Great, we are down to two grade one races here in Maryland. Horses will be moved to Bowie and Laurel to train.
They are waiting to see if the slots referendum passes...and it will be a tight vote...my gut tells me so...
Whole article here:
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/46477.htm
Beginning of the End...Waiting for Slots to Save MD Racing?
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
Beginning of the End...Waiting for Slots to Save MD Racing?
A horse gallops with his lungs
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
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mightyhijames
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meanwhile, this could be the final straw for some owners/trainers who live above baltimore. they may just pack it in and head for pa., at least for the time being. i've also read on more than one occasion that the town of laurel has found some zoning regulation that they believe can keep the slots out of laurel park, even if they pass on the referendum.
i just continues to boggle my mind how short-sighted and uneducated marylanders are, not to mention the seemingly complete disregard for state tradition.
i just continues to boggle my mind how short-sighted and uneducated marylanders are, not to mention the seemingly complete disregard for state tradition.
The bulk of the population in the washington DC and Baltimore area, which I believe is the bulk of the population of the state, are not involved in horse breeding or racing. Most don't have any connection to horses, period. While some may like to gamble, most are only interested in racing on Preakness day. The rest of the time, it doesn't exist for them, and if the racing and breeding industry leaves MD, they probably won't even notice, let alone miss it.
The local masses are also mostly very liberal, and are pro-increasing taxes, especially if it is billed as anything that might benefit their children. They think that slots are immoral and the root of all evil, will lead to a certain crime spree, and tempt the poor to gamble away whatever money they can get their hands on. They also want to impose their views and opinions on those of us who don't share them, because they know what is best for you! Nobody seems to recognise that MD state is in the gambling business. The lottery is gambling, and the state also gets a chunk of every dollar as it passes through a betting window at the track. Apparently no one has visited Chuck Town before and after slots. They might be shocked to learn that the slots revenue from CT has been responsible for new jobs, higher employment, higher salaries, the influx of all sorts of businesses from shopping to restaurants, more community services, and higher real estate prices.
I'm afraid MD racing won't be able to catch up to PA even if the slots referendum is approved. PA is approved for 60,000 slot machines. The max in MD would be 15,000, and the state has earmarked half of the revenue. I think we are going to have to cut way, way back on dates in order to get purses up where we are competitive. I also think the MJC needs to take some initiative in growing a fan base for its product. Ultimately purses suffer when betting handle declines.
The local masses are also mostly very liberal, and are pro-increasing taxes, especially if it is billed as anything that might benefit their children. They think that slots are immoral and the root of all evil, will lead to a certain crime spree, and tempt the poor to gamble away whatever money they can get their hands on. They also want to impose their views and opinions on those of us who don't share them, because they know what is best for you! Nobody seems to recognise that MD state is in the gambling business. The lottery is gambling, and the state also gets a chunk of every dollar as it passes through a betting window at the track. Apparently no one has visited Chuck Town before and after slots. They might be shocked to learn that the slots revenue from CT has been responsible for new jobs, higher employment, higher salaries, the influx of all sorts of businesses from shopping to restaurants, more community services, and higher real estate prices.
I'm afraid MD racing won't be able to catch up to PA even if the slots referendum is approved. PA is approved for 60,000 slot machines. The max in MD would be 15,000, and the state has earmarked half of the revenue. I think we are going to have to cut way, way back on dates in order to get purses up where we are competitive. I also think the MJC needs to take some initiative in growing a fan base for its product. Ultimately purses suffer when betting handle declines.
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Strategic Maneuver
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The death knell
It is so sad to watch the rich history and tradition of MD racing slowly wither and die on the vine, mainly by its own hand. The Magna earnings report did nothing to help the situation today, either. 
Great posts everyone!
Personally I feel as if this is going to be the death knell for racing in Maryland. Magna is in deep financial doo-doo which is not good...I wouldn't be surprised if Pimlico and Laurel go up for sale in the next couple of years--maybe even less than that if slots don't get the thumbs up. I wouldn't be surprised if we start watching the Preakness being run in Florida or California or where ever. The people who are not into horses just don't give a rat's fuzzy bottom about the racing tradition of Maryland. Heck, the waterman and farmer are also dying breeds in the state too. See 'em in a museum near you soon!
