American Pharoah Goes Out In Style with Grand Slam!

 

This horse Saturday concluded not only a career that took The Triple Crown in 2015 like a grand prize-fighter but won the prestigious Breeder’s Cup Classic in the finest fashion of any icing on a cake.

American Pharoah and that icing absolutely glowed.

It had this race tracker crying tears of pure joy. It’s what all in our industry lives for and this champion gave this sport of Thoroughbred Racing his all. He charged down that stretch like a warrior not to be denied taking with him his fans hearts. Everybody there, watching from another race track or in our living rooms felt like we were running the strides along with him.

Me I pray before a race, just come back safe, God let them all come back safe. As Pharoah made the far turn then began to open up I started yelling, open up, stay safe, open up, don’t take any bad steps. Man it was exhausting! LOL

Like Bob Baffert had said this one you wanted for the horse because he earned and deserved to go out with one more final victory. I hope to God that AP realizes how much joy he has brought to all of us, I believe he does because it was from God that this gift came to us.

The Class and Cream of the Crop.

 

 

Hazel Park Raceway Co-Owner Herbert Tyner Dies.

http://www.irakaufman.com/funeral-details.php?id=5939

With the death of Tyner what does the future hold for this race track. Hartman & Tyner not only own countless real estate holdings in apartments etc.. along with two Dog/Racino tracks in W.V. & Fl. the only venue losing money is Hazel Park.

Will the family of Tyner hang onto all of dealings as a package or eliminate any not making a profit?

I wrote on all the dirty dealings of Hartmen and Tyner in this BLOG in the W.V & Fl. Racino’s detailing it down to the bone.

 

American Pharoah Goes Wire To Wire In Belmont To Capture Triple Crown.

Pic.’s throughout blog can be clicked onto for full resolution.

 

 

 

 

When American Pharoah won the KY I did something I have never done before, not write a blog. The same with the Preakness even though when I thought he was caught but then just took off and never looked back, I said no I’m not going to write the same old. I hope, he’s got it so on and so forth. I wanted this horse to win the triple crown so bad I like every one else whose been a part of this love affair with horses through work like me or just the fans of the sport of thoroughbred horse racing…. I waited.

This magnificent horse who hadn’t lost a race since he broke his maiden was facing the biggest and grueling test of all. A mile and a half of The Belmont when no matter if you won the first two legs this last one is whether history gets made or not.

It had been 37 years. I was 21 years old when I watched Affirmed do it, his time for the race 2:26.80. Today American Pharoah did it in 2:26.65. Now whether in my lifetime I’ll ever see Secretariat’s record of 2:24.00 be broken, who knows. I’m just happy I got the chance to witness another triple crown win.

Does this horse know how happy he has made so many people and what he achieved today. I think God will convey it to him.

Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery was at the race today, like all of us she was ready, hoping, praying another horse would be crowned. We all got what we wanted. These horses are in our blood and once in they never ever get out. Thank God.

I was also so happy for trainer Bob Baffert, this man genuinely has brought such talent to the sport. Ahmed Zayat came from money, spent a lot, lost a lot and for only being in the business 10 years I hope he knows how fortunate he is. There are some that have been in the racing game for 50 years and never won a statue of a KY Derby let alone all three legs.

As far as Victor Espinoza is concerned, I knew in 2011 when he donated 100% of a weeks winnings in S. California to help aid the health and welfare of the grooms I knew this man was pure class and had a heart of gold. His riding ability, the knack for knowing his horse and what he has underneath him, when to rate and exactly when to let go you just knew he would turn out to be the success he has become. The blessings has come full circle for him, what a ride it’s been from the chance last year with California Chrome to this one and I’m sure it will continue. What a lesson, never give up.

I do wish somebody would have thanked American Pharoah’s groom as they are the ones who spends the most time taking care of a horses every need from sun up to sun down. I know, I was a groom. Needless to say we know the contribution we make even if it’s not acknowledged. The exercise rider also needed a nod as well.

Today history was made, I felt like I wanted to drive down the street blowing my horn like when our city wins the Stanley Cup or World Series. That is what it felt like, screaming at the top of our lungs at a TV, open up, open up, open up, you got it, you got it.

LOL, my throat got sore. Yes it is that excitement and joy we all feel after waiting so long. Nothing in the world compares to it.

Jockey Jane Magrell Injured At Thistledown In Last Race Of The 2014 Meet.

