The Jockey Club has released data for 2023. Below, I present last year’s numbers relative to 5, 10, and 20 years ago. As you will see, there can be no doubt about horseracing’s practically inexorable decline. (TJC only monitors Thoroughbred…
In the latest attempt at industry thievery, Minnesota horsemen have been lobbying hard for the installation of “Historical Horse Racing” (HHR) terminals at their two tracks, Canterbury and Running Aces. And for now, it looks good, with the Racing Commission…
Last week, you may have heard, the California Horse Racing Board allocated 26 race dates to Pleasanton in Northern California. This, of course, is intended to partially make up for the dates that will be lost when Golden Gate closes…
I’ve been writing a lot recently on the extra level of evil made possible by the industry’s massive corporate welfare. Awash in free cash from casino gaming, tracks are able to pay first through last. So, it doesn’t matter what…
Kentucky Downs holds what is called a boutique meet, running only seven days a year. It also boasts some of the highest purses in America. How? Well, The Mint Gaming Hall – a racino – has a whole lot to…
More of the obscenity that is horseracing subsidization… Parx, again, is a racino, with slots money not only jacking up overall purses but also allowing first-last payouts. Here’s what that looked like Wednesday: race 1:Alonzo Mosely finished 19.75 lengths back;…
Belterra in Ohio is a taxpayer-funded racino, with the free-flowing cash from slot machines also allowing first-last payouts. Now, consider these results from Tuesday: race 1: Marvin’s Express finished last, 27+ lengths back; “connections” (Jennifer Tooley, et al.) pocketed $801.…
On Jan 10 of this year, Boat Over the Hill brought up the rear – 18 lengths back – in a cheap ($5,000) claiming race at Parx. This race, turns out, came just eight days after the last one –…
Another excellent piece on NY Racing finances by Sam Mellins of New York Focus. Please read and then share this quality journalism. “Half a Billion in the Bank — And Next to No One in the Stands” “At Belmont Park’s…
On subsidies, besides the obvious – propping this industry up with corporate welfare allows for the continued abuse and killing of beautiful horses – there is this ancillary wrong: The massive infusion of unearned income from casino gaming allows tracks…
Vernon Downs, a harness track in western NY, opened its “season” yesterday. In a press release carried in HarnessLink, the track’s assistant GM said: “Vernon Downs is a historic venue, and we are thrilled to have the support of top…
From the “right from their mouths” department… In a recent Harness Link letter to the editor, a United States Trotting Association (USTA) director, David Siegel, took his industry to task for not signing on to HISA. In it, he writes:…
