On the Mark, I agree with most of your points. I might agree with all your points if I had a barn full of Valid Expectations, but I don't. There many trainers/owners who are like me. Just check the receiving barns, who need racing opportunities after the VE's have all run through their conditions. When we bottom feeders get more money, we tend to put it back into higher stud-fees and better yearlings. When the good VE's run through their conditions, they have to leave the state because thats where the money is, but guys like me will be here.
Fan base is the solution and requiring those who have track license to have a betting parlor in place in 6 months and a working track in 2 to 3 years, would be the best way in my opinion to build that base.
Read my post on LS and hope, thats another way to build base and with racing dates tracks could attract fans just like LS did.
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jrgators
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Good topic,
Lower purses....we are now running for lower purses! We are NOT going to get larger purses with less dates!
Don't hate on the Valids, and remember...they get beat everyday! This horse is an awesome guy, who makes money year after year, and he has them like everyone else at all levels! There is a valid filly that I like that's running right now in Ohio for 4000, and she could've been purchased for 3500 last year, and as a bonus she's out of a nice family....the point is, they are all over the ranks as are the others too. I'm no bottom feeder, don't breed them to be claimers, but they are what they turn out to be. Valid is an asset to the state and to our breeding program. (Oh yes, I don't own any either!)
On the mark...you have some good ideas, I think they can work too. I love the thought of getting these license holders to do something with them. My question would be, can we do that? Can we "really" force these guys to open up simulcasting and make them do it? How much does Manor and Gillespie bring in for the other tracks and our breeders fund? Would these places opening up help us out much?
If we do the out of state wins breeders awards how much smaller will our awards turn out to be? They aren't much now, we are talking about smaller purses now, so how about smaller breeders awards too? I like the idea actually, I just don't know if we can get it to fly. I get it that our foals that we sell (give away) that can run a little are going to run out of state, so it will help, i just think it will water down the amount of money we are looking at.
I still believe in this program. I believe in our stallions, and in our mares. I believe we have some very talented animals, and can win races anywhere in the world!
Theo
Lower purses....we are now running for lower purses! We are NOT going to get larger purses with less dates!
Don't hate on the Valids, and remember...they get beat everyday! This horse is an awesome guy, who makes money year after year, and he has them like everyone else at all levels! There is a valid filly that I like that's running right now in Ohio for 4000, and she could've been purchased for 3500 last year, and as a bonus she's out of a nice family....the point is, they are all over the ranks as are the others too. I'm no bottom feeder, don't breed them to be claimers, but they are what they turn out to be. Valid is an asset to the state and to our breeding program. (Oh yes, I don't own any either!)
On the mark...you have some good ideas, I think they can work too. I love the thought of getting these license holders to do something with them. My question would be, can we do that? Can we "really" force these guys to open up simulcasting and make them do it? How much does Manor and Gillespie bring in for the other tracks and our breeders fund? Would these places opening up help us out much?
If we do the out of state wins breeders awards how much smaller will our awards turn out to be? They aren't much now, we are talking about smaller purses now, so how about smaller breeders awards too? I like the idea actually, I just don't know if we can get it to fly. I get it that our foals that we sell (give away) that can run a little are going to run out of state, so it will help, i just think it will water down the amount of money we are looking at.
I still believe in this program. I believe in our stallions, and in our mares. I believe we have some very talented animals, and can win races anywhere in the world!
Theo
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tinners way
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Roger, Theo and On the Mark you right on.
Manor and Gillespie continue to confirm that there is a demand for the product, and the fair circuit would/can work- but not at the expense of dates for the Class 1 tracks.
The racing commission should mandate that those that hold licenses get the simulcast facilities up and the tracks under construction- or lose the license. That loophole needs to be closed. IMO, most of the licenses and at least one of the Class 1 tracks were built with the sole intention of those owners lining themselves up for a big payday when slots passed. Slots pass, flip the licenses and the tracks to new owners.
