfits will stay where they are.
8.) Horses not staying for the summer are required to be vacated by April 12, 2009.

GARBAGE PICK UP-The committee suggested a concerted effort to clean up garbage on the backstretch, perhaps a cookout, sponsored by Turfway Park and the KHBPA as an incentive to enlist the help of horsemen and members of the Turfway maintenance staff.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

Snapshot of racing's future
By Larry Dale Keeling

FRANKFORT — It was just one day, and a makeup day at that. But when Turfway Park canceled its race card Monday due to a lack of entries, it provided a snapshot of racing's future in Kentucky if lawmakers don't give the state's tracks the opportunity to compete with their counterparts around the country.

As Turfway President Bob Elliston noted in announcing the cancellation, the lack of entries stemmed from a very simple reason. "Horses that otherwise would prefer to run in Kentucky, and traditionally did so, are instead racing in jurisdictions where purses are enhanced with revenue from alternative gaming," Elliston said in a statement.

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The Groom Elite Training Program was created to develop trained, qualified and certified grooms. Through a curriculum and practical training based instructional program the Groom Elite program will provide career building opportunities for our horsemen, whether grooms or trainers, to gain an advanced knowledge of the proper care of horses. The knowledge gained from completion of the Groom Elite Program is basic to the care of all horses. The Program will provide our Kentucky horsemen with valuable job skills for our workers in an industry that is desperately short of such qualified grooms, assistant trainers and trainers.

In order to expand Groom Elite’s ability to offer the program to Americans for little or no cost the Groom Elite Program is going to be offered to international trainees for a small tuition and that would be one way to fund the program. Reid McLellan Executive Director and instructor of the Groom Elite, Tommy Azopardi of Texas Horsemen’s Partnership and Remi Bellock Director of the National HBPA realized that it had to be done this way last year.

In order to bring international trainees into the country we applied thru a petition with immigration for 50 H-3 applicants last year and got an approval from (USCIS) immigration, but the consulate in Monterrey Mexico refused to issue the visas to the trainees on the basis that there were for productive employment rather than training. This was around July 2008; it has been an ongoing battle trying to convince them otherwise. Last December the Consulate sent the Kentucky HBPA petition back to immigration with the recommendation to revoke it. Well immigration reaffirmed it (reapproved it) but later said it had made a mistake and sent us a letter questioning our KY petition on the H-3 Visa Motion of Intent to revoke dated Jan 8, 2009 from USCIS that gave us until February 10 to respond.

We had about 30 days to prepare for the response so attorney Will Velie prepared the Legal Brief, Reid McLellan attempted to respond in detail with the week by week 52 week syllabus training information of the Groom Elite Program attached and supplemented this with letters from National and Member HBPA’s as well as universities, International Association letters, Jockey Clubs as well as program graduates and any other dignitaries who will support the fact that this is a training program and not a work program.

Julio Rubio, the Hispanic Services Coordinator for the KYHBPA, had to contact and convince the various International Horsemen’s Associations and Jockey Clubs to sign letters in support of the program. With such a short notice, he was able to get Mexico to sign, as well as the International Race Track Chaplaincy. In total we got Mexico, Uruguay and Jamaica signed on.

Thanks to the coordination from Remi Bellock who is the CEO of the National HBPA and the hard work of immigration attorney Will Velie and his staff with Horsemen Labor Solutions along with the great effort from our affiliates, we were able to get the 147 page Petition Response out in time which should take approximately 30 days to get a response.

President’s Message

Amidst the dire economic picture for both the racing and breeding industry in Kentucky, we received a glimmer of hope with the recent legislative leadership elections in the Kentucky General Assembly. Greg Stumbo is the new Speaker of the House and Larry Clark has retained his position as Speaker Pro Tem. Both Greg and Larry have been strong advocates of the Kentucky’s signature industry. For the first time in many years, through the leadership of Greg and Larry, the legislation HB 158 received a unanimous vote of the members of the House License and Occupations (L&O) Committee. We remain cautiously optimistic that there may be an opportunity to have favorable gaming legislation at the racetracks in Kentucky, if not in this year’s short session, then perhaps in 2010.

For the time being we have reached an agreement with Track Net, Churchill Downs’ advance deposit wagering (ADW) company. It has been a long and protracted struggle, but we feel we have accomplished what we set out to do by restructuring the host fees we receive from the ADW company, broad distribution to all ADW companies, and a source market fee component. A special vote of thanks to the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG). It was through their efforts, raising the awareness of the inequities in the pricing structure involving ADWs and how they inadequately share revenue with both horsemen and racetracks.

I suspect that the ADW issue will be explored more fully by both the Kentucky General Assembly and the Kentucky Racing Commission in the not to distant future.

Our best wishes go out to Bob DeSensi, a KHBPA Director for several years. Bob is on the road to recovery from a very serious illness and operation. He has been a dedicated and impassioned spokesman for horsemen’s rights and it is an honor to serve on the KHBPA board with him.

I have been asked by horsemen to comment about the KHBPA’s position on the jockey fee issue. You may recall that the jockeys have requested a significant increase in losing mount fees. The board felt that, at this juncture, it is prudent to delay discussion on this issue until we see the results of the effort to increase purses through favorable gaming legislation.

Good luck in your racing endeavors.

Rick Hiles
President, KHBPA

February 20, 2009

A meeting of the Turfway Park horsemen’s committee was held on Friday, February 20, 2009, at Turfway Park.

Those in attendance included Bob Elliston, President of Turfway Park; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; Steve Peterman, Starter; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; and Jim Pendergast, Polytrack expert.

Track Committee members in attendance included, Bill Connelly, Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Wayne Mogge, Jeff Greenhill and Marty Maline who recorded the minutes.

INSECT INFESTATION-Chip explained that they will have spray bottles of insecticide available at the guard shack available to anyone interested in spraying their rooms. The committee suggested that Turfway have someone available to spray the dorm rooms if a stable employee is not comfortable doing it himself. Chip stated that will be arranged.

POP MACHINE IN PONY BARN-Chip informed the committee that the fire marshall has informed them that the extension cord is suitable and safe.

REIMBURSEMENT FOR CANCELLATIONS-The committee suggested that horsemen should be compensated for the days that races are cancelled without advanced warning. Chip stated that he will communicate the wishes of the committee to the proper authorities.

ICE MACHINE REPAIR-Chip offered that the ice machines in poor repair have been corrected. Bill suggested that the door leading to the ice machine near barn 19 is broke causing the ice machine to freeze and cease to work.

SELF DEFENSE/AWARENESS CLASS-The committee suggested that it must first be determined how much the class will cost and if there is any interest.

CIRCUS TICKETS-Circus tickets are available in the KHBPA office, the cost is $7.00 per ticket and the horsemen have a block of seats for Saturday, February 28.

SUMMER STABING-Bob Elliston informed the committee that the barn area will remain open for summer stabling if 400 stalls are filled. Rick Leigh explained that the summer stabling applications are available. Also, he will be contacting various horsemen to see if they are interested in renting stalls in order to see if Turfway is assured that 400 stalls will be filled.

KHBPA/TURFWAY PARK APPRECIATION DINNER AND DANCING-The annual dinner dance prior to the Lanes End Spiral Stake will be held on Tuesday, March 17 at the Receptions in Florence, Kentucky.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-Bob Elliston explained that he has received positive feedback from the meeting with local legislators Addia Wuchner, Sal Santoro, and John Schickel. Horsemen did a fine job of explaining the importance of Turfway Park to local horsemen and others associated with the track. Bob implored horsemen to keep up the good work of communicating that message to legislative leaders. The legislation supporting gaming at racetracks, House Bill 158, still has many hurdles to clear in the short legislative session, but the momentum of support is encouraging. Bill Connelly suggested that we must be prepared to drive to Frankfort on short notice if it is determined that the full house is prepared to vote on House Bill 158. Members of the committee echoed Bill’s sentiment.

ROADS/POT HOLES-Chip explained that they are currently doing as much hot patching as possible to correct some of the major problem areas recognizing that additional ice and snow removal plays havoc with patch jobs.

WORK ORDERS-Chip informed the committee that their maintenance staff, headed by Cliff, not to be confused with CFO Cliff, has been inundated with plumbing and electrical issues. In the interim, Chip, is attempting to coordinate and address smaller maintenance problems.

PURSE STATUS-Following a review of the present status of the purse account which is comparable to last years figures, a discussion ensued about running on Mondays to make up cancellations. The consensus of the committee is that with the dwindling entries this may put too much strain on the horse population and the smaller fields of horses is not conducive to simulcast betting on the Turfway Park races. The committee agreed that the races have already been carded in the condition book and should be run, but perhaps in the future, running the extra races may not be in the best interest of Turfway Park and horsemen.

TRACK SURFACE-The committee discussed the protocol that should be followed prior to canceling races. Bob Elliston explained that he has reemphasized the proper procedure to be followed so that everyone is on the same page. Jeff Chapman reviewed the maintenance schedule and the daily reports he receives from several exercise riders and trainers on the condition of the track each and every morning. Watering and track depth were also explored. In addition, Jim Pendergast, a Polytrack expert, has been on hand since Monday, monitoring consistency of the cushion depth and measuring compaction levels of the track. He explained that the track appears to be functioning well and in accordance with recommended guidelines.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

February 13, 2009

A meeting of the Turfway Park horsemen’s committee was held to discuss the status of gaming legislation for Kentucky’s racetracks.

Also discussed was the upcoming meeting on Monday, February 16, at 10:00 A.M. in the Turf Club on the fifth floor at Turfway Park with Representatives Sal Santoro and Addia Wuchner and Senator John Schickel.

Those in attendance included Bob Elliston, President of Turfway Park, Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; Steve Peterman, Starter; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent.

Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Bill Connelly, Wayne Mogge, Jeff Greenhill, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee.

Bob Elliston reviewed the present status of the gaming legislation. He explained that the legislation passed the License and Occupation Committee unanimously yesterday morning. He expressed the view that he is encouraged by the momentum that the legislation is gaining. Specifically, he mentioned that Speaker of the House, Greg Stumbo, who sponsored the bill, has stated that many legislators are supporting the legislation and find it politically palatable. In addition, a recent poll by the leading radio station in Kentucky, WHAS, suggested that approximately 69% of voters in the poll expressed the opinion that they are in favor of locating slots at racetracks, while only 26% are opposed with the rest being undecided.

While the legislation still has a long way to go, it has cleared an important hurdle and will now be considered by the Appropriations and Revenue committee which is standard procedure for legislation addressing tax and finance matters.

Regarding the meeting with Representatives Sal Santoro, Addia Wuchner, and Senator John Schickel on Monday morning, it is important for those in attendance to share personal experiences and perspectives on the importance of racing especially to those of you who live and work in the Northern Kentucky community. It is totally acceptable to express your heartfelt feelings regarding the industry that you depend on for your livelihood, but please be courteous. Nothing is gained by venting your anger or being insulting to the legislative leaders who have come to Turfway Park to listen and attempt to understand your plight.

REMEMBER THE MEETING IS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE TURF CLUB ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE GRANDSTAND.

Cracks in Foundation of Kentucky Racing

SPECIAL REPORT: Horsemen who call Kentucky home year-round are taking a beating, and they predict even more owners and horses will leave the state. Whether there will be legislative relief any time soon, however, remains to be seen.

Click here to view the full story or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=49163

KEEP Members, HB 158, a piece of legislation that is not only good for Kentucky's horse industry but good for the state of Kentucky will be voted on in committee TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 12 at 9:00am in Room 154 of the Capital Annex Building. We encourage you to attend if you are able.
Here are some directions to the Capital:

From the West (Louisville):
• Exit 1-64 at exit number 53-B to Highway 127 (Northbound)
• Drive North on 127 to intersection of 127 and 676 (the East-West Connector) turn Right on 676. Go down the hill.
• At the stoplight, turn left onto Big Eddy Road, and follow it along the Kentucky River (if you go over the Kentucky River, you have gone too far)
• After about a mile, you will come to a building hanging over the roadway, on your left. This is the Capitol Annex garage entrance.
• Turn left into the Garage. Park on floors 4, 5, or 6. Take elevator to 1st Level. Exiting elevator the Annex will be in front of you across parking lot. Enter annex at second (middle) doors. You will go through security.

From the East (Lexington)
• Take either 1-64 or U.S. 60 to Frankfort. From 1-64, exit Right onto US 60.
• Follow U.S. 60 to the intersection of U.S. 421 (Leestown Road/Main Street)
• At the intersection (2nd stop light), turn left on to the East-West Connector. (The East- West Connector to the right is U.S. 421. To the left, it is State Route 676.)
• Follow the East-West Connector until you come to the Kentucky River.
• Just after the Kentucky River Bridge, there is a road with a sign to the Capitol to the right. Turn Right on "Big Eddy Road" which follows along the side of the river.
• After about a mile you will come a building hanging over the roadway, on your left. This is the Capitol Annex garage entrance.
• Turn left into the Garage. Park on floors 4, 5, or 6. Take elevator to 1st Level. Exiting elevator the Annex will be in front of you across parking lot. Enter annex at second (middle) doors. You will go through security.

For more information about the bill, please visit the KEEP website at www.horseswork.com/support_bill_158.htm

Thanks again for all of your support!!

ATTENTION: HORSEMEN URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!

We have received word that Kentucky State Representatives Sal Santoro and Addia Wuchner both from the Boone County area are leaning against voting to have gaming machines located at Turfway Park.

It is important that each and every one who relies on Turfway Park to make a living for you and your family make your feelings known.

Do not rely on someone else to fight for your survival, Call now:

Representative Sal Santoro 859-371-8840 (home); 502-564-8100 Extension 691(office)

Representative Addia Wuchner 859-525-6698 (work); 502-564-8100 Extension 707(office).

Tell them to please support and vote for House Bill 158, it is a matter of survival for Turfway Park and the thousands of people who rely on the racetrack to make a living. If you do not have a phone available, call from the KHBPA office.

In addition, Representatives Sal Santoro and Addia Wuchner along with Senator John Schickel will be at Turfway Park on Monday, February 16, at 10:00 A.M. in the Turf club on the fifth floor of the grandstand.

It is important to attend and let them know how you feel about the future of Turfway Park. We must send a strong message that we need help now.

Please sign the petition regarding House Bill 158. You can find it on the main page of the Kentucky HBPA website or you may email Melissa at mpylanthbpa@insightbb.com for a copy. We would like to get as many signatures as possible on this petition to show strong support for this bill next week. You may stop by the HBPA main office across from gate 5 at Churchill Downs or the office at Turfway to sign this petition. You may also send a signed one back to us at 3733 S 4th St, Louisville, KY, 40214 or fax at (502) 367-6800.

We would also like to encourage everyone to please call or email their legislators in support of this bill. You can contact your legislature by calling 1-800-372-7181 or click here to send them an email and urge them to pass House Bill 158. Please send this on to anyone who might be interested in helping. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.

January 2, 2009

The first meeting of the KHBPA/Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the Winter/Spring meeting was held on Friday, January 2, 2009, at Turfway Park.

Bob Elliston, President; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; and Steve Peterman, Starter, attended representing Turfway Park management.

Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Wayne Mogge, and Jeff Greenhill, attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee. Lanny Kohnhorst attended representing the KTA. Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

TRACK SURFACE-Bob Elliston explained that measures are currently being taken to address track surface issues. He began by informing the committee that an expert representing the developers of Polytrack is on the grounds and is currently taking samples to determine the present consistency of the surface and also testing the compaction level of the racing surface to ascertain the amount of concussion experienced by horses racing at Turfway Park. In addition, Professor Peterson, the preeminent authority on racing surfaces will be continuing his study at various racetracks including Turfway Park and testing the level of cushion. This is all in the process of evaluating the racing surface. The question arose whether a portion of the old Polytrack stockpiled near the receiving barn should be added to the track to restore the buoyancy of the racing surface. Bob explained that the material is not suitable to be mixed with the present surface and the best approach, if any, is still to be determined.

Jeff Chapman addressed the rocks that occasionally appear on the surface. He explained that he contacted Mike Young the track superintendent at Keeneland. Mike informed him that this is part of the porous asphalt macadam which encompasses the drainage system and while it continues to be monitored, it is not uncommon.

Jeff also mentioned that they maintain a daily Polytrack log which continually monitors the climate conditions and how the track reacts to fluctuations in the weather.

HORSE PATH-Wm. “Buff” Bradley commended Jeff Chapman for his improvement of the horse path leading to the racetrack by removing a portion of the surface and leveling it out.

CHECK CASHING POLICY-The policy continues to be a source of frustration to horsemen attempting to cash checks at the information window. Recently a forlorn KHBPA employee attempting to cash a check was ostracized by the clerk at the window for not having used his “Fasttrack” card on a regular basis and threatened that he will be charged $5.00 per check cashing if his gambling did not appreciably increase. The employee was last seen running to the mutuel window to place a bet.

BACKSTRETCH PARKING POLICY-There appears to be a state of confusion regarding the recently initiated parking policy on the backstretch. Chip explained that it is his understanding that a memorandum was distributed reviewing the newly implemented parking policy. The problem is that no one has seen the memorandum, and while limiting the access of cars on the backside is a positive approach to an increasing traffic problem, horsemen and other backside personnel need to know what the new policy is before requiring everyone to operate within the boundaries set forth.

WORKORDER BACKLOG-Chip explained that due to the holidays the work order completions are running behind schedule. He intends to have a plumber and electrician on the grounds at the beginning of next week in an attempt to get on a three day turn around schedule on most major issues. Jeff explained that minor issues may continue to lag behind due to more pressing issues. Chip did mention that there are heaters available at the guard shack for emergency situations.

KITCHEN CLOSING-The horsemen’s committee asked Chip to investigate the unsubstantiated rumor that the kitchen will be closing at 1:00 each day. In addition, a discussion ensued regarding the elimination of betting windows in the recreation hall and the fact that according to the kitchen manager this has severely impacted his business. Bob explained that they are currently reviewing the amount of play at the recreation hall location, but in the meantime they intend to install money handling mutuel machines in the recreation hall which he feels will allow horsemen on the backside to wager as they have in the past.