 

In her last mount of the card in the 9th race Jane Magrell’s horse, 4 year-old Aggie H who finished 7th collapsed just past the wire causing Magrell to take a very hard spill and lose consciousness.

Rushed to Hillcrest Hospital it is reported that she suffered a concussion and an MRI confirmed two fractures to the neck. Thankfully upon regaining consciousness she was able to move her extremities. As of this moment no surgery is needed.

Sources close to her say she will be closely monitored and will remain hospitalized 24-48 hours if no further complications. Will be in a neck brace for some time and will need much rest.

With the grace of God she should be OK.

 

 

With a career of 11,784 starts

Michigan Mourns The Loss Of Beloved Thoroughbred Horsemen, Larry Uelmen.

A lot of stunned friends right now at racetracks from Michigan and beyond who knew Larry.

A genuine good natured personality with a smile that will be missed forever.

A man so knowledgeable he helped create the Michigan Racing Law of 1995, which legalized full-card simulcasting for the states tracks. Elected President of the MIHBPA in the late 90s he would hold that position through the early 2000’s.

I will never forget watching Pongo Boy’s races at the Detroit Race Course in the mid 90’s. He would bring trainer Larry Uelmen 12 stake wins.

On Hazel Park’s opening night he would be one of the first faces I’d see, great big smile and welcoming handshake and hug. In 1996 the trainer I worked for was across from his barn. In all the years I worked on the backside I never ever heard one unkind word said about this man because it was never warranted.

Larry had a great sense of humor and always offered a helping hand to anybody who needed it. You never had to ask, he’d just was there for people. When Pinnacle Race Course opened, for me it had been ten long years since I had seen anybody since I didn’t travel to GLD. So many us shared a story or two from DRC that brought laughter.

Jockey T.D. Houghton Suffers Second Spill This Year At Mountaineer Park.

On Saturday nights card in the 5th race his mount Ashado Cat running stride for stride with the winner of the race stumbled and went down in the stretch with Terry once again taking a hard spill, the second within 7 months. He had only returned to Mountaineer within the last month.

On the March 1 opener he suffered a fractured collar-bone and three chipped vertebrates and underwent surgery. He wore a neck brace for 6 weeks, rested then went through extensive physical therapy.

In late July for the first time in his life in his native hometown of Hazel Park, Mi.  he stepped onto Hazel Park Raceway’s track to ease back into exercise riding in the mornings. Then on Friday Aug. 29th he rode his very first mount of the night aboard Unbridled Isabel to victory.

He would have 7 mounts out of the 8 thoroughbred races that night. In all TD Houghton would have two wins, two seconds and a third for his return with every single racing fan by the thousands, family members and a tribe of race-tracker workers friends cheering and yelling him a very welcome home. I being one of them.

The next night he would chalk up three more wins and the following weekends more of the same. In the middle of Sept. he returned to W. Virginia which had been his home base and continued to race great. Back to Michigan for sire race day on Sept. 27th, he captured even more wins.

The battle this man has fought over and over and over again to fight and come back from severe injuries only to conquer them and return a winning warrior, this latest injury has saddened and devastated all of us who know Terry and know what he’s gone through.

Upon hearing the news Sat. evening I literally broke down and cried.

At this point I can only tell you from an update I received from his good friend, former DRC trainer Bill Jenkins he has a hairline fracture of the neck not close to his last injury, slight fracture of nose and is suffering in a lot of pain on his left side but was alert and talking.

He was being transferred to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital for further tests and evaluation. I can only pray with all my heart that no severe internal injuries will be found.

Terry has a lot of prayers going up to the Lord right now from W. Virginia to here at home in Michigan.

Will pray non-stop for you my friend that God will quickly ease and heal your pain and injuries. Also praying for his family.

Will update any further details as they come in.

 

Update: Oct. 12 9:40PM

Time For a Referendum on Michigan Gambling Outlets Amendment, Proposal 1 (2004).

How many of the individuals who signed the Casino’s petition really knew what it was really all about?

Once on the ballot how much of the residents who voted on it really understood the only Industry it would hurt.

The Proposal as it was stated: And read the last paragraph good.

The proposed constitutional amendment:

Requires voter approval of any form of gambling authorized by law after January 1, 2004.

Requires voter approval of any new state lottery games utilizing “table games” or “player operated mechanical or electronic devices” introduced after January 1, 2004.

Provides that when voter approval is required, both statewide voter approval and voter approval in the city or township where gambling will take place must be obtained.