Valid is great for our breeding industry. While I compete with him, it is better for the entire industry to have him here. This year may have been a sweep at the Stallion Stakes at Lonestar, but that is not always the case. In just the past couple of years we have had Uncle Abbie, Gold Legend, Swamp and a couple of others. I am confident that we will get a Special Rate or two in there as well. (shameless promotion)
Concerning purses- you get a one year improvement if you cut dates, and then you have to go and cut the next year. Law of diminishing returns. Cutting dates is not the answer. And why, when Lonestar is going to be leased to another entity would any organization agree to their proposed date cuts?
I am convinced that while we are in this economic time, we need to worry about the true Texas bred, and their opportunties, and expanding whatever we can for these owners and breeders. All you have to do is look at every other state- whether they have slots or not, and this is the posture they have taken. (yes there are a couple of exceptions- Delaware- the purses got there before the horses. Currently one stallion, who covered one mare, stands there.)
For those of you who are invested in the Texas Bred Program, now is the time to fight to make this program viable again.
Manor and Gillespie continue to confirm that there is a demand for the product, and the fair circuit would/can work- but not at the expense of dates for the Class 1 tracks.
The racing commission should mandate that those that hold licenses get the simulcast facilities up and the tracks under construction- or lose the license. That loophole needs to be closed. IMO, most of the licenses and at least one of the Class 1 tracks were built with the sole intention of those owners lining themselves up for a big payday when slots passed. Slots pass, flip the licenses and the tracks to new owners.
Valid is great for our breeding industry. While I compete with him, it is better for the entire industry to have him here. This year may have been a sweep at the Stallion Stakes at Lonestar, but that is not always the case. In just the past couple of years we have had Uncle Abbie, Gold Legend, Swamp and a couple of others. I am confident that we will get a Special Rate or two in there as well. (shameless promotion)
Concerning purses- you get a one year improvement if you cut dates, and then you have to go and cut the next year. Law of diminishing returns. Cutting dates is not the answer. And why, when Lonestar is going to be leased to another entity would any organization agree to their proposed date cuts?
I am convinced that while we are in this economic time, we need to worry about the true Texas bred, and their opportunties, and expanding whatever we can for these owners and breeders. All you have to do is look at every other state- whether they have slots or not, and this is the posture they have taken. (yes there are a couple of exceptions- Delaware- the purses got there before the horses. Currently one stallion, who covered one mare, stands there.)
For those of you who are invested in the Texas Bred Program, now is the time to fight to make this program viable again.
If we had to go to 100 days of racing, and I'm afraid thats what the TTA is pushing, what would be the best use of those days? I hate running in the LS heat and I've not entered up when it got to 105 last June. So maybe with 100 days we could avoid June, July, and August racing. A couple of years ago a plan was put forth that would cut dates and give Retama only a few dates and that may be the plan still. So why don't we just take away Retama's Class I status and make it a class II track. We could run 4 months at Sam Houston in the spring and Four months at Lone Star in the fall. That would work with 3 race days per week. The Class II tracks could run on the fringes and we would still not have the summer heat problem.
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
I'm getting ready to email the TxRC and I think I should keep my note to about 3 main points. I would like to know what you think our main points are.
1. I don't want to loose racing dates
2. I think we need to redefine the term Tx-bred to require the stallion to reside in Tx. We could change back to the every other year of the past once we get on equal footing with our neighbors.
3. I would like those who have track license to be required to move forward with betting parlors.
The problem with 2 and 3 is they would require legislation. I think we got screwed by the govenor when he would not allow debate of the sunset ammendments on these two. Maybe I need to limit the note to dates????
1. I don't want to loose racing dates
2. I think we need to redefine the term Tx-bred to require the stallion to reside in Tx. We could change back to the every other year of the past once we get on equal footing with our neighbors.
3. I would like those who have track license to be required to move forward with betting parlors.
The problem with 2 and 3 is they would require legislation. I think we got screwed by the govenor when he would not allow debate of the sunset ammendments on these two. Maybe I need to limit the note to dates????
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
Sorry about 3 post in a row, but I've been mowing with plenty of time to think. Lets compare purses as of July 25th.