I laugh as well as all the well worn diatribes against gambling but lo and behold we have a lottery. Some of the money goes to stadiums that host teams that haven't won championships in years. And yes, there are Marylanders that are pretty silly when it comes to many things. This whole deal also reminds me of how residents of a part of Anne Arundel county (where I live sadly
) shot down the idea of a Maryland Horse Park--complained that there would be more traffic and noise--who cares if it brought revenue into the county without raising taxes and created jobs. And the corker this past Monday--the county turned down a permit for a triathalon because business and churches complained it would cause a disruption to business and bring hardship to worshippers! Hello!!! Where are your brains? I guess the bad air that hangs about in the summer rotted them. Same goes when it comes to horse racing.
I will continue to make my rounds and take as many pictures of what's left of horse racing here in the state. And I will really think hard about relocating to southern Virginia--maybe make Colonial Downs my new race place.
Personally I feel as if this is going to be the death knell for racing in Maryland. Magna is in deep financial doo-doo which is not good...I wouldn't be surprised if Pimlico and Laurel go up for sale in the next couple of years--maybe even less than that if slots don't get the thumbs up. I wouldn't be surprised if we start watching the Preakness being run in Florida or California or where ever. The people who are not into horses just don't give a rat's fuzzy bottom about the racing tradition of Maryland. Heck, the waterman and farmer are also dying breeds in the state too. See 'em in a museum near you soon!
I laugh as well as all the well worn diatribes against gambling but lo and behold we have a lottery. Some of the money goes to stadiums that host teams that haven't won championships in years. And yes, there are Marylanders that are pretty silly when it comes to many things. This whole deal also reminds me of how residents of a part of Anne Arundel county (where I live sadly
) shot down the idea of a Maryland Horse Park--complained that there would be more traffic and noise--who cares if it brought revenue into the county without raising taxes and created jobs. And the corker this past Monday--the county turned down a permit for a triathalon because business and churches complained it would cause a disruption to business and bring hardship to worshippers! Hello!!! Where are your brains? I guess the bad air that hangs about in the summer rotted them. Same goes when it comes to horse racing.
I will continue to make my rounds and take as many pictures of what's left of horse racing here in the state. And I will really think hard about relocating to southern Virginia--maybe make Colonial Downs my new race place.
A horse gallops with his lungs
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
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Laurierace
- Grade II Winner
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- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:14 am
Learn a lesson
Watching this decline it is actually quite amazing - pointing to the effects of long term mismanagement by 'big names' in the industry -despite the positive effects of slots and other developments regionally. Magna's use of leverage is now working big time against them as they had basically nothing new (really) to offer. Perhaps the most amazing is NYC OTB - which is just a cash collection entity - and they are losing money hand over fist! What is wrong with THAT picture?
The guy they need to listen to is Tom Meeker. Meeker took over Churchill as it was sinking fast, turned it around and despite all kinds of resistance, turned it into a world class facility, before turning it over. It is probably in decline again (in terms of P/L, balance sheet) - these things don't run themselves.
Meekers advantage is that he was an outsider - brought in fresh ideas, and basic capitalistic accountability. The rest of these bozos are big names, with big (old) money earned by their grandfathers - and clueless about what makes it run They're all at Saratoga and couldn't be bothered - except with the next 'Roundtable' of meaningless discussions.
jm
The guy they need to listen to is Tom Meeker. Meeker took over Churchill as it was sinking fast, turned it around and despite all kinds of resistance, turned it into a world class facility, before turning it over. It is probably in decline again (in terms of P/L, balance sheet) - these things don't run themselves.
Meekers advantage is that he was an outsider - brought in fresh ideas, and basic capitalistic accountability. The rest of these bozos are big names, with big (old) money earned by their grandfathers - and clueless about what makes it run They're all at Saratoga and couldn't be bothered - except with the next 'Roundtable' of meaningless discussions.
jm
Run the race - the one that's really worth winning.
When I hear all this talk about the evils of slots...I remember when Keno was passed and all the talk about it.
I'm sorry, I see no difference between Keno and Slots...none. Except that a properly done slots venue tied to racing could become a destination with people making plans to go separate from big race days. A Keno parlor or a few Keno machines in the local restaurant will never have that potential draw.