Specifies that the voter approval requirement does not apply to Indian tribal gaming or gambling in up to three casinos located in the City of Detroit.

End

Now does not apply to Indian tribal gaming or gambling in up to three casinos located in the City of Detroit.

And what needed a public vote again?

Since this proposal passed in 2004, Charity Gaming increased by 75%. Poker/Texas Holdem’Rooms licenses were handed out everywhere. Bars, Bowling Alley’s, Strip Joints, Churches, Bingo Halls and other venues.

Most just down the streets, roads and next to neighborhoods of people who opposed any type of gambling at all and they sure didn’t need anybody’s vote as to whether these venues could have them.

That been said and it being a 100% fact who alone did this passed proposal really affect & hurt. Just one I know of, Horse Racing Tracks. The very first gambling establishment ever signed into law in 1933.

It was the Horse Racing Industry that the petition was drawn up by the Casino’s to stop. And that it did, to a screeching halt.

Horse Racing was here in Michigan 39 years before the Lottery (1972) was implemented, 55 years before the first tribunal casino’s (1988) and 63 years before the three Detroit Casino’s (1996).

And it was Horse Racing alone that generated $Billions of dollars for the State through all of this time.

At one time had directly and indirectly 42,000 jobs connected to this Industry and for Agriculture, now sadly down to about or under 12,000.

It wasn’t bad enough that all of a sudden the Detroit Casino’s became God to the State. They decided to cut the throats further of the State’s first money generator, so much so in 1999 Governor Granholm decided to dissolve The Office Of Racing Commissioner and then take the industry to where it had been under Agriculture and place it under a 4 member board that only oversaw the Casino’s. The Michigan Gaming Control Board.

And what great thing did they do for now some entity they never wanted or cared about in the first place, slash their racing dates. Who took the biggest hit, Thoroughbred Racing.

Without the ORC we were stripped of any representation at all in Michigan and within the Michigan Gaming Control Board itself.

They allotted 84 racing days in 09′ & 10’then slashed the dates from 84 to 3.

3 days that’s all, the MIHBPA Horsemen & women had to buy back the dates with their own money. You can click onto the Horse Racing Tab and read all those blogs and details.

Let’s get down to real business. On the The American Gaming Association (AGA) site I found something very interesting in the Statistical notes.

It should be noted that, in many cases, effective tax
rates are higher at racetrack casino facilities where
gaming machines are operated by the state lottery,
as opposed to the more traditional regulatory
structure in which gaming licensees are the owners
and operators of the machines. In the case of the
former, the gaming machines are called video
lottery terminals (VLTs), and the lottery commission
takes in all revenues before making distributions
to stakeholders such as track owners, breeders and
others. States that operate in this manner include
Delaware, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island
and West Virginia. Because of this important
difference in the regulatory structure in these
states, the survey details the percentage of revenue
retained by operators as opposed to state gaming
tax rate. The percentage of revenues retained by
operators should in no way be interpreted as profit
margin. These are revenues earned before paying
other non-gaming taxes, employee salaries as well
as a host of other operating expenses.

“are operated by the state lottery”

Funny because just two years after Horse Racing’s ORC was dissolved, in 2011 Kathie Oviedo was named Deputy Commissioner of Charitable Gaming by Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen.

Again no public vote by the States citizens is needed when the Lottery adds more and more games, nor is a vote necessary when Charity licenses are handed out like candy. Though recently Richard Kalm has cracked down on how many charity gaming licenses can be now given because of the Detroit Casino’s crying it’s cutting into their business.

Well the truth is it not Charity anything cutting down Detroit Casino’s, what has is when our neighbor Ohio opened their Casino and gave their Horse Racing Tracks Racinos.

The buses no longer needed to travel here 3 times a day from there since they got their own. And exactly how much money is actually generated from Racinos. The Data from the AGA site (Pg. 3) (not including Ohio since they were only implemented in 2014.

1. Philadelphia, Pa. $835.33 million
2. New York City, N.Y. $672.57 million
3. Yonkers, N.Y. $544.70 million
4. Charles Town, W.V. $536.99 million
5. Providence, R.I. $477.83 million
6. Indianapolis, Ind. $445.40 million
7. Dade County, Fla. $427.89 million
8. Dover/Harrington, Del. $297.57 million
9. Meadow Lands, Pa. $284.38 million
10. Grantville, Pa. $282.60 million

These numbers just don’t lie people. The are from RACINOS ALONE.

