Most of the time I'll blog about the goings-on in the world of horse racing, however, today I decided to lighten the mood a bit! Sometimes it just feels good to laugh.....
Are you a stall-bound horse? Want to amuse yourself and your human? Well, here are some fun activities for you!
1) Poop in the Water Game: This will test your coordination and spatial abilities. Horses all over the world practise this, every day. You must try to poop in your water container. If your water container is too high to poop in, you can attempt to poop on the stall's door, or on the wall. This also gives your human something to do---when they see what you've done, they will marvel at your special abilities, then happily provide you with fresh water.
2) Pee in the Water Game: A real challenge for geldings and stallions! Attempt to pee in your water container. This is a very challenging game. If your water container is up against a wall, you may try to drag it into the middle of your stall. If your human is dull and fails to realize that you've peed in your water, simply dump it out and they will refill it.
3) Artistic Wood Carving: You can become a wood carver. Use your teeth to chisel the wood of your stall into a beautiful piece of art! At first, you can start with simple shapes---such as the half-moon bite shape---and as you become more advanced you can try different forms (big curve shape or multiple bite shapes). Your human will really appreciate this. Some humans will actually remove your artwork from the stall, and put up fresh, new, unchewed boards---encouraging you to develop your artistic abilities with a fresh, new canvas!
4) Grain Spilling Game: Try to dump out all of your grain from your grain bucket/container, by turning it over with your nose. It is a fun game. You can even continue to flip the container to be sure that all the grain is dumped on the ground. Then, using your delicate muzzle to guide you, try to pick up all the grain, sorting through out the bedding and poop. Amusing, and it makes your grain last longer. Your human will appreciate it too---he/she may even bring you a new bucket of grain, or challenge you to become better by using more difficult containers!
5) Hay Dunking: In this game, you'll try to grab a bite of hay, carry it to your water container, and dump it in. Dropping hay in your water is fun for both you and your human! Although it's just hay, they will probably come in your stall and remove it from your water (then you can dump more in). This gives humans something to do.
6) Who Can Be The Loudest: If you're stalled with other horses, try a little friendly competition with this game. When it's feeding time, see who can neigh, bang, scream, and kick the loudest in their stalls. Humans will instinctively throw food to the noisiest, most demanding horse, so try to be THAT horse. The winner is the horse that the human feeds first.
7) Smoosh The Bedding: In this game, you can attempt to mix your bedding, poop, and hay all together. You do this by walking all around in your stall, until you get a good, even mixture. Again, this provides entertainment and exercise for your human, because they will have to clean it all up.
8) Roll in the Stall: Attempt to get a good roll, in your stall. If your stall is big, this is easy; however, the smaller the stall, the more difficult it can become. The object is to roll, well, without getting stuck. There is some danger involved in this game, as you could roll up near a wall and get stuck. If you get stuck, make sure you thrash so that your human will notice you, nearly have a heart attack, then come to your rescue. This game is best played when humans are around.
9) Mane Rubbing: Try to rub your mane out in certain spots. Humans like neat manes. That is why they comb, spray, and pull your mane; Save them work by pulling your mane yourself! You can stick your head through the stall and try to rub the top of your neck. Or, just rub it on the side of a wall. This will give your mane a nice look that humans appreciate (clumps of hair missing). You'll save them time on having to pull your mane or trim a bridle path.
10) Unique Pooping: This not only provides fun for you, but fun for the human as well, because it makes the regular boring task of mucking more interesting. Try pooping in unusual areas. Poop on top of your door latches, or poop on window ledges. Poop in any food containers, or on top of salt licks. Try to poop any place that is not the ground.
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What's Up For Tonight?
O.S.S Super Finals at Woodbine, to view tonight's card click here
The $400,000 Messenger Final Three-Year-Old Open Pace at Yonkers-Post Time 9:30pm
(Entries Below)
1. Hillbilly Hanover (4-1)
2. Domethatagain (10-1)
3. A Rocknroll Dance (5-1)
4. Lawgiver Hanover (12-1)
5. Bolt The Duer (5-1)
6. Major Bombay (6-1)
7. Pet Rock (3-1)
8. Steelhead Hanover (15-1)
Where Are The Favorites Racing Tonight?
Hurrikane Kingcole--Balmoral Park--Race 10--Post 1--The $260,000 AmerNat-3
Market Share--Balmoral Park--Race 8--Post 5--The $235,000 AmerNat-3
Chapter Seven--Balmoral Park--Race 7--Post 5--The $180,000 AmNational
Golden Receiver & Foiled Again--Balmoral Park--Race 9--Posts 8 & 9--The $182,000 AmNational
Economy Terror--Yonkers Raceway--Race 6--Post 4--The $230,000 Lady Maud
Prestidigitator--Woodbine--Race 5--Post 8--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Michaels Power & Warrawee Needy--Woodbine--Race 10--Posts 3 & 1--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Tarpon Hanover--Woodbine--Race 9--Post 3--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Miss Paris--Woodbine--Race 8--Post 1--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Mach A Wish & Class Of O Nine--Woodbine--Race 7--Posts 3 & 2--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Bee A Magician--Woodbine--Race 2--Post 4--The $300,000 OSS Super Final
Good Luck To All!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Looking To The Federal Government For Guidance
As I sit back and review everything that has happened since the O.L.G (Ontario Liberal Government as well as the Ontario Lottery and Gaming...coincidence?) announced that the Slots-At-Racetrack-Partnership will cease in March of 2013, I feel like I'm in a horrible nightmare of sorts...a tornado if you will....I have no way of planting my feet firmly on the ground long enough to even wrap my head around what has happened thus far. "Fast" cannot describe how the above mentioned entities are changing the way horse racing will exist (or not exist) in the near future. As of the writing of this post, only one racetrack is operational this week, Western Fair Raceway. That's ONE racetrack that's suppose to handle the entries of horses coming from Essex, Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, and Middlesex, until November 16, 2012, then Flamboro Raceway re-opens, and that doesn't even include horses coming from the state of Michigan!
So let's recap, and keep in mind that some of the below racetracks may not even re-open come 2013:
Hiawatha Horse Park: Closed For The Season
Clinton Raceway: Closed For The Season
Windsor Raceway: Closed Permanently
Flamboro Raceway: Closed Until November 16, 2012
Dresden Raceway: Closed For The Season
Woodstock Raceway: Closed For The Season
Mohawk Raceway: Closed For The Season
Hanover Raceway: Closed For The Season
Grand River Raceway: Closed For The Season
Georgian Downs: Open
Woodbine: Open
Kawartha Downs: Open
Sudbury Downs: Open Till November 24, 2012
Rideau Carlton: Open
Western Fair: Open
Ok, so if you're Joe Horseman (or Jolene Horsewoman) with a $4000 to $6000 claiming horse, that's coming from Windsor to race somewhere, the closest track would be Western Fair (that's IF you get in, which I doubt), other than that, you're shipping to Georgian Downs, a brisk 419kms (5 hours)! So many of you will say, "Well that's no different from any other year." Maybe so, but at least Windsor Raceway would have been available, hence shipping to Juno Alaska to compete!
This time next year will be devastating, and not only to the racing portion of the industry.....but to all other sectors of this industry...They will be clear-cutted!
So I thought to myself, "What can the Federal Government do as far as damage control?"
I then e-mailed the Prime Minister briefly, asking to review the state of the horse racing industry in Ontario.....and let's be perfectly clear.....the PM did not even look at my e-mail, but one of his assistants, or volunteers was the one who responded....
Here is the response:
Dear Ms. Lemesurier:
Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister. While you may be assured that careful consideration has been given to the situation you have described, the matter you have raised does not fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government. You would be best advised, therefore, to pursue your enquiries with the appropriate provincial authority. I regret that I am unable to provide you with a more favourable response.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write.
Here is what I e-mailed back:
Dear Mr. _______,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I realize that the federal government is prohibited from interfering with the structure and operations of municipal institutions, but it faces no such constitutional constraint when it comes to rural issues, such as infrastructure, employment, and trade and commerce. A federal-municipal relationship needs to be considered closely in this matter, as the outcome could be devastating for Canada's agricultural sector.