And these folks conveniently forget the number of jobs the thoroughbred industry as a whole provides when you go from breeding farm, to training farm to track to after race retraining to steeplechase racing to hunting/eventing/showing/lesson barns/pleasure horses and so on...the horse industry in MD is so much more than just racing and the thoroughbreds from the track are a big big part of that whole picture.
So sad...Hoping for significant changes to preserve racing in MD.
I'm sorry, I see no difference between Keno and Slots...none. Except that a properly done slots venue tied to racing could become a destination with people making plans to go separate from big race days. A Keno parlor or a few Keno machines in the local restaurant will never have that potential draw.
And these folks conveniently forget the number of jobs the thoroughbred industry as a whole provides when you go from breeding farm, to training farm to track to after race retraining to steeplechase racing to hunting/eventing/showing/lesson barns/pleasure horses and so on...the horse industry in MD is so much more than just racing and the thoroughbreds from the track are a big big part of that whole picture.
So sad...Hoping for significant changes to preserve racing in MD.
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Blue feather
- Allowance Winner
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- Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2006 6:17 am
Cathy D., I am in total agreement with your view. Maryland has turned their back on the thoroughbred industry. Even if the slot bill is passed most Marylanders don't want the horseman to benefit from the revenues. Contrastly, PA has a real interest in growing and developing the thoroughbred industry in the state evidenced by the agressive slot program and its direct benefit to horseman. Unlike the proposed MD slot bill which seems to view racing as a necessary evil, PA's intention is to fuel the thoroughbred industry.
I know I will be in the minority here, actually I tend to stay there 
, but I think slots could be good for Maryland racing. As someone pointed out, Charles Town literally did a complete 180 since the induction of slots. Everyone thought they would only bring crime and grime along with them. But what people failed to see, that was already there. Since I lived less than 50 miles from CT we went alot, well actually the fequency picked up after slots. I have seen that little dumpy town turn into someplace I wouldn't mind taking a summer or fall evening stroll through.
As far as purses go I have heard many benefit from the slot revenue. Bigger purses bring better horses, something which CT desperately needed, especially when you were literally betting jockeys not horses. It may not be the dream town but it slowly (SLOWLY) makes improvement.
And correct, don't pack your bags and head to VA.... though if MD shuts down I would guarantee a season similiar to that of Del Park (APR-NOV) since MD and VA have some sort of devil's advocate compact between the two as far as racing dates go. But word on the street is the only reason Colonial is up for sale is b/c the owner had envisioned gaming there too. Only to find out VA thinks gaming holds the right hand of Satan himself. (But the scamming of it's citizens with it's bogus state lottery is fine
) As of right now noone knows for sure Colonial is open for next year, they are only putzing along as if it will be. To me that is kind of like sticking your head in the sand.
But Barbaro continue to take pictures anyway, we really enjoy them!!
, but I think slots could be good for Maryland racing. As someone pointed out, Charles Town literally did a complete 180 since the induction of slots. Everyone thought they would only bring crime and grime along with them. But what people failed to see, that was already there. Since I lived less than 50 miles from CT we went alot, well actually the fequency picked up after slots. I have seen that little dumpy town turn into someplace I wouldn't mind taking a summer or fall evening stroll through.
As far as purses go I have heard many benefit from the slot revenue. Bigger purses bring better horses, something which CT desperately needed, especially when you were literally betting jockeys not horses. It may not be the dream town but it slowly (SLOWLY) makes improvement.
And correct, don't pack your bags and head to VA.... though if MD shuts down I would guarantee a season similiar to that of Del Park (APR-NOV) since MD and VA have some sort of devil's advocate compact between the two as far as racing dates go. But word on the street is the only reason Colonial is up for sale is b/c the owner had envisioned gaming there too. Only to find out VA thinks gaming holds the right hand of Satan himself. (But the scamming of it's citizens with it's bogus state lottery is fine
) As of right now noone knows for sure Colonial is open for next year, they are only putzing along as if it will be. To me that is kind of like sticking your head in the sand.
But Barbaro continue to take pictures anyway, we really enjoy them!!
trying to come up with something brillant..... this may take a while.
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Laurierace
- Grade II Winner
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- Joined: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:14 am
Slots would definitely help and I pray they pass in November but they won't be the miracle they have been at CT and Delaware. There is something to be said for not being the last to invent the wheel. At best it will even the playing field somewhat but those other tracks had a 10 year headstart as the only game in town. Better late than never I guess.