The Canadian Sportsman
April 07, 2010
Any measure that demands an increased accountability from participants or shows an increased responsiveness to racing’s customers must be viewed, at the very least, as a small victory. Here are three recent undertakings that most definitely fit the bill:
· Anti-slaughter stance by Penn National
When North America’s largest pari-mutuel operator puts a new, tough policy in place regarding horse slaughter, it has to be a step in the right direction. In a recent press release, Penn National announced a new policy that would put the onus on participants to ensure the horses they sell do not end up in slaughterhouses.
The new rules state that “Any horsemen stabled at a Penn National Gaming, Inc. owned or operated horse racing facility who knowingly, or without conducting proper due diligence, sells a horse for slaughter, directly or indirectly, will have his or her stalls revoked and may, in addition, be barred from all of our racing properties.”
According to Penn National’s vice president of racing Chris McErlean, the policy is a testament to the company’s long-term commitment to the humane treatment of animals.
“We need horsemen to become educated and use best efforts and practices in how they manage their equine charges and to act in a responsible way when those athletes no longer are able to race. We plan to assist our respective horsemen’s organizations in promoting and advertising available options,” he said.
The policy will take immediate effect at Penn National’s five wholly owned and operated horse racing facilities — Black Gold Casino at Zia Park (Hobbs, NM), Charles Town Races and Slots (Charles Town, WV), Hollywood Casino, Hotel and Raceway (Bangor, ME), Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course (Grantville, PA) and Raceway Park (Toledo, OH).
· Tioga takes down takeout
In a move that was recently approved by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, Tioga Downs has reduced its pari-mutuel takeout rates from 18 to 15 per cent (win, place, show bets), 20 to 17 per cent (exactors and daily doubles) and 25 to 21 per cent for all other exotic bets.
With the reduction, the track is hoping to increase handle by appealing to horseplayers who, long ago, became disenfranchised with high takeout rates.
The fact that this effort has been undertaken at Tioga should come as no surprise — track owner Jeff Gural frequently challenges harness racing to change its ways, often leading by example.
· HPI now in Quebec
In other good news for horseplayers, bettors in Quebec are now able to watch and wager on more than 150 racetracks through HorsePlayer Interactive (HPI), thanks to an agreement between Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and Le Club Jockey du Quebec (CJQ).
Prior to the deal, Quebec harness and thoroughbred racing fans had been shut out of legal wagering since the collapse of province’s racing industry.
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January 25, 2010
In our ongoing attempt to salute the small victories we hope one day, taken together, will produce larger victories for our industry, here are three more good ideas that have helped improve our game.
We believe the secret to improving our game will come not with huge events and expenditures, but by taking baby steps, so long as we keeping stepping and remain patient.
The hope is to pay these small, but important, ideas forward and have as many of them adopted universally, as possible.
But we need your help, too. To nominate something for a Small Victory, please click the red Comment button at the end of this list.
And now, 3 more Small Victories for harness racing (in no particular order):
Paul MacDonell did it with Somebeachsomewhere after their memorable win in the 2008 Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk and The Beach bowed to the roaring crowd. Ron Pierce took Well Said past the grandstand after winning the 2009 Jug thanks to a suggestion from Hoof Beats’ Nicole Kraft. In the case of a great horse, a great performance or a great event such as the NA Cup of Jug, it’s a simple, but effective, gesture to acknowledge what fans we have and should not be confused with showboating. More drivers are encouraged to do it.
• The reunification of Lexington.
When Tattersalls and the Kentucky Standardbred Yearling Sale joined forces in 2005 to form the Lexington-Selected Yearling Sale, it not only made sense for everyone — most notably, horse buyers — but combined with the beloved Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile, it returned Lexington to its past glory as a can’t miss destination on the industry calendar. It’s a good lesson for Ontario where there’s talk the Forest City Yearling Sale may join forces with Standardbred Canada.
• Desperate Horsewives Stable.
Trainer Tony Alagna hit on a tremendous idea when he formed the Desperate Horsewives Stable in November of 2009 with industry wives (such as Myron Bell’s wife, Stephanie, and John Fodera’s wife, Barbera) and their female friends. Each woman is in for a 10 per cent share allowing them to have fun and not get hurt too badly financially should the horse not make it. Creating fun stables where friends can take a limited ownership role is a perfect way to grow the game.
January 15, 2010
It’s been an encouraging start for a few promising ideas at Western Fair.
Recently, the track began to offer the opportunity to watch and wager on the races from Coyote Jack’s, the restaurant/bar situated inside the adjacent sportsplex — home to four ice pads and many hockey leagues and tournaments.
A live teller is stationed at Coyote Jack’s for Western Fair’s live race cards and a self-service machine is available at other times, when the simulcast for other Ontario tracks is set up for the patrons.
So far, the racing action has grabbed the attention of captive hockey moms and dads putting in time before and after the games and in between periods.
“We are quite pleased so far,” said Brett Revington, Western Fair's assistant raceway manager.
“During the week, it’s a bit slower, but on the weekends — when the sportsplex is filled with tournaments — it’s actually quite busy. You’ll see a handful of them gathered around and they’ll throw in a few bucks each and pick out a tri or a 20-cent superfecta. The atmosphere has been pretty crazy. They start hooting and hollering. That’s cool to see.
“They aren’t wagering large dollars, by any means, but that wasn’t the goal of it. The goal was to introduce a handful of new fans to the game.”
In addition to the positive exposure and response of the patrons, the restaurant itself has seen a small boost in its business since the racing has been offered.
“That’s what it’s all about — the exposure factor. Everyone I’ve talked to seems to really enjoy it and enjoy watching the races. Even people who have just come in (to the bar) for a meal, they’ve been watching the races as well.”
Revington was also pleased with the response to the opening round of the ROMP (Racetracks Of Ontario Marketing & Promotions) handicapping contest, which began on Jan. 7 at participating racetracks — Clinton, Flamboro, Hanover, Georgian, Grand River, and Western Fair. Hiawatha Horse Park is also part of the competition and will commence play once its simulcast racing operation resumes.
The contest is a handicapping league offered on Thursday nights for eight weeks until Feb. 25.
League teams consist of three members who compete against teams at their home track, and the other participating facilities. There is a $10 cost per team, per week, with entry fees added to the $10,000 grand prize.
Each team’s weekly cumulative (hypothetical) bankrolls will determine which two teams from each track will advance to the finals on March 4.
On its first night of competition, Western Fair patrons assembled into 17 teams for the contest, much more than had been anticipated.
“We were thrilled with the response that we received. Going into the event, we were optimistic and our goal was to try to get 10 teams. That first night, we actually had to make up more information packages because we ran out,” said Revington.
In all, more than 50 teams competed in the opening round at the participating tracks. For more information on the contest and ROMP visit, www.raceromp.com.
Again, another good idea results in another small victory.
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