Michigan and Governor Snyder proclaims additional tax $$$ is needed for disintegrating roads, needed for this needed for that. Just look at the above numbers and the money generated by the Racetracks that have been allowed VLT’s.

Indiana and now Ohio below us, it is not only a damn shame but a crime to what has been done to horse racing here.

Where our neighbors have chosen to support their horse racing industry’s and the jobs associated with them, Michigan stupidly sits on the side line crying broke and trying to protect three Detroit Casino’s that are now losing money because of Ohio.

In Nov. of 2012 both the House and the Senate passed HB5466 for Instant Racing. House by a vote of 91-16, Senate at the end of a marathon session in mid-December by a margin of 24-11.

On Jan. 11, 2013 Gov. Snyder killed the bill by pocket veto.
The supposed reason: it was likely unconstitutional and “It would have authorized a form of gambling without a statewide and local vote, which is required by the constitution” because of Proposal 1 that was passed in 2004.

Even though Instant Racing is just a band-aid for an Industry that’s bleeding out, do you know how much money that alone has brought into KY?

Instant Racing has best month ever in Kentucky. Sept. 3, 2014.

Excerpt: The $30.44 million wagered at Kentucky Downs beat the previous record of $29.4 million in March for the Franklin track that implemented the game in September 2011. It was a 12.98 percent jump over the previous August.

And Gov. Snyder cries no money for roads let’s raise taxes to generate $$$.

Jockey TD Houghton Returns Like A Warrior, Wins First Race Back At Hazel Park.

Picture courtesy of Dave Mersey (click onto twice for full resolution).

From leg up aboard Unbridled Isabel the number 1 of the second race Terry was all business. Cheers from not only me but everyone around the paddock his only focus was totally on the race at hand and who would expect anything different from this professional.

It was one excited crowd that showed up Friday night to see this native hometown jockey of Hazel Park return to the sport of thoroughbred racing. I think even more so for those of us who have worked this industry as well for we know, once horses are in your blood they never leave.

And that’s a good thing. It’s a passion for life and TD wasted no time as he brought his horse across the wire for the win, his first race back. Thousands yelled him home then tears welled up in our eyes so happy for him.

Jockey T.D. Houghton Back In The Saddle Friday at Hazel Park Raceway.

The second race of Friday nights card will be Terry Houghton’s first race since his injury that took place at Moutaineer Park’s opener on March 1, 2014 when his mount went down.

This man has taken a pounding over his long career but has remained diligent at working as hard as he can to come back to what he loves, riding thoroughbreds. His heart is as big as the horses he rides, believe me I know. Whether in career or personal this man is genuine and compassionate and that’s why he among the winning-est jockeys.

Thoroughbred Horse Racing Back In Metro/Detroit Friday June 27th!

I’ve made no secret how I feel about Hazel Park Raceway’s group. From the owners to their pin up boy. But make no mistake it is the Michigan Horseman’s Benevolent and Protection Association who have paid for the racing surface conversion and barn area renovation. 350 stalls ain’t much but it’s enough to get the thoroughbreds back on the track.

Pinnacle should have went on, the State Of Michigan made sure it didn’t. Again Governor Snyder RE-INSTATE our Office Of Racing Commissioner.

Again to reiterate for the millionth time.

Before the word Lottery or Casino was ever heard it was Horse Racing that generated $400 Million dollars a year for the State.

Give this Industry not only the respect it Deserves but what it has Earned.

 

Equibase

Friday’s Entries at Hazel Park.

California Chrome Injured Out Of The Gate At Belmont And There Went History.

#3 Matterhorn stepped on California Chrome out of the gate.

If you don’t think this hurt think again. This poor horse was running on three legs instead of four.

 

But all of us in the horse racing business know that anything can happen in a race. On this occasion though it is more than sad because this injury alone could have cost California Chrome history.

Imagine a chunk getting taken out your heel down to the bone. Could you run a mile and a half? or a few yards for that matter. You know these horses are made out of flesh and blood like us.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the pain this horse withstood throughout the race was horrendous. I now pray it doesn’t turn out to be a quarter crack which can get quite serious.

And say what you will about owner Steve Coburn, NBC’s antics were infuriating.

You don’t rush in just seconds after the conclusion of a race to get a comment of any owner who has just lost a race much less one that was one leg away from winning the triple crown, especially a new owner that just entered racing.