PURSE STATUS-Bob Elliston explained that they are pleased that Turfway Park has continued to buck the national trend and wagering remains fairly strong.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

December 5, 2008

The first meeting of the KHBPA/Turfway Park Horsemen’s Committee for the 2008, Holiday meeting was held on Friday, December 5, 2008, at Turfway Park.

Bob Elliston, President; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent; Steve Peterman, Starter; and Rick Leigh, Director of Racing attended representing Turfway Park management.

Bill Connelly, Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Wayne Mogge, David England, and Jeff Greenhill attended representing the KHBPA horsemen’s committee. Lanny Kohnhorst attended representing the KTA. Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

TRACK SURFACE-Horsemen have expressed concern regarding the depth of the surface and the amount of “kickback.” Jeff explained that he has purposely set the harrows deeper due to the significant drop in temperature. Bob Elliston stated that it is important that Turfway receives feedback from horsemen. He mentioned that they observe the times of races, and attempt to regulate the depth of cushion to assure that better horses are running appreciably faster than bottom conditioned claimers. Kickback can be regulated by the moisture content. Various horsemen on the committee favorably commented about the surface. One horseman recalled the old dirt surface and the myriad issues associated with it. Another suggested that the previous problems associated with build up in the hoofs appears, thus far, to be resolved. In addition, the issue with coughing appears to have lessened significantly. It was the general consensus of those in attendance at the meeting that they prefer a surface with cushion as opposed to a surface that is too firm.

RECEIVING BARN-Following a discussion regarding the potholes in the vicinity of the receiving barn. Chip Bach explained that they would use asphalt patch to address the issue. In addition, stall preparation in the receiving barn has been hampered by a shipment of straw that was not conducive to separating or shaking out. Jeff assured that the issue has been resolved.

POST PARADES-Horsemen have expressed concern that further abbreviation of the post parades may be detrimental for horses attempting to get a proper warm up prior to racing. Bob Elliston explained he will endeavor to assure that there are at least eight minutes or longer for horses being on the track in the post parade prior to racing. This is important for the welfare of the horse and allows the betting public ample time to observe the horses before wagering.

CHRISTMAS PARTY-The Christmas Party for children of backstretch personnel will be held on Tuesday, December 9, from 6:00 until 8:00, on the third floor of the grandstand in the Terrace Room. Santa will be in attendance.

PURSE STATUS-The underpayment at the start of the Holiday race meeting is at $900,000 which is approximately $200,000 higher than last year. A discussion ensued regarding rumors that purses will be slashed in the not too distant future. Bob Elliston stressed that there is no truth to the rumors. He explained that some betting actually is showing a positive trend. While he cautioned that the economy and the number of people losing their jobs nationwide is significant, there is no purse cut being contemplated in the immediate future. Bob also wanted to recognize the efforts of horsemen assuring that the entries for racing remains strong. This is incredibly important when selling the Turfway Park simulcast product to the various outlets throughout the nation.

FEED ROOM REPAIR UPDATE-Chip explained that the repair of the feed rooms damaged by the wind storm has been completed. They will continue to repair additional rooms as the need arises.

ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL-Chip informed the committee that they are prepared with a similar plan as last years when the snow and ice arrives this year. In addition, salt will be distributed in the barn area in order that horsemen may salt specific problem areas that they encounter.

FIRE AT RIVERSIDE PARK-Bob Elliston explained that Turfway Park will be donating to the horsemen’s relief fund for the horsemen that suffered losses of their horses and tack in the tragic fire at Riverside Downs.

HORSEPATH-Members of the horsemen committee requested that Jeff roll the horse path regularly to maintain an even surface.

BEDBUG UPDATE-Chip explained that they have hired Orkin, a professional exterminator to address this recurring problem.

CHECK CASHING POLICY-Bob Elliston explained that they plan to continue the present policy of charging $5.00 to cash checks and reminded that horsemen and backside personnel along with patrons can cash checks at no cost with a “Fastrack Card.”

MANURE BINS-Jeff acknowledged to the committee that there are a few manure bins that need to be repaired.

PARKING FEED TRAILERS-Chip addressed the ever growing number of feed trailers on the backside. He explained that as a courtesy they had made space available, but he feels that the feed men have taken advantage of the situation.

FUTURE PROJECTS-Bob Elliston explained that they would like input from the horsemen’s committee on possible backside improvements that will be presented to the Backside Improvement Commission.

WORKORDERS-Chip explained that due to workforce issues they have gotten behind on work orders. However, they will strive to improve their efficiency. In the meantime, they are giving priority to heater repair work orders that they receive.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline
Executive Director, KHBPA

PRESS RELEASE

On November 20, 2008, during the early morning hours at a small Western Kentucky horse training center every horseman’s worst nightmare was realized when a barn fire completely engulfed a barn full of thoroughbred race horses. In its wake, twenty-seven horses were lost along with all the tack and equipment that the horsemen stabled in the barn have accumulated over decades in the racing business. Many of the horsemen involved were just finally recovering from the devastating tornado that nearly put them out of business just three years ago at Ellis Park.

Bobby LaRue, a veteran trainer of more than fifty years, lost eight horses in the fire, and was emotionally drained by the fire as were many of his fellow horsemen.

“Many of us were just getting back on our feet after the tornado, and then this happens, sometimes you just wonder is it worth it,” he stated.

“I feel so bad for the horses,” commented Shirley Greene another longtime horsemen who lost four horses. We all wish we could have been there to help, I cannot stand the thought of them suffering.”

Benjie LaRue was fortunate he was able to save three of his five horses before the fire became so intense he was forced to leave the barn. One of his horses, a filly, refused to vacate her stall. Benjie, unable to withstand the heat, finally gave up the effort and left her behind. As he left the barn, the filly followed him. Her tail was on fire, but they quickly extinguished it.

The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (KHBPA), has started an effort to raise funds to assist the horsemen and employees that have lost so much. They have begun calling organizations including the National HBPA, to assist in the fundraising effort.

In addition, a separate bank account has been set up, for horsemen and interested parties to donate. A group of horsemen, including Ellis Park Chaplain Ron Crawford, will determine the appropriate distribution of the donations received. The KHBPA will see that all funds received are distributed to the proper parties.

Anyone interested in donating, just go to the local branch of Fifth Third Bank and donate to the Riverside Downs Fire & Disaster Fund, or contact the KHBPA at 1-800-928-4272.

Please click here for this story from the Courier Journal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY, September 25, 2008—Mace Siegel, one of North America’s leading owners and a founder and current vice president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), has given $100,000 to support the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG) and its efforts to protect live horse racing.

Ever since advance deposit wagering was authorized in California in 2002, Siegel has “been constantly championing the idea that ADW has to make an equitable return to tracks and horsemen, because without it, both will fail,” said TOC President Drew Couto, who also serves as vice president of THG.

THG was formed by horsemen to help ensure the best distribution of racing signals for wagering and the maximum return to racetracks and horsemen to support the live racing product.

“No individual horseman has been more concerned about the rates of return for the industry than Mace Siegel,” Couto said. “He became a huge supporter of the idea that it was a shared responsibility among horsemen and racetracks that we create a modern model for ADW and other simulcast issues. When the THG was created, he was extremely interested in it succeeding.”

Siegel, who operates Jay Em Ess Stable with his daughter, Samantha, has served on the TOC board since its inception in 1993. Last year, Jay Em Ess ranked among North America’s top 20 owners by earnings, and in 2004, the stable raced champion juvenile Declan’s Moon.

“Mace’s leadership with the formation of Thoroughbred Owners of California, and the example he has set as an advocate for the rights of Thoroughbred owners, is an inspiration to all owners in our sport,” said THG President Bob Reeves. “The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group is another step on a national basis to protect the rights of Thoroughbred owners and the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.”

The founder and chairman emeritus of Macerich, one of the largest owners, operators and developers of retail property in the United States, Siegel serves on that company’s board of directors. He is a resident of Beverly Hills, California.

For more information, contact:

THG President Bob Reeves 615-385-5052

September 19, 2008

A meeting of the Turfway Park/KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee for the 2008 Turfway Park Fall meeting was held on September 19, 2008.

Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Cliff Reed, Chief Financial Officer, Steve Peterman, Starter/Stall Manager; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent attended representing Turfway Park.

Wayne Mogge, Dave England, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee.

PURSE STATUS-The current underpayment stands at $1,173,691 as compared to $628,828 at the same time last year. Purse money generated from wagering, thus far, in 2008, $730,868; in 2007 during the same time period $842,640. However, purses paid in 2008, $899,290 as compared to 2007 where $1,113,812 had been paid in purses during the same time period. Similar decreases exist in generated purses and purses paid for the KTDF fund from 2007 to 2008. The telling figure is that wagering is down from all sources almost $5,000,000 which is a decrease of 16.72%.

$5.00 CHECK CASHING FEE-A long discussion ensued regarding the recent change in the check cashing policy, requiring horsemen and backstretch workers to pay a check cashing fee of $5.00 per check. Cliff Reed explained that bad checks and checks that they repeatedly send back to the bank for clearance has adversely impacted Turfway Park by $25,000. He informed the committee that approximately 20%-30% is attributable to horsemen. In addition, “fast track” patrons are entitled to cash checks for free. Therefore, it would appear that horsemen are making up the difference for 70%-80% of bad checks that many fast track patrons are cashing. The committee suggested several alternatives to alleviate the burden on backstretch workers. The committee suggested no other racetrack charges a similar fee. While Cliff said he would take their concerns and suggestions under advisement, he would not guarantee that they would change the policy.

TRACK SURFACE-Committee members suggested that additional water should be applied. Jeff Chapman that additional water is not necessarily the answer due to the tremendous drainage of the racetrack. Dave England recommended the addition of a substance to the water which he used in his landscaping business that may slightly slow the draining process. Chip Bach agreed to research the substance.

ICE MACHINES-There was discussion regarding the lack of ice available from the ice machines. Chip explained that Hamilton refrigeration was scheduled to come out last Wednesday to see if the machines are functioning correctly, but due to the weather related issues, they have postponed until next week. Committee members suggested part of the problem is some people are taking all of the ice very early in the morning. It was suggested that the machines should be opened approximately 5:45 in the morning that way horsemen can police each other and make sure that a few are not emptying the bins leaving none for anyone else. Also, it was suggested that the ice making machines at Presque Isle should be explored. Apparently, additional ice is collected on trays underneath which continues to deposit ice even when the bins are full.

HEALTH CERTIFICATES-Horsemen shipping into Turfway Park to run continue to express concern with the health certificate issue. In Kentucky, each horse must acquire a new health certificate every 72 hours. In Indiana, a health certificate is required every 45 days. Chip agreed to contact Rusty Ford of Kentucky’s agriculture department to see why there is such a wide discrepancy especially since Turfway is competing with Hoosier Park for horses.

BLACKTOP UPDATE-Chip explained that there are only a few places left to patch, he suggested that if horsemen have blacktop issue not readily apparent to the blacktop contractors, please submit a work order. He did mention that currently they are approximately a week and ½ behind in addressing work orders.

HAYROOM UPDATE-According to Chip there is one new hay shed left to finish. However, several sheds were damaged due to the strong winds on Sunday. He recommended that horsemen submit work orders regarding storm damage.

TRASH REMOVAL-Chip informed the committee that they will be instituting a new trash pickup program that he feels will be more efficient and less noisy. He suggested that the committee survey their fellow horsemen to determine the opportune time to pick-up.

TRAINING HOURS-The horsemen committee felt the present training hours are satisfactory.

MIKE “COWBOY” FAULKNER-Special recognition to “Cowboy” for his successful attempt at beautifying the backstretch by planting flowers in several locations.

BAND PLAYING ON THE APRON-The horsemen committee reminded Chip to have someone monitor the band’s playing as horses are lead over to the paddock and warming up prior to racing in front of the grandstand. Chip said the issue has already been addressed. As far as the horses getting loose, it was suggested that the horse was extremely agitated in the paddock prior to going out on the track and they felt a reimbursement was not appropriate in this instance.

STRONG WINDS CANCELLING RACES-The horsemen’s committee agreed that those horsemen that lost the opportunity to race due to the high winds on Sunday should be reimbursed as is customary during inclement weather cancellations during the winter race meeting.

INSURANCE CERTIFICATES-Tyler Picklesimer, assistant racing secretary, commended horsemen on getting their insurance certificates up to date.

MANURE BINS and SPEEDING-Jeff Chapman cautioned horsemen about parking in front of manure bins and others mentioned about speeding through the barn area. It was suggested as opposed to announcing over the intercom, security should track down the repeated culprits and take them to the stewards.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Executive Director KHBPA

Hollywood, Horsemen Squabble Over ADW

With horsemen and Hollywood Park unable to come to agreement on revenue splits from account wagering sources for the upcoming autumn meet at the Inglewood track, the California Horse Racing Board agreed to conduct a special hearing to settle the impasse.

Click here to view the full story or copy and paste the following link into your browser: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=47139

The Horsemen's Journal: Current Issue

What, Exactly, Is the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group Doing? The Horsemen's Journal - Fall 2008

by Bob Reeves, Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group President

When traveling down the road of history, it is often difficult to perceive the key landmarks that indicate significant changes lying ahead. Sometimes they might be small enough to evade immediate notice, and sometimes there is just so much else on the horizon that they escape detection. The huge warning signs on the path of horse racing’s future have become abundantly clear, however: without some change in the way revenue from account wagering is divided, live racing is threatened with a strangulation of funds for both racetracks and horsemen. Ever since the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG) was formed in late 2007, we have been working diligently to ensure that racing’s leaders see and understand these signs.

With account wagering the only real growth sector in pari-mutuel racing, advance deposit wagering (ADW) companies and licensed offshore operations now handle about 25% of the $15 billion wagered on Thoroughbred racing annually. Yet these businesses, eager to keep as much of the money for themselves as they can, return to racing interests 80% less per wagering dollar than do on-track or inter-track betting outlets.

What is the solution? It is constructively changing what has long been referred to as the “broken simulcast model.” We believe the best way to do that is to set aside two-thirds of account wagering revenue for racetracks and horsemen.

While that proposal does not immediately appeal to the ADW companies, they should look at the corresponding opportunity to gain unlimited and simultaneous access to all North American racing content.

The way to increase handle—and thus revenue to all parties—is to increase opportunities for betting. Ideally, racing would have an automated teller machine at every convenience store to reach the widest possible audience. Since that is not possible in this highly regulated world, ADW represents an excellent way to make our racing product available to the public.

We need to end the content wars. Part of THG’s aim through licensing negotiations on behalf of horsemen’s organizations is to help account wagering companies obtain racing content. If the ADW operations are ensured a steady supply of quality content, their customers will be able to depend on them and become more loyal—thus likely betting more.

We also need to stabilize access to racing content for the wagering public. There should be no need for someone to have accounts with three different ADW companies in order to bet on all the tracks they want to play.

Supplying content and guaranteeing a proper flow of revenue are the key factors in our efforts to enhance the account wagering system while supporting live racing.

We all must ask ourselves the question: do racetracks and horsemen exist to support betting companies, or do the betting companies exist in order to support horse racing? Horsemen and racetracks should not be spending the vast sums of money necessary to run our businesses just to make betting companies profitable.

It’s time to stop subsidizing the ADW companies. Rather than make a patchwork quilt of pricing, we should charge reasonable prices for our racing products and sell them to all the ADW operators and then let the ADWs compete. The point is we need to create a level playing field and let the ADW companies compete for customers based on the quality of their service.

Horse racing needs to wake up and smell the roses and declare that the reason these betting outlets exist is because of live racing. Without live racing, they have no product, and thus it is in everyone’s interests to keep live racing healthy through a proper supply of revenue from wagering. In addition to representing the horsemen in negotiating for licensing agreements with the ADW companies, THG also can help racetrack owners by offering a multi-jurisdictional conduit to horsemen’s groups, greatly simplifying the task of negotiating for simulcast rights. THG now has 19 members with the recent addition of the Oregon Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

THG leaders continue to meet with horsemen’s groups around the continent in order to receive input, as well as keep them informed, on various issues, including the ADW question. In August, we traveled to Saratoga Springs and Del Mar for some of those meetings, and we continue to consider a variety of ways to strengthen live racing.

We have also been holding extensive discussions with executives at Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC), who have been very receptive to working with horsemen. MEC Chairman and leading North American breeder Frank Stronach has told us that he views himself as a horseman and supports horsemen, and we’re working with him to come up with a solution to this ADW problem. A cooperative arrangement with MEC could be very significant. Not only does the company own such major racing venues as Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park, it also is a partner with Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) in TrackNet Media Group, which buys and sells simulcast signals that account for 35% to 40% of total handle in the United States.

CDI, however, has sued the THG, its officers, the Kentucky HBPA, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, alleging that our efforts to work on a solution to the ADW issue violate anti-trust laws.

In late July, attorneys for THG and the Kentucky groups filed a motion to dismiss the suit. We believe the Interstate Horseracing Act gives horsemen the right—and indeed requires them—to negotiate the percentage of off-track wagering revenues targeted for purses.

“Horsemen must protect themselves,” the motion states. “And they do so through their collective negotiations with entities like CDI. When those negotiations do not reach a mutually agreeable conclusion, the (Interstate Horseracing Act) is very clear: the horsemen have an absolute ‘veto’ right to withhold their consent, and that means there can be no interstate wagering on the affected races.”

CDI nonetheless claims that horsemen violate the law if they work together to negotiate new account wagering revenue distribution models. But our motion points out that “courts have consistently recognized that it would be nonsensical and would undermine statutory intent to preclude multiple groups from collectively engaging in the same conduct, to accomplish the same objectives that each group has a statutory right to engage in on its own.”

Meanwhile, the experience of Ellis Park has provided an intriguing insight into what can happen when racetracks and horsemen agree on how account wagering revenue should be distributed.

Before Ellis’ meet began this summer, Kentucky horsemen held firm on receiving a greater share of revenue from wagering. Ellis Park owner Ron Geary at first objected and said he might close the track, sparking Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA)’s Executive Vice President Chris Scherf to criticize the THG and other horsemen for their efforts.

Scherf said, “Unfortunately, some horsemen’s groups believe their share can be increased beyond prevailing market rates by forcing the tracks to agree to a minimum pricing structure set forth by a new, third-party organization.

