I too feel that Chuck will be an excellent person to have on the board!
Good luck Chuck!
Theo
Texas Thoroughbred Forum
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jrgators
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Roger wrote:A little history
Seller Rating (Link)
Texas: State-Bred Fund Cuts, Changes in Racing Dates | BloodHorse ...
Home > News > Texas: State-Bred Fund Cuts, Changes in Racing Dates ... wouldn't have to compete with nearby Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in Louisiana for ...
www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/35544
Click on the link.
I have to add Roger, that this reads in such a way that if you didn't see the date in the top left corner of the article you'd be confident that it was from this year, or perhaps even from any of the past several years! The story is just unchanged, it's the same old stories, over and over again!
Here is something to think about....The stuff that was "suppose" to save us presented by the associations didn't do it in the past, so why in the wide wide world are we suppose to believe that this is going to be different this year or next?
The ship is either being guided aground, or we have a broken rudder! Which is it? I don't know...but it's something terribly wrong.
I'm going to trust the words of the TTA's, and THP's leadership that they have got it all in control, and everything is going to be fine. Just "trust them!" OK, well what's the plan?
I hope that we can see something happen that will really be positive for the horsemen and horsewomen of the state.
Best of luck to us all!
Last thing...don't forget to vote if you haven't voted!
Theo
I had a nice, if brief, conversation with Chuck Wright last night. At the time, I did not realize that he was my long time Pedigree Query forum buddy. Signs of old age on my part? I would certainly support him for the HPBA board. We need people with the time and dedication to work hard for Texas horsemen. I truly believe that we can turn things around, but it will not be easy.
Bedouwia
Bedouwia
I wasn't able to make it out to SHRP at all this opening weekend but did catch one or two glimpses of SHRP races on one of the racing channels over the weekend - generally aired amongst a ton of televised races from The Fairgrounds, Oaklawn, Santa Anita, Aqueduct, Gulfstream and other 'name' Tracks.
I'm not at all sure if ANY of the Texas Champions Day races got televised as they were up against The Fairgrounds "Road to the Derby" stakes race promotion and other healthy race cards from jurisdictions further away. It was reported in Sunday's Chronicle that some 5800 or so patrons wee present to watch. Did anyone see a report on handle - onsite and off?
Today is supposed to be SHRP's initial 'Return to Monday Racing' and it's raining cats and dogs here and as per usual that means City streets are flooding and bayous are bank full or coming out of the their banks....wonder if tonite's program will be cancelled in this already 'short' meet? IF not look to play the 'mudders' on today's card...especially if they're noted as having a snorkle as new equipment - they may need it to get home without drowning.
Any of the stalwarts from this Board going to be out there or have horses running today?
I'm not at all sure if ANY of the Texas Champions Day races got televised as they were up against The Fairgrounds "Road to the Derby" stakes race promotion and other healthy race cards from jurisdictions further away. It was reported in Sunday's Chronicle that some 5800 or so patrons wee present to watch. Did anyone see a report on handle - onsite and off?
Today is supposed to be SHRP's initial 'Return to Monday Racing' and it's raining cats and dogs here and as per usual that means City streets are flooding and bayous are bank full or coming out of the their banks....wonder if tonite's program will be cancelled in this already 'short' meet? IF not look to play the 'mudders' on today's card...especially if they're noted as having a snorkle as new equipment - they may need it to get home without drowning.
Any of the stalwarts from this Board going to be out there or have horses running today?
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keyranch
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The SHRP entries and horses stabled has become a hot topic of conversation of late. Since SHRP and the tracks were intent on creating the crisis in the industry by restricting racing opportunity, it would be an excellent time to evaluate how much has been lost to the horsemen, community, and state with the loss of Nov and Dec race dates. Is there a proper action to be taken for these losses and by documenting the losses and putting them in the hands of the press, legislators, and racing commission can we avoid this next year.