The decisions made currently by the Ontario Liberal Government with regards to cancelling the Slots At Racetrack Partnership, (thereby causing a ripple effect to decimate 60,000 jobs plus), is clearly a violation of our constitutional and civil liberties, as no referendum was allowed and no substituted program was set in place to offset the damage.
The impact of this decision will be felt locally, provincially, and federally, which would ultimatley affect Trade and Commerce. Therefore, the federal government can override the provincial jurisdiction by declaring it to be a federal "work and undertaking", under section 92(10)(c) of the Constitution Act, 1867. "Works" declared by the Parliament of Canada to be "for the General Advantage of Canada" or "for the Advantage of Two or more of the Provinces".
A "work or undertaking" will be under federal control under section 92(10) where it is connecting the province with something outside of the province. The horse racing breeding industry alone would clearly fall under this catagory as it spans not only in Ontario, but to North America, and thus, globally. Grain and forage commodities will also be affected as many horsemen buy not only from Ontario, but from the Prairie Provinces.
In closing, the federal government should play an explicit role in rural and urban policy and it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure the long-term benefit of Canada's agricultural sector.
Sincerely,
Claudette Lemesurier
Now I'm no lawyer, nor do I claim to know the Constitution in my sleep, but you can't tell me that when an entire sector of Canada is being threatened, that the federal government cannot override certain decisions made by a province!
I have yet to receive a response......
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
So let's recap, and keep in mind that some of the below racetracks may not even re-open come 2013:
Hiawatha Horse Park: Closed For The Season
Clinton Raceway: Closed For The Season
Windsor Raceway: Closed Permanently
Flamboro Raceway: Closed Until November 16, 2012
Dresden Raceway: Closed For The Season
Woodstock Raceway: Closed For The Season
Mohawk Raceway: Closed For The Season
Hanover Raceway: Closed For The Season
Grand River Raceway: Closed For The Season
Georgian Downs: Open
Woodbine: Open
Kawartha Downs: Open
Sudbury Downs: Open Till November 24, 2012
Rideau Carlton: Open
Western Fair: Open
Ok, so if you're Joe Horseman (or Jolene Horsewoman) with a $4000 to $6000 claiming horse, that's coming from Windsor to race somewhere, the closest track would be Western Fair (that's IF you get in, which I doubt), other than that, you're shipping to Georgian Downs, a brisk 419kms (5 hours)! So many of you will say, "Well that's no different from any other year." Maybe so, but at least Windsor Raceway would have been available, hence shipping to Juno Alaska to compete!
This time next year will be devastating, and not only to the racing portion of the industry.....but to all other sectors of this industry...They will be clear-cutted!
So I thought to myself, "What can the Federal Government do as far as damage control?"
I then e-mailed the Prime Minister briefly, asking to review the state of the horse racing industry in Ontario.....and let's be perfectly clear.....the PM did not even look at my e-mail, but one of his assistants, or volunteers was the one who responded....
Here is the response:
Dear Ms. Lemesurier:
Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister. While you may be assured that careful consideration has been given to the situation you have described, the matter you have raised does not fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government. You would be best advised, therefore, to pursue your enquiries with the appropriate provincial authority. I regret that I am unable to provide you with a more favourable response.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write.
Here is what I e-mailed back:
Dear Mr. _______,
Thank you for your prompt reply. I realize that the federal government is prohibited from interfering with the structure and operations of municipal institutions, but it faces no such constitutional constraint when it comes to rural issues, such as infrastructure, employment, and trade and commerce. A federal-municipal relationship needs to be considered closely in this matter, as the outcome could be devastating for Canada's agricultural sector.
The decisions made currently by the Ontario Liberal Government with regards to cancelling the Slots At Racetrack Partnership, (thereby causing a ripple effect to decimate 60,000 jobs plus), is clearly a violation of our constitutional and civil liberties, as no referendum was allowed and no substituted program was set in place to offset the damage.
The impact of this decision will be felt locally, provincially, and federally, which would ultimatley affect Trade and Commerce. Therefore, the federal government can override the provincial jurisdiction by declaring it to be a federal "work and undertaking", under section 92(10)(c) of the Constitution Act, 1867. "Works" declared by the Parliament of Canada to be "for the General Advantage of Canada" or "for the Advantage of Two or more of the Provinces".
A "work or undertaking" will be under federal control under section 92(10) where it is connecting the province with something outside of the province. The horse racing breeding industry alone would clearly fall under this catagory as it spans not only in Ontario, but to North America, and thus, globally. Grain and forage commodities will also be affected as many horsemen buy not only from Ontario, but from the Prairie Provinces.
In closing, the federal government should play an explicit role in rural and urban policy and it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure the long-term benefit of Canada's agricultural sector.
Sincerely,
Claudette Lemesurier
Now I'm no lawyer, nor do I claim to know the Constitution in my sleep, but you can't tell me that when an entire sector of Canada is being threatened, that the federal government cannot override certain decisions made by a province!
I have yet to receive a response......
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The City of Hamilton Is At The Plate...
Today, the City of Hamilton is meeting with the OLG and Great Candian Gaming Corporation to discuss the future of Flamboro Downs and whether or not they would be willing to be hosts for the OLG. You can view it here or review the agenda.
Here is a brief overview:
The OLG, when asked, made it very clear that they are "Not in the business of Horse Racing", and is currently having outside negotiations with potential private sector operators within the zoning boundaries of the City of Hamilton before the City has even made a decision with regards to being a host.
If a casino is granted to another Municipality within the zoning boundaries of the OLG, the City of Hamilton will receive NO revenue from that Municipality.
The OLG relies on two specific words in the majority of their answers to the City of Hamilton -- "Not Defined". When the City asked what the zoning boundaries are, and why they keep changing, the OLG's response is "They're not defined yet." When the City asked what the new revenue amount would be if they choose to be a host, the OLG responded with, "Not defined". When the City asked if they could review the RFP's (Request For Proposals), the OLG responded with, "The way in which these would be reviewed and considered have not be defined at this time".
This is what the City of Hamilton would like before making a decision with the OLG:
1) Negotiate an extended multi-year lease arrangement with Flamboro Downs and/or extend the lease for 18 months until the 2014 Provincial Election.
2) Include a Referendum on the 2014 Provincial ballot or procure a Referendum sooner and have the Provincial Government pay for it.
3) The City would be involved in any planning, building, regulating and legislation which would be incurred by any modernization, expansion, or construction of any new casino facility.
4) The zoning boundaries be clearly defined by the OLG and not subject to change midway through negotiations to benefit the OLG.
5) Generated revenue from the OLG to the Municipality must be clearly defined in order for the City to actualize their 2013 Municipal budget.
6) Answers as to why the OLG has a "unique" relationship with the First Nation's, Casino Rama in Orillia, and if this "unique" relationship is available to the City of Hamilton in supporting Flamboro?
Out of the $40 million allocated to gambling addiction in Ontario, only $307,000 is provided to the Municipality, including Hamilton, with Flamboro Downs ranking 8th out of all facilities according to the OLG. The OLG also stated that the Ministry of Health disperses those funds overall.
The City of Hamilton's greatest concern is why the Provincial government and the OLG is rushing this process along so fast - They change legislation to suit them, create ammendments to support their own agendas, ask Municipalities to be willing hosts to casinos with absolutely no information, no concern for it's taxpayers, and no concern for this city's future. This "now or never" tactic is being held over the City of Hamilton's head and they fear not only losing horse racing at Flamboro Downs, but lose the choice of an informative decision. They're basically signing under duress if they choose the OLG's proposal at this point in time.
Just another day in OLG paradise......UGH!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire...
Here is a brief overview:
The OLG, when asked, made it very clear that they are "Not in the business of Horse Racing", and is currently having outside negotiations with potential private sector operators within the zoning boundaries of the City of Hamilton before the City has even made a decision with regards to being a host.
If a casino is granted to another Municipality within the zoning boundaries of the OLG, the City of Hamilton will receive NO revenue from that Municipality.