Tracks have been unwilling to pursue this approach because of legitimate business and legal concerns. Before additional damage is done to the racing industry, horsemen and racetracks must see the difference between short-term gains and a long-term strategy to be developed jointly. One side dictating to the other clearly will not work.”

Misunderstandings created by statements like these are unfortunate and place obstacles in the path of reaching constructive solutions. We responded to Mr. Scherf that we very much want to work with racetracks and would like to meet and discuss our strategies to increase the revenue distribution from account wagering for both tracks and horsemen, and we are pleased that he has invited THG to make a presentation as part of a panel at the International Simulcast Conference, which the TRA co-sponsors, on September 29.

Kentucky horsemen and Ellis Park eventually came together and agreed on a model similar to what we have been advocating and under which Ellis’ signal would be widely distributed among ADW companies for maximum wagering opportunities. This model has worked so well that the track implemented a 5% purse increase beginning on August 13 and extending through the rest of the meet.

“We are very excited about the partnership we have with the Kentucky HBPA,” Geary said in announcing the purse increase. “We hope our agreement with the Kentucky HBPA will positively impact the entire Thoroughbred racing industry. The innovative agreement Ellis Park leadership reached with Kentucky HBPA has allowed us to not only keep our doors open, but to buck an industry trend of declining purses.”

We appreciate Ron Geary stepping up to address the problem. Now he’s making money and horsemen are benefiting, too. It’s obviously working. The Ellis Park experience shows what broad, non-exclusive distribution can accomplish.

All of us in racing need to take a similar approach and be brave enough to take that step to ensure that live racing, both through purses and racetrack operations, is properly supported.

While we represent horsemen, our stand also is very racetrack friendly because we’re here to preserve racing. We want to keep the racetracks and the horsemen that provide the sport at those racetracks strong and healthy as far down the road to the future as we can foresee—and even further.

Fall Horsemen’s Journal Affiliate Submission 2008

President’s message.

As I reported to you in my last message, the disagreement with the advanced deposit wagering (ADWs) companies over the equitable sharing of wagering for purses continues.

Racetracks appear to understand horsemen’s plight, but they are not prepared to accept the fact that change is necessary if horse racing is to remain viable. You may recall, Bill Casner, immediate past Chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), commented at our last general horsemen’s meeting “The future of our purses comes down to how these issues are resolved.”

During this summer racing season we observed both ends of the spectrum as it pertains to handling of ADWs. At Del Mar race course in California, following a successful experiment where horsemen, racetracks, the California Racing Board, and ADWs agreed to provide the simulcast signal to all ADWs, TVG, the largest ADW, decided prior to the Del Mar race meeting to withdraw their support for the experiment. Del Mar was forced to cut purses for the first time in thirty years. A perfect example of the “tale wagging the dog.” At Ellis Park, on the other hand, it was decided that in order for the ADWs to receive the simulcast signal of the Ellis Park races, horsemen must receive 6% of the wagering revenue for purses. While negotiations were contentious, an agreement was reached with Ellis Park. Subsequently, purses were raised 5% twice.

“We are very excited about the partnership we have with the KHBPA,” Ellis Park owner Ron Geary said. “The innovative agreement Ellis Park leadership reached with KHBPA has allowed us to not only keep our doors open, but to buck an industry trend of declining purses.”

This is a difficult struggle, but as Bill Casner, said it is a battle that must be won. We, as horsemen, must stay the course.

We continue to monitor legislation proposing slots at Kentucky’s racetracks. It is difficult to embrace a proposal that we know so little about, but we plan to meet with legislative leaders early and often to assure that if slots are to become a reality that horsemen will receive an equitable share of the revenue for purses.

Dr. Jerry Yon is the new Chairman of the Kentucky Equine Drug Council, I have had the opportunity to speak with him and I am confident he will move this important advisory council to the Kentucky Racing Commission in the right direction. As a member of the Kentucky Equine Drug Council, I look forward to working with him and the other members of the Council. It is important that we once again aggressively pursue important drug research.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Frank Jones, KHBPA Vice President, recently appointed by Governor Steve Beshear, to serve on the Kentucky Racing Commission. Frank has always been a steadying influence on the KHBPA Board and his business acumen will serve him well as he and other Commission members tackle difficult regulatory issues.

Good luck in your racing endeavors.

August 29, 2008

The fifth meeting of the 2008 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s meeting was held on Friday, August 29, 2008.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park, Ron Geary, owner and President, Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President; Mark Geary, Director of Development; Bob Jackson, Director of Operations; and Dan Bork, Director of Racing.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman; R.L. “Bobby” Williams and Marty Maline who recorded the minutes.

RECOGNIZING A JOB WELL DONE -The horsemen’s committee resoundingly expressed their appreciation to Dan Bork, Director of Racing, Tia Borgemenke, Assistant Racing Secretary, and the entire staff of the Racing Department. They have done a yeoman’s job of maintaining attractive fields throughout the racing season at Ellis Park. “It is a partnership, between horsemen and the racing department,” explained Mike Bruder. “We appreciate their efforts to make things work.” Ron Geary explained that in recognition of their work ethic, he is hosting an appreciation dinner for the racing department staff.

PROJECTS FOR THE WINTER - A roof for the equisizer and an extension for the basketball court are two projects that will be considered for the winter months. Greg Hardt explained that he will have balances for the horsemen’s committee account and the marketing account in the very near future.

PURSE STATUS - Greg also explained that due to a slight dip in wagering revenue last week, the overpayment appears to be in the range of $95,000. Mike Bruder commented that if the overpayment is below the $100,000 threshold by the end of the race meeting it is within the acceptable level. Ron Geary suggested that with a strong final weekend we could possibly be well below the $100,000 level of overpayment. Ron also briefly reviewed their plans for racing days in 2009. He explained that it will be a difficult struggle with the slot enriched purses and extended race meetings at the two Indiana racetracks. Ron suggested that they are currently comparing figures of the other 26 racetracks that race in the summer in an attempt to determine if there needs to be a revision in the exact days that Ellis Park runs, for instance, running on a Monday instead of perhaps a Thursday.

CONTRACT - The KHBPA and Ellis Park will be meeting during October of this year to discuss a new purse contract.

OPENING STARTING GATE - Dan Bork assured the committee that the starting gate will remain open for the closing days of the race meeting. Upon the conclusion of the season, Bob Jackson informed the committee that the starting gate will remain open one day a week. The exact day will be determined at a later date.

CAMELS AND OSTRICHES - Bob Jackson informed horsemen racing prior to the 5th and 7th races that there will be a delay in coming to the paddock since the camels and ostriches will be racing prior to those races. If the competition in your race has a hump on his back or a large beak it means you have probably arrived too early.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

August 8, 2008

The third meeting of the 2008 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee meeting was held on Friday, August 8, 2008.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park, Ron Geary, owner and President; Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President; Mark Geary, Director of Development, and Bob Jackson, Director of Operations.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman; R.L. “Bobby” Williams, and Marty Maline who recorded the minutes.

TRACK KITCHEN - The Horsemen’s Committee explained that several horsemen have complimented the kitchen and the quality as well as the quantity of the food. Local horseman, John Hancock, suggested that he feels it may well be the best kitchen in Kentucky.

CHAPLAIN RON CRAWFORD’S COOKOUT - Horsemen have reported that the cookout recently held by Chaplain Ron Crawford was a big success. Another one will be held on Thursday, August 28, immediately following the races.

HORSE AMBULANCE - The Horsemen’s Committee has received concerns that the Horse Ambulance attendant occasionally in the mornings leaves the horse ambulance unattended for stretches of time. Bob Jackson explained that he has not heard this, but he will check into it.

BASKETBALL COURT - The Horsemen’s Committee has suggested that the basketball court on the backstretch should be improved adding an additional goal and making it larger. This provides a great amount of enjoyment for many on the backstretch.

KHBPA/ELLIS PARK HORSEMEN’S PICNIC - This coming Tuesday, the annual horsemen’s picnic will be held at Ellis Park which features Sonny’s Famous Barbecue. The picnic will begin at 6:30 and dinner will be served at 7:00. Bob Jackson is in charge of securing a Disc Jockey for the event and he has graciously accepted the responsibility.

SANDY WATKINS DAY AT ELLIS PARK - Due to health issues, it appears a day recognizing Sandy Watkins, Judge Executive, Henderson County, for his efforts on behalf of Ellis Park may have to be postponed.

TRACK MAINTENANCE - Just as in the week prior, horsemen have suggested that in order to preserve the track surface it is advisable to have the dogs out during training hours when inclement weather has caused the track to be muddy or sloppy. Bob Jackson stated that he will talk to the track superintendent to see why there has been a change in the policy regarding the track and inclement weather.

PURSE ACCOUNT UPDATE - Greg Hardt announced that wagering at Ellis Park has improved this week and therefore he has updated his estimated overpayment of purses at the end of the race meeting. Ron Geary attributed the rebounding to various factors. He explained that Ellis Park now is in the top five or six of ADW signals currently being wagered on throughout the country and Canada. “It is especially encouraging due to the fact that Del Mar has recently been forced to cut purses due to the economy and Saratoga is down 20%,” Mike Bruder commented. Ron Geary suggested that he feels a 5% increase in purses is in order. After further discussion, where Mike Bruder explained that it is important that we do not leave the current race meeting with a sizable overpayment, everyone agreed to raise the purses 5% starting with the race card for Wednesday, August 13.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

August 1, 2008

The second meeting of the 2008 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee meeting was held on Friday, August 1, 2008.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park, Ron Geary, owner and President, Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President, Mark Geary, Director of Development, and Bob Jackson, Director of Operations.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman, R.L. “Bobby” Williams, and Marty Maline who recorded the minutes.

PURSE ACCOUNT UPDATE - Greg Hardt provided the Committee with the purse update including an estimate of where the purse account will end up at the end of the race meeting. The purse account started this 2008 race meeting with a $600,622 balance as opposed to $874,000 as an underpayment balance starting the 2007 race meeting. So this race meeting started with $274,000 less in the purse account. The purses earned from the new advance deposit wagering agreement (adw) amounts to approximately $300,000 in additional revenue for purses. Ron Geary explained that the revenue from the adws has been hampered by HRTV’s lack of cooperation in showing Ellis Park races on television on a regular basis while showing race track signals with less of a following. Therefore, Greg Hardt estimates that the race meeting will end with an overpayment of approximately $75,000 in the purse account. Ron Geary suggested that we continue to monitor the figures on weekly basis, to determine if a purse raise is warranted.

VANNING EXPENSE - At the request of horsemen that ship to Ellis Park on a regular basis, the committee asked if there is any consideration for shipping expenses. Ron Geary explained that he had actually considered some type of travel voucher to assist with the gas expense, but he was unable to make it work financially.

WATER AT THE GAPS - Horsemen have requested that assistance be provided to assure that all the water stations on the track are maintained. Bob Jackson assured the committee that they will provide the attendant with access to the racetrack so that she will have the ability to service the water buckets without encumbrances.

HOURS FOR THE EQUISIZER - Bob Jackson informed the horsemen’s committee that the hours of the Equisizer are from 6:00 until 11:00.

BACKSIDE RESTROOMS - The horsemen’s committee suggested that the cleanliness of the restrooms on the backstretch needs to be addressed.

TURF COURSE - Horsemen have mentioned that the turf course is especially firm and perhaps additional water needs to be applied. Bob Jackson explained that the sprinkler system is turned on every night, but he will check to see if it can be adjusted to slow down the process which in turn applies more water.

MAIN TRACK - Horsemen have suggested that when the track is muddy in the morning, it is a good idea to put the dogs out as opposed to just announcing that horses should not be galloped along the rail.

SANDY WATKINS DAY FOLLOWUP - Bob Jackson informed the committee that he has talked with Judge Executive, Sandy Watkins, and he will let us know very soon, the day that he will be available for an event in his honor.

FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ELIMINATING THE BREAK - Dan Bork, Director of Racing, has completed his survey of horsemen regarding eliminating the break in the mornings. Apparently, it is evenly split. The committee decided that the break will be eliminated on Mondays and Tuesdays effective this Monday. On racedays, the break will be changed to 7:30 until 8:00.

FLY ERADICATION FOLLOW-UP - R. L. “Bobby” Williams informed the committee that it appears that the fly eradication system has been serviced and the fly problem has improved. However, he suggested that it is still important that a sheet showing the times they have serviced the boxes should be available for accountability.

DISTURBANCE AT THE GUARD SHACK - Horsemen have expressed concern regarding the recent disturbance at the guard shack. They have inquired why only one guard attempted to intervene while the other guard failed to get involved. A brief discussion ensued, but no real answers to the inquiry were forthcoming.

UPCOMING EVENTS –

• Monday, August 4, Del Cato’s picnic and barbecue at the picnic grove.

• Tuesday, August 5, the KHBPA/Ellis Park Golf Tournament contact KHBPA office for details.

• Friday, August 8, the annual backstretch Health Fair above the track kitchen, lunch will be served. Starting at 11:00 A.M.

• Tuesday, August 12, the KHBPA/Ellis Park annual horsemen’s picnic featuring Sonny’s famous barbecue. Starting at 6:30, dinner at 7:00.

• Thursday, August 14 and August 28, the Chaplain will serve dinner on the backstretch.

• Monday, August 18, the second annual Ellis Park backstretch cook-off; everyone is invited. Starting at 5:00, cash prizes for the winners.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Executive Director, KHBPA

July 24, 2008

The first meeting of the 2008 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee was held on Thursday, July 24, 2008.

Attending the meeting representing Ellis Park were Ron Geary, owner and President, Greg Hardt, CFO/Executive Vice President, Mark Geary, Director of Development, Bob Jackson, Director of Operations, and Dan Bork, Director of Racing/Racing Secretary.

The Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman of the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee, R. L. “Bobby” Williams and Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

PERSONNEL ISSUES-The Horsemen’s Committee reviewed concerns they have received regarding the Stall Superintendent. Dan Bork explained that he will discuss the issues with him.

FLY ERADICATION PROGRAM-The Horsemen’s Committee discussed the heavy fly infestation in the barn area. Mark Geary reviewed the program that was patterned after the successful program at Lone Star race track in Texas. Bobby Williams explained that perhaps monitoring the system closer to assure that the system is being serviced regularly is a good idea. In addition, strategically locating additional devices next to the manure bins may be appropriate.

WATERING THE RACETRACK-The Horsemen’s Committee has received several comments regarding the lack of adequate water on the racetrack during Wednesday’s races. Apparently, one of the water trucks broke down and there was no backup. Bob Jackson explained that he was unaware of the problem. Mark Geary suggested perhaps they could lease a water truck from Arlington Park since now that they have Polytrack they do not water their track as frequently. Bob Jackson assured the committee that the problem will be addressed.

SANDY WATKINS DAY AT ELLIS PARK-The Horsemen’s Committee suggested having a day at Ellis Park in honor of Sandy Watkins, Judge Executive of Henderson County, Kentucky, in recognition of his genuine interest in the continued survival of Ellis Park. Marty Maline recalled during the aftermath of the tornado, Sandy was on the backstretch several days assisting with the relief efforts. He truly cares about the continued survival of Ellis Park. Bob Jackson explained that there is a day when several Judge Executives from the surrounding counties attend the races so perhaps there could be a presentation in conjunction with that day. Ron Geary agreed with the proposal.

CONSIDERING CANCELLING THE BREAK-The Horsemen’s Committee explained that they have been contacted by horsemen interested in canceling the track break in the morning. After several minutes of discussion, it was decided to poll horsemen to see if they are interested in having a break Wednesday through Sunday with the starting gate open from 7:00 until 8:00, a break from 8:00 until 8:30, afterward, the starting gate open from 8:30 until 9:30. On Monday and Tuesday there would be no break and on Monday the starting gate is open from 7:00 until 9:00 and the gate is closed on Tuesday. This approach would be done on a trial basis. Horsemen interesting in expressing their view should contact the Racing Secretary’s office or the KHBPA office.

UPDATE ON IMPROVEMENTS-Mike Bruder requested an update on the improvements to the backstretch. Bob Jackson explained that air conditioning/heating units have been added to 58 rooms.

PURSE ACCOUNT UPDATE-The Horsemen’s Committee requested a purse account update. Greg Hardt explained that they have been finding it difficult getting the information from Churchill Downs who is responsible for their reconciliations. Ron Geary explained that he expects that the problem will be resolved by the next meeting on Friday of next week. Mike Bruder emphasized the importance of getting weekly updates, in order that the purses account can be monitored. He felt that if it is warranted, the KHBPA would like to consider a purse raise in recognition of the horsemen’s strong support of Ellis Park by entering their horses. Ron Geary expressed the view that they shared the same feelings and would also like to recognize the efforts of Dan Bork and his racing office staff. In addition, Ron Geary reviewed the betting at the various ADW companies and explained the strong support Ellis Park is receiving from the betting patrons. He did express his disappointment with Tracknet, who has steadfastly refused to show the Ellis Park signal on HRTV on a regular basis, even though it is preferred by bettors over other racetrack’s simulcast signals getting full coverage.

UPCOMING EVENTS-Mark Geary announced that Ellis Park continues to provide the popular Tuesday night suppers at the track kitchen starting at 5:00. Everyone is welcome.

Tuesday, August 5, is the KHBPA/Ellis Park Golf Tournament. Contact KHBPA office for details. Mark Geary informed the committee that Ellis Park will donate $500 for prize money.

Friday, August 8, is the annual backstretch Health Fair above the track kitchen.

Tuesday, August 12, is the KHBPA/Ellis Park annual horsemen’s picnic featuring Sunny’s famous barbecue.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

This was the type of day John Griffith and Mike Bruder remembered from when they first started going to the races. That's why they were all smiles at Ellis Park on Sunday.

With cooler weather and the first of two big giveaway days for college students, the track in the Henderson County bottoms had its biggest crowd of the young meet and more energy than it had seen the two previous days.

Griffith and Bruder, representing the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, were happy to hand out 11 laptop computers in a blind draw among 500 college students who entered.

"As an industry, we need to see more young people out here," said Bruder, a horse owner from Evansville and member of the HBPA board of directors. "The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association does a nice job with their scholarship program (and will present 10 $1,000 scholarships to students at Ellis on July 27), and we decided a few years back to join in."

Griffith, the HBPA treasurer, nodded. "Any kid going to college can use a scholarship, and any kid going to college can use a laptop," he said. "It seemed like a natural tie-in."