Lone Star's average purse per day was $176,458. Its average stk purse was $125,130 or 27% of the total purse.
Louisiana Downs was $148,441 and its average stk was $50,000 or 8% of the total purse. This will change after the Super Derby, but how much?
Evangline Downs was $191,839 and its average stk was $75,046 or 11%
New Mexico runs mixed meets so the numbers are harder to compare
Remington's numbers will be interesting to keep up with, but they will be a little less than LS's I think.
Maybe we don't need less dates, but a smaller portion of the total purse going to stakes at L. S. Retama's purses are equal to or better than most of the smaller tracks.
I'll be quiet for a while
Lone Star's average purse per day was $176,458. Its average stk purse was $125,130 or 27% of the total purse.
Louisiana Downs was $148,441 and its average stk was $50,000 or 8% of the total purse. This will change after the Super Derby, but how much?
Evangline Downs was $191,839 and its average stk was $75,046 or 11%
New Mexico runs mixed meets so the numbers are harder to compare
Remington's numbers will be interesting to keep up with, but they will be a little less than LS's I think.
Maybe we don't need less dates, but a smaller portion of the total purse going to stakes at L. S. Retama's purses are equal to or better than most of the smaller tracks.
I'll be quiet for a while
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.
Try it you will like it.
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keyranch
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The TTA had better start thinking about their own survival! Since they took breeders out of the TTBA, and gave up their representation they have had a steady and serious decline of membership and revenue. The owners are supposed to be represented by the the HBPA and the race tracks do an excellent job of representing their own self interests, so who is left for the wayward TTA to represent?
As with most bussinesses the customer does the talking by walking when the service is not to their liking. It will probably require the total collapse to the TTA for the message to sink in that the changes that people wanted is not what they are getting. The only people I know that get raises when they are wrong 90% of the time are weather men and politicians.
It will not take long for someone to suggest an accounting firm or the racing commission would be more efficient than the TTA at distributing the Texas bred funds, and the money saved in overhead can be distributed to the horsemen through the breeders fund as intended. It has happened in other states and there are a lot of unhappy people that need their concerns addressed.
As with most bussinesses the customer does the talking by walking when the service is not to their liking. It will probably require the total collapse to the TTA for the message to sink in that the changes that people wanted is not what they are getting. The only people I know that get raises when they are wrong 90% of the time are weather men and politicians.
It will not take long for someone to suggest an accounting firm or the racing commission would be more efficient than the TTA at distributing the Texas bred funds, and the money saved in overhead can be distributed to the horsemen through the breeders fund as intended. It has happened in other states and there are a lot of unhappy people that need their concerns addressed.
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jrgators
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keyranch wrote:
The only people I know that get raises when they are wrong 90% of the time are weather men and politicians.
Now that was a good line!
I hope we don't loose the TTA, and I do think they have breeders at heart. I just think we put too much pressure on them, and aren't following the reality. The people their don't run this program. The tracks license holders run the program. We have no chance as thing presently stand.
Guys keep talking abouth all of these things like breedback, OTB, ADW, IRM, so on....forget about it! We are going to do absolutely nothing until we can get slots! NOTHING!! Please forgive the lack of confidence it will change, but Past Performance dictates what's going to happen. We won't get anything done for the horse people. We'll get stuff done for the tracks, but NoThInG for the horsemen/horsewomen.
Best of luck to all of us!
Theo
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tinners way
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Roger, I think the subject of dates is dead on, and also the need to maintain the total number of Texas Bred races. If days fall, the Texas breds need to have the total number of races still available. For example, if my figures are correct there used to be 180+ days of racing available. Each card had to have 2 Texas bred races. If we go to 151 days of racing, we should now fight for an average of 2.5 T-bred races per card.
Theo, your right. Nothing changes without legislation. But, that means now is the time to get our house in order. 2011 is right around the corner.