The OLG relies on two specific words in the majority of their answers to the City of Hamilton -- "Not Defined". When the City asked what the zoning boundaries are, and why they keep changing, the OLG's response is "They're not defined yet." When the City asked what the new revenue amount would be if they choose to be a host, the OLG responded with, "Not defined". When the City asked if they could review the RFP's (Request For Proposals), the OLG responded with, "The way in which these would be reviewed and considered have not be defined at this time".
This is what the City of Hamilton would like before making a decision with the OLG:
1) Negotiate an extended multi-year lease arrangement with Flamboro Downs and/or extend the lease for 18 months until the 2014 Provincial Election.
2) Include a Referendum on the 2014 Provincial ballot or procure a Referendum sooner and have the Provincial Government pay for it.
3) The City would be involved in any planning, building, regulating and legislation which would be incurred by any modernization, expansion, or construction of any new casino facility.
4) The zoning boundaries be clearly defined by the OLG and not subject to change midway through negotiations to benefit the OLG.
5) Generated revenue from the OLG to the Municipality must be clearly defined in order for the City to actualize their 2013 Municipal budget.
6) Answers as to why the OLG has a "unique" relationship with the First Nation's, Casino Rama in Orillia, and if this "unique" relationship is available to the City of Hamilton in supporting Flamboro?
Out of the $40 million allocated to gambling addiction in Ontario, only $307,000 is provided to the Municipality, including Hamilton, with Flamboro Downs ranking 8th out of all facilities according to the OLG. The OLG also stated that the Ministry of Health disperses those funds overall.
The City of Hamilton's greatest concern is why the Provincial government and the OLG is rushing this process along so fast - They change legislation to suit them, create ammendments to support their own agendas, ask Municipalities to be willing hosts to casinos with absolutely no information, no concern for it's taxpayers, and no concern for this city's future. This "now or never" tactic is being held over the City of Hamilton's head and they fear not only losing horse racing at Flamboro Downs, but lose the choice of an informative decision. They're basically signing under duress if they choose the OLG's proposal at this point in time.
Just another day in OLG paradise......UGH!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire...
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Life Is Tough Sometimes
A gorgeous day at the races at Dresden Raceway turns into a tragedy in the 10th race. Mystic Pat, an eight year old bay gelding was doing awesome coming to the half. Driver Donnie Rankin was holding his horse in a great position until something happened. The horse was pulled up quickly on the turn and Track Superintendent Scott Dubuque was there to assist. The horse was in distress, the left rear ankle appeared to be broke, hanging there with just the skin and tendons holding it. Driver Donnie Rankin pulled up the horse and brought it towards the exit and removed the race bike as everyone waited for the groom to run to the rescue. I watched it unfold and I quickly remembered the day when the Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro broke his right hind ankle/pastern in the 2006 Preakness...the EXACT same thing...the ankle was swinging, only this time, a bone was sticking out. I knew in a split second that there was no hope for this horse....you just know....deep down, the outcome.
The most important thing is to get the horse somewhere quite, away from everything. The horse is still blowing, the adrenaline is still rushing through his veins. He knows something's not right but he's trusting you. His groom rushes to get rid of the equipment, with the hopples being the hardest because of the injured left hind. What do you do? The horse is blowing from being pulled out mid-race and I'm trying to comfort him. Scratching his mane and forehead, talking continuously to him, telling him he did good, and that's it's going to be ok. Where's the vet, where's the vet, I say to myself. The left hind jerking up in pain every two seconds. He knows it's not good. I can tell by looking in his eyes. He's looking at me like, "Tell me the truth, what's gonnna happen?". I can't, as I keep telling him that everything's gonna be ok, and that he did good. What am I suppose to say? "You're gonna be euthanized"?
Odds are, even if they could have stabilized it, which they couldn't have, he would have succumbed to laminitis...guaranteed. I just keep scratching behind his ears and along his mane and over his forehead and kept making a "cooing" noise that seems to be comforting to horses. I felt like throwing up. I kept looking in his eyes and he kept looking back at me as if to say, "Thanks for being here". He knew. Deep down, he knew. The vet arrives with the big needle, again, I felt like throwing up. He's standing there, quiet now, knowing the outcome. He was aware of everything around him. I talked to him and told him that he was gonna be reunited with all the greats...Niatross, Abercrombie, Barbaro, Keystone Raider and I told him to say "Hi" to Martha Maxine for me. I kissed him on the face and told him I would one day see him in Equine Heaven.
I can't explain the feeling you have when one minute the horse is breathing in front of you and the next he's dropped on the ground. Lifeless. You wish to God there would be a way to fix this type of injury. Everything's great on them but the ankle. It seems like such a minor body part to fix. Not the case with horses. A cruel anatomical joke in the equine world. I walk away as the needle is injected. I can't bare to see him fall to the ground. As I'm walking away, onlookers say, "There he goes, he's down."
See you in Equine Heaven Mystic Pat, you were a great warrior, and special thanks to those who assisted:
Scott Dubuque; John Ritchie; Kevin McCorkle; Darell Vleeming
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
The most important thing is to get the horse somewhere quite, away from everything. The horse is still blowing, the adrenaline is still rushing through his veins. He knows something's not right but he's trusting you. His groom rushes to get rid of the equipment, with the hopples being the hardest because of the injured left hind. What do you do? The horse is blowing from being pulled out mid-race and I'm trying to comfort him. Scratching his mane and forehead, talking continuously to him, telling him he did good, and that's it's going to be ok. Where's the vet, where's the vet, I say to myself. The left hind jerking up in pain every two seconds. He knows it's not good. I can tell by looking in his eyes. He's looking at me like, "Tell me the truth, what's gonnna happen?". I can't, as I keep telling him that everything's gonna be ok, and that he did good. What am I suppose to say? "You're gonna be euthanized"?
Odds are, even if they could have stabilized it, which they couldn't have, he would have succumbed to laminitis...guaranteed. I just keep scratching behind his ears and along his mane and over his forehead and kept making a "cooing" noise that seems to be comforting to horses. I felt like throwing up. I kept looking in his eyes and he kept looking back at me as if to say, "Thanks for being here". He knew. Deep down, he knew. The vet arrives with the big needle, again, I felt like throwing up. He's standing there, quiet now, knowing the outcome. He was aware of everything around him. I talked to him and told him that he was gonna be reunited with all the greats...Niatross, Abercrombie, Barbaro, Keystone Raider and I told him to say "Hi" to Martha Maxine for me. I kissed him on the face and told him I would one day see him in Equine Heaven.
I can't explain the feeling you have when one minute the horse is breathing in front of you and the next he's dropped on the ground. Lifeless. You wish to God there would be a way to fix this type of injury. Everything's great on them but the ankle. It seems like such a minor body part to fix. Not the case with horses. A cruel anatomical joke in the equine world. I walk away as the needle is injected. I can't bare to see him fall to the ground. As I'm walking away, onlookers say, "There he goes, he's down."
See you in Equine Heaven Mystic Pat, you were a great warrior, and special thanks to those who assisted:
Scott Dubuque; John Ritchie; Kevin McCorkle; Darell Vleeming
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Here Comes Da Judge!
A class-action lawsuit could be in the future for the Ontario Provincial Government if OHHA has its way!
OHHA's general manager, Brian Tropea, has gone on the record as saying that OHHA lawyers have looked into and are considering a class-action lawsuit in relation to the Ontario Liberal Government pulling out of the Slots-At-Racetracks agreement!
"The OHHA is looking at all legal options," Tropea was quoted as saying yesterday in an article by the Barrie Examiner. "A class-action lawsuit is definitely something our lawyers are looking at."
The report has also quoted veteran racehorse owner Tony Tangereda of Kettleby, Ont. as saying that the situation has been "terrible" and that the Ontario government "should be happy with the money they’ve had. Now they’re putting 50,000 people out of work who will have to collect welfare. They (horsepeople) don’t know anything but horse racing.”
Tangreda continued, stating, “Without the slot machines there will be no way (for racing) to survive. There will be no money coming in. I normally keep 15 horses and now I’m down to seven. I’ll decide where to go from there if there is no slot money coming in. I’m not going to keep horses if there’s no money to race.”