Contrary to the opinion of those that tried to throw the horsemen under the bus last year, when those tracks applied for the racing license in Texas. It was understood that they would be providing tax revenue to their communities and racing opportunity for the horsemen. Their collaboration with the associations in reducing both the revenue and opportunity has to be documented and delivered to all the authorities.
Roger commented that upon request, I did not get the response from folks for information and efforts in the past. That is not quite accurate, It is not wise to ask a question you do not have the answer to or ask for help without something already lined up, in the public forum. I am looking for more conformation of information or more help than what we already have.
It is clear that we do not have enough supporters to impact the elections of the boards, probably only about 20% of our folks are even members of the different associations. The bulk are disenfranchised horsemen that would come back with invitation or leadership that was concerned about their plight as horsemen. Our impact has to be where it counts and that is with the legislators, commission, and press. The inroads made over the past few months are huge, but we still need to expand the base and press at every opportunity to be heard. I assure you the legislators are aware of the games the tracks and associations are playing with our industry. We have to give them solutions and not just complaints. It is the same as the race dates debate, when the commission asked for date solutions the both the HBPA and TTA introduced nothing. They stuck with their deals they made with the tracks in the semi-secret meetings. By the time the Houston meet is over with we need to have as complete a financial impact on the loss of revenue as possible. With the state counting pennies right now, it will make the point to each and ever legislator what has been done to all of us!
Contrary to the opinion of those that tried to throw the horsemen under the bus last year, when those tracks applied for the racing license in Texas. It was understood that they would be providing tax revenue to their communities and racing opportunity for the horsemen. Their collaboration with the associations in reducing both the revenue and opportunity has to be documented and delivered to all the authorities.
Roger commented that upon request, I did not get the response from folks for information and efforts in the past. That is not quite accurate, It is not wise to ask a question you do not have the answer to or ask for help without something already lined up, in the public forum. I am looking for more conformation of information or more help than what we already have.
It is clear that we do not have enough supporters to impact the elections of the boards, probably only about 20% of our folks are even members of the different associations. The bulk are disenfranchised horsemen that would come back with invitation or leadership that was concerned about their plight as horsemen. Our impact has to be where it counts and that is with the legislators, commission, and press. The inroads made over the past few months are huge, but we still need to expand the base and press at every opportunity to be heard. I assure you the legislators are aware of the games the tracks and associations are playing with our industry. We have to give them solutions and not just complaints. It is the same as the race dates debate, when the commission asked for date solutions the both the HBPA and TTA introduced nothing. They stuck with their deals they made with the tracks in the semi-secret meetings. By the time the Houston meet is over with we need to have as complete a financial impact on the loss of revenue as possible. With the state counting pennies right now, it will make the point to each and ever legislator what has been done to all of us!
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vallygirl927
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Can anyone offer me some info on the thoroughbred racing industry in Texas? My boyfriend is relocating to Grapevine, TX, (he is a pilot and will be based out of Dallas Love Airport), and I am undecided about making the move for myself. I'm trying to get a feel of the industry out there, i.e. the tracks, the texas bred purses, the stallions. Based on the bloodhorse stallions list for the last few years, it seems to me the stallions out there are not as attractive as in other states, i.e. California, Florida. Where do you Texans all send your mare to breed? KY? How are the Texas bred purses? How about the Fasig Tipton sales? Fortunately, Grapevine isn't far from Lonestar Park, so the logistics couldn't be better.
Reply to Valley Girl: sorry for the delay in replying; we are in the middle of the worst cold weather occurrence in 50 years and keeping the horses watered takes a lot of attention.
You have chosen a great part of Texas to live in. You are near our primier track, Lone Star Park, and are a few minutes from the Pilot Point area, where some of Texas's best stud farms are located. Make an appointment to see Valor Farm, a truly beautiful facility.
Texas horse racing has been in a state of decline because of competition from surounding states which have gaming that contributes to their purses. In Texas the great majority of purse money comes directly out of the handle of our live meets and simulcast activities. There is no off track betting or account wagering. The horse racing organizations in Texas are working hard to rectify this problem, and legislation to allow slots at our tracks is being introduced this year.