For the definition of the Texas Bred maybe now is the time to get creative. When there was no parimutual racing we bred over 3,000 mares a year in Texas. (On the every other year program.) It is not all slots that the mares disappeared. We have one of, if not the most open program in the country. It is time those that have stayed and played put our ideas forward as to the best solution. For me it is simple. Either go back to the every other year, close it completely, or implement a recypricol program. That last idea will scare a few folks. I would also like to see that we allow any foal sired by a stallion standing in Texas be elligable to be registered as Texas bred. This would enable the foal to potentially be dual registered, would require the mare to be registered (that only has to happen one time). (Ask Winstar where Funny Cide was bred- they will tell you New York, but if you want to make another one you have to go to KY- they happen to think a lot of Distorted Humor standing in Ky, and they should!)
Theo, slots are the longest of shots. But like the issue of changing the rules of breeding a Texas bred, we will need the legislature. So many have dismissed OTB and account wagering as not being possible, and also not offering enough to purses. I am going to push very hard that the Plan B becomes a reality. It has to. All you have to do is ask the question- would we be better off with slots- yes. Is it going to happen- long shot, with a few acceptions. OTB- can it happen- YES. Will it improve purses- YES. Account Wagering- can it happen- YES. Will it improve purses- YES. And I do not think the odds are as long for these initiatives as they are for slots.
I think the one thing HORSE did prove this year is that you can get support together from different factions. Slots is such a divisive topic in so many circles, it is going to be tough, but still should be pursued, although not to the exclusion of the other initiatives.
I think we need to protect our dates, protect the Texas Bred racing opportunity, prepare for 2011 with a constructive approach to changing the breed program, and be sure Plan B becomes part of Plan A.
Theo, your right. Nothing changes without legislation. But, that means now is the time to get our house in order. 2011 is right around the corner.
For the definition of the Texas Bred maybe now is the time to get creative. When there was no parimutual racing we bred over 3,000 mares a year in Texas. (On the every other year program.) It is not all slots that the mares disappeared. We have one of, if not the most open program in the country. It is time those that have stayed and played put our ideas forward as to the best solution. For me it is simple. Either go back to the every other year, close it completely, or implement a recypricol program. That last idea will scare a few folks. I would also like to see that we allow any foal sired by a stallion standing in Texas be elligable to be registered as Texas bred. This would enable the foal to potentially be dual registered, would require the mare to be registered (that only has to happen one time). (Ask Winstar where Funny Cide was bred- they will tell you New York, but if you want to make another one you have to go to KY- they happen to think a lot of Distorted Humor standing in Ky, and they should!)
Theo, slots are the longest of shots. But like the issue of changing the rules of breeding a Texas bred, we will need the legislature. So many have dismissed OTB and account wagering as not being possible, and also not offering enough to purses. I am going to push very hard that the Plan B becomes a reality. It has to. All you have to do is ask the question- would we be better off with slots- yes. Is it going to happen- long shot, with a few acceptions. OTB- can it happen- YES. Will it improve purses- YES. Account Wagering- can it happen- YES. Will it improve purses- YES. And I do not think the odds are as long for these initiatives as they are for slots.
I think the one thing HORSE did prove this year is that you can get support together from different factions. Slots is such a divisive topic in so many circles, it is going to be tough, but still should be pursued, although not to the exclusion of the other initiatives.
I think we need to protect our dates, protect the Texas Bred racing opportunity, prepare for 2011 with a constructive approach to changing the breed program, and be sure Plan B becomes part of Plan A.
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jrgators
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Hi Tinner,
I hope that you are willing to fight for the alternative methods of funding! Just like you, I believe that the only real solution we have in the immediate future is the "plan B" items.
I have heard that Trinity Meadows may be able to get up and running, they will be a class 2 facility I imagine, but will they have Thoroughbred racing? Is this something that's realistic, or are we having another round of smoke and mirrors?
Conspiracy Theory---The "powers that be" don't want anything to pass other than slots. The worse shape we appear to be in, maybe someone will have mercy on us, and get us some slot machines. Let me be clear, I am not against, nor for slots. I don't think it's going to happen, and we will do just fine with the slot machines being somewhere else.