This was a dream story, a couple of non millionaires who took a shot. Yes they very well knew how the triple crown worked before hand nevertheless Coburn at the heat of that particular moment spoke strictly out of pure heartbreaking emotion and I can’t begrudge him for it.

Yes he had a point that fresh horses who hadn’t run in the first two legs didn’t to have to endure the same, but again this has always been the triple crown history that all of the past winners have had to go through and face the same.

Usually the network having these three races would focus on the winning connections not immediately go to the loser, even if they had won the first two legs. To me this was like almost antagonizing Chrome’s owner.

Equally disturbing was the furthering of the matter by Bob Costas who I thought had a lot more class, by asking the winning owner right after the trophy presentation reciting Coburn’s words of it being the cowards way out and what he thought of that?

What in the world was he expecting as a response and what purpose did it serve on the live broadcast.

NBC should be ashamed of themselves. To me totally unprofessional and classless stooping to this level.

The Belmont has always been the ultimate test, a grueling mile and a half of the horse and strategy of the jockey. To go right to the lead in this distance you had better have some gas left in the tank and have a couple of extra kicks.

Victor Espinoza once out of the gate after what occurred made the decision to rate him and with no visible hole opening up it forced him to go 4 wide. In reality after seeing the picture of Chrome’s hoof, I wonder what he would have done on all four.

In my mind he is the champion that is. Whether it was this injury or simply the added distance, California Chrome placing 4th showed he has the heart.

You cannot take the KY Derby away from him nor the Preakness and we will always wonder if this injury hadn’t happened could he have indeed won the Belmont and made history. Sadly we will never know but again that is horse racing.

Now there is only one word on my mind. The Travers.

Not that he has anything more to prove to anyone, but if Chrome has healed completely with no complications what so ever, I’d like to see him & Tonalist run this race. If for anything to ease Steve Coburn’s mind.

Again only if Chrome is 1,000% because no race is worth anything happening to this worthy noble champion.

I applaud California Chrome!

 

 

 

To Be Continued….

Update: June 9, 2014
4:50PM

Co-Owner of California Chrome Steve Coburn Apologizes. ‘Ashamed’ of Angry Rant After Belmont Loss.

Steve Coburn, the co-owner of California Chrome today reined in his disappointment over losing the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown and said he was “very ashamed” and “was wrong” for his post-race rant.

“I need to apologize to the world and America,” Coburn said today on “Good Morning America.“ “I wanted it so much for this horse to win the Triple Crown for the people of America and I was very emotional, very emotional.”
“I sincerely apologize,” he said.

California Chrome … Two Down One To Go … On To New York.

 

I began watching this race sitting, by the half mile I was standing and yelling at the TV…Gooooo…. Goooo… Goooo… Stay Safe… Goooo ….Goooo. Open Up. Then Yeah, Yeah, Yeah …across the wire and let out another scream Whew!!! Yeah Baby, Yeah! LOL

That’s a Triple Crown Race people and a horse racing lover. We dream of that moment, first leg, second leg and now the praying really begins.

This is a dream story as I stated on my KY Derby Blog.

California Chrome …. Dreams Do Come True! 140th KY Derby Winner.

 

So much for four white feet being bad luck!

 

From out of a $8,000.00 MD bred mare named Love the Chase and a $2,500 stud fee from KY bred Lucky Pulpit came a diamond in the rough. Owners Perry Martin & Steve Coburn were called dumb ass’s for having got involved. Thus Dumb Ass’s Partners were formed and are now laughing all the way to the bank, and this retired groom couldn’t be more happier for them.

As far as that goes I’m elated that Art Sherman a 77 year-old trainer who started out in the stable area as a hot walker at 18 defeated all these well-known over-rated named trainers.

Steve Coburn gave credit to his partner stating Martin knew his bloodlines. That he did. Even though California Chrome’s momma & daddy didn’t score so big you have to look a lot further down, way way further down all the way back to War Admiral whose daddy was Man O’War. Then Northern Dancer and history of that blood line, and that was just momma’s side of the family. LOL

Jockey T.D. Houghton injured in Moutaineer Park 2014 Season Opener.

March 1, during the 4th race when his mount named Syeshacat a three year-old filly had a clear lead inside the quarter-pole, when she broke down. Her jockey, Terry D. Houghton, was taken to East Liverpool City Hospital then transferred to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital where he underwent surgery Sunday for a fractured collar-bone and three chipped vertebrates and is undergoing a second procedure today to make sure his neck and spine are alright.

