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