There are three major tracks in Texas and one minor one at this time. If the slot bill passes, some new tracks may be opened in south and central areas of the state.
It is not necessary to send your mares to Kentucky, Florida or Louisiana to get competent foals. We have a state breeder's incentive program which is fair, and should get better if the slot bill passes.
You should join the Texas Thoroughbred Association ASAP to avail yourself to their information services, stud book, etc. They have a great web site at http://www.texasthoroughbred.com
You automatically become a member of the Texas Thoroughbred Benevolent and Protective Association if you run in a race in Texas. The TB and QH BPA's combine to form the Texas Horsemens Partnership, which has an informative web site at: http://www.texashorsemen.com
Hope this is of help to you. Welcome to Texas!
Ajo
You have chosen a great part of Texas to live in. You are near our primier track, Lone Star Park, and are a few minutes from the Pilot Point area, where some of Texas's best stud farms are located. Make an appointment to see Valor Farm, a truly beautiful facility.
Texas horse racing has been in a state of decline because of competition from surounding states which have gaming that contributes to their purses. In Texas the great majority of purse money comes directly out of the handle of our live meets and simulcast activities. There is no off track betting or account wagering. The horse racing organizations in Texas are working hard to rectify this problem, and legislation to allow slots at our tracks is being introduced this year.
There are three major tracks in Texas and one minor one at this time. If the slot bill passes, some new tracks may be opened in south and central areas of the state.
It is not necessary to send your mares to Kentucky, Florida or Louisiana to get competent foals. We have a state breeder's incentive program which is fair, and should get better if the slot bill passes.
You should join the Texas Thoroughbred Association ASAP to avail yourself to their information services, stud book, etc. They have a great web site at http://www.texasthoroughbred.com
You automatically become a member of the Texas Thoroughbred Benevolent and Protective Association if you run in a race in Texas. The TB and QH BPA's combine to form the Texas Horsemens Partnership, which has an informative web site at: http://www.texashorsemen.com
Hope this is of help to you. Welcome to Texas!
Ajo
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tinners way
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From the Bloodhorse.
Be careful what you wish for. I hope we get slots, but we need to have purse fuelers that can be directly related to the horse. Not the venue.
Carlino: 'We're Not Running Public Charity'
By Tom LaMarra
Updated: Friday, February 4, 2011 12:39 PM
Posted: Thursday, February 3, 2011 12:37 PM
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Penn National Gaming Inc. believes racetrack gaming can be a major economic driver but shouldn’t be viewed as a means to increase pari-mutuel wagering on racing, company president and chief executive officer Peter Carlino said.
PNGI, which continues to add properties to its fold, is the largest racetrack operator in the United States in terms of holdings. Most of the facilities have some form of gaming.
In response to questions during a Feb. 3 teleconference on the company’s fourth-quarter and year-end earnings for 2010, Carlino said PNGI is the “proud owner” of racetracks but has an “obvious strategy” when it comes to purchasing them. Within the past year PNGI has bought or acquired an interest in tracks in Maryland, Ohio, and Texas.
“Racetracks tend to end up with slots—that’s our long-term play,” Carlino said. “Operating tracks at a loss is not in our long-term plan. We will continue to ratchet down costs—we’ll be tough and brutal about that. We’re not running a public charity.”
PNGI, which owns 49% of the Maryland Jockey Club tracks—Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course—was in a battle with horsemen and breeders late last year over 2011 racing dates. PNGI wanted to drastically reduce live racing dates to cut costs, but industry participants sought a full schedule to maintain stability and buy time to negotiate a future course.
“We wanted to right-size the business and got a violent reaction to a sensible suggestion,” Carlino said of the Maryland battle, which ended—at least temporarily—when Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley stepped in to facilitate an agreement that helped Laurel open on time in early January.