MGCB Director Richard Kalm’s Latest Contradictions.

Letter to Harness Horsemen by Richard Kalm on Jan. 24, 2014.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mgcb/2014-01-24_letter_to_Horsemen_445532_7.pdf

I love this excerpt:

The entry/starter fee is paid to the track management to cover track related matters. “This money is not co-mingled with the purse pool money. The starter bonus is an amount of money negotiated by the CHO and track to be paid from prizes awarded out of the purse pool” for horsemen who start each race.

WTF??? LOL Isn’t this the same damn thing. We all know it’s a “back door” deal. $$$ going and coming from same source. Unbelievable.

This is the one thing that pissed off the MIHBPA about MPM, having to do this to begin with. Who is kidding who here?

In it’s entirety.

January 24. 2014

Harness Horsemen of Michigan:

MGCB Director Richard Kalm’s Games Continue. Signs Order To Approve Harness Tracks For Thoroughbred Racing in 2014 After Already Denying Northville Downs.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mgcb/NVD_Denial_of_2014_Thoroughbred__Mixed_Meet_Race_License_442855_7.pdf

EDIT ON JAN. 30, 2014 AT END.

MICHIGAN GAMING CONTROL BOARD – HORSE RACING SECTION
OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In the matter of:

John Carlo, Peter Battista, Margaret Zayti Partnership, d/b/a Northville Downs Application for a 2014 Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Mixed Meet Race Meeting License and 2014 Simulcast Permit Amended to reduce live race days from 26 to 10 on October 22, 2013. ORDER DENYING NORTHVILLE DOWNS A 2014 THOROUGHBRED AND MIXED MEET RACE MEETING LICENSE Northville Downs filed an application on August 30, 2013, for a 2014 Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Mixed Meet Race Meeting license and a 2014 Simulcast Permit with the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The application was filed under the Horse Racing Law of 1995, Public Act 279 of 1995; MCL 431.301 et seq., and the promulgated administrative rules. On October 22, 2013 Northville Downs submitted a significant and untimely amendment to their application to decrease live race days from 26 to 10. That request was denied on November 1, 2013.

On November 1, 2013 the Executive Director granted the application of the licensee for a Standardbred 2014 Race Meeting license at Northville Downs for the 26 live race days requested in the original application. While the Horse Racing Law of 1995 does not provide for the submission of race meeting applications after September 1 of each year, the Executive Director, in the best interest of racing, allowed Northville Downs to submit an amended application subject to certain conditions listed in that order and referenced below. Northville Downs represented that the amended application was for the primary purpose of converting its track to allow for
thoroughbred racing. The conditions for considering the amended application for a Thoroughbred and Mixed Meet Race Meeting license included the following:

(a) Amend the application for a 2014 Race Meet license by answering all questions as they pertain to the horse breed(s) contracted to race at the 2014 Northville Downs race meet.

(b) The licensee must submit a signed contract with all certified horsemen’s organization(s) representing the breed(s) of horses the applicant intends on racing.

(c) The licensee must submit a business plan detailing how the combination and/or changeover from Standardbred to Thoroughbred and mixed breeds will occur. That plan should detail the costs, funding and timeline involved with converting the track.

Replies to the above conditions were required to be adequately and sufficiently submitted to the Executive
Director by December 1, 2013 to allow for these amendments to be considered. However, Northville Downs has failed to meet the above conditions.

Specifically, Northville Downs has failed to demonstrate a definitive, specific, and detailed plan that could be approved according to the Horse Racing Law of 1995. The Executive Director finds the following deficiencies:

1. The licensee failed to supply a convincing plan to assure sufficient numbers of Thoroughbred horses and Quarter Horses for the proposed meet.

2. No assurance that sufficient simulcast purse pool money will be available for such a race meeting.

3. The amended application is untimely due to the ordered race dates commencing in January 2014 which does not allow for complete vetting of the application.

4. No assurance that the track will be safe for the proposed function and on par with industry standards.

5. No assurance of funding for the track conversion.

6. The submitted plan does not appear to be in the best interest of horse racing in the State Of Michigan for 2014.

Accordingly, Northville Downs’ amended application for a Thoroughbred and Mixed Breed race meeting license is denied.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Date: December 18 2013

Richard Kalm, Executive Diirector Michigan Gaming
Control Board

 

Jan. 21, 2014

Reporting on both the MIHBPA (http://www.mihbpa.com/news.html)& MHHA (http://www.mhha-online.com/newsite/index.php)websites out of a clear blue sky signs an order approving both Northville Downs & Hazel Park applications for Thoroughbred Racing in 2014.