Patrick Coomes of St. Wendel, Ind., wouldn't argue. The Reitz High School graduate, bound for Ivy Tech, won one of the computers on Sunday.

He was talked into coming to the track by his date, Diana McConnell, who was joining her mother and aunt on an outing. Coomes wound up the luckiest one in the group.

"It's cool that they do this," he said. "You see a lot of people from a lot of schools out here."

Laptop winners represented eight universities Ivy Tech, Indiana (3), Purdue, Southern Indiana (2), Louisville, Vanderbilt, Centre College and Ball State. They bet a little, took advantage of Sunday's reduced prices on concessions and seemed to enjoy the day.

"Some of their parents are probably wagering a little," said track owner Ron Geary. "But mostly you have to love the way they're invigorating the whole plant. There's an energy that you love to see."

Geary isn't releasing daily attendance figures but confirmed the first two days averaged about 3,800. Sunday's crowd was larger, likely in the 5,000 range. "The crowd's bigger and it's younger, and that's definitely something we like to see," said Geary.

The all-sources handle, gleaned from mutuel pools reported to equibase.com, was $2,041,905, down from $2,249,992 on Friday and $2,485,009 on Saturday.

FYI:

The AP news story appeared in the July 10 USA Today.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/horses/2008-07-10-1902701958_x.htm

Racing struggling to divvy up growing Internet pie

By Will Graves, AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There aren't any Triple Crown contenders in John Hancock's 24-horse stable.

The 48-year-old trainer is just a horseman trying to make a living, hoping to make enough money during Ellis Park's annual summer meet to last the year.

The track, nestled along the Ohio River20in Henderson, Ky., about two hours from Louisville, has seen just about everything in the 86 years since it opened. Floods. Fire. Tornadoes.

What Mother Nature threatened to do to Ellis Park but could never quite finish off, the racing industry appeared to accomplish just days before this year's summer meet was set to begin.

Blame it on the Internet.

In a tense meeting less than 48 hours before Opening Day, track owner Ron Geary announced he was closing the park's doors for good after reaching an impasse with a horseman's group over how to divvy up the track's share from online and phone betting, called advance deposit wagers, or ADWs.

"I felt like somebody had hit me over the head with a club," Hancock said. "I had three horses in the first day, three on the second day. ... When he made that announcement, I thought I had lost everything."

Hancock wasn't the only one. Geary, who purchased the track from Churchill Downs Inc. in 2006, thought his dreams of rejuvenating the track were over.

"I was the sickest I've ever been mentally," Geary said.

A potentially groundbreaking deal between Geary, horsemen and advance wagering companies on July 5 means there will be racing at Ellis Park this summer. But the kind of brinksmanship displayed by all sides is symptomatic of the industry's problems.

While the racing business has largely been stagnant for the last decade - the amount of money wagered on racing in the U.S. over the last five years has dropped 3 percent according to the Jockey Club - interest in ADWs has skyrocketed.

The amount of money wagered through licensed account wagering hubs in the state of Oregon in 2001 was over $80 million. By 2007 the number had risen to nearly $1.6 billion.

To the bettor, it means plunking down a $2 win ticket on your favorite horse is usually just a phone call or a click away.

Yet rather than working together to find a way to pique interest in racing, tracks, horsemen and account wagering companies across the country are fighting over how to split the industry's largest area of growth. At times, the battles can be bloody.

At Ellis Park, it almost meant the end of a tradition that goes back generations.

Horsemen learned a costly lesson over the last two decades when simulcasting - the tracks' ability to send their races via satellite or closed circuit TV to other tracks and off track betting facilities - took off.

While OTB parlors flourished, horsemen never challenged the economic model built around simulcasting. They took their cut - typically between 1.5 and 3 percent - and watched as other people got rich.

Not wanting to be caught looking as ADWs gained popularity, several horsemen's groups have begun aggressively challenging tracks for a larger slice of the ADW pie.

Typically in racing, around 82 percent of the gross receipts are awarded to the winning bettors. The remaining 18 percent is split between tracks, horsemen and in the case of ADWs, the account wagering companies.

For some tracks, like Ellis Park, the percentage of money received from the account wagering companies is similar to the amount received from simulcasting and OTBs. In 2007, Ellis Park split its 5 percent take from account wagering companies with the horsemen, according to Geary.

To horsemen groups, the math doesn't add up. In their opinion too much money is going to the account wagering companies, and not enough to the owners and trainers that keep the sport a float.

Under the system, if $15 million is wagered through ADWs on races at the track, Ellis Park would get $375,000, the horsemen would get $375,000 and the account wagering companies would get over $2 million.

"It shows the gross injustice of the allotment and horsemen are finally feeling that we've got to do something to resolve the matter," said Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protection Association.

This spring the KHBPA began flexing the only muscle it has: blocking the signal from the track to go to other tracks, OTBs and online sites, a right guaranteed the group through the Interstate Horse Racing Act.

A week before Ellis Park was scheduled to open, Geary received a letter from the KHBPA saying it would block the signal. Geary tried unsuccessfully to get a court to block the KHBPA. He had two other options, cutting purses by 25 percent or closing the track. Geary chose the latter, a move that shocked horsemen.

"We recognized that this was going to be a difficult struggle," Maline said. "We've heard racetracks and others in the industry saying for a long time that the economic model was broke, but it appeared to just be rhetoric."

It makes for a vicious circle and the kind of standoff the industry can hardly afford given its perceived drug and safety problems.

"The judge, even though he ruled against me, told me (the horsemen's decision) was cutting off their nose to spite their face," Geary said.

Similar disputes between horsemen and tracks affected purses at Churchill Downs in Louisville and Calder Race Course in Florida this spring season.

Such fights could be on the horizon at dozens of tracks throughout the country. Rather than fight each individually, the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group was created in 2007 to act as an intermediary between horsemen in several racing states and other business entities throughout the industry in an effort to level the playing field.

"I see horsemen not being able to pay their feed bills," said THG president Bob Reeves. "What happened is this has gotten so dag gone complicated, I think they realized they had to work together. We've got to get this thing fixed."

In a perfect world, Reeves sees tracks, horsemen and account wagering companies splitting the revenue equally.

It won't be easy. It never is in horse racing.

Account wagering companies have their own expenses. TVG, one of the largest account wagering companies in the industry, runs a costly cable television racing channel. There are fees and overhead and investors to pay. Twinspires.com, owned by CDI, employs dozens20of people and is constantly developing software to entice younger bettors.

Both also need to turn a profit to stay afloat. If they fail, racing's Internet boom goes bust.

"From our perspective, what Churchill Downs and Twin Spires is trying to do is grow the business and attract new customers," said CDI spokesman Kevin Flanery. "That's what we should all be talking about. Instead we're talking about how we're dividing up a diminishing pile of money."

It's a pile of money that Geary says will disappear completely for him this summer. After negotiating with numerous account wagering companies, Geary is opting to give his entire stake from the ADWs to the horsemen at Ellis Park.

It's a move that will allow the track to remain open and perhaps make more money in the process.

Rather than limit the track's signal through one or two account wagering companies, Geary reached a deal that will make Ellis Park races available across 10 Internet platforms.

It's the kind of freedom that could attract bettors, who are sometimes forced to use different Web sites to place wagers at specific tracks due to exclusivity agreements between the tracks and certain account wagering companies.

"I'm taking a one-year sacrifice, it's a dice roll on my part," said Geary, who projects losi ng money during the meet, which will have 39 racing dates instead of 44 due to the late start. "But I'm optimistic."

If the early returns are any indication, Geary may be right. The track had 96 entries for 10 races on Friday, and over 100 for 11 races on Saturday. That's far from the bare-boned five- or six-horse field Geary envisioned if he had to cut purses.

The track's 900-stalls could be full by late-July, as more trainers opt to race at Ellis Park following Geary's decision to give his entire ADW allotment to the horsemen.

It also means Hancock, who quit his job driving a bus for a local school system last year to take one more shot at training full-time, will be plenty busy this summer.

"It looks like we may be the springboard to a great deal for a lot of horsemen around the country," Hancock said. "If this gets some momentum and builds, I think we won't be talking about this anymore."

The Associated Press

KHBPA STRIKES MOMENTOUS AGREEMENT WITH ELLIS PARK

On July 5, 2008, following a lengthy meeting with a large contingent of horsemen at Ellis Park, an agreement was reached with Ron Geary, owner of Ellis Park, which solidifies the KHBPA position on Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADWs) companies, and assures horsemen racing at Ellis Park an equitable share of ADW generated revenue for purses.

“Horsemen will benefit greatly from the efforts of KHBPA,” commented Rick Hiles, President, of the KHBPA. “We feel we have set the wheels in motion which will provide an impetus for ADW agreements nationwide for years to come.”

The agreement matched the demand of the KHBPA that Ellis Park shall contribute to the purse fund an amount equal to six percent (6%) of the ADW handle or 1/3 of the takeout from wagers placed through the ADW companies on Ellis Park races, whichever is greater.

Bob Desensi, KHBPA director, reviewed with horsemen at the meeting the importance of the KHBPA stance pertaining to ADWs. “We can no longer stand by and watch ADWs siphon off the lionshare of betting,” Bob explained. “We must maintain a proactive approach to dealing with them. Afterall, we put on the show that is making them wealthy and we deserve an equitable share.”

Mike Bruder, Buff Bradley, and Joe Cain, KHBPA directors also attended the meeting fielding questions from horsemen and were instrumental in finalizing the agreement with Ellis Park.

John Hancock, a local horseman who organized the meeting, expressed his appreciation to the KHBPA directors for their support and getting the job done. “They showed they were genuinely interested in helping us,” John explained. “I felt confident if we could get the two sides together positive things could happen.”

Racing will begin at Ellis Park on July 11, 2008.

July 3, 2008

TO: HORSEMEN AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES.

FROM: KENTUCKY HORSEMEN’S BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION (KHBPA).

REGARDING: THE CLOSING OF ELLIS PARK.

By now you have probably heard the disturbing news that Ron Geary, owner of Ellis Park, has decided not to begin racing on July 4, 2008, and to close the race track.

Briefly, I want to explain what we perceive are the reasons for the horrendous decision and the measures the KHBPA will be exploring in an effort to deal with the crisis.

Several weeks ago, the KHBPA approached Ron Geary to discuss our concerns with the small percentage that the advanced deposit wagering (ADW) companies are paying toward horsemen’s purses. We explained that in Kentucky we are competing against racetracks that have the benefit of other forms of gaming and have been fueled by slot enriched purses. The only alternative is to receive more revenue for betting on Ellis Park’s simulcast signal through the ADWs.

Ron Geary, instead of working toward a reasonable solution, decided to sue the KHBPA and, in a sense, force us to take the deal he had made with the ADWs. We objected, which is our right, and a federal judge ruled in favor of the KHBPA’s stand late yesterday.

Ron Geary immediately announced that he will not open Ellis Park.

We shared the same shock and disbelief of horsemen and the local community that have supported Ellis Park for so many years before Ron Geary happened on the scene.

It is hard to understand the logic behind the decision after all, the lost ADW revenue amounts to approximately $5,000 a day in purses. If the daily purses at Ellis Park are estimated to be between $130,000 to $140,000 per day why would Ron Geary decide to close down the racetrack based on a 3.8% loss in revenue?

One can only wonder if the prolonged labor unrest (mutuel worker’s strike) that has polarized the community or the fact that only slightly more than three hundred horses are currently stabled at Ellis Park may have influenced his decision much more than a small percentage loss of ADW revenue.

It is a tragic situation that must be rectified.

Late last night we talked with leaders of the community who are trying to assess the adverse impact of Ron Geary’s decision on the local citizenry.

Early this morning, the KHBPA will be communicating with the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority in an effort to have them intervene on behalf of horsemen and everyone who will be affected by the loss of Ellis Park.

In addition, we will use our best efforts to communicate with Ellis Park to arrive at a reasonable solution and to salvage the race meeting at Ellis Park.

If you have any questions or comments, please call at 1-800-928-4272 or contact kyhbpa@insightbb.com.

Ellis closed, maybe forever

Ellis Park won't open for its 2008 live thoroughbred racing meet on Friday as scheduled, and perhaps is closed forever.

On Wednesday night, even as Ellis-sponsored television commercials -- cajoling Tri-state residents that they have "always loved horses" -- continued to air, the racetrack issued a statement that a dispute with horsemen was forcing the closure of the Henderson racetrack.

A formal announcement by track owner Ron Geary is expected at a news conference at 10 a.m. today beneath the grandstand of the 86-year-old racetrack.

Ellis has been bleeding from a thousand cuts:

- A general decline in interest in horse racing from its glory days.

- Shrinking attendance locally.

- A blistering hot 2007 summer meet that discouraged horsemen and patrons alike.

- Competition from the Evansville casino boat for gamblers.

- Competition from casino-subsidized racetracks in neighboring states for racehorses.

- Shortages of horses that resulted in small fields and poor betting odds.

- Reported losses of $2.7 million last year.

- A strike and ongoing picketing by the pari-mutuel clerks' union after Geary sought cuts in pay and benefits.

- The failure of the Kentucky legislature to ask voters whether casino gambling should be permitted at tracks to subsidize racing.

Then, on Wednesday, came a setback in U.S. District Court in Owensboro. Ellis has been locked in a dispute with the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) over sharing off-track wagering on races at the Henderson track.

U.S. District Judge Joseph H. McKinley turned down the track's request for a court order forcing the horse owners to sign off on an agreement to transmit Ellis Park's televised races to advanced deposit wagering (ADW) companies to other tracks and other betting venues, from which the track could receive a percentage of the wagering.

Geary, the Louisville businessmen who bought Ellis from Churchill Downs Inc. almost two years ago, blistered the Kentucky HBPA in a statement Wednesday night.

"It is shocking to think that the KHBPA would choose to close down Ellis Park rather than take advantage of the additional revenue already negotiated with the ADWs for 2008," Geary said in a news release.

"They know it and they don't care," he continued in his statement. "All the KHBPA is focused on is hurting the ADWs this year so they can negotiate a higher percentage next year. What they are doing is a scorched earth strategy with huge collateral damage to the Tri-state."

Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky HBPA, insisted Wednesday night that the Ellis Park owner has overreacted.

For Geary "to take that attitude, to just shut the meet down -- we're in a state of shock," Maline said. "I just can't believe it."

The horsemen hope to persuade state racing officials to step in and force the track to conduct its live meet.

"The first thing is, we'll contact the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (today) to see if they can intervene in some way," Maline said.

"If it requires decreasing purses (to owners of winning horses), so be it," he said. "We accept that."

Ellis Park, though, said its office will instead be open for several weeks to "handle refunds and pre-paid reservations and sponsorships" to patrons and companies.

"Meetings will take place immediately with all employees and vendors to communicate the transition," the track said in a press release.

The track had projected that it would employ more than 500 people during the 44-day live racing meet, which would have run Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day.

The statement said Geary has "not released information regarding the future use of the track and its property which he owns."

The cancellation of the 2008 race meet is a blow to the hotels, restaurants, filling stations and other businesses that benefit from the arrival of racing fans, according to Marcia Eblen, executive director of the Henderson County Tourist Commission.

"I just feel kind of numb," Eblen said.

"From a regional standpoint, with the closing of the Executive Inn (Rivermont, a major hotel and entertainment venue in Owensboro) and then this, it's a huge impact on tourism."

"It really hurts our economy," she said. "We don't need this right now."

The 2008 Texas Hold'Em Tournament sponsored by Churchill Downs, KHBPA, KTA and the Churchill Downs Racing Committee was a big success! Proceeds benefited the Backside Lifestyle Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program. Congratulations to our winners!



1. Henry Montgomery

2. Marty Maline

3. Brent Bass



Hope to see you next year!

The owner of Ellis Park said he is willing to work with horsemen on revenue-sharing plans for wagering signals, but hasn’t ruled out eventually closing the Kentucky track if an equitable long-term agreement isn’t reached.

Ron Geary said June 24 he hasn’t received consent from the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association for distribution of the track’s racing signal for its meet that starts July 4. The Kentucky HBPA and horsemen’s groups in other states have withheld consent to several tracks in a series of nasty battles over revenue sharing of advance deposit wagering made through Internet and telephone outlets.

Geary, who said he is “sympathetic” to the horsemen’s pitch for more revenue, said he has offered a couple of alternative plans to the Kentucky HBPA in informal discussions, including a phase-in of staggered higher revenue over a five- to 10-year period.

“We’ve discussed that, but they haven’t given me any formal notification either way,” Geary said. “I am optimistic and hopeful that for the sake of continuance of Ellis Park, we will be able to meet some kind of agreement.”

Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky HBPA, acknowledged there have been discussions with Geary on the new revenue-sharing plan, which asks for a one-third share of takeout from ADW wagers be used for purses.

“Yes, we are aware it will adversely impact them,” Maline said of a scenario where consent isn’t granted. “We hope serious discussions will begin – they are like two weeks away from starting. Unfortunately, there’s not been a whole lot of movement.”

Geary, who in March told The Blood-Horse Ellis Park lost $2 million in 2007, said without wide-ranging signal distribution to all major ADWs, he projects 2008 revenue will decline 15%. Geary, who in the same March interview said he would consider selling the 231-acre property located in Henderson as a last resort, said he has had no further definitive thoughts on closing the track.

“I’m not making any decisions on that until I get the (horsemen’s consent) letter,” he said. “And then, I will have several options. One, I will appeal to their board if they do to little Ellis Park what they did to Churchill Downs.”

The Kentucky HBPA withheld consent for the Churchill Downs signal to go to a select group of high-volume ADWs, resulting in a 10% drop in handle. The track responded with a 20% purse cut, and filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against various horsemen’s groups and individuals.

Maline said the Kentucky HBPA is aware of the “tenuous” economic challenges facing Ellis Park, and that Kentucky could be without live Thoroughbred racing for part of the summer if Geary closes up shop. He said the track already will be facing stiffer competition from Indiana tracks, which will eventually be bolstered by slots revenue and expanded racing dates, and from Illinois tracks, which could receive additional funds from casino gaming. But he said the Kentucky HBPA can’t make an exception in the case of Ellis Park.