The article also features a rare comment from a member of the province's upper-echelon driving colony, Mike Saftic. "If the purses get cut and the horses go away, the race tracks are going to close down,” Saftic was quoted as saying. “There’ll be no place to make a living. There’s no way we’re going to survive.”
Standardbred Canada
OLG AT FAULT?
When the Slots At Racetrack Program was introduced, an obligation was placed on the OLG to consult with the horse racing industry (OHRIA specifically) and the ORC and develop benchmarks for monitoring the progress and success of the Program on an annual basis. No benchmarks were ever developed and no annual consultations were held. The Program continued to operate within a vaccuum.
Furthermore, from time to time operational decisions were made by the OLG in its legitimate interest but without regard for their potential impact on the horse racing industry which, inadvertently, ended up competing directly with the racing industry. (ei: The expansion of Ceasars in Windsor, the construction of the Point Edward Casino) Card table gaming should have been introduced into "border" raceway facilities such as Windsor, Fort Erie, Hiawatha, Rideau Carlton and Woodbine (who competes with Niagara Falls and Orillia), with a share of the revenue going to the horse racing industry. This would have aided the industry with the direct competition coming from the U.S.
Many citizens of Ontario are wagering on-line on horse races, with the internet sites being off-shore. Revenue is flowing off-shore with little return to the horse racing industry except for a small payment for the racing signal. The Ontario government should permit the horse racing and breeding industry to engage in internet wagering on horse races and to regulate the sites through both the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency and the ORC.
Excerpts from: It's All About Leadership; Stanley Sadinskey, William McDonnell, Jane Stewart-2008
Federal and Provincial governments share jurisdiction over the Agricultural sector, with Federal legislation paramount in the event of a conflict. At this point it is now the Federal government's duty to intercept the Provincial government's decision to annihilate an entire sector of the Ag industry-Cause "Houston...We have a Conflict!"
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
OHHA's general manager, Brian Tropea, has gone on the record as saying that OHHA lawyers have looked into and are considering a class-action lawsuit in relation to the Ontario Liberal Government pulling out of the Slots-At-Racetracks agreement!
"The OHHA is looking at all legal options," Tropea was quoted as saying yesterday in an article by the Barrie Examiner. "A class-action lawsuit is definitely something our lawyers are looking at."
The report has also quoted veteran racehorse owner Tony Tangereda of Kettleby, Ont. as saying that the situation has been "terrible" and that the Ontario government "should be happy with the money they’ve had. Now they’re putting 50,000 people out of work who will have to collect welfare. They (horsepeople) don’t know anything but horse racing.”
Tangreda continued, stating, “Without the slot machines there will be no way (for racing) to survive. There will be no money coming in. I normally keep 15 horses and now I’m down to seven. I’ll decide where to go from there if there is no slot money coming in. I’m not going to keep horses if there’s no money to race.”
The article also features a rare comment from a member of the province's upper-echelon driving colony, Mike Saftic. "If the purses get cut and the horses go away, the race tracks are going to close down,” Saftic was quoted as saying. “There’ll be no place to make a living. There’s no way we’re going to survive.”
Standardbred Canada
OLG AT FAULT?
When the Slots At Racetrack Program was introduced, an obligation was placed on the OLG to consult with the horse racing industry (OHRIA specifically) and the ORC and develop benchmarks for monitoring the progress and success of the Program on an annual basis. No benchmarks were ever developed and no annual consultations were held. The Program continued to operate within a vaccuum.
Furthermore, from time to time operational decisions were made by the OLG in its legitimate interest but without regard for their potential impact on the horse racing industry which, inadvertently, ended up competing directly with the racing industry. (ei: The expansion of Ceasars in Windsor, the construction of the Point Edward Casino) Card table gaming should have been introduced into "border" raceway facilities such as Windsor, Fort Erie, Hiawatha, Rideau Carlton and Woodbine (who competes with Niagara Falls and Orillia), with a share of the revenue going to the horse racing industry. This would have aided the industry with the direct competition coming from the U.S.
Many citizens of Ontario are wagering on-line on horse races, with the internet sites being off-shore. Revenue is flowing off-shore with little return to the horse racing industry except for a small payment for the racing signal. The Ontario government should permit the horse racing and breeding industry to engage in internet wagering on horse races and to regulate the sites through both the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency and the ORC.
Excerpts from: It's All About Leadership; Stanley Sadinskey, William McDonnell, Jane Stewart-2008
Federal and Provincial governments share jurisdiction over the Agricultural sector, with Federal legislation paramount in the event of a conflict. At this point it is now the Federal government's duty to intercept the Provincial government's decision to annihilate an entire sector of the Ag industry-Cause "Houston...We have a Conflict!"
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Universe is Calling-Are We Listening?
Sometimes the universe has a unique way of including us in its master plan by providing us with subtle, yet obvious clues, that if we really open our eyes, we can see. This is one of those times....
Not since 1978, with Affirmed and Alydar, have we witnessed two three-year-olds who have the makings to put horse racing at the forefront of the sports world once again. With hearts of steel, raw power, and unquestionable determination, Bodemeister and I'll Have Another have given the industry a new lease on the Sport of Kings. Would you call certain similarities a coincidence? Maybe-but if margins are an indication, perhaps I'll Have Another has a Triple Crown in his future. Affirmed won the Derby by the identical 1-1/2 lengths over Alydar, and then beat his rival by the same neck margin in the Preakness. With polarities reversed, the similarities are astounding.
With the Ontario Standardbred industry crumbling at our feet, we need this.....We need this horse to win the Triple Crown, because he's not only representing thoroughbred racing, he's representing every working horse out there that trains their asses off day in and day out to go and race. We've been telling our government how important this industry is and it seems to be falling on deaf ears....So without getting any more political, when asked if it's time for a Triple Crown Winner, my answer is simple....Yes, I'll Have Another!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground and keep reaching for the wire!
Not since 1978, with Affirmed and Alydar, have we witnessed two three-year-olds who have the makings to put horse racing at the forefront of the sports world once again. With hearts of steel, raw power, and unquestionable determination, Bodemeister and I'll Have Another have given the industry a new lease on the Sport of Kings. Would you call certain similarities a coincidence? Maybe-but if margins are an indication, perhaps I'll Have Another has a Triple Crown in his future. Affirmed won the Derby by the identical 1-1/2 lengths over Alydar, and then beat his rival by the same neck margin in the Preakness. With polarities reversed, the similarities are astounding.
 |
| Affirmed and Alydar in the 1978 Kentucky Derby |
 |
| I'll Have Another and Bodemeister in the 2012 Kentucky Derby |
 |
| Affirmed and Alydar in the 1978 Preakness |
 |
| I'll Have Another and Bodemeister in the 2012 Preakness |
With the Ontario Standardbred industry crumbling at our feet, we need this.....We need this horse to win the Triple Crown, because he's not only representing thoroughbred racing, he's representing every working horse out there that trains their asses off day in and day out to go and race. We've been telling our government how important this industry is and it seems to be falling on deaf ears....So without getting any more political, when asked if it's time for a Triple Crown Winner, my answer is simple....Yes, I'll Have Another!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Politics 101
For those of you who have not read the Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services...
Here is a recap: The government of Ontario owns four GBE's (Global Business Enterprises), each of which returns significant revenues to the province. Government Business Enterprises are government organizations that:
* Are separate legal entities with the power to contract in their own name;
* Have the financial and operating authority to carry on a business;
* Are principally focused on selling of the goods and services to individuals and non-government organizations; and
* Are able to maintain their operations and meet their obligations through revenues generated outside the government reporting entity.
The four GBE's are OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp), LCBO (Liquor Control Board), OPG (Ontario Power Generation), and Hydro One. These four play a critical role in the province's fiscal condition. In 2010-2011, the four combined to produce net income of $4.6 billion and since 2006, these four organizations have provided an average combined net income of $4.3 billion.
The combined net assets of the four GBEs amounted to $17.6 billion at the end of the last fiscal year, about 13% of the government's total assets. With $8.6 billion in net assets, OPG makes up the largest share of assets, followed by Hydro One ($6.2 billion), OLG ($2.4 billion) and LCBO ($0.4 billion).