PNGI and MI Developments, which owns 51% of the Maryland tracks, claimed they have been losing millions of dollars a year, though some have disputed the contention. In his comments, Carlino said racetracks can’t exist without slot machines or video lottery terminals, and also suggested it is folly to think gaming will drive healthy increases in wagering on horse races.
At some tracks with slots, Carlino said, “they run the same old (horses) for two or three times as much money. It does nothing to increase handle, and nothing will change that demographic.”
He did say, however, that slots actually are a “green activity” because the revenue they produce for racing leads to growth in agriculture and related businesses, thus fueling economic growth. He said horse racing has a place in the mix.
“It’s a huge economic engine,” Carlino said. “With a straight face I can say it is not generating handle but it has helped develop a healthy business in your state. There’s a message to be shared there. Let’s see how effective it is (when lobbying for racetrack gaming).”
Despite the proliferation of racetrack gaming in the United States, most of the leading tracks by average daily purses paid and total handle each year have no gaming but run shorter meets of high quality. Other smaller tracks with gaming may pay $25 million to $35 million a year in purses but the money is spread out over 200 or more days a year.
Overall declines in handle on horse racing have been common in recent years regardless of whether tracks have gaming.
Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... z1D1AoDeji
Be careful what you wish for. I hope we get slots, but we need to have purse fuelers that can be directly related to the horse. Not the venue.
Carlino: 'We're Not Running Public Charity'
By Tom LaMarra
Updated: Friday, February 4, 2011 12:39 PM
Posted: Thursday, February 3, 2011 12:37 PM
RSS
ShareThis
Penn National Gaming Inc. believes racetrack gaming can be a major economic driver but shouldn’t be viewed as a means to increase pari-mutuel wagering on racing, company president and chief executive officer Peter Carlino said.
PNGI, which continues to add properties to its fold, is the largest racetrack operator in the United States in terms of holdings. Most of the facilities have some form of gaming.
In response to questions during a Feb. 3 teleconference on the company’s fourth-quarter and year-end earnings for 2010, Carlino said PNGI is the “proud owner” of racetracks but has an “obvious strategy” when it comes to purchasing them. Within the past year PNGI has bought or acquired an interest in tracks in Maryland, Ohio, and Texas.
“Racetracks tend to end up with slots—that’s our long-term play,” Carlino said. “Operating tracks at a loss is not in our long-term plan. We will continue to ratchet down costs—we’ll be tough and brutal about that. We’re not running a public charity.”
PNGI, which owns 49% of the Maryland Jockey Club tracks—Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course—was in a battle with horsemen and breeders late last year over 2011 racing dates. PNGI wanted to drastically reduce live racing dates to cut costs, but industry participants sought a full schedule to maintain stability and buy time to negotiate a future course.
“We wanted to right-size the business and got a violent reaction to a sensible suggestion,” Carlino said of the Maryland battle, which ended—at least temporarily—when Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley stepped in to facilitate an agreement that helped Laurel open on time in early January.
PNGI and MI Developments, which owns 51% of the Maryland tracks, claimed they have been losing millions of dollars a year, though some have disputed the contention. In his comments, Carlino said racetracks can’t exist without slot machines or video lottery terminals, and also suggested it is folly to think gaming will drive healthy increases in wagering on horse races.
At some tracks with slots, Carlino said, “they run the same old (horses) for two or three times as much money. It does nothing to increase handle, and nothing will change that demographic.”
He did say, however, that slots actually are a “green activity” because the revenue they produce for racing leads to growth in agriculture and related businesses, thus fueling economic growth. He said horse racing has a place in the mix.
“It’s a huge economic engine,” Carlino said. “With a straight face I can say it is not generating handle but it has helped develop a healthy business in your state. There’s a message to be shared there. Let’s see how effective it is (when lobbying for racetrack gaming).”
Despite the proliferation of racetrack gaming in the United States, most of the leading tracks by average daily purses paid and total handle each year have no gaming but run shorter meets of high quality. Other smaller tracks with gaming may pay $25 million to $35 million a year in purses but the money is spread out over 200 or more days a year.