“We can’t suggest a different scenario to Ellis than we can with any of the racetracks,” Maline said. “It would have to be in line with what we are proposing for Churchill Downs, and, eventually, Keeneland or Turfway (Park). Everyone is recognizing this as a growth segment.”

Geary said he is looking forward to the prospects for the upcoming meet, because he had worked out a settlement with Churchill Downs Inc. in which Ellis Park is allowed to negotiate signal rights to all ADWs. Geary purchased the track from CDI in 2006, but was restricted from using such ADWs as TVG and Youbet.com in 2007 when the TrackNet Media Group venture of CDI and Magna Entertainment Corp. was launched.

“I am pleased to say that we now have agreements with TVG and Youbet,” said Geary, who blamed the ADW restriction for a 10% decline in handle last year. “This gives us our best shot. I wanted the widest distribution possible.”

Ellis Park also received $2 million from CDI as part of the settlement, according to the racetrack company’s most recent quarterly report.

Geary said he has not spoken with anyone from the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group, the national consortium of 18 horsemen’s associations. The THG, which was formed last December, is negotiating signal agreements with several tracks on behalf of several horsemen’s groups, including the Kentucky HBPA.

Bob Reeves, the president of the THG, said the national group is not yet involved in negotiations with Ellis Park. “They have not yet asked us to represent them in negotiations,” Reeves said of the Kentucky HBPA. “But recent history suggests that they will.”

Geary said while the tracks and horsemen are feeling the pinch, the industry may suffer as bettors move on to other forms of entertainment.

“We just had a national handicapping tournament and I spoke with several players,” he said. “They just said, ‘We can’t bet.’ It’s very disappointing to them. Eventually, you will lose some customers, and some of them won’t come back.”

Copyright © 2008 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Summer Newsletter 2008

President’s message.

As we enter the spring/summer racing season we find Kentucky racing at a crossroads. You are probably aware that, once again, the Kentucky legislature has decided not to allow the people of Kentucky the opportunity to vote on the slot issue. As is the case with many of the horsemen I talk to, everyone is frustrated with the failure of the General Assembly to reasonably address the concerns of not only horsemen, but the citizens of Kentucky in general. As the Governor stated on more than one occasion, over 80% of Kentuckians have expressed an interest in voting on gaming. The unbridled arrogance of our elected officials, not to accede to the wishes of their constituents is beyond reason, and it may well signal the demise of Kentucky’s signature industry on various fronts. While we have many friends in the legislature, certain members of legislative leadership almost appear to be enjoying our unsuccessful plight to convince the General Assembly that gaming legislation structured to enhance the racing and breeding industry is paramount. In the meantime, neighboring states that seem to understand the importance of the thousands of jobs and the economic impact of the racing industry are encouraging the exodus of our best horses and horse people to other states to ply their trade.

On another front, horsemen throughout the United States and Canada are attempting to obtain a larger portion of the lucrative advanced deposit wagering (ADWs) revenue. The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG) of which KHBPA is a founding member, has been meeting with horsemen’s organizations offering their services to negotiate a more equitable arrangement so that horsemen’s purses are reasonably compensated. It is a negotiation that will not be easy, for too many years ADW companies have been siphoning off large sums of money without providing horsemen a fair share of the revenue that they receive from the performance of horses and horsemen.

I am pleased to announce that Governor Steve Beshear has appointed me to the Kentucky Equine Drug Council (KEDC). This is the group that advises the Kentucky Racing Authority on expenditures for important drug research. When I last served on the drug council, Kentucky was at the forefront in meaningful drug research. For reasons beyond comprehension under the previous administration, the funds have not been used for this purpose and they are in danger of being retrieved by a state desperate for sources of revenue to run the government.

The KHBPA has once again moved our offices across from the 5th street stable gate. It was one of the things that I pledged to do upon taking office and thanks to a supportive board we have achieved that goal. Please come in and take a look around I think you will be pleasantly surprised of the various services that we have available to you.

Good luck in your racing endeavors!

Rick Hiles
President, KHBPA

A federal judge June 4 heard preliminary arguments over a proposed injunction filed by Kentucky horsemen asking to reinstate a 20% purse cut imposed by Churchill Downs.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge John G. Heyburn II hosted about a dozen attorneys and others in both his Louisville chambers and via telephone during a conference call to discuss parameters of the temporary injunction motion filed May 23 by the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The Kentucky HBPA, which has called the purse cut coercive and in breach of contract, is among the defendants in a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by Churchill Downs Inc. and affiliates.

Heyburn told the participants his main purpose in the conference was to make sure everyone was on the same page in regard to the issues involved with the injunction request, and he spent the better part of the hour-long meeting painting scenarios of different actions.

“I’m not trying to argue the motion for you,” he said prior to setting a June 16 formal hearing. “I just want to make sure we are all of the same thinking.”

Heyburn said that at first glance, the purse cut questions boils down to a few issues: If Churchill Downs misjudged the size of the reduction, but did it within the terms of a 2006 contract signed with horsemen, then an underpayment reimbursement at the end of the meet could clear up those matters. But if it was done, as the horsemen allege, in retaliation for actions that include withholding consent for the meet’s signal to some wagering outlets, then potential damage may have occurred.

“We all agree they have the power to reduce the purses,” he said. “The question is whether they did it in good faith. If they did it in bad faith, or did it unlawfully, that’s a whole different situation.”

Since the purse cut was enacted May 14, purses paid by Churchill Downs have fallen nearly 20.9% to a daily average of $148,960 when compared with a similar 16-card stretch of 2007, according to data compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems. Total handle during the comparative period has dropped 23.6% to $86,962,865, not including separate-pool wagering, and has declined 8.8% to $356,609,158 for the meet to date.

Heyburn noted that even if he agreed to sign an order for the injunction, at the earliest a week after the June 16 hearing, it would only reinstate the purse levels for the last couple weeks of the Churchill Downs meet, which ends July 6.

“You would have sort of a two-week remedy; it’s an unusual injunctive relief,” he said.

Attorney Douglas L. McSwain, who represents the Kentucky HBPA, said it was still important to get the injunction in place. “We would not want the 20% cut to go into the fall meet,” he said, speaking by telephone.

Conversely, a Chicago-based attorney representing Churchill Downs told Heyburn if the injunction is signed too hastily, it might have negative effects on the fall meet for horsemen.

“If they get the relief they are seeking, and it turns out they are overpaid, then it gets taken away in the fall meet,” said David M. Schiffman via telephone, noting terms in the contract regarding overpayments.

Churchill Downs has said the 20% cut is justified based on projections of lost revenue resulting from the signal boycott, which is aimed at certain advance deposit wagering outlets that handle online and telephone bets.

Under terms of the contract, underpayments from the current meet would only be returned to those in a period of "lowest purse" as designated by the Kentucky HBPA, and can't exceed "25% of the racing days in which the underpayment occurred."

“If Churchill Downs is taking action that can’t be fixed, then it may be a valid reason (for the injunction), because there are 75% of the people that won’t get paid,” Heyburn said.

Kevin G. Henry, an attorney representing the Kentucky HBPA, said it would be difficult to calculate damages, because many horse owners who would have raced horses at Churchill Downs have likely shipped to other locations where purses are higher.

“I agree with your analysis,” he told Heyburn. “But I respectfully submit that it only takes into account horses racing through owners at Churchill Downs, and racing conducted at Churchill Downs through July 6. But it doesn’t take into account those that won’t ship in because of the purse cuts, and are instead shipping to places like Mountaineer Park or Presque Isle Downs. For that group, there can be no damage calculation. They are irreparably damaged.”

Since the purse cut was enacted, the average field size at Churchill Downs has been 7.54, down 6.3% from the same period a year ago.

Heyburn said owners have lots of options when faced with economic challenges, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit to try and collect damages. “We all have freedom of action,” he said. “Everyone presumably acts in their own best interest.”

Heyburn compared the horsemen withholding consent to union workers staging a walkout, and noted Churchill Downs was also likely suffering financially. “When you exercise the veto, it’s like a labor strike,” he said. “When you do that, it’s a threat; it’s an economic move. Everybody loses because the revenue stream declines. And you are hoping, just like in a union strike, that in the end it will be better.”

The judge also offered an unprompted early opinion on the charge by Churchill Downs that horsemen have violated federal antitrust laws by undertaking a joint boycott. “I’m not sure how strong that is,” he said of the antitrust allegation.

In addition to the Kentucky HBPA, others listed as defendants in the lawsuit are the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Florida HBPA, and the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group, as well as various affiliated officers.

Please see the link below for this article.

Downs May Add to Foster Purse

In a flurry of responses filed recently in federal court, Kentucky horsemen claim Churchill Downs Inc. owes purse funds upward to $3 million in unpaid fees from wagering revenues, and have asked a judge to force the racetrack company to pay out funds lost from a 20% purse cut.

The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, one of several defendants named in a federal antitrust lawsuit originally filed April 24 by CDI and other entities, claims CDI has breached its current contract in at least two regards: by not honoring a clause that treats bets made through advance deposit wagering outlets as on-track wagers, and by unjustly reducing purses on May 14 without consulting horsemen’s groups first.

Horsemen claim CDI has failed to pay any portion of the wagering revenues earned by its TwinSpires.com platforms in 2007 or 2008. They charge CDI with breaching a contractual clause they say gives them the right to 50% of fees paid from wagering processed through telephone account outlets and other "electronic media."

In effect, horsemen claim the contract says wagers processed through CDI’s TwinSpires.com are to be treated as “walk-up” betting at the track. Filings estimate the figure not paid by CDI under terms of the agreement to be about $3 million.

Attorney Douglas L. McSwain, who represents the horsemen, said in a telephone interview the clause governing account wagering was put into contracts “a number of years ago” in anticipation of CDI developing its own ADW platforms. TwinSpires.com was launched in April 2007, and expanded its holdings by adding several AmericaTab platforms last summer.

“We didn’t want to have to battle them in this fashion, but we’ve been left with no choice,” McSwain said of the lawsuit sparring.

CDI and horsemen’s groups are battling over revenue sharing plans for dollars wagered through certain ADWs. Horsemen in their filings claim the purse cut was “coercive” and “retaliatory” to the stalled negotiations, and, thus, in defiance of the three-year contract signed in 2006.

A horsemen’s counterclaim notes the contract states CDI cannot “threaten, intimidate or otherwise coerce any horseman, HBPA member, employee or representative thereof.” Horsemen claim CDI breached that clause by executing an excessive purse cut, and by publicly laying blame on horsemen for projected handle decline.

“CDI’s action to cut the payment of purses by 20% is a wrongful and intentional exercise of dominion and control over the Horsemen’s Account for its own benefit and not for the benefit of Kentucky horsemen …” said the counterclaim, which was written by McSwain.

CDI spokesman Kevin Flanery said the company’s attorneys are reviewing the 200-plus pages of filings.

“Obviously, we will let the court proceedings take place, and let the pleadings speak for themselves,” he said, adding the company is still willing to negotiate with horsemen.

In its complaint, CDI claims certain horsemen groups and individuals have violated the federal Sherman Antitrust law by conspiring to have the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group negotiate on their behalf. The THG, which is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, is a collective of 18 horsemen’s associations.

In a separate motion for temporary injunction, the horsemen are asking U.S. District Court Judge John G. Heyburn II to return the amount of purse money underpaid by the 20% purse cut, and to order CDI to “consult” with the Kentucky HBPA “on any (and) all matters touching upon the purse account.”

Since the purse cut was executed May 14, Churchill Downs has paid out $765,055 less in purses, or a decline of 19.73%, in comparison to the same time period of the 2007 spring meet, according to data compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems. All-sources handle, not including separate pool wagering, fell 20.63% to $62,929,729 when compared to the same time period.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

An Open Letter to the Racing Industry

Horse lovers and racing fans alike felt their hearts sink at the sight of Eight Belles breaking down shortly after her heroic run in last Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

The Board of Directors, Officers, Staff and 35,000 horsemen and horsewomen of the National HBPA all felt the very same heartache and our thoughts and support go out to the connections of Eight Belles – owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones – as well.

The trauma of last Saturday remains fresh on the minds of those of us in the racing industry as well as fans, writers, broadcasters and just about anyone who watched the Derby. And, it will most certainly remain fresh on the mind Eight Belles’ trainer Larry Jones.

For over 60 years, the National HBPA has been committed to its motto of “Horsemen Helping Horsemen” and, in the case of Larry Jones, this applies more than ever.

We have sensed a rush to judgment on how Eight Belles was prepared for the Derby. Theories abound and for a little more than a mile and quarter, Larry Jones had done his work to perfection.

Yet now the sense is that Larry Jones, regardless of what facts may surface, is found guilty in the court of public perception. Unfortunately, we live and work in the age of the sound bite, where careers and reputations can be shredded in an instant. Remember the Jose Santos - Funny Cide - battery debacle of 2003?

Like horses, each person is different. Larry Jones couldn’t be more different than Michael Matz, yet both are veteran horsemen with a long track record of success… and both have faced tragic and very public losses of star horses they’d spent countless hours training and pampering. And both may be viewed differently as they face the television cameras and microphones.

Over the coming days, weeks and months, our industry will be scrutinized from within as well as from without. As we navigate this difficult time for racing, let’s avoid any unnecessary collateral damage and give Larry Jones – and all horsemen and horsewomen facing similar circumstances - the benefit of the doubt until all facts come to light.



Joe Santanna
President and Chairman
National HBPA

After winning the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) May 2, Airdrie Stud owner Brereton Jones talked of the relationship his family has developed with trainer Larry Jones and his wife, Cindy.

“The Jones stable is a small family operation, just like Airdrie,” he said.

In the twilight of the following day, Larry Jones also spoke of family after Rick Porter’s Eight Belles, whom he had saddled to finish second in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), had broken down and had to be euthanized.

“These horses are our family,” the trainer said.

And losing a family member is never easy.

Larry Jones wanted to grieve in private. But he understands the role the media plays. Despite wanting to be alone with his wife, family members, and the filly’s groom, Corey York, Jones agreed to speak to reporters in the press box nearly two hours after the tragic event had played out.

Many trainers, understandably, would have declined the offer to address the assembled reporters, but Jones said the filly had gained a number of admirers and wanted them properly informed. “You want to go off by yourself but you owe it to the sport; the public wants to know,” he said.

Jones tried to fight back the tears, without success.

At 6 a.m. the following morning, the first stall by his tack room was closed, an Eight Belles sticker attached to the old, wooden door. Jones’ pony, Pal, was in the next stall, with Proud Spell to his right. In the next stall was the blanket of lilies won by Proud Spell in the Oaks.

In the tack room, Jones spoke about the family member they had lost. His wife, Cindy, cried again, her eyes bloodshot from having wept most of the night.

“When we walked her to the chute before the Derby, she stopped and never moved one foot,” Larry Jones said. “She had her head hanging and was letting us play with her. She thought she was the star of the show.”

During the walkover, in the paddock, and throughout the post parade, Eight Belles never turned a hair. Jones proceeded to a third-floor box above the tunnel to watch the race.

“When they came by the first time, she was happy,” he said. “She was not trying to get away from anybody or anything. The whole race, she never got bumped; never got touched.” After she crossed the finish line, Jones celebrated and headed toward the track.

“Kent (Desormeaux, who rode winner Big Brown) wasn’t jubilant like Calvin (Borel) last year,” Jones said. “Then I saw Gabe (Eight Belles’ jockey Gabe Saez) on the pony and he said, ‘Mr. Larry, they had to put her down.’ I ran for the ambulance.”

When Jones saw Eight Belles, he immediately knew what had to happen next.

But he is still mystified as to why it happened at all.

Jones took out his trainer’s license in 1982 and had two horses he bought for $800 each. Today, he has 50 in the barn, a number that will soon double when the 2-year-olds arrive.

In more than 25 years of training, Jones previously had three horses break down during races and a few others during morning training. You never forget any of them, he said.

In 2006, Jones was among the team of advisers selecting yearlings for Porter, Eight Belles being one of those they approved for purchase. She arrived at his barn after last year’s Derby, in which he sent out Porter’s Hard Spun to run second.

“I thought she was the one to get us to the Breeders’ Cup last year, but she never got into it mentally,” Jones said. “She didn’t know then how talented she was.”

On May 3, everyone found out how talented Eight Belles was. She was perfectly prepared, perfectly ridden, and perfectly happy.

She showed nothing but class on the racetrack.

The same can be said of her trainer.

Letter to Horsemen from Rick Hiles, President KHBPA.

Recently, I am sure you have heard rumblings about our decision not to send the simulcast signal to the various advanced deposit wagering companies until horsemen receive a more equitable share of the revenue. This decision was reached after careful consideration regarding the overall health of the racing industry.

To every horseman it is all too familiar. “Handle is up, yet purses to decline.”

If a racing jurisdiction has not been fortunate enough to pass legislation providing a supplement to purses from slot revenues, inevitably purses will remain stagnant or decrease.

Quite often we are asked to explain how wagering can substantially increase while purses do not keep pace. It is simply due to the changing betting patterns of the wagering public. Where once people interested in betting came to the racetracks to watch and wager on horses, now for the most part they bet from remote locations or via the computer.

Initially, horsemen and racetracks were encouraged with the broader distribution of the racing product. Eventually, horsemen began to notice an alarming trend, the influx in betting did not result in appreciable purse increases. The dramatic handle increases from remote off track locations where horsemen do not receive an equitable share of wagering has created quite a dilemma.

Most notably, advanced deposit wagering (ADWs) companies, an innovative concept where betting patrons are encouraged to wager via the internet or by phone and view the races on television is the fastest growing segment of the racing industry.

Since its inception, ADWs recognized the distinct possibility that there would be a significant downturn in wagering at racetracks. Early on they initiated “bettor poaching fees,” later referred to as “source market fees,” to address the erosion of betting at the racetrack where horsemen receive a larger share of the wagering dollar. Later ADWs decided to increase the host fees as opposed to source market fees, but in the end while ADWs enjoyed immense profits from siphoning off betting patrons at the racetrack, horsemen continued to experience a decline in purses.

Experts continue to lament that the model is broke, but no one seems to have an answer on how it should be fixed. Exacerbating the problem is that now several racetracks have entered into the national ADW business. Therefore, while the ADWs flourish and racetracks profit from their ownership of the ADWs, horsemen’s problems with a lower share of the wagering dollar are compounded. With this backdrop, horsemen have decided that the time has come to restructure the model to assure that horsemen are receiving an equitable share of wagering revenue.

