Maryland Racing on the Precipice

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

Robert Miller — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:25:24 GMT

I have followed Maryland Racing for twenty seven years and by tomorrow I hope that we will have the slots that will help this State be the Horse Racing leader in the Mid-Atlantic again. From what I have seen in local Baltimore polls, slots should finally pass and if they don't then the Preakness will be out of town and goodbye to the beautiful sport of Horse Racing. Maryland has done so much for the Sport of Horse Racing. So many great farms, jockeys, races and trainers from here. I will also tell you from my experience going to Charlestown and Penn National, yes the crowds for the horses, local people and young people is enhanced not declined by slots. The slots brings people to the track and then they see the horses. I can only hope that slots passes here. There is so much hypocrisy in this state, we can advertise out of state slots, we can have a lottery but we can't have slots here?

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

Frank — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:58:20 GMT

Thanks, folks, for weighing in.

While Bill raises a fair point -- that Maryland's ills are part of larger trends -- that doesn't negate what I'm saying, namely, that without the infusion of money for purses that slots will bring, there is no viable future for Maryland racing. Slots get us time to get it right -- they don't fix everything that's wrong.

Liza and Steve - right on!

Asidero - Minor says he wants to buy the tracks and that he doesn't want slots. Of course, in Maryland, the issues of where slots go -- ie, do they go in at the tracks or not? -- is separate from who gets the money (that's set by state law). Racing will get funds from slots, whether VLTs are at the tracks or not -- and no responsible horseman can be against Maryland racing receiving this boost.

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

asidero — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:25:10 GMT

There's someone trying step up to buy Laurel and Pimlco and he doesn't support the slots.

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

STEVE STONE — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:58:17 GMT

Hello Frank...Racing in The Free State is also on the cusp of an meltdown if the slots referendum does not pass as Frank Stronach is w/in an heartbeat of losing his racing empire w/an possible Chapter 11 bankruptcy certificate and also being de-listed on the stock exchange as his stocks are now trading as virtually pennystocks...If he loses the tracks..haven't seen any buyers out there knocking on the doors @ this juncture..then what? Your personal disdain for slot machines can be said about anything in life...both in and out of sports and recreation..Why not give the people what they want? Racings ills..not just in Maryland..but nationally did not just arrive today..they were spawned years and years ago and now the industry is finally taking notice of an much and long-overdue wakeup call..I certainly hope its not to late..Certainly if this bill is approved by the voters on election day....slot machines or VLTs are certainly not the panacea as there are no studies or paradigms indicating that there is an crosscover between these two betting factions..slots and racing... in order to increase the much needed fan base and commence to spawn new and younger fans..If it does indeed elevate the much needed competitive purse equation..which it should...then it will prove to be an success...However..just don't stop there..There is much more to be done...this is only an single fiber in the mosaic..if racing is to continue to exist..Thank you always for your kind window...Regards..Steve Stone..East Hanover..New Jersey

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

Liza Stude — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:07:55 GMT

Frank,

Well said! I remember when Maryland was at the top.I'm old enough to have actually met Northern Dancer and Halo. (I grew up not far from Chesapeake City)

Maryland should support and take pride in the rich heritage of the racing industry. I hope the voters can look past some problem that they have with something they consider a vice, Slots would not only help racing, but also feed needed funds into the budget, education, property tax relief.....whatever. I have been in and out of the industry for about 40 years. I miss the way it used to be in Maryland. I would like to be proud again...not embarressed.

L.S.

re: Maryland Racing on the Precipice

Bill — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:39:19 GMT

The trouble with horse racing in Maryland certainly won't be remedied by slots. Actually, this is a regional problem: too much racing in the middle Atlantic. Period. An infusion of slots money will make Maryland competitive with surrounding states, but you'll still be scrambling to attract the same horses to fill race cards. I don't see an improvement in the racing product accruing from slots. What is needed is less racing in the middle Atlantic. There are only so many horses to fill races and only so many bettors to wager on these races. As a simulcast customer I pick and choose from a big menu. Prior to simulcasting I would bet on just about every race at Pimlico, Laurel or Bowie. Now, I play about 5 tracks during the course of an afternoon and I only play the most attractive wagering opportunities available. Some days I may not play any Maryland races due to the fact there are more attractive opportunities elsewhere. If I didn't have as many choices I would definitely play more at a given track - such as Laurel. But with all of the choices now available why play a bunch of maiden claimers for horses - most of which will never win?? Give a Laurel turf race and I'm there, but the main track races just don't thrill me.