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