It was never our intention to alienate the betting public, we are simply attempting to assure that horsemen can continue to provide the quality of racing with reasonable purses that everyone richly deserves.

Rick Hiles President KHBPA

This Is The Best News Owners, Trainers, Jockeys And Breeders Have Gotten In Many Moons

The winds of change often come very slowly in Thoroughbred horse racing, but some badly needed change for our sport is on the way. For as long as there has been simulcasting, horsemen and women have had little, if any, say about the compensation they receive from satellite wagering sites that import the simulcast signal. And let’s keep in mind that the simulcast signal belongs to horsemen at least as much as it does to the racetracks. The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 guarantees it.

A new organization called the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group (THG) has been formed by horsemen’s groups in the United States and Canada, including fourteen state-level HBPA groups, two members of the THA, the KTA and the Thoroughbred Owners of California. TOBA has also given a strong endorsement to the THG.

These horsemen’s groups created the THG to bring about change, because they believe that the percentage of takeout that makes its way back to funding purses is becoming dangerously low. The THG, who now negotiates on behalf of many of these horsemen’s groups on contracts with Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) companies, is trying to increase the return to purses from bets placed through ADW companies. Now, ADW companies keep about half of their takeout and return only about one-fifth of their takeout to purses, much less than what most simulcasting returns to purses, which is especially disgraceful when the ADW company that’s keeping the lion’s share also happens to be owned by the tracks where the races are run. Horsemen’s one-fifth share needs to increase to a level that better supports live horse racing. That would boost purses significantly throughout the country, from the lowliest county fairs, to tracks in New York & Ky.

As you can imagine, the THG is meeting a great deal of resistance on this issue. It seems that racetracks and ADW operators are very content to pay only a small fraction of their takeout back to purse accounts, which has been allowed to go on for far too long. When THG offered a proposal to open up account wagering on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days, CDI’s only response to the proposal was to file a lawsuit against the THG. But the unity from coast to coast that is usually nonexistent in horse racing when it comes to horsemen sticking together, is a positive sign that these changes can and must take place for the betterment of our sport. We can not expect our owners to continue spending $2 Billion a year to keep their racing stock in training when they’re running for only $1 Billion in purse money, which is now the case. These people at the THG representing horsemen’s groups have no agenda other than to see that a fair amount of simulcast money reverts back to purses. If they succeed, the game will be much stronger, which will benefit ALL segments of the sport, including racetracks, owners, trainers, jockeys and breeders. And the ADW companies, too.

Dear Rick & Marty,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Members of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, we fully endorse your position to support the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Group's goal of reforming the industry's wagering revenue distribution system.

TOBA applauds the leadership of the Kentucky HBPA and recognizes the short-term financial setbacks that horsemen must sustain during this period. We completely support the goals of the THG to require fair pricing for advance deposit wagering companies, as the shift in wagering from on-track and traditional simulcast outlets to ADW companies has led to less money from pari-mutuel sources being contributed to live racing. We believe that it is only reasonable to ask ADW companies to pay their fair share to purses. Racetrack companies that own ADW companies are incentivized to redirect wagering from on track to their ADW company by the current pricing model, as they are able to retain more revenue from an account wager and pay less to purse accounts than when the same bet is made at their track.

Owners invested approximately $3 billion last year to provide the racing product at tracks across the United States, yet purses were only $1.18 billion. This economic structure is clearly broken and a more equitable pricing model will help ensure the future of our industry. As the most significant investors in our sport, owners must remain committed to the THG and provide the leadership that our industry desperately needs during this very critical moment of time. The mission statement of TOBA is to "improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders." Your decision to change the current financial model between ADW companies and purse accounts fully supports our mission and we would like to extend our assistance to you in any way possible.

Your courageous decision will have a positive impact on all owners in the United States and we appreciate your leadership.

Letters to the Editor

By DRF READERS

Horsemen's voice sounds warning call on steroid action

Recently, I presented concerns to the Kentucky Racing Authority regarding the implementation of anabolic steroid regulation, and by doing so it was felt by some that the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is attempting to obstruct the process of meaningful changes to current rules in effect. This is absolutely not the intention of the horsemen's association.

On Feb. 25, a senior representative of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium appeared before the Kentucky Racing Authority in an attempt to convince them to move forward on an interim anabolic steroid regulation.

I prefaced my remarks to the racing authority by explaining that horsemen generally are fully in favor of addressing this issue, but at the same time it appears that the anabolic steroid regulation proposed by the medication and testing consortium is not yet ready to be implemented.

I quoted comments from the Feb. 17 Daily Racing Form article "Fewer stallions, more broodmares" by Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board, who also happens to be a respected member of the consortium board. He stated:

"Until we get normal levels in blood, it's going to be very difficult to regulate those specific products, and there is a big variation."

And supporting this position, Dr. Rick Sams, a nationally recognized chemist and director of the University of Florida's Racing Laboratory, and also a member of the consortium board explained:

"What we don't have is a good handle on even what an average concentration of testosterone is throughout the year or what the range of concentration is."

And, the article itself noted, "The issue is compounded by the fact that natural steroid levels can vary considerably from horse to horse."

The communication presented by the consortium board member to the Kentucky Racing Authority made clear that definitive threshold levels and withdrawal times for anabolic steroids will not be available until at least August, despite which regulators in some jurisdictions are deciding to move forward with regulations. The racing authority is to be commended for its careful and balanced approach to this technically complicated situation.

With regard to technical complications, it is interesting to note that Dr. Don Catlin, head of the Equine Drug Research Institute, was quoted by The Blood-Horse as stating at the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at Keeneland on March 17, that "you need much more infrastructure" than currently exists in regard to steroid testing, and that "you need to walk before you run."

These are the on-the record comments of the scientific experts in this field. Given these circumstances, it would be unfair and unwise for any racing authority to implement vigorously an interim anabolic steroid regulation that has the potential to ruin the careers of innocent horses and horsemen and to also damage the racing industry at large.

Marty Maline, Executive Director, Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association

Updated: Monday March 17, 6:19 PM

Posted: Monday March 17, 4:47 PM

An authority on drug testing, who has worked with the United States Olympic Committee and is now advising the horse racing industry, has urged caution on efforts to regulate anabolic steroids. “You need much more infrastructure; you need to walk before you run,” Dr. Don Catlin said March 17 during the second Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at the Keeneland sale pavilion in Lexington. “You’re getting there. You’re taking the first steps.”

Catlin, head of the Equine Drug Research Institute, made his comments following a report from Dr. Scot Waterman, executive director of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, who noted the progress being made throughout the country in getting racing jurisdictions to adopt rules to regulate four types of anabolic steroids. Earlier, during his presentation to the about 100 industry professionals attending the public portion of the summit, Catlin advocated an outright ban on steroids. A main reason for banning the drugs altogether is that a myriad of different anabolic steroids are available. Even restricting the testing to only four and determing threshold levels that would determine a positive test, he said, will still be cumbersome. For example, stanozolol, one of the drugs on the list to be regulated under the RMTC model rule, “stays around in the body for a long period of time. It stays for weeks and weeks. It can be negative today and positive tomorrow. It is going to be very hard to regulate…levels can vary from day to day,” Catlin said. Stanozolol was the steroid for which Olympic medalist sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive in 1988, causing him to lose the gold medal he won in the Seoul Olympics and be stripped of a world record. Johnson's positive created a major uproar within the world of international track and field.

“You ban steroids, it all goes away,” Catlin said. Waterman said eight states have adopted RMTC model rules and that the concept of regulation “has a lot of momentum.” He said the steroid tests to be used in the U.S. are based on urine samples and modeled after those used in countries prohibiting steroids in racehorses. He said a mechanism for testing steroids by using blood plasma samples should be available later this year.

In addition to medication, one of the other focal points of the summit was the subject of synthetic surfaces and some of the problems associated with them. Dr. Mary Scollay, the track veterinarian at Gulfstream Park and Calder Race Course, reported on the initial results of information compiled from injury and fatality reports from regulatory veterinarians at 42 racetracks. During the reporting period, there were 244 fatalities from 123,890 starters on dirt, for a ratio of 1.96 per 1,000 starts. For the tracks with synthetic surfaces, the ratio of 58 fatalities from 29,744 starts was 1.95 per 1,000 starts ratio, a figure Scolay said “almost floored me” because the two numbers were so close to each other. A panel of racetrack superintendents provided insights into the difficulties associated with maintaining synthetic surfaces. About 60 summit participants were scheduled to conduct private meetings March 17-18, with a media briefing to follow on the second day of the summit, which was presented by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

March 13, 2008

A meeting of the Turfway Park/KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee for the 2008 Turfway Park winter/spring race meeting was held on March 13, 2008.

Bob Elliston, President; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Greg Schmidt, Plant Superintendent; Steve Peterman, Starter/Stall Manager; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Wayne Mogge, Joe Davis, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee.

Lanny Kohnhorst also attended representing the KTA.

SLOT INITIATIVE-Bob Elliston reported on the racing industry’s effort to encourage the General Assembly to pass legislation which would allow the people of Kentucky the right to vote on the gaming issue. He explained that it has been a difficult struggle attempting to convince legislators that the horse industry needs help in order to survive. While the possibility of passing of favorable legislation remains alive time is running out. Hopefully, now that the budget has cleared the House of Representatives, they still have time to focus on the gaming issue.

WINDOW UPDATE-Greg Schmitz reported that an independent analysis has been completed of the window project and we are waiting on the written report. The intention is to have the individual talk with trainers on specific issues in addition to his own observations.

TRACK SURFACE-A discussion ensued regarding the racing surface. Bob Elliston explained that as part of their due diligence, they intend to have Dr. Tim Peterson a renowned track consultant, spend several days at Turfway Park following the race meeting measuring the key variables affecting track safety. In addition, it is their intention to develop a strategy for maintaining a consistent racing surface.

PURSE STATUS-Following a review of the status of the purse account, Bob Elliston suggested that he will review the status of the KTDF fund with Rick Leigh, Director of Racing, with the intention of hopefully increasing the supplement.

SECURITY-Chip Bach reported on the security snafu that resulted in someone gaining access to someone else’s dormitory room. He assured the committee that this problem has been corrected. Chip also explained that the individual that had been violated will be made whole.

PONY BARN-Chip explained that issues with the pony barn will be reviewed following the cessation of the live race meeting in an effort to arrive at a reasonable solution.

ICE MACHINES-Chip explained that while he does not recall receiving any work orders that any of the ice machines are not working, he will have the maintenance department check each unit.

PROPOSED HEALTH CLINIC-Following an explanation, both Bob Elliston and Chip Bach agreed to allot space for a proposed health clinic trailer on the backstretch.

SUMMER STABLING-Chip explained that Turfway Park will, once again, provide stall space for horsemen interested in stabling during the summer. The price, as before will be $7.00 per stall and that includes watering of the racing surface.

BACH BOULEVARD-Chip reported that he has petitioned the State of Kentucky for the possibility of having security barriers erected and more sturdy stop signs along Bach Boulevard. In addition, he regrets to inform everyone that the name of the roadway may be changed. Those in attendance at the meeting appeared to be both shocked and disappointed by the news.

EQUISIZER UPDATE-Chip explained that they are still exploring the possibility of an Equisizer on the backstretch, but at this time there is no firm commitment to this project.

EASTER SUNDAY-Jeff wanted to remind horsemen that there will be no training on Easter Sunday, Chip assured the committee that the track kitchen will be open.

HORSEMEN’S SHUTTLE-Chip reminded horsemen that there will be a shuttle available on Lanes End Spiral Stakes day. The shuttle will be operating continually taking horsemen choosing to park on the backstretch, to and from the area in proximity to the paddock.

POTHOLE REPORT-Bill Connelly reported that a sizable pothole has developed in the vicinity of the pony barn.

KHBPA ANNUAL DINNER/DANCE-The 25th annual KHBPA Dinner/Dance will be held on Monday, March 17th, at the “Receptions” Banquet & Conference Center. The event celebrating the beginning of Lanes End Spiral Stakes week, will be from 6:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. Contact Donna Davis in the Turfway Park KHBPA office for further information.

CRAWFISH BOIL-Bob Elliston reports that the annual Turfway Park Crawfish Boil will be held the following night, on March 18th, at Turfway Park from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. This year the event will benefit Justin Vitek. Bob explained that several items including a weekend trip to the Belmont stakes and the guitar of Dierks Bentley, country music singer, will be auctioned off. All horsemen are welcomed.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

February 29, 2008

Memorandum

To: Kentucky Horsemen

From: KHBPA

Re: Legislative Update

On Thursday night, February 28, 2008, KEEP held a meeting of racing industry leaders to discuss the legislative effort attempting to secure gaming while protecting the Kentucky racing industry.

There was some sentiment not to support legislation for gaming that did not protect the Kentucky racing industry however others felt that with assurances from Governor Steve Beshear and legislative leaders, racing will be adequately protected. It was finally decided to support moving the gaming legislation forward and to continue to pursue language that will offer the protection for the racing industry.

The Speaker of the House and the Governor are both working, attempting to garner support of the members of the House of Representatives. It is understood that the gaming bill will not be brought forward to be voted on if there are not enough legislators in the house that agree to vote in favor of the legislation.

John Cooper, Chief lobbyist for KEEP, signaled out the efforts of the KHBPA and the horsemen for walking the halls and talking with legislators and the boisterous impromptu rally on the steps leading to the House chambers. Many feel that legislators were finally able to put a face to the thousands of horsemen and others who rely on the racing industry to eke out a living.

February 1, 2008

The second meeting of the Turfway Park/KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee for the 2008 Turfway Park race meeting was held on February 1, 2008.

Bob Elliston, President; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; Steve Peterman, Starter/Stall Manager; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Dave England, Joe Davis, Jeff Greenhill and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee.

Slot Initiative - Bob Elliston explained to the committee the status of the proposed slot legislation. He reviewed the prospects of favorable legislation and he mentioned that Governor Beshear will be introducing legislation to all interested parties possibly as soon as next week. He expressed confidence that the Governor is cognizant of the importance of the racing industry and will tailor his legislative package accordingly. There is a concern that a proposed fee necessary to receive approval for a slot license may hinder the various racetracks in their effort to provide a facility that is capable of competing with the existing facilities in Indiana.

Purse Update - Marty reviewed the current status of purses at Turfway Park. The underpayment has remained fairly consistent with last year holding at or near $400,000 while the KTDF supplement fund has increased approximately $200,000 as compared to last year. Bob explained that the experiment with day racing fluctuates from day to day, as far as handle figures, but he feels that racing days as opposed to nights has allowed them to race some days when frigid weather conditions at night would have most likely caused occasional cancellations. Bob is most concerned about the out of state wagering revenue figures that are in decline. He attributes this, to a certain extent, to the continued imbroglio involving TVG and other Advance Deposit Wagering companies that does not allow racetracks to have broad distribution of the simulcast signal. Rick Leigh commented that he felt confident that the KTDF supplement can be increased 5% beginning with Friday’s races.

Track Surface - Jeff reviewed with the committee the issue with horses losing footing at the start of races and how the problem was corrected. He explained that the temperatures plummeted creating a freeze dried condition much like a beach and horses were unable to gather traction as they accelerated from the starting gate. Using the rotiller and power harrow they were able to compact a layer of polytrak below the cushion which allows the horses to successfully push off without losing their balance. Another situation, regarding the surface packing in their feet, occurred after a mixed precipitation of snow, rain and ice that was followed by temperatures dipping into the mid-teens with a substantial wind. Bob explained that while the wax applied during the summer has successfully prevented this from being as much of an issue as last year, we are still working to resolve the problem when the combination of moisture and extremely cold temperatures presents itself. He commended the dedication of Jeff and his crew in making the surface as safe as possible under the extreme weather conditions that we have experienced this winter.

Weather Protocol - In an effort to facilitate a better system for canceling races due to weather conditions on a timely basis, the committee proposed a committee of two members from management, two members from the horsemen’s committee and two members of the jockey colony. On days where the temperature is below twenty and sustained winds of twenty miles per hour or more and these conditions will occur during the race card the committee will meet early in the morning to decide if races should be cancelled. While everyone agreed that every effort will be made to run, if the weather is too extreme to reasonably think the race card can be completed than the races will be cancelled. It has been decided that Marty will coordinate the effort.

Jay Bowman - Horsemen have expressed their appreciation to the dedication of Jay Bowman who has been maintaining the backstretch restrooms in a clean and sanitary manner. In past years, problems with the restrooms have been a constant source of frustration, now it is a non issue.

Pest Control - While Steve has aggressively pursued an eradication program, apparently the issue with insect infestation in various dormitory complexes continues. Chip has suggested that they will consult with a professional in an effort to alleviate the problem.

Television Reception - Television reception in the barn area is a problem. It was suggested that perhaps an amplifier is not functioning, since that same issue occurred previously.

Stop Signs On The Connector Road - The stop signs on Bach Boulevard are a casualty of either the high winds or questionable driving practices.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline Executive Director KHBPA

January 10, 2008

The first meeting of the Turfway Park/KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee for the 2008 Turfway Park race meeting was held on January 10, 2008.

Bob Elliston, President, Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; and Steve Peterman, Starter/Stall Manager attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Wm. “Buff” Bradley, David England, Joe Davis, Larry Holt, Melissa Pylant, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA.

Slot Update - Bob Elliston reviewed with the horsemen’s committee the encouraging meeting with Governor Beshear regarding his gaming initiative. The meeting was attended by representatives of the racetracks, horsemen’s organizations, and the KEEP program.

Maintenance Strategy - Chip Bach informed the committee that he feels the implementation of their new maintenance program has proven beneficial to the overall timeliness of addressing maintenance requests. They will continue to hone their maintenance procedure to assure issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. Horsemen are reminded that all maintenance must first be reported to the guard shack in order that it can be logged into the record.

Weather Protocol - Bob Elliston informed the committee that the requested protocol in dealing with potential cancellations of racing has been successfully implemented.