The OLG's Part in the Fiscal Plan & Recommendations
Focusing more specifically on the OLG; they are required under legislation to remit to the province a "win contribution" of 20% of gaming revenue from the privately operated Resort Casinos and Great Blue Heron Slot Machine Facility.
The OLG provides significant net income to the province, but operational efficiencies could be explored to improve the company’s margins while continuing to respect social responsibility and meet its conduct and management requirement for the operation of all lottery schemes. For example, a number of questionable business practices should, at a minimum, be reviewed from a value-for-money perspective.
* OLG maintains two offices, one each in Toronto and Sault Ste., Marie;
* OLG continues to operate Casino Niagara despite the opening of the permanent and considerably larger Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004;
* The Slots at Racetrack Initiative, which allows slot machines to be co-located at racetrack facilities only, earmarks a share of revenues generated from slots for racetrack owners and horse breeders. This amounted to $334 million in 2009-2010. Municipalities that play host to a racetrack also receive a share -- 5% of proceeds from the first 450 slot machines at the facility and 2% for each machine over that. This totalled $78 million in 2009-2010, and
* OLG purchases and provides lottery terminals to point-of-sale locations.
Finally, OLG should continue to seek new and innovative ways to deliver gaming in Ontario to increase its revenues. These include expanding existing business lines, creating new business lines (as it is doing for Internet gambling), and leveraging further private-sector involvement. In all such ventures, the OLG must remain mindful of its mandate to promote responsible gaming.
Recommendation 17-3: Improve the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's efficiency through, at a minimum, the following measures:
* Choose one of the two head offices;
* Close one of the two casinos in Niagara Falls;
* Allow slot machine operations at sites that are not co-located with horse racing venues; and
* Stop subsidizing the purchase and provision of lottery terminals to point-of-sale locations and begin to introduce other points of sale for lotteries
Recommendation 17-4: Re-evaluate, on a value-for-money basis, the practice of providing a portion of net slot revenues to the horse racing and breeding industry and municipalities in order to substantially reduce and better target that support.
Recommendation 17-5: Consider directing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to expand its existing business lines, develop new gaming opportunities and make effective use of private-sector involvement.
Ok, let's break this down; There are so many cost-cutting areas that the OLG could focus on WITHOUT ending the partnership with the horse racing industry, that it'll make your head spin! Hopefully future newspaper headlines will say "OLG Closing Their Sault Ste. Marie Head Office", or "Casino Niagara Ceases" (It's important to note that there is also Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel directly across the border in Niagara Falls, NY). They could also start introducing other point-of-sale locations that would better accommodate patrons geographically and/or demographically.
Personally, I think it very unfair to end the contract outright with the horse racing industry but still collect on the revenue generated by patrons who still are betting on the horses. Maybe I'm blind but in "Recommendation 17-4", I read the words "Re-evaluate", not "End the partnership outright with the horse racing industry". We can ask ourselves, "Was the industry making boatloads of cash before the Slots at Racetrack partnership agreement began in 1998?" The answer is "No", however, the positive ripple effects because of it extend much further than the racetrack only.
Within two weeks the OHRIA had a billboard up-and-running for their "value4money" website, which, don't get me wrong, is fantastic, but why couldn't we have had billboards up two years ago actually promoting growth within our industry? Why did it take the ending of a lucrative partnership with the OLG to start promoting ourselves?
Did we really do our fair share as an industry to keep growing? Imagine a billboard two years ago that read:
As an industry we must hold some accountability, and as well, we should ensure that our industry continues to grow and prosper with or without the aid of others.
"If you have no will to change it, you have no right to criticize it."
~Anonymous
"Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!"
Here is a recap: The government of Ontario owns four GBE's (Global Business Enterprises), each of which returns significant revenues to the province. Government Business Enterprises are government organizations that:
* Are separate legal entities with the power to contract in their own name;
* Have the financial and operating authority to carry on a business;
* Are principally focused on selling of the goods and services to individuals and non-government organizations; and
* Are able to maintain their operations and meet their obligations through revenues generated outside the government reporting entity.
The four GBE's are OLG (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp), LCBO (Liquor Control Board), OPG (Ontario Power Generation), and Hydro One. These four play a critical role in the province's fiscal condition. In 2010-2011, the four combined to produce net income of $4.6 billion and since 2006, these four organizations have provided an average combined net income of $4.3 billion.
The combined net assets of the four GBEs amounted to $17.6 billion at the end of the last fiscal year, about 13% of the government's total assets. With $8.6 billion in net assets, OPG makes up the largest share of assets, followed by Hydro One ($6.2 billion), OLG ($2.4 billion) and LCBO ($0.4 billion).
The OLG's Part in the Fiscal Plan & Recommendations
Focusing more specifically on the OLG; they are required under legislation to remit to the province a "win contribution" of 20% of gaming revenue from the privately operated Resort Casinos and Great Blue Heron Slot Machine Facility.
The OLG provides significant net income to the province, but operational efficiencies could be explored to improve the company’s margins while continuing to respect social responsibility and meet its conduct and management requirement for the operation of all lottery schemes. For example, a number of questionable business practices should, at a minimum, be reviewed from a value-for-money perspective.
* OLG maintains two offices, one each in Toronto and Sault Ste., Marie;
* OLG continues to operate Casino Niagara despite the opening of the permanent and considerably larger Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in 2004;
* The Slots at Racetrack Initiative, which allows slot machines to be co-located at racetrack facilities only, earmarks a share of revenues generated from slots for racetrack owners and horse breeders. This amounted to $334 million in 2009-2010. Municipalities that play host to a racetrack also receive a share -- 5% of proceeds from the first 450 slot machines at the facility and 2% for each machine over that. This totalled $78 million in 2009-2010, and
* OLG purchases and provides lottery terminals to point-of-sale locations.
Finally, OLG should continue to seek new and innovative ways to deliver gaming in Ontario to increase its revenues. These include expanding existing business lines, creating new business lines (as it is doing for Internet gambling), and leveraging further private-sector involvement. In all such ventures, the OLG must remain mindful of its mandate to promote responsible gaming.
Recommendation 17-3: Improve the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's efficiency through, at a minimum, the following measures:
* Choose one of the two head offices;
* Close one of the two casinos in Niagara Falls;
* Allow slot machine operations at sites that are not co-located with horse racing venues; and
* Stop subsidizing the purchase and provision of lottery terminals to point-of-sale locations and begin to introduce other points of sale for lotteries
Recommendation 17-4: Re-evaluate, on a value-for-money basis, the practice of providing a portion of net slot revenues to the horse racing and breeding industry and municipalities in order to substantially reduce and better target that support.
Recommendation 17-5: Consider directing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to expand its existing business lines, develop new gaming opportunities and make effective use of private-sector involvement.
Ok, let's break this down; There are so many cost-cutting areas that the OLG could focus on WITHOUT ending the partnership with the horse racing industry, that it'll make your head spin! Hopefully future newspaper headlines will say "OLG Closing Their Sault Ste. Marie Head Office", or "Casino Niagara Ceases" (It's important to note that there is also Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel directly across the border in Niagara Falls, NY). They could also start introducing other point-of-sale locations that would better accommodate patrons geographically and/or demographically.
Personally, I think it very unfair to end the contract outright with the horse racing industry but still collect on the revenue generated by patrons who still are betting on the horses. Maybe I'm blind but in "Recommendation 17-4", I read the words "Re-evaluate", not "End the partnership outright with the horse racing industry". We can ask ourselves, "Was the industry making boatloads of cash before the Slots at Racetrack partnership agreement began in 1998?" The answer is "No", however, the positive ripple effects because of it extend much further than the racetrack only.
Within two weeks the OHRIA had a billboard up-and-running for their "value4money" website, which, don't get me wrong, is fantastic, but why couldn't we have had billboards up two years ago actually promoting growth within our industry? Why did it take the ending of a lucrative partnership with the OLG to start promoting ourselves?
Did we really do our fair share as an industry to keep growing? Imagine a billboard two years ago that read:
As an industry we must hold some accountability, and as well, we should ensure that our industry continues to grow and prosper with or without the aid of others.
"If you have no will to change it, you have no right to criticize it."
~Anonymous
"Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!"
Thursday, March 15, 2012
It's A Numbers Game...Or Is It?