Overall declines in handle on horse racing have been common in recent years regardless of whether tracks have gaming.
Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... z1D1AoDeji
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tinners way
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Am I the only one confused by the THBPA board move. If I understand correctly, a previous board member is not allowed to run because they do not meet the requirements, but then is renamed to the board-not elected. Our other association at least takes the next most votes on the ballot of "eligible" candidates.
The disease seems to be spreading west.
The disease seems to be spreading west.
"The disease seems to be spreading west" ???? The only disease I perceive is the libelous drivel that is continuously posted on this forum. Board members should be able to read and understand bylaws. Mrs. Hutchins is one of the hardest working board members of the TTHBPA. She is a so-called "little guy" in the horse industry and spends hands-on time every day both at home and on the backsides of Texas tracks. Her particular experience in, and knowledge of, Texas horseracing is invaluable to the horsemen that she represents. She needed one more race to qualify to run as the incumbent in December 2010, and, as you may recall, the Houston meet was cancelled; she was unable to run her maiden two-year-olds until the first weekend in January. When her eligibility requirements were re-attained, she was appointed to a special position on the board per stipulation of the bylaws. There was no second-place owner on the ballot to assume that role, but even if there had been, the bylaws do not specify that anyone who previously ran should necessarily be appointed to a vacancy or to a special position on the Board. The Board Members voted unanimously to place Mrs. Hutchins back on the Board on the basis of service and merit.
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jrgators
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Word of the day....actually 2 words....LIBELOUS DRIVEL! 
OK, I haven't posted in a while, been dealing with sick family member, but I do have a question that may not be able to be answered, but, I'll ask Ajo since he/she may actually know, my question is, how can I find a copy of the bylaws for the TTA, and the TTHBPA?
I'm not a member of, nor am I represented by the TTHBPA, but I'd like to educate myself more thoroughly prior to my becoming a member. I am also not a current member of the TTA my membership expired 01/08/11.
One more question....What's wrong with adults NOT agreeing on stuff? Folks really seem to be on edge because someone doesn't think they are doing a good job, or because folks have complaints. This is pretty astonishing in some regards, but I really don't get it. I completely disagree with different folks for different reasons, and I always think that healthy adult debate is good.
I don't like the way Charley makes Meatloaf! So that's libelous drivel? Or is when I tell him, I don't like his meatloaf?
I don't like when my abbie filly things she can strike at me when she's angry, and I let her know this with a shank, so is that libelous drivel?
There is a LOT of stuff that's happened/happening in these associations that I am currently NOT a member of that I don't agree with, and I have NO problems speaking my position. So that's libelous?? I don't like my ex-wife, and I'll give you a written guarantee that she doesn't like me!! So who's libelous for that? One of us or both?
I love to read this forum honestly, because it's sharing thoughts and ideas on issues that affect MEMBERS AND NON MEMBERS of the precious organizations! Those who agree with me they share their ideas, and those who don't, they do too!
It's really OK to disagree about stuff! It really is, and that's what makes America the greatest country on this planet! We can always share ideas, we can reach for common ground, and agree to disagree!
Last point....that kind of mentality is DANGEROUS in my opinion! Suppression of the masses? "Earn" a position to speak? Does that sound like the USA, or more like??....pick a country!
Thanks,
Theophilus Scales, Jr.
OK, I haven't posted in a while, been dealing with sick family member, but I do have a question that may not be able to be answered, but, I'll ask Ajo since he/she may actually know, my question is, how can I find a copy of the bylaws for the TTA, and the TTHBPA?
I'm not a member of, nor am I represented by the TTHBPA, but I'd like to educate myself more thoroughly prior to my becoming a member. I am also not a current member of the TTA my membership expired 01/08/11.