Receiving Barn - Larry Holt explained that several problem areas in the receiving barn that needed attention were addressed on a timely basis and he appreciated the quick response. Bob informed the committee that one of their maintenance crew has the responsibility to check the receiving barn on a regular basis for preventive maintenance. Chip also mentioned that they will be installing signs at the receiving barn to inform ship-in horsemen of the procedure to follow when problems arise so they can be addressed quickly.

Blacktop Update - Chip updated the status of the blacktopping by explaining that the area of concern in the vicinity of the receiving barn has been corrected. Bill Connelly suggested that work still needs to be done near the tack trailers. Jeff explained that he plans to address the area now that the holidays have past.

Monitors Out On Second Floor of the Grandstand - Horsemen have mentioned that various monitors are not working on the second floor of the grandstand. Bob and Chip explained that they were not aware of a problem, but they will check on it. Bob informed the committee that they are installing new flat screen televisions on the ground floor, and they will use the televisions being replaced to replace any monitors not working.

Trash Pickup - Chip explained that a new strategy has been implemented to assist horsemen in trash removal with the help of Turfway employee, Jay Bowman. Buff mentioned that Jay had alerted him to the trash pickup of larger items and he was able to facilitate the removal of a larger item.

Track Surface - Jeff explained that recently he has installed new teeth on the gallopmaster allowing him to assure that the track has sufficient cushion.

Purse Status - Marty reviewed the present status of the purse account. Purses generated and paid are comparable to 2007. The KTDF fund purses paid this year have been $545,640 as compared to $369,285 in 2007. Currently, there is an excess in the KTDF account of $432,070. Rick Leigh informed the committee that Turfway is paying at a higher level than last year 48% as compared to 34% in the 2007 Winter/Spring race meeting. Bob explained that we will monitor the KTDF supplement and if possible they will be favorably adjusted.

Slippery Paddock - Chip explained that the problem he suspects was due to blowing snow. Bob explained that they are hesitant to put salt down in the paddock due to harsh effects on the grass and shrubbery. David England explained that certain chemicals are available that will resolve the problem while keeping the area safe.

Eurosizer - David England asked about the status of the proposed Eurosizer. Bob explained that they are still checking the financial viability of the project.

Pest Control - Steve Peterman explained that they have begun pest control measures in the dormitories and they will continue the program for as long as it is necessary. Chip stated that in the future they will make sure that everyone is given plenty of advanced notice prior to bombing.

Stop Signs - Chip explained that the stop signs are nearing completion and will be installed on Bach Boulevard, the access road from the backside to the front side.

Respectfully submitted, Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

December 21, 2007

The final meeting of the Turfway Park/ KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee for the 2007 Turfway Park Holiday race meeting was held on December 21, 2007.

Bob Elliston, President, Turfway Park; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; and Steve Peterman, Starter and Stall Superintendent attended representing Turfway Park.

Wm. “Buff” Bradley, Bill Connelly, Joe Davis, Jeff Greenhill, Wayne Mogge, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA.

Fence in Proximity to Receiving Barn-Chip Bach explained that the fence adjacent to the receiving barn has been installed.

Bedding in the Receiving Barn-Jeff explained that they have implemented a plan to have additional bales of straw in proximity to receiving barn stalls available to supplement the bedding already in stalls in the receiving barn.

Work Orders Addressing Maintenance Issues-Chip provided a memorandum addressing the procedure to follow when requesting maintenance on the backstretch. Chip stressed that the goal is same day service with the standard being two days. The key is to initiate the request for maintenance at the guard shack so that they can log it in. The memorandum will be distributed along with the minutes.

Traffic Jam at the Guard Gate-The traffic problems continue to be an issue at the guard gate. Following a brief discussion, Bob Elliston suggested that an area be made available for vans, trucks and trailers with issues to pull over allowing other vans with no issues to continue on to the receiving barn.

Manure Pickup-Jeff mentioned that the equipment alleviating the mess in proximity to the manure bins has arrived. Bill Connelly stated that recently he had experienced quite a mess after they attempted to load manure on the truck and apparently missed. Jeff explained that overall he felt the system of picking up manure has immensely improved, but he would delve into what happened at Bill’s barn.

Trash Pickup-Chip explained that they have implemented a program whereby Jay Bauman contacts backside maintenance whenever he sees apparent large trash items that need to be hauled away. The committee suggested that the other ideas involving trash maintenance should be initiated.

Ruts in the Horse Path-Jeff reviewed his attempts to alleviate the problem which included running equipment over the path at various times during the day. If someone notices a vehicle running over the horse path they should be reported and their lack of consideration for the horses using the horse path will be addressed.

Update on Blacktop-Chip reviewed the status of the blacktop repair in the barn area. He explained that several areas have been improved. As far as the area in the vicinity of receiving barn, it is still a work in progress.

Snow and Ice Removal-The committee discussed the yeoman effort to remove the ice and snow on Saturday, December 15, and next discussed the problems associated with ice on Sunday morning in the barn area. Chip expressed the view that they will continue to strive in assuring that everyday, results in the success they experienced on Saturday. In addition, he mentioned that they are beginning a new process of announcing when they will be working in the barn area with snow removal equipment or any other projects that may result in uncharacteristic noise in the barn area.

Windows Project Update-Chip explained that they are currently in the mode of fixing areas of concern expressed by horsemen. Afterward they will be reviewing the project with an independent carpenter.

Insect Infestation-The problem with insects in the dormitories continues to worsen. Bob Elliston suggested that immediately after the Christmas holiday, they will expedite addressing the issue.

Health Certificates-This issue continues to be a source of frustration with horsemen. Bob Elliston explained that everyone should be cognizant of the dangers of being less than vigilant in this area. He suggested that Chip and Marty should communicate with Rusty Ford of the Kentucky State Department of Agriculture and see if a longer period can be established between the need for updated health certificates.

Race Cancellation-The committee requested that Bob authorize the $150 supplement to horsemen who had horses entered on Sunday that were prevented from racing following the cancellation. In addition, the committee suggested that a protocol should be established whereby if jockeys feel it is unlikely that they can complete the racing card due to weather conditions, that management and horsemen should be informed as early as possible to avoid angering betting patrons and requiring horsemen to medicate and ship horses.

Racing Surface-Committee members discussed maintenance of the racing surface. Jeff explained that according to the weather and moisture expected, they use the necessary equipment at frequent enough intervals to assure a surface with cushion. Bob Elliston informed the committee that they are monitoring the times and adjust the level of the equipment accordingly. In addition, he will continue to seek imput from all interested parties.

Closing Track Early-The committee suggested that whenever it is possible, the track superintendent should provide reasonable notice prior to closing the track. This will allow horsemen to train the horses they need to train first. Jeff explained that he makes every effort to do this unless the weather conditions simply dictate otherwise.

No Shipping to Train-Rick Leigh reminded that with the new day time racing schedule there will be no training from the receiving barn on Wednesdays and Thursdays in addition to Saturdays and Sundays starting the week after Christmas.

Policy on Wood Shavings-Chip Bach presented a memorandum regarding the disposal of shavings for horsemen using them for bedding. Shavings can only be disposed of in approved dumpsters. Anyone found disposing of shavings by dumping them in manure bins or dumping the used shavings in shedrows will be held responsible for cleaning the manure bins and shedrows, and may be further disciplined.

Backstretch Christmas Celebration-On Christmas Eve in the rec. hall at Turfway starting at 10:30 A.M. the KHBPA will host a brunch for the backstretch community. There will be barbecue, potato salad and beans along with plenty of desserts and everyone is welcome. That same night, Chaplain Tom will have a service including food and beverages. On Christmas Day, Father Niehaus with the help of Jerry the “Russian” following Christmas service will provide a Christmas feast and gifts to the backstretch community. The KHBPA will provide sandwiches later that day for anyone who is still hungry.

Stop Sign at the Access Road-Chip explained that he is attempting to facilitate securing stop signs at this location. If he cannot receive state approval, Turfway will install their own.

Respectfully submitted,

Martin Maline, KHBPA Ex. Dir.

November 30, 2007

The first meeting of the December Holiday race meeting was held on November 30, 2007.

Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Greg Schmidt, Plant Superintendent; Rick Leigh, Director of Racing; Steve Peterman, Starter/Stable Manager; and Jeff Chapman, Track Superintendent attended representing Turfway Park.

Bill Connelly, Wm. "Buff Bradley", Joe Davis, Wayne Mogge and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA Horsemen's Committee. Marty recorded the minutes.

Track Surface Update - Jeff reviewed the schedule that has been recommended for maintenance of the racing surface. He explained that, once a month the rototiller is used which churns the entire surface in order that it is consistent throughout. In addition, once a week, the power harrow is utilized which prevents the surface from becoming too packed and firm. It has been suggested that when using the different equipment that it be used on Sunday night to allow the track surface to settle. Jeff agreed with this suggestion. Jeff explained that to address the surface kickback, they plan to apply water on an as needed basis. The horsemen in attendance explained that they gauge if the track is too firm by the differential in times between better horses and cheaper claimers during works and racing. In addition, another indicator is if you can hear the horses hoof strikes as they exercise in the morning. Chip mentioned that the schedule for using the various track equipment will change when it is warranted.

Fence Near the Receiving Barn - Greg explained that the track adjacent to the receiving barn that had been removed during road construction is scheduled to be installed on Wednesday of next week.

Bedding in the Receiving Barn - Horsemen have explained that when shipping into the receiving barn, there is less bedding in the stalls. Jeff explained that due to a stall shortage the receiving barn is being utilized temporarily after the stalls have been cleaned for horses shipping in. Rick explained that he is working to rectify the situation and it soon will be remedied.

Work Orders/Addressing Maintenance Issues - Chip explained Turfway's intricate system to address maintenance issues on the backside. He explained that they will soon provide a memorandum on the system which he feels will dramatically improve the response time to issues on the backstretch. The Committee expressed the view that their efforst have vastly improved the reaction to maintenance issues.

Traffic Jam at the Guard Gate - The arrival of ship-ins creates a traffic snafu at the guard gate. The problem is attributed to the requirement of making copies of health certificates and coggins not required at other tracks in Kentucky. Chip explained that he will review the process and attempt to alleviate the traffic backup if possible. Also, he will see that a fax machine is installed.

Manure Pickup - While the horsemen commented that the regularity of manure pickup has dramatically improved, the equipment used creates quite a mess in and around the manure pits. Jeff explained that they have equipment that will alleviate the problem on order and he expects it to be delivered in the very near future.

Trash Pickup - Trash in and around the dorm area is becoming more and more prevalent and unsightly. The committee suggested that perhaps another trash pickup utilizing the cooking skills of Jerry the "Russian", as an incentive is in order. In addition, it was suggested that a once a week announced trash pickup, where a truck moves through the barn area after training allowing everyone to throw trash in the truck as it passes by, may be worthy of consideration.

Ruts in the Horse Path - The problem with ruts in the horsepath has returned. Jeff explained that he is now, on a regular basis, running equipment over the horse path to keep it smooth. Horsemen explain that it is the lack of drainage that is the issue along with the amount of surface on the horse path and of course the vehicles that drive over the surface creating the ruts. Also, it was suggested that drain tiles should be added under the surface to allow the excess water to drain away from the horse path.

Hoses in the Test Barn - Greg Schmidt informed the committee that this problem was resolved on Thursday of this week.

Receiving Barn Lounge - Greg Schmidt informed the committee that two new heating units have been installed in the lounge.

Blacktop - Chip explained taht several potholes and various areas are scheduled to be patched within the next few days.

Snow and Ice Removal - Greg explained that once a new shipment of salt arrives they will begin to fill the barrels in strategic areas on the backstretch. He also reviewed the plan for snow and ice removal in the barn area.

Window Update - Chip explained the tiered approach to addressing the issues with the construction of the new windows which includes assuring that the windows are water and air tight, evaluating the safety and design in addition to having an independent carpenter review the assembly.

Insect Infestation in the Dormitories - Chip suggested that they will address the units as a whole with the recommendations of an exterminator.

Identifying Occupants of the Tackrooms - Rick and Steve intend to identify the occupants of dormitory rooms and talk with trainers who have been allocated the rooms to determine if the person in the room is employed by them.

Hydrants Leaking - The plumbers are beginning the process of replacing parts in hydrants that are either leaking or appear to be likely to leak in the near future.

Laundry in the Future - Chip explained that it is still Turfway's intention to develop a laundry convenient to the backside community on the backstretch.

Horse Ambulance - The lack of a suitable horse ambulance was apparent following the catastrophic injury to a horse trained by committee member Bill Connelly on Sunday. Bill reviewed the turn of events. Chip explained that this issue is a priority and will most assuredly be addressed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Maline
Executive Director
Kentucky HBPA

September 19, 2007

The first meeting of the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee was held on Wednesday, September 19, 2007, for the Turfway Park 2007 Fall race meeting.

Bob Elliston, President, Turfway Park; Chip Bach, Director of Operations; Steve Peterman, Starter/Stable Manager; attended representing Turfway Park.

Wayne Mogge, Joe Davis, Dave England, and Marty Maline attended representing the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee. Marty recorded the minutes.

ABUNDANCE OF FLIES-Horsemen have commented that there appears to be an abundance of flies in the stable area. Chip assured the committee that they are continuing the fly eradication program that was initiated several years ago and there has been no variation. The discussion centered on the continued heat and lack of rain and perhaps this has exacerbated the problem.

BLACKTOP-Committee members mentioned that there are some areas on the backstretch that need attention regarding blacktop repair. Chip requested that areas of concern should be reported to Steve Peterman or the KHBPA and forwarded to him and they will be addressed.

IMPROVEMENT UPDATE-Many horsemen stabled in barns 21 and 22, have favorably commented about the improvements. The windows initially have been a concern, but Chip explained that he is confident early problems have been rectified. Dave England explained that some of the bottom boards are warped and may cause leaking during strong rains. Chip has assured the committee that any issue with faulty boards will be addressed.

WORK ORDERS-Chip explained that the delays horsemen are experiencing in response to submitted work orders was due to a communication snafu and he is reasonably sure that the issue has been resolved.

CABLE ISSUES-Chip suggested that horsemen with poor reception on their television sets should fill out a work order and the problem will be addressed.

MILE RACES-A brief discussion ensued regarding large fields in mile races. Joe Davis stated that problems were much worse with the old racing surface where horses on the outside raced above the crown. Steve Peterman mentioned that he felt gate positioning may help perceived problems to a certain extent.

BONUS PROGRAM-The bonus program which allows that a Grade I winner of the Turfway Park Classic will receive an additional $150,000 from horsemen’s purse money was discussed. Bob Elliston explained the reasoning behind the decision, they are attempting to secure Grade I status for the event and to entice the Breeder’s Cup to declare the race as one of a select few that are considered a “win and your in” event which will entitle it to a possible supplement from the Breeder’s Cup. Members of the KHBPA board have suggested that since the bonus is in conformance with the stakes percentage of the purse contract, that it should be offered to all participants and not just to Grade I winners. While Bob agreed to consider the proposal in the future, he felt since the bonus had been advertised as only to Grade I winners it should remain as is for this year. He stated that he intends to analyze the event with horsemen’s input following this year’s Cup races.

BACKSTRETCH ENVIRONMENT-Committee members expressed concern with the present climate on the backside, specifically alcohol intoxication and possible drug use. Bob Elliston explained that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and he will instruct his security accordingly. Multiple offenders will be either taken before the stewards or ejected from the grounds. Safety on the backside is paramount and if people are unable to function due to being intoxicated the possibility that some person or horse may be injured is magnified.

APPRECIATION TO HORSEMEN-Bob Elliston expressed Turfway Park’s appreciation to horsemen for their support in regularly entering their horses. While he is well aware that there are other options available, horsemen have chosen to run their horses at Turfway Park and entries have consistently remained strong.

EUROSIZER PROPOSAL-Chip mentioned that they are continuing their research on the possibility of locating a Eurosizer on the backstretch of Turfway Park. He is interested in horsemen’s opinions on whether or not they will use the device. Joe Davis informed the committee that the Eurosizer was used frequently by horsemen at Ellis Park this summer and he himself regularly utilized it as part of his training regimen.

PURSE STATUS-Purses have remained fairly consistent with the Fall race meeting of last year. Bob Elliston mentioned that TVG source market revenue has increased substantially which should favorably influence the purse account.

Respectfully submitted,
Marty Maline, KHBPA Ex. Dir.

The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council supports the regulation of anabolic steroids in horses at racetracks and auctions in the state but has requested further explanation of withdrawal times and other testing-related issues included in the model rule offered by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

The drug council, which met Aug. 23, stopped short of a recommendation for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority but said it would tell the agency it favors steroid regulation. Officials said they want to make sure all parties, including horsemen, understand the rules and procedures before anything is adopted.

There is a nationwide push for the regulation of four commonly used steroids--boldenone (Equipoise), stanozolol (Winstrol), nandrolone (Durabolin), and testosterone--all of which are approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration. All other steroids would be banned.

“I think the consensus would be everybody wants constraint on anabolic steroids in racehorses and at sales,” said trainer John Ward Jr., a member of the drug council. “I guess the next question is what the speed limit would be.”

Withdrawal times--the length of time it may take for a drug to clear a horse’s system--for steroids range from 30-60 days, according to reports. Such a time period would preclude their use on race day. FDA-approved steroids are widely believed to have therapeutic value.

“Anabolic steroids are extremely abused in racehorses,” said Dr. Foster Northup, a racetrack veterinarian and former member of the drug council. “They do have a purpose in our industry, but they’re abused. The majority of racetrack vets will agree with you.”

Northup said steroid use isn’t as bad in Kentucky as it is in other states. He claimed they are most abused in New York, where horses may be treated with steroids every 10-21 days. He said steroid use in higher in Florida as well.

“Racetrack practitioners feel it’s incredibly important that if we adopt rules for racehorses, sale companies should have to abide by the same rules,” Northup said. “We are adamant about that.”

David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, said he understands Kentucky sale companies working on threshold levels for anabolic steroids and could have regulations in place by early 2008.

Vets said steroids can serve two purposes. They can be “mental performance-enhancers,” the effects of which last about five days, and physical enhancers, the effects of which are gone in about two weeks. Northup suggested a withdrawal time of even two weeks would eliminate abuse.