The OLG's fiscal year runs from March to March, with that being said, if Windsor, Hiawatha, and Fort Erie close on April 30, 2012, there's an estimated revenue loss of $100 million for the year; an estimated $4.5 million loss to the three municipalities involved, and no where to go for the estimated 2,059,846 million patrons that frequented these three casinos during the year.
It's pretty clear why these three casinos were targeted first; with Hiawatha Horse Park in direct competition with the Point Edward Casino, which is approximately 11 minutes away; Windsor Raceway Casino, well, that's a no-brainer, it's taking money away from Ceasars, which is about 16 minutes away; And Fort Erie was only standing on two legs to begin with since they were eyeing at closing that establishment two years ago. With it being in direct competition with the Niagara Consolidated casinos, seemed like a logical choice.
Fort Erie, which was established in 1897, is regarded as one of North America's most picturesque racetracks, and is filled with racing traditions...but apparently it's "getting in the way" of the almighty dollar! If people have no qualms about bulldozing over Windfield Farms, because of highest and best use issues, then why would people care about ANYTHING horse related and ANYTHING to better it? E.P. Taylor is probably rolling over in his grave right now!
Similar Issues Across The Border?
An excerpt from the Daily Chronicle states: "Back in October of 2011, former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar has been lobbying in favor of expanding gambling at Illinois' struggling horse tracks by adding slot machines under a bill passed by the Legislature in the spring. Edgar and others argue the machines could help save Illinois’ horse-racing industry, which many believe is on its last legs after the amount of money wagered last year plunging to a 35-year low.
'The [horse racing] industry is going to rise or fall on this,' said Edgar, who recently was among a delegation of horsemen that visited Springfield to lobby on the bill’s behalf. 'If it doesn’t happen, you could see horse racing pretty much disappear in Illinois.'
The measure certainly has the potential to bring more revenue to the tracks. But whether it would save them is less certain, and opponents aren’t sympathetic to the decline of the state’s oldest form of legalized gambling – already propped up, for now, with subsidies from Chicago-area riverboat casinos.
'If that sport is past its time, and people don’t want to go anymore, they should just let it die,' said Doug Dobmeyer, spokesman for the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago. 'Horse tracks are for horse racing, not mechanisms to get more people to gamble.'
Other states have found 'racinos' draw more people, even if they didn’t translate to actual increases in wagering on horses. Indiana’s two racinos, each allowed to have 2,000 slot machines, have seen their adjusted gross receipts surge from a combined $392 million in the 2009 fiscal year to $457 million last fiscal year. That’s despite seeing the amount of money wagered on horse racing drop from $190 million in 2005 to $139 million last year...."
In my opinion, the most idiotic quote in the above article comes from the spokesman for the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago; "If that sport is past its time, and people don't want to go anymore, they should just let it die" Um, excuse me, horse racing in North America dates back to 1665, and as far as harness racing goes, what the hell does he think chariot races were back in the Greek Olympics in 648 BC? Horse racing will continue, despite every negative obstacle that becomes lodged in its way. The real focus should be on how the industry can become self sufficient, but at the same time, move forward with the times.
Here's What The Racing Industry Will Lose
1. Horse Numbers and Value
a) broodmare numbers and broodmare values decline
b) stallion numbers and stallion values decline
c) a decline in overall horse numbers
d) decline in value for yearlings
e) decline in overall horses for racing
[A survey by Equine Guelph and OHHA (using data from 1998-2002) was done to show the benefits of the Slots at Racetrack partnership; the average increase in value per horse was 114% for mares, 372% for stallions, 109% for yearlings, and 43% for horses racing]
2. Employment
a) loss of workers; including both owners and employees
b) loss of full and part-time licensed grooms
c) loss of full and part-time licensed trainers
[From 1998-2002, there was a reported increase of 48% in workers (owners and employees), full and part-time licensed grooms increased 66% and 73% respectively, and full and part-time licensed trainers increased 27% and 59% respectively]
3. Investment Values
a) investment values of land, facilities and equipment will decrease
b) on a per owner basis, land and facility investment values will decrease
[Reported investment values of land, facilities and equipment also increased from $14.7 million to $30.1 million, an increase of a 105% during this study]
4. Racing-Related Revenue
a) purse revenue will decrease
b) the value of sales of horses
[Purse revenue had an increase in aggregate of 123%; the value of sale of horses also increased substantially to 239%. Other racing-related revenue reported in the survey more than doubled from $1.24 million to $2.84 million. Overall the aggregate value of racing-related revenue increased by 145%]
5. Horse Purchases and Operating Expenses
a) a decrease in expanded business activity and operating expenses
b) a decline in horse purchases
c) employee compensation decreases
[From 1998-2002 an increase in annual horse purchases and operating expenses increased 137%, with the largest amount of expenditures going into horse purchases, employee compensation, training and boarding, vet supplies, and feed and hay for horses under the care of the operator]
6. New Investment in Land, Facilities, and Equipment
a) the loss of incentive for horsemen to undertake long-term improvements/expansions
[Between 1998-2002, the survey showed that horse operators were now making substantial new investments in their business facilities, land, and equipment. Annual investments for these items by the sample respondents increased 657%-$1.71 million in 1998 to $12.9 million in 2002. This indicated that the presence of the slots revenue has provided substantial incentives for horse operators to undertake long-term improvements and expansions in their business]
7. Share of Expenditures-Rural Areas and Small Communities
a) loss of money spent within the community
b) loss of municipal revenue
[The survey showed that slots revenue has had a very beneficial effect on rural and small communities where most of the horse operator's money is spent. Respondents reported spending 73% of their expenditures in rural and small communities in 1998, increasing to 80% in 2002]
8. Economic Size
a) Loss of value and size of horse operator businesses
b) Loss of size of the overall industry
[The operators responding to this question indicated that without slots revenue their businesses in 2002 would have been only 43.2% the size and 36.6% the value of their business in 1998 (at the start of the slots revenue), and that the overall industry would have been only 53.2% as large. The respondents also indicated that with continued slots revenue, their businesses in 5 years would likely be 89.7% the size and 101.4% the value of their 2002 business, compared to only 28.3% the size and 26.3% the value if the slots revenue were terminated today. Clearly, the presence of the slots revenue has had a substantial impact on the standardbred horse industry and is essential for its continued viability.]
The Overall Conclusion:
"Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!"
It's pretty clear why these three casinos were targeted first; with Hiawatha Horse Park in direct competition with the Point Edward Casino, which is approximately 11 minutes away; Windsor Raceway Casino, well, that's a no-brainer, it's taking money away from Ceasars, which is about 16 minutes away; And Fort Erie was only standing on two legs to begin with since they were eyeing at closing that establishment two years ago. With it being in direct competition with the Niagara Consolidated casinos, seemed like a logical choice.
Fort Erie, which was established in 1897, is regarded as one of North America's most picturesque racetracks, and is filled with racing traditions...but apparently it's "getting in the way" of the almighty dollar! If people have no qualms about bulldozing over Windfield Farms, because of highest and best use issues, then why would people care about ANYTHING horse related and ANYTHING to better it? E.P. Taylor is probably rolling over in his grave right now!
Similar Issues Across The Border?
An excerpt from the Daily Chronicle states: "Back in October of 2011, former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar has been lobbying in favor of expanding gambling at Illinois' struggling horse tracks by adding slot machines under a bill passed by the Legislature in the spring. Edgar and others argue the machines could help save Illinois’ horse-racing industry, which many believe is on its last legs after the amount of money wagered last year plunging to a 35-year low.
'The [horse racing] industry is going to rise or fall on this,' said Edgar, who recently was among a delegation of horsemen that visited Springfield to lobby on the bill’s behalf. 'If it doesn’t happen, you could see horse racing pretty much disappear in Illinois.'
The measure certainly has the potential to bring more revenue to the tracks. But whether it would save them is less certain, and opponents aren’t sympathetic to the decline of the state’s oldest form of legalized gambling – already propped up, for now, with subsidies from Chicago-area riverboat casinos.
'If that sport is past its time, and people don’t want to go anymore, they should just let it die,' said Doug Dobmeyer, spokesman for the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago. 'Horse tracks are for horse racing, not mechanisms to get more people to gamble.'