One more question....What's wrong with adults NOT agreeing on stuff? Folks really seem to be on edge because someone doesn't think they are doing a good job, or because folks have complaints. This is pretty astonishing in some regards, but I really don't get it. I completely disagree with different folks for different reasons, and I always think that healthy adult debate is good.
I don't like the way Charley makes Meatloaf! So that's libelous drivel? Or is when I tell him, I don't like his meatloaf?
I don't like when my abbie filly things she can strike at me when she's angry, and I let her know this with a shank, so is that libelous drivel?
There is a LOT of stuff that's happened/happening in these associations that I am currently NOT a member of that I don't agree with, and I have NO problems speaking my position. So that's libelous?? I don't like my ex-wife, and I'll give you a written guarantee that she doesn't like me!! So who's libelous for that? One of us or both?
I love to read this forum honestly, because it's sharing thoughts and ideas on issues that affect MEMBERS AND NON MEMBERS of the precious organizations! Those who agree with me they share their ideas, and those who don't, they do too!
It's really OK to disagree about stuff! It really is, and that's what makes America the greatest country on this planet! We can always share ideas, we can reach for common ground, and agree to disagree!
Last point....that kind of mentality is DANGEROUS in my opinion! Suppression of the masses? "Earn" a position to speak? Does that sound like the USA, or more like??....pick a country!
Thanks,
Theophilus Scales, Jr.
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keyranch
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- Location: salado, texas
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Someone needs to post a true definition of Libel on this website, it seems that people believe they can threaten libel to suspend free speech and change the behavior of horsemen wanting to get something done for the industry. I would suggest that when a board member physically posts signs at racetracks to discredit members that have differing opinions, that is more than libelous and the association is condoning that action by reappointing them to the board. This will surely expose the associations and board members to respond to questions for their actions.
The earlier comments about the passage of slots is problematic. As explained by the commission in the racedates debate, even with the passage of slots by the legislature in session there would be no purse increases for years and there would be no revenue generated for the state of Texas in years. The concept that VLT's will be passed in a special session and all will be fixed and wonderful, in my opinion is just another way to justify the failure of any alternative revenue streams for purses being presented by the associations to the legislators. The very thought that it is in the best interest of the industry or horsemen to continue down the slots or nothing trail for another decade of nothing is just beyond me.
So, If that is a libelous statement-sue me to suppress myself and the other horsemen that want to pursue race dates for the horsemen and revenue streams for purses. I guess we can take that off of the list of things to do today, I have already been served for the statements made on this forum and the face book page.
That is the way your TTHBPA president and assciation represent your interests and mine!
I am named, but the attack is on all of our ability to represent ourselves in front of the commission and legislators. There is lots of work to do and a legal fund to be created to address each and every statement made in the suit. This is a great opportunity to expose both horsemens associations and expose the real plight of the horsemen to the legislators! If you are not already a mushroom, join us in this battle for the industry in Texas!
The earlier comments about the passage of slots is problematic. As explained by the commission in the racedates debate, even with the passage of slots by the legislature in session there would be no purse increases for years and there would be no revenue generated for the state of Texas in years. The concept that VLT's will be passed in a special session and all will be fixed and wonderful, in my opinion is just another way to justify the failure of any alternative revenue streams for purses being presented by the associations to the legislators. The very thought that it is in the best interest of the industry or horsemen to continue down the slots or nothing trail for another decade of nothing is just beyond me.
So, If that is a libelous statement-sue me to suppress myself and the other horsemen that want to pursue race dates for the horsemen and revenue streams for purses. I guess we can take that off of the list of things to do today, I have already been served for the statements made on this forum and the face book page.
That is the way your TTHBPA president and assciation represent your interests and mine!
I am named, but the attack is on all of our ability to represent ourselves in front of the commission and legislators. There is lots of work to do and a legal fund to be created to address each and every statement made in the suit. This is a great opportunity to expose both horsemens associations and expose the real plight of the horsemen to the legislators! If you are not already a mushroom, join us in this battle for the industry in Texas!