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has asked all racing jurisdictions with graded stakes begin testing for anabolic steroids effective Jan. 1, 2008. Even if Kentucky doesn't have regulations in place, racetracks could adopt house rules to meet those testing requirements, KHRA executive director Lisa Underwood said.

The drug council also discussed but took no action on a proposal to mandate administration of the bleeder medication Salix by state veterinarians, which currently is required at harness tracks but not Thoroughbred tracks. The plan would require the hiring of additional personnel.

The woman on the phone from the Vanderburgh County Humane Society was angry, and with good reason.

Ellis Park horsemen stabled on the south end of the barn area were being forced by Kentucky Horse Racing Authority veterinarian Lafe Nichols to walk all the way around the far northern turn of the track after a race instead of taking the short way home.

"That means walking six and sometimes seven furlongs (nearly a mile) farther in this heat," the woman fumed. "It's totally (inappropriate) for humans and horses to be put through that."

Trainers also have raised the issue. Several said their solution is to not run at Ellis.

Still, on Thursday, the man who should be in charge, chief steward John Veitch, said he had "complete faith in Dr. Nichols' decision and backed him 100 percent."

The bottom line decision was to keep all returning horses within Nichols' and his employees' sight. In the event that an animal collapses from heat stroke or exhaustion, they reason that the stricken horse can be reached quicker by Equine Ambulance personnel.

"If we had one go down on one turn and another go down on the other turn, the veterinarians may not be able to reach them in time," said Veitch.

But that same principle applies to a race, when horses could go down at various points. One recently collapsed in the barn area and was completely out of sight.

What then? It's never been a problem here before. Like it or not, casualties are part of racing. Trainers know the risk.

Extra water buckets and ice have been placed around the turns. Track owner Ron Geary attempted to intervene by hiring a private veterinarian. He offered putting his own cash up for whatever it took to allow horsemen to walk either way.

But bureaucracy ruled. Veitch said that such a measure would require as much as 60 days worth of preparation and paperwork. The meeting ends in 15 days.

In 1978 and 1981, there were 13 consecutive days of 100 degree heat. at Ellis Park The barn area didn't house 650 horses like now. There were 1,050 on the grounds and they walked both ways. In an earlier era, there was a bridle path through the center of the soybeans, too. Perhaps it's a sign of the times. People aren't what they used to be.

n Getting the horses back to the barns hasn't been the only problem with stewards this meeting. Earlier this month, only two were in the stand for several days, even though rules plainly state that "aAll three stewards shall be present in the stewards' stand during the running of each race."

Veitch said one steward was having surgery, making it an emergency that qualified his decision. But doesn't it often take longer to be admitted into a hospital than it does to fetch a backup steward?

Veitch said that he was satisfied because a placing judge who also is accredited as a steward was in the next room or on the outside catwalk.

That's not good enough to protect the public's interest. Ellis Park isn't Saratoga or Keeneland. But it's not the Rockport Fair meeting of 1930.

n On Friday, July 6, the KHRA scratched trainer Tim Glyshaw's horse, Tahlequah, alleging that the young Evansville horseman had given the horse an illegal substance.

State officials won't freely admit it on the record, but they got their horses mixed up. The entire operation, from the state investigator who should not have been handling the sample to the proper documentation of paper work was a total joke. There was no illegal substance, merely superior horsemanship keeping a cripple together.

For some reason, results of the test took 30 days instead of the standard three or four. Glyshaw still doesn't have any hard copy of the results that proves he did nothing wrong. Veitch said he must have left it in the home office.

On Friday, Mark York, spokesman for Kentucky's Public Protection Cabinet that oversees the KHRA said that "As far as we are concerned, the matter involving Mr. Glyshaw is over with."

Still, they never offered the hard-working young trainer an apology for actions that harmed his reputation. They should be held accountable, though, especially before the next gubernatorial election.

The thoroughbred entries regulation (810 KAR 1:027) was filed and will appear in the Kentucky Administrative Register on September 1, 2007. You can download the regulation on the Kentucky Legislature website at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/TITLE810.HTM.

A public hearing on this administrative regulation willl be held on September 25, 2007 , at 11:00 am, at the South Park Theatre at the Visitor’s Information Center, Kentucky Horse Park, 4063 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Anyone interested in being heard at this hearing should notify the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority in writing by September 18, 2007, five working days prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled.

This hearing is open to the public. Any person who wishes to be heard will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made.

If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted until October 1, 2007. They can be mailed to me at the address below.

Thanks for your willingness to provide comments during the development of this regulation over the past few months.

John L. Forgy
General Counsel
Department of Public Protection
Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Counsel for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority
4063 Iron Works Pike, Building B
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone (859)-246-2040
FAX (859)-246-2039

The fourth meeting of the 2007 KHBPA/Ellis Park Horsemen’s Committee was held on Friday, August 17, 2007.

Attending the meeting and representing Ellis Park were Ron Geary, owner and President; Mark Geary, Director of Development; Bob Jackson, Director of Operations; and Dan Bork, Director of Racing.

The KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee includes Mike Bruder, Chairman of the KHBPA Horsemen’s Committee; R.L. “Bob” Williams, and Jack Byers serving as an honorary member of the committee. Marty Maline recorded the minutes.

PROVIDING ASSISTANCE-Several horsemen have expressed appreciation for the efforts of Susan Steelman giving water to horses and horsemen. Susan has been providing assistance to horsemen and horses as they leave the racetrack during the stretch of oppressively hot days.

PROPOSED PROMOTION-The committee suggested the feasibility of raffling off an automobile at the next Ellis Park race meeting. Mike suggested the promotion, allowing patrons to submit tickets throughout the racing season with a grand drawing at or near the end of the race meeting.

REROUTING HORSES AFTER RACING-A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Chief State Veterinarian’s decision that every horse must return to the barn area in one direction. While the committee agreed that during the oppressive heat the State Veterinarian’s decision may have been reasonable, had he communicated his decision to horsemen with an explanation it would have been better received. In addition, it was reported that two horses were felled by heat strokes after they had left the racetrack and were making the long trek back to the bottom barn area. The committee agreed that next year it is incumbent upon the Racing Authority to have two State veterinarians one located near the paddock and one in the vicinity of the mile chute that way all the bases are covered.

CLAIMING CROWN SYNOPSIS-Ron Geary explained that they were very pleased with the outcome and most notably for eclipsing the former wagering record for the Claiming Crown by more than a million dollars. He credited his staff and horsemen for a memorable day of racing and singled out Mike Bruder and the KHBPA for their support. In addition, Ron reviewed some interesting trends regarding wagering on the Claiming Crown, he explained that there was a wide disparity between the various advance deposit wagering companies (ADWs), he suggested that like Claiming Crown day had Ellis Park been able to provide their signal to everyone that wished to wager on Ellis’ racing product most assuredly our numbers would have been favorably enhanced, meaning more money for purses and for the racetracks bottom line. Marty explained that horsemen throughout the country are disturbed with the fact that some ADWs are attempting to control the racing industry, a perfect case in point is what has happened at Ellis Park.

RECOGNITION OF RACING OFFICES EFFORTS-The committee recognized the efforts of Dan Bork, Director of Racing, and his staff. Despite being faced with slot enriched purses at other racetracks, Arlington’s installation of polytrack, and the oppressive heat, Dan and his staff have continued to provide race cards with respectable field size. Ron Geary commented that Dan’s team has jelled as the season has progressed.

FLIES ON THE BACKSTRETCH-Committee members voiced concern with the increased population of flies on the backstretch. Bob Jackson assured the committee that they continue to spread the larvae eating wasps eggs on the backstretch similar to Churchill Downs. Mark Geary explained that he has talked with representatives of Lone Star about a fly eradication program they have implemented there.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR NEXT YEAR-Mike Bruder reviewed a list of projects to be considered during the off season. They included water lines to allow for the availability of hoses on the racetrack. Additional air conditioners for dormitories K, M, N, and O. Trees on the backstretch lost due to the tornado, lights for the soccer fields and ball diamonds, and a roof for the Eurosizer. Ron Geary agreed that they will secure bids on each of the projects and further discuss the projects at the next meeting of the committee.

INDIANA DOWNS OTB-Ron explained his reasoning for denying Churchill Downs owned racetracks from simulcasting to the OTB in Evansville. He reviewed the agreement he had reached with Churchill prior to purchasing the Ellis Park to prevent the OTB from cannibalizing betting patrons from Ellis Park.

Respectfully submitted,

Marty Maline, Ex. Dir. KHBPA

The Kentucky Horseracing Authority will hold a Hearing on proposed changes to claiming regulations on:

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007.
OPEN TO PUBLIC 11AM
Kentucky Horse Park
South Park Theater

For more information please contact Marty Maline at 1-800-928-4272 or email kymarty@aol.com.

Jockeys at Ellis Park made a mistake last Friday when they refused to ride the final five races on the 10-race card after a sudden downpour.

It was a disservice to fans, horsemen, management, and to themselves professionally and financially.

The Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association picked up part of the tab, reimbursing every owner $150 for each horse denied a chance to run.

That won't cover the cost for shippers and race day medication administered by veterinarians. But it helps.

There were exceptions, including Larry Melancon, the classy veteran from Breaux, Bridge, La. He turns 52 next Tuesday. Since handling his first winner in 1971, he's ridden under the worst possible conditions around the country.

A one-time vice president of the old Jockey's Guild (Central Region), Melancon has guided more winners and been victorious in more important stakes races than most of the other Ellis Park combined.

He was ready to ride.

He was ready to ride.

While I've never ridden a thoroughbred, after charting 40,000 races and countless spills, I'm aware of how dangerous the profession is. That's why an ambulance follows the field around the track, and that's why precautions should be taken.

The vast amount of rain did make the surface slippery for the fifth race.

But 30 minutes after Friday's rain, the track was fine, looking like a beach after the tide ran out.

The jockeys already had refused a test gallop during the sixth race warm-up period and also declined a delay, which would have allowed track superintendent Glenn Thompson and crew to fix the footing.

It all happened so fast that by the time racing secretary Dan Bork, who has done a yeoman's job carding races, was informed, a decision had been made.

Rushing off was immature on the part of the jockeys and costly to all parties, especially track owner Ron Geary, who has made a huge investment to keep Ellis in business.

Although Kentucky Racing Authority chief steward John Veitch asked the jockeys to be patient and wait, they declined. He found no way to buy time, to prove the track was safe.

In the old days, the motto on all Ellis Park advertising included "rain or shine." The game never ceased because an open line of communication existed.

Last Friday, the Sky Theater was packed. An enthusiastic crowd was on hand.

They wanted action. Many hung around to wager on other tracks. But others left shaking their heads.

Claiming Crown, Ltd. National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc. Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association NEWS RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Joe Santanna, President and Chairman, National HBPA (717) 652-5849 Dan Metzger, President, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (859) 276-2291

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2007 Claiming Crown Now Available to Larger Audience

Lexington, KY., July 26, 2007 – Heeding the call from National HBPA President and Chairman Joe Santanna during a July 20 speaker forum, TrackNet Media Group (TNM), Television Games Network (TVG) and Youbet.com (YB) on July 26 have agreed to a content sharing arrangement that will benefit horsemen and bettors and will make the August 4th Claiming Crown races – being run at Ellis Park in Henderson, KY for the first time – available to a wider audience than ever before.

The discussions formally began July 23 between TNM, TVG and National HBPA working with The Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TOBA). National HBPA and TOBA are partners in Claiming Crown, Ltd. Both TVG and Youbet.com proposed that any profits from the distribution of the 2007 Claiming Crown should revert to Claiming Crown, Ltd.

Early on Tuesday, July 24th, TNM – which through Ellis Park’s simulcasting distribution agreement with Churchill Downs controls the rights to the Ellis Park signal and, thus, this year’s Claiming Crown races - had formally offered to the Kentucky HBPA (the horsemen’s group representing Ellis Park horsemen) and National HBPA/TOBA to provide both wagering and video rights to the Claiming Crown.

TNM committed that all major industry commercial advance deposit wagering distribution outlets - including TNM’s own outlets such as TwinSpires.com and XpressBet – would pay the same fee.

Both TVG and Youbet.com have agreed to purchase the Claiming Crown rights from TNM for their distribution/wagering networks and have committed to donate any profits – an idea first proposed by TVG - back to Claiming Crown, Ltd. in support of the event.

First run in 1999, the Claiming Crown brings together those “blue collar” horses that have become favorites of fans and horsemen alike. In 2007, the 9th renewal of the Claiming Crown will feature a new title sponsor –Old National Bank – and will offer $600,000 in purses for seven races offered to horses that have started at least once in the past year for a claiming tag ranging from $7,500 (or less) to $35,000 (or less).

Joe Santanna, President and Chairman of the National HBPA said “Our horsemen in Kentucky and across the country couldn’t be happier that TrackNet Media responded to our request to share the Claiming Crown with all commercial advance deposit wagering companies. I commend both TVG and Youbet.com for stepping up and buying those rights for their customers – and offering to contribute any profits back to Claiming Crown, Ltd. While this may only be a small step forward toward solving the larger issues we’ve been addressing, such as content sharing, exclusivity and sublicensing fees, it certainly is a very big step forward.”

“This is a very positive and encouraging decision by TrackNet Media, TVG and YouBet.com and we hope that it leads to more meaningful and decisive discussions on content sharing in the future,” said TOBA president Dan Metzger. “We have witnessed a tremendous commitment by horsemen and Ellis Park to this year’s Claiming Crown and the participation of all advance deposit wagering companies will broaden the distribution of the event and ensure all of our customers have access to the races. “

A proposal to increase the length of time before a horse can race again after being scratched for veterinary reasons moved a step closer to reality July 23, when the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority approved a final draft version of the new regulation.

Under the proposed new rule, a horse scratched for veterinary reasons could not run again for nine days. The current rule allows for a “vet-scratched” horse to run six days after being scratched. The KHRA had previously approved changing the rule to allow the scratched horse to be “entered” six days after the scratch.

Due to varying entry times at the state’s tracks, however, the Authority decided to stipulate the horse could not run for nine days after the scratch.

Representatives of the state’s Thoroughbred tracks had previously voiced support for the longer re-entry period, citing abuse of the present system. They contended some horses are being scratched without having a medical condition and that there is insufficient staff in the state veterinarian’s office to confirm the validity of each scratch.

Some believe that by increasing the number of days before the scratched horse could be re-entered, trainers would be less likely to scratch a horse on the basis of a veterinary problem. This, in turn, would presumably lead to larger field sizes.

Marty Maline, executive director of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the new rule could have the opposite effect and lead to even smaller field sizes. He noted that the rule would preclude horses scratched for minor problems, such as being treated with medications for shipping purposes, from being held out of racing for an inordinately long period.

Tom Ludt, the only Authority member to vote against the latest version of the rule change, said he believed the changes would unfairly penalize those who scratch their horses for legitimate reasons. He had previously stated he would prefer that the state legislature provide the KHRA veterinary unit with sufficient staffing and funding to police the vet-scratch process.

The proposal would also direct the tracks to maintain records of scratch activity and field sizes for one year to help determine the impact of the new regulation.

Before the proposal would take effect, it must be reviewed by the Legislative Research Commission staff to determine if it complies with state statutes. Then, the proposal will be debated at a public hearing before going on to the General Assembly for action. Copyright © 2007 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Ellis Park lost a round with Mother Nature on Sunday when lightning from a thunderstorm struck transformers, knocking out power running into the track moments after the sixth race was posted official.

At 3:07 p.m., power flickered off, but surged on seconds later. The second hit came at 3:25 p.m.

Horses were in the paddock waiting to be called postward for the seventh race. Steward Ron Herbstreit, representing the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, gave Ellis officials until 4:30 p.m. to correct the problem before cancelling the remainder of the 11-race card, partly because of horses' medication rules.

"Life is a series of setbacks," said Ellis Park owner Ron Geary. "We'll come back and have a good meeting. We view this as a flesh wound. "If you can overcome a tornado like Ellis Park (in November, 2005), then we can ovecome this."

Most of the electricity was restored at 5 p.m. Simulcasting resumed in the clubhouse for those in the crowd of 4,672 — the largest since opening day — who cared to partake.

Ellis Park officials said two transformers on U.S. 41 routing power into the track from Vectren were damaged. The outage entailed two parts of the track's three-phase system. Power was blacked out in the main grandstand, clubhouse and Sky Theater. One person was trapped in the Sky Theater elevator.

Several parts of the plant including a section of the barn area and racing secretary's office, remained lit.

Also knocked out were telephone lines sending and receiving wagering information from the betting hub located in Louisville.

Normally, Ellis Park receives its electricity from Kenergy on the Henderson side of the Ohio River. However, Kenergy had to disconnect its power cables over the Twin Bridges while the spans are under repair. Kenergy made arrangements for Vectren to act as server.

"We could have waited and run live. But our allotted satellite time for the remainder of the card to be sent nationwide would have been over with," said Ellis director of operations Bob Jackson. "With the power rerouted from Evansville, we weren't totally familiar of where the problem happened at first. It made for strange circumstances with a few areas in power and the main ones out."

Jackson noted that anyone bringing a Sunday program back on any race day will be issued a free one. Sponsors of canceled races will be given another choice of days.

It was bittersweet for Geary. He was elated by the crowd and enthusiasm generated by the HBPA's College Laptop Computer Day, but disappointed by the cancellations.

"Everyone stepped up, from the folks in Loogootee Ind., who sponsored the day's races to the college kids who turned out," Geary said.

Geary estimated that losing the last five races cost the track $200,000 in total revenue. "Last year, we lost half of the opening Friday. That cost $125,000," he noted. "There is no insurance for such a thing. It happens. You move on."

No dates are definite, but Geary said the lost races probably would be made up on Saturdays and Sundays through the rest of the meet. After the cancellation, HBPA reps John Griffith Jr. and Mike Bruder had the names of the remaining laptop winners drawn. They'll be notified by telephone and can pick up their prizes in the track's general office by showing a valid student identification.

Race No. 6 began the Pick-Six. Kentucky rules specify the entire pool must be refunded when fewer than three races in the series have been run. The Pick-Three which started on the fifth race will be paid as 7-3-all worth $13.60. The Pick-Three beginning on the sixth race is 3-all-all worth $5.20.

The sixth race was the $26,000 Asher Overnight Handicap for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up going 51/2 furlongs