The answers are here and have been here for a long time. When we had the forum on the TTA site, and here, the answers haven't changed, but it's just us talking!!!!! What can WE do???? How can WE get folks to understand we NEED OTB facilities? Account Wagering??? How do we do these things?
I love the TTA, Dave, Mary, Jennifer, and the rest of those guys are SUPER people! They work hard, and they do this from their heart (IMO), but we have a gap in conversation, and what's presented to the TXRC.
Last point....Lone Star is going to be sold to someone else, that's just a fact....so question....WHY ARE WE REQUESTING THEIR NUMBER OF DATES FOR 2010??? Someone help me understand!?!?!?! How do we know what's best for another company that hasn't even come along yet???? Makes me nuts!
I believe we will make it, it's just a matter of bringing all the right people in line and focusing on the same sheet of music. We have to come together, and make some things happen.
Tinner, you are also correct on the residual off the HORSE project, that proved the point that we CAN come together, across discipline lines, and come together for the good of the horse.
Let's not forget, this is a business, but it's also the horse business. We need to make sure we can give our animals the best we have available.
That's the best in everything.
OK, last last point.. .. Ohio is finally getting sometype of slots. Yes, they're talking to the folks up there and talking to friends back there I'm hearing between 4%-11% Guys, when politicians get involved, and "give" you something, it's always going to be in THEIR best interest not yours! Let's get our act together as an industry and not wait for the politicians to get it together for us. Just think, what difference is 4% gonna really make for those horses?
Theo
I hope that you are willing to fight for the alternative methods of funding! Just like you, I believe that the only real solution we have in the immediate future is the "plan B" items.
I have heard that Trinity Meadows may be able to get up and running, they will be a class 2 facility I imagine, but will they have Thoroughbred racing? Is this something that's realistic, or are we having another round of smoke and mirrors?
Conspiracy Theory---The "powers that be" don't want anything to pass other than slots. The worse shape we appear to be in, maybe someone will have mercy on us, and get us some slot machines. Let me be clear, I am not against, nor for slots. I don't think it's going to happen, and we will do just fine with the slot machines being somewhere else.
The answers are here and have been here for a long time. When we had the forum on the TTA site, and here, the answers haven't changed, but it's just us talking!!!!! What can WE do???? How can WE get folks to understand we NEED OTB facilities? Account Wagering??? How do we do these things?
I love the TTA, Dave, Mary, Jennifer, and the rest of those guys are SUPER people! They work hard, and they do this from their heart (IMO), but we have a gap in conversation, and what's presented to the TXRC.
Last point....Lone Star is going to be sold to someone else, that's just a fact....so question....WHY ARE WE REQUESTING THEIR NUMBER OF DATES FOR 2010??? Someone help me understand!?!?!?! How do we know what's best for another company that hasn't even come along yet???? Makes me nuts!
I believe we will make it, it's just a matter of bringing all the right people in line and focusing on the same sheet of music. We have to come together, and make some things happen.
Tinner, you are also correct on the residual off the HORSE project, that proved the point that we CAN come together, across discipline lines, and come together for the good of the horse.
Let's not forget, this is a business, but it's also the horse business. We need to make sure we can give our animals the best we have available.
That's the best in everything.
OK, last last point..
.. Ohio is finally getting sometype of slots. Yes, they're talking to the folks up there and talking to friends back there I'm hearing between 4%-11% Guys, when politicians get involved, and "give" you something, it's always going to be in THEIR best interest not yours! Let's get our act together as an industry and not wait for the politicians to get it together for us. Just think, what difference is 4% gonna really make for those horses?
Theo
My opinion is that the TRC has the power to revoke or grant the current non-operating tracks licenses. I would have to read all the statues to be sure but we should not be forced to sit by with idle track licenses. Only 3 Class 1 tracks allowed in Texas, so all the new tracks are Class II.
I am a bit confused exactly where the THP stands on the matter of dates, slots etc. I just do not seem to get a lot of information from them although they are the group which represents owners and trainers. I of course am assuming we have a united front with all our associations actively working together. Maybe I am being foolish it’s been known to happen to me. Not much information on the THP site so if someone has more information let us know.