Other states have found 'racinos' draw more people, even if they didn’t translate to actual increases in wagering on horses. Indiana’s two racinos, each allowed to have 2,000 slot machines, have seen their adjusted gross receipts surge from a combined $392 million in the 2009 fiscal year to $457 million last fiscal year. That’s despite seeing the amount of money wagered on horse racing drop from $190 million in 2005 to $139 million last year...."
In my opinion, the most idiotic quote in the above article comes from the spokesman for the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago; "If that sport is past its time, and people don't want to go anymore, they should just let it die" Um, excuse me, horse racing in North America dates back to 1665, and as far as harness racing goes, what the hell does he think chariot races were back in the Greek Olympics in 648 BC? Horse racing will continue, despite every negative obstacle that becomes lodged in its way. The real focus should be on how the industry can become self sufficient, but at the same time, move forward with the times.
Here's What The Racing Industry Will Lose
1. Horse Numbers and Value
a) broodmare numbers and broodmare values decline
b) stallion numbers and stallion values decline
c) a decline in overall horse numbers
d) decline in value for yearlings
e) decline in overall horses for racing
[A survey by Equine Guelph and OHHA (using data from 1998-2002) was done to show the benefits of the Slots at Racetrack partnership; the average increase in value per horse was 114% for mares, 372% for stallions, 109% for yearlings, and 43% for horses racing]
2. Employment
a) loss of workers; including both owners and employees
b) loss of full and part-time licensed grooms
c) loss of full and part-time licensed trainers
[From 1998-2002, there was a reported increase of 48% in workers (owners and employees), full and part-time licensed grooms increased 66% and 73% respectively, and full and part-time licensed trainers increased 27% and 59% respectively]
3. Investment Values
a) investment values of land, facilities and equipment will decrease
b) on a per owner basis, land and facility investment values will decrease
[Reported investment values of land, facilities and equipment also increased from $14.7 million to $30.1 million, an increase of a 105% during this study]
4. Racing-Related Revenue
a) purse revenue will decrease
b) the value of sales of horses
[Purse revenue had an increase in aggregate of 123%; the value of sale of horses also increased substantially to 239%. Other racing-related revenue reported in the survey more than doubled from $1.24 million to $2.84 million. Overall the aggregate value of racing-related revenue increased by 145%]
5. Horse Purchases and Operating Expenses
a) a decrease in expanded business activity and operating expenses
b) a decline in horse purchases
c) employee compensation decreases
[From 1998-2002 an increase in annual horse purchases and operating expenses increased 137%, with the largest amount of expenditures going into horse purchases, employee compensation, training and boarding, vet supplies, and feed and hay for horses under the care of the operator]
6. New Investment in Land, Facilities, and Equipment
a) the loss of incentive for horsemen to undertake long-term improvements/expansions
[Between 1998-2002, the survey showed that horse operators were now making substantial new investments in their business facilities, land, and equipment. Annual investments for these items by the sample respondents increased 657%-$1.71 million in 1998 to $12.9 million in 2002. This indicated that the presence of the slots revenue has provided substantial incentives for horse operators to undertake long-term improvements and expansions in their business]
7. Share of Expenditures-Rural Areas and Small Communities
a) loss of money spent within the community
b) loss of municipal revenue
[The survey showed that slots revenue has had a very beneficial effect on rural and small communities where most of the horse operator's money is spent. Respondents reported spending 73% of their expenditures in rural and small communities in 1998, increasing to 80% in 2002]
8. Economic Size
a) Loss of value and size of horse operator businesses
b) Loss of size of the overall industry
[The operators responding to this question indicated that without slots revenue their businesses in 2002 would have been only 43.2% the size and 36.6% the value of their business in 1998 (at the start of the slots revenue), and that the overall industry would have been only 53.2% as large. The respondents also indicated that with continued slots revenue, their businesses in 5 years would likely be 89.7% the size and 101.4% the value of their 2002 business, compared to only 28.3% the size and 26.3% the value if the slots revenue were terminated today. Clearly, the presence of the slots revenue has had a substantial impact on the standardbred horse industry and is essential for its continued viability.]
The Overall Conclusion:
"Overall, the provision of slots revenue to standardbred horse operations has created many benefits for the horse industry, the overall agricultural sector, and the Ontario economy in general. The horse industry in turn has been one of the few bright spots in the agricultural industry in recent years, as the overall agriculture sector has faced growing competition, low prices, and periodic problems with adverse weather and disease. Continued support through slots revenue for the horse component of the horse racing industry has the potential for maintaining the current viability of this industry for many years into the future."
"Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!"
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
And They're Off...!!!
Wow! That certainly didn't take long for the OLG to obliterate 3 casinos! As of April 30, 2012, Windsor, Hiawatha, and Fort Erie will be the first three on the chopping block, and according to the OLG fourth quarter fiscal report (2010-2011), that's approximately 574 OLG employees total--and does NOT include the associated jobs affiliated with the horse racing aspect! Seems that protection of Ceasars Windsor, Niagara Fallsview and Point Edward Casinos are the reasoning behind these three racetrack/casino closures?
You can read through the OLG Strategic Business Review
I've been pretty quiet lately about speaking up with regards to what the Ontario Liberal Government is doing to the horse racing industry -- well, no longer. As I sit writing this blog, I keep glancing at the London Free Press' bold-lettered headlines -- "McGuinty's Big Gamble". As of March 13, 2013, the province will pull the plug on slot revenue for the horse-racing industry, which will, in turn, annihilate the sector.
But wait a minute...was this in the master plan when Finance Minister Dwight Duncan tapped Paul Godfrey--a well-connected businessman, newspaper publisher and former Metro Toronto chairman--to head a new OLG board on February 19, 2010.
In a nutshell, the Ontario Government will halt the annual payments of $345 million as of March 13, 2013, with the province arguing that the money is better spent on health and education, and of course, to reduce the overall deficit. But wait a minute...back in June of 2011, the OLG paid out $2 billion in cash to the province after a year of record-breaking revenue. The $2 billion payout -- the biggest since 2003 -- was drawn from the $6.7 billion in total revenue the OLG earned for the fiscal year ending March 31. And yes, the OLG staff also got their share of the revenue boom; $11.6 million was spent topping off staff paychecks even though salaries were frozen under a governement "belt-tightening" drive.
Ironically, in early March of this year, Toronto mayor Tom Ford recently asked Paul Godfrey and the OLG to fund an overhaul on the underground transit expansion that would specifically include an extension to the Sheppard line, but was answered with a flat-out "No". "If we did a special purpose lottery for Toronto, how long do you think the line is going to be of municipalities across Ontario that would ask for similar things for swimming pools or skating rinks", Godfrey said. But wait a minute...If the OLG plans to contruct a casino in the GTA within the next 5 to 7 years, would the public not need adequate and updated transit to access it? Meaning that the OLG can eventually fund this project without a guilty conscience because A) They've freed up funds by pulling the plug on the horse-racing industry, and B) They now have a legitimate reason for the upgrades, without getting backlash or asking for hand-outs from other municipalities.
Why An Isolated Casino in the GTA - In Fiscal Terms
In a quarterly performance report for OLG resort casinos (Third quarter of fiscal 2008 - 2009 [October - December]), Ceasars Windsor, Casino Rama, and Consolidated Niagara reported a third quarter gaming revenue of $349.1 million, with a year to date revenue of $1,093.9 million. These establishments below are NOT directly associated with a horse track venue, which could be why the OLG is looking to the greater Toronto area for their casino and NOT at Woodbine or Mowhawk -- Simply put, it attracts more money to be put in the downtown core AND offer a resort-like setting--WITHOUT the smell of horse sh#t around you!