Michigan Governor Veto’s HB 5466/Horse Racing Industry & Throws 12,000+ Jobs Down The Toilet.

THE CROOKS MAKE IT THIS WAY.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(eezplz45oetc2s55ny3dgvv1))/mileg.aspx?page=BillStatus&objectname=2012-HB-5546

12/31/2012

Expected in HJ 85

pocket veto 1/11/2013 @ 11:07 AM 2012 ADDENDA

What Excuse Can He Give? A man who ran on JOBS.

A Proposal???

Yeah we voted an Emergency Manager down for DETROIT.

A Proposal completely ignored.

Indiana has RACINOS, OHIO is building new RACINOS, Illinois is about to give the OK for RACINOS.

We asked for a band-aid as in Instant racing and this Hypocrite Piece Of Shit say’s in essence to 12,000 jobs connected to the Horse Racing Industry here in Michigan:

GO FUCK YOURSELF.

How else can I put it. Kindly?

I say it like it is.

Why doesn’t WXYZ, WDIV, WJBK do an investigation as to how many are being paid off by the three Detroit Casinos to slaughter Horse Racing in a state where Horse Racing at one time stood alone and held up Michigan with $400 Million a year in Revenue. Had over 42,000 JOBS connected to it.

Long before LOTTERY, Long before Tribunal Casinos and certainly looooooooooong before three Commercial Detroit Casinos.

Governor Snyder can go drop dead. He is a FARCE.

He cuts the throats of those who WORK.

The Nerd who makes nothing but POLITICAL MOVES and destroys everything in his path.

He is PATHETIC.

What Explanation if any can he give?

Michigan’s Governor Looks to Indiana For Inspiration. Really? Mi. HB-5546

I thought I would puke when I sat and listened to Rick Snyder’s explanation and or excuse of how, why and to whom he looked to for slicing the throats of our unions here. Indiana.

Well Governor if Indiana inspires you so much are you going to sign HB-5546 now that it has passed both the House & Senate here or Veto it?

You see Indiana as you have claimed how Right To Work has helped that state so much with employment also did something else. IMPLEMENT SLOTS AT THEIR HORSE TRACKS.

In a May 2010 American Gaming Association report when the country was still in complete crash mode from the previous years. Certain statistics were duly noted specifically Indiana’s Racinos.

Excerpts:

There’s no way around it – this past year was tough. The down economy dealt most Americans challenges we haven’t faced in some time, if ever. For those of us in the commercial casino industry, that meant people had less money to spend on our products. Our revenues in 2009 fell 5.5 percent from 2008 to $30.74 billion. This is the story told in the 2010 edition of AGA’s State of the States report. But as challenging as the year was for most of us, that’s not the entire story.

“As this year’s survey reports, a particular bright spot for the industry came in the racetrack casino sector, which continued to grow. Gross gaming revenues rose in 2009 to $6.40 billion, a 5 percent increase over 2008 figures. Gaming tax contributions from racinos also increased, with $2.63 billion being returned to state and local governments – a 1.2 percent increase. Racinos in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma saw significant employment increases in 2009; however, overall racino employment remained near the previous year’s level of 29,000 people”.

Now because I like FACTS. I do know that Indiana’s two Racino Owners filed for Bankruptcy protection in 2011 solely due to the fact of the extremely large opening costs by the State in licensing fees. Reality they were doing beyond good until Ohio also opened their Racinos in 2012.

Indiana could lose gamble on revenue from casinos and racinos because of Ohio.

Yet,
Note Side Facts:

Winners and losers

Indiana’s casinos are winning less money from their patrons. Statewide, the annual win (the revenue collected at slot machines and table games minus what’s paid out to gamblers) is trending down Meanwhile, the state’s two racetrack-based casinos have seen a rise in wins.

Casino Annual Wins (millions)
2008 $2,461M
2009 $2,378M
2010 $2,350M
2011 $2,267M

Racino Annual Wins (millions)
Hoosier Park Casino & Racing
2008 $110.5M
2009 $204.7M
2010 209.5M
2011 220.5M

Indiana Live (millions)
2008 $93.7M
2009 $214.8M
2010 $236M
2011 $244.3M
Source: Indiana Gaming Insight, Indiana Gaming Commission

And Ohio? Well Ohio speaks for itself.

Ohio ’racino’ revenue tops $11M in opening month

The Associated Press
Posted Jul 09, 2012 @ 11:31 PM

COLUMBUS — The first slots-like gambling machines added to one of Ohio’s horse tracks have taken in more than $11 million in revenue during the facility’s opening month.

According to data released Monday by the Ohio Lottery, the state’s share of revenue from the video lottery terminals at Scioto Downs in Columbus is $3.7 million. That’s more than the roughly $3 million officials estimated the machines would generate per month for the state. The money will help fund K-12 education programs in Ohio.

The roughly $7.4 million in remaining revenue goes back to the track, which is operated by Chester, W.Va.-based MTR Gaming Group Inc. The slots-like machines have been available to visitors since June 1.

Revenues are calculated as the money remaining after prizes have been paid out to winners.

End

So Governor since you used Indiana as such a BIG excuse of why you signed Right To Work into law here. Are you ever going to mirror what Indiana did to help the Horse Racing Industry there and are you ready to help the same within your own state the thousands of jobs connected to it? Or are you going to do an about-face citing another Proposal that took place when the majority of those who signed those petitions to even have had it on the ballot honestly never really knew or understood the petitions language to begin with.

But then Michigan also just voted a bill down for an Emergency Manager for Detroit, but that won’t matter much now will it?

I’ll Have Another “Wont”.

…another race anyway.

Actually the injury the horse sustained could have caused him to blow a suspensory and depending how severe, it could have literally ended his life. So I commend the owner to decide just to retire him rather than brining him back to race again altogether. Hey he had a horse that won the first two races to the triple crown.

I’ll Have Another ..and Another ..and Hopefully One More.

In my own fanatical horse racing fashion I stood up as I screamed at the TV ~ Go, Go, Go…Catch Him. Saturday’s Preakness was as exciting as they come, last time I stood shouting at the top of my lungs watching a race was for Zenyatta. Yesterday didn’t disappoint, yet I’ve got to admit I honestly didn’t think this race was going to be another straight out set up of the Derby between these same horses, but I don’t know why.

I’ll Have Another…I Bet You Will and Congrats to Jockey Mario Gutierrez on Kentucky Derby Win

Windsor Raceway Loses The Slots as of April 30, 2012.

Fort Erie to Lose Slots But Vows to Race

Pinnacle Race Track Owners Jerry & Lisa Campbell hit with tragedy. 27 Horses Die in Barn Fire.

                                                          VIDEO

 

Flames from the fire shot 100 feet into the air, witnesses said.

Kentucky Downs Racetrack gets approval to add 75 more Instant Racing Machines as the money flies in.

Instant Racing Expands as Popularity Grows

Gov. Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania Cuts the Throats of the States Horsemen/Women.

PA Horsemen Blast Plan to ‘Raid’ Slots Fund

Jerry Campbell’s money backing Kewadin Lansing?

This man refuses to pay his bills, let the the HBPA pay Pinnacle’s but can fund a CASINO?

I told them time and time again. Nobody listens.

It’s a safe bet lobbyists and flaks will be big winners

New Jersey Sports Betting is now Law. Legalizing betting on the State’s Four Horse Tracks.

BloodHorse

New York Thoroughbred Horsemen: Do Not Let Your Governor Dissolve Your Governing Body the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and Place You Under a Gaming Board.

Cuomo: Create N.Y. State Gaming Commission

Pinnacle Race Course 2012 Application Has Been Withdrawn

MIHBPA WEBSITE

The 2012 racing application for Pinnacle has been withdrawn.

Larry Julian on October 5, 2011 advised the MGCB that circumstances beyond his control have made impossible to meet deadlines. Larry expressed his appreciation to HBPA for their support and cooperation received from MGCB while he attempted to meet application requirements. Larry went on to say ” I remain positive that Pinnacle will again be a premier racing facility with additional gaming and remain optimistic in its future”.

End

And the saddening and more than sickening situation that affects all Thoroughbred Horsemen/Women continues on.

Aqueduct Major Purse Increase ~ So If Michigan Thoroughbred Horsemen Want Thoroughbred Racing Move To New York

Or Indiana, Ohio, Illinois & Windsor, Ont.

All the States and a different Country that surround us that have the common sense to implement slots at their horse racing tracks.

Our Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Governor say’s Michigan just fine financially. Right Rick Snyder!

Imbecile