Roger your post on revised dates may be right. However, I doubt Retama is going to willingly give up its Class 1 status and it seems that purses and dates are a bigger questionmark at Retama in 2011 without some major changes anyway. Fall dates at SH would compete with Remington and moving LS to early spring competes with FG and Oaklawn. Not likely to happen IMO. But gives us slots, account wagering, and OTB’s and not many states would be able to compete with us.
I think that is the frustration we all feel. We just need a little assistance and a Governor who supports racing. That and a lot of luck!
BTW - If I follow the post on Stakes % I think Lone Star was high since they basically decimated the overnight Stakes program in the later part of the meet. Remington just finished an outstanding Quarter Horse meet so I look to see the same type results for the upcoming Thoroughbred meet. More Stakes and Higher purses in OK.
The current scene in Texas is bleak indeed. Can’t give up the fight EVER though. You got to Believe that we will make it and remember it’s darkest before sunrise.
I am a bit confused exactly where the THP stands on the matter of dates, slots etc. I just do not seem to get a lot of information from them although they are the group which represents owners and trainers. I of course am assuming we have a united front with all our associations actively working together. Maybe I am being foolish it’s been known to happen to me. Not much information on the THP site so if someone has more information let us know.
Roger your post on revised dates may be right. However, I doubt Retama is going to willingly give up its Class 1 status and it seems that purses and dates are a bigger questionmark at Retama in 2011 without some major changes anyway. Fall dates at SH would compete with Remington and moving LS to early spring competes with FG and Oaklawn. Not likely to happen IMO. But gives us slots, account wagering, and OTB’s and not many states would be able to compete with us.
I think that is the frustration we all feel. We just need a little assistance and a Governor who supports racing. That and a lot of luck!
BTW - If I follow the post on Stakes % I think Lone Star was high since they basically decimated the overnight Stakes program in the later part of the meet. Remington just finished an outstanding Quarter Horse meet so I look to see the same type results for the upcoming Thoroughbred meet. More Stakes and Higher purses in OK.
The current scene in Texas is bleak indeed. Can’t give up the fight EVER though. You got to Believe that we will make it and remember it’s darkest before sunrise.
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keyranch
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If they will not give up slots or nothing, then we will not have any change. In the first place no state has passed slots unless the state was desparate for money. It is not a horse thing, no matter how much you want the politicians to make it out to be. As we all know we are in the worst economic crisis since the great depression, and the state of Texas has managed to stay afloat. The passage of slots will not have anything to do with the horsemen and therefore we should not be sacrificing our industry for the slim chance of passage for a few track pinhookers.
We are supposed to feel bad for the financial situations of the TTA and racetracks, while we have already seen millions of dollars lost from the state economy, breeders investments, and jobs lost because of their failed policys and leadership. It is difficult to suffort those that have made their best efforts to destroy the industry so they might save it for the chosen few.
It may take twenty years, but there will be VLT's in Texas someday. The tracks are aware they are playing beat the clock with the Indian Tribes. In virtually every lower court case various Indian tribes are winning their cases in states that have existing lotterys. By the time these cases make it to the supreme court there most likely will be a liberal majority on it and the tribes will be off and running with VLT's in every state that has a lottery. That is why the slots bill had the Indian casinos included in it and what scares the investors in the class two tracks is that those licences are not worth near as much in competition with Indian casinos next door.
The slots or nothing agenda is not about the horse industry in Texas. You could be running at over 650k/day at Lone Star with Instant Race, Account Wagering, and OTB's. Texas is the only state with the population, size, and economic power to develope an industry that can compete with Kentucky. This is where we should be now, and the powers to be should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed for the condition of the industry at this time.
The people that clean their own stalls, foal out their own mares, and invest huge amounts of sweat and time into their horses have had no voice and no representation for many years and that needs to change now!
We are supposed to feel bad for the financial situations of the TTA and racetracks, while we have already seen millions of dollars lost from the state economy, breeders investments, and jobs lost because of their failed policys and leadership. It is difficult to suffort those that have made their best efforts to destroy the industry so they might save it for the chosen few.
It may take twenty years, but there will be VLT's in Texas someday. The tracks are aware they are playing beat the clock with the Indian Tribes. In virtually every lower court case various Indian tribes are winning their cases in states that have existing lotterys. By the time these cases make it to the supreme court there most likely will be a liberal majority on it and the tribes will be off and running with VLT's in every state that has a lottery. That is why the slots bill had the Indian casinos included in it and what scares the investors in the class two tracks is that those licences are not worth near as much in competition with Indian casinos next door.
The slots or nothing agenda is not about the horse industry in Texas. You could be running at over 650k/day at Lone Star with Instant Race, Account Wagering, and OTB's. Texas is the only state with the population, size, and economic power to develope an industry that can compete with Kentucky. This is where we should be now, and the powers to be should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed for the condition of the industry at this time.
The people that clean their own stalls, foal out their own mares, and invest huge amounts of sweat and time into their horses have had no voice and no representation for many years and that needs to change now!
I absolutely agree with this... the last part was me, until I down sized
The slots or nothing agenda is not about the horse industry in Texas. You could be running at over 650k/day at Lone Star with Instant Race, Account Wagering, and OTB's. Texas is the only state with the population, size, and economic power to develope an industry that can compete with Kentucky. This is where we should be now, and the powers to be should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed for the condition of the industry at this time.
The people that clean their own stalls, foal out their own mares, and invest huge amounts of sweat and time into their horses have had no voice and no representation for many years and that nees to change now![/quote]
The population and culture of Texas should support a viable horse industry. Kentucky does not have VLTs. Why have we allowed them to rip us off? In the last session, the well funded lobbyists were not really representing the people and interests of most Texans. The traction was from the big casino interests. The HORSE organization was in my opinion a good thing, but will it hold together? I sure hope so, because a lot of good people need it.
One small step -- allow on line betting, could in itself make a bit difference. It would only take a very small change in the existing law.
Bedouwia
The slots or nothing agenda is not about the horse industry in Texas. You could be running at over 650k/day at Lone Star with Instant Race, Account Wagering, and OTB's. Texas is the only state with the population, size, and economic power to develope an industry that can compete with Kentucky. This is where we should be now, and the powers to be should be absolutely ashamed and embarrassed for the condition of the industry at this time.
The people that clean their own stalls, foal out their own mares, and invest huge amounts of sweat and time into their horses have had no voice and no representation for many years and that nees to change now![/quote]
The population and culture of Texas should support a viable horse industry. Kentucky does not have VLTs. Why have we allowed them to rip us off? In the last session, the well funded lobbyists were not really representing the people and interests of most Texans. The traction was from the big casino interests. The HORSE organization was in my opinion a good thing, but will it hold together? I sure hope so, because a lot of good people need it.
One small step -- allow on line betting, could in itself make a bit difference. It would only take a very small change in the existing law.
Bedouwia
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keyranch wrote:The people that clean their own stalls, foal out their own mares, and invest huge amounts of sweat and time into their horses have had no voice and no representation for many years and that needs to change now!
Once again I must agree with and appreciate your words! We have no representation. But let me add, I don't think it's just the small guys. I think that all of us, or atleast many of us are feeling the pinch, and realize that things aren't good right now. People are hurting regardless. You have to have something to look forward to. Right now many in this state see that we don't have a heck of a lot to look forward to.
Here is what I would ask, we (this includes myself) fuss about the TTA, but how about the Horseman Association? What are they doing to support the "little guys'? I know that the horsemans partnership "should" have the best interest of the horsemen in mind, i just don't know that they do have our best interest in mind.
Have any of you heard from the assocation with regards to ways to protect the race dates we are going to loose next year?
Retama Park will be running 3 days a week! How can you make it as an owner/trainer with so few chances to race?
We do have a heck of a hill to climb, but I'm determined to climb it!!!
How about you?
Theo