Note: The Ontario Government receives 20% of gross gaming revenue from resort casinos and 100% of profits from Ceasars Windsor, Casino Niagara, and Niagara Fallsview. Net revenue from Casino Rama are distributed to Ontario's First Nations. As compensation for hosting a resort casino, the hosts cities of Windsor and Niagara Falls, each receive $2.6 million annualy for ten years, following $3 million annualy for the next ten years (commencing May 1, 2008 at Windsor)
But wait a minute...A fourth quarter fiscal report from the OLG for 2010-2011 (January to March) states that the OLG Slots at Racetracks produced a fourth quarter revenue of $411.7 million, with a year to date of $1,734.5 million. Of that year to date revenue, $161.7 million went to horse people, $175.8 million went to the racetrack, $60.1 million to the municipalities, and $185.3 million to OLG employees. A total of 18,267,943 patrons attended the racetrack/casino establishments during this fiscal year, while 14,625,998 patrons visited the larger, non-racetrack resorts (Ceasars Windsor, Casino Rama, and Consolidated Niagara) in 2008. Are we saying that the racetrack/casino establishments can't carry themselves economically? On top of the loss of the $345 million to the racing industry, we're cutting the $60.1 million distributed to the 18 participating municipalities -- an average of $3.3 million dollars cut from each municipal budget.
In a 2010-2011 public account document, the OLG committed to the establishment of an additional Slots at Racetrack operation at an estimated cost of $18,954,000; An amendment that would take them to the year 2016; quoted below:
g. OLG Casinos and Slots
The Corporation is committed to the establishment of an additional Slots at Racetrack operation at an estimated cost of $18,954,000. In connection with the terms of an amending agreement and assignment, consent and acknowledgement agreement between the Corporation and a Slots at Racetrack site holder, the Corporation agreed to provide the site holder with payments which commenced December 31, 2009 in the amount of $5,600,000 per annum for three years in lieu of a predetermined percentage of revenue from slots.
In connection with the terms of an amending agreement and an assignment, consent and acknowledgement agreement between the Corporation and a Slots at Racetrack site holder, the Corporation agreed to amend the horse racing industry payment during the five-year period commencing January 1, 2011 to a predetermined amount of $8,000,000 per annum in lieu of a predetermined percentage of revenue from slots.
Would this not commit the OLG to at least 2016?
Further Notes:
Clinton, Dresden, and Hanover racetracks are the lowest revenue producers, have the lowest patron attendance, and provide jobs for approximately 276 OLG employees, NOT including the jobs of horsemen. Look out people, you could be next!
Is it not time for action? Why is it that the OLG/government refuses to do absolutely NOTHING in order to maintain a marriage with the horse racing industry?
On a personal note; I have a Stonebridge Regal foal due near the end of April 2012 and I shutter to think that I may very well have to train him to be a riding horse..The OLG and the Liberal government should split the cost of my $4000 stud fee!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
You can read through the OLG Strategic Business Review
I've been pretty quiet lately about speaking up with regards to what the Ontario Liberal Government is doing to the horse racing industry -- well, no longer. As I sit writing this blog, I keep glancing at the London Free Press' bold-lettered headlines -- "McGuinty's Big Gamble". As of March 13, 2013, the province will pull the plug on slot revenue for the horse-racing industry, which will, in turn, annihilate the sector.
But wait a minute...was this in the master plan when Finance Minister Dwight Duncan tapped Paul Godfrey--a well-connected businessman, newspaper publisher and former Metro Toronto chairman--to head a new OLG board on February 19, 2010.
In a nutshell, the Ontario Government will halt the annual payments of $345 million as of March 13, 2013, with the province arguing that the money is better spent on health and education, and of course, to reduce the overall deficit. But wait a minute...back in June of 2011, the OLG paid out $2 billion in cash to the province after a year of record-breaking revenue. The $2 billion payout -- the biggest since 2003 -- was drawn from the $6.7 billion in total revenue the OLG earned for the fiscal year ending March 31. And yes, the OLG staff also got their share of the revenue boom; $11.6 million was spent topping off staff paychecks even though salaries were frozen under a governement "belt-tightening" drive.
Ironically, in early March of this year, Toronto mayor Tom Ford recently asked Paul Godfrey and the OLG to fund an overhaul on the underground transit expansion that would specifically include an extension to the Sheppard line, but was answered with a flat-out "No". "If we did a special purpose lottery for Toronto, how long do you think the line is going to be of municipalities across Ontario that would ask for similar things for swimming pools or skating rinks", Godfrey said. But wait a minute...If the OLG plans to contruct a casino in the GTA within the next 5 to 7 years, would the public not need adequate and updated transit to access it? Meaning that the OLG can eventually fund this project without a guilty conscience because A) They've freed up funds by pulling the plug on the horse-racing industry, and B) They now have a legitimate reason for the upgrades, without getting backlash or asking for hand-outs from other municipalities.
Why An Isolated Casino in the GTA - In Fiscal Terms
In a quarterly performance report for OLG resort casinos (Third quarter of fiscal 2008 - 2009 [October - December]), Ceasars Windsor, Casino Rama, and Consolidated Niagara reported a third quarter gaming revenue of $349.1 million, with a year to date revenue of $1,093.9 million. These establishments below are NOT directly associated with a horse track venue, which could be why the OLG is looking to the greater Toronto area for their casino and NOT at Woodbine or Mowhawk -- Simply put, it attracts more money to be put in the downtown core AND offer a resort-like setting--WITHOUT the smell of horse sh#t around you!
 |
|
Note: The Ontario Government receives 20% of gross gaming revenue from resort casinos and 100% of profits from Ceasars Windsor, Casino Niagara, and Niagara Fallsview. Net revenue from Casino Rama are distributed to Ontario's First Nations. As compensation for hosting a resort casino, the hosts cities of Windsor and Niagara Falls, each receive $2.6 million annualy for ten years, following $3 million annualy for the next ten years (commencing May 1, 2008 at Windsor)
But wait a minute...A fourth quarter fiscal report from the OLG for 2010-2011 (January to March) states that the OLG Slots at Racetracks produced a fourth quarter revenue of $411.7 million, with a year to date of $1,734.5 million. Of that year to date revenue, $161.7 million went to horse people, $175.8 million went to the racetrack, $60.1 million to the municipalities, and $185.3 million to OLG employees. A total of 18,267,943 patrons attended the racetrack/casino establishments during this fiscal year, while 14,625,998 patrons visited the larger, non-racetrack resorts (Ceasars Windsor, Casino Rama, and Consolidated Niagara) in 2008. Are we saying that the racetrack/casino establishments can't carry themselves economically? On top of the loss of the $345 million to the racing industry, we're cutting the $60.1 million distributed to the 18 participating municipalities -- an average of $3.3 million dollars cut from each municipal budget.
In a 2010-2011 public account document, the OLG committed to the establishment of an additional Slots at Racetrack operation at an estimated cost of $18,954,000; An amendment that would take them to the year 2016; quoted below:
g. OLG Casinos and Slots
The Corporation is committed to the establishment of an additional Slots at Racetrack operation at an estimated cost of $18,954,000. In connection with the terms of an amending agreement and assignment, consent and acknowledgement agreement between the Corporation and a Slots at Racetrack site holder, the Corporation agreed to provide the site holder with payments which commenced December 31, 2009 in the amount of $5,600,000 per annum for three years in lieu of a predetermined percentage of revenue from slots.
In connection with the terms of an amending agreement and an assignment, consent and acknowledgement agreement between the Corporation and a Slots at Racetrack site holder, the Corporation agreed to amend the horse racing industry payment during the five-year period commencing January 1, 2011 to a predetermined amount of $8,000,000 per annum in lieu of a predetermined percentage of revenue from slots.
Would this not commit the OLG to at least 2016?
Further Notes:
Clinton, Dresden, and Hanover racetracks are the lowest revenue producers, have the lowest patron attendance, and provide jobs for approximately 276 OLG employees, NOT including the jobs of horsemen. Look out people, you could be next!
Is it not time for action? Why is it that the OLG/government refuses to do absolutely NOTHING in order to maintain a marriage with the horse racing industry?
On a personal note; I have a Stonebridge Regal foal due near the end of April 2012 and I shutter to think that I may very well have to train him to be a riding horse..The OLG and the Liberal government should split the cost of my $4000 stud fee!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Remembering Cam Fella
"He was aptly named 'The Pacing Machine.' He was 'The People's Horse,' the legendary Cam Fella, who after his retirement from stud was taken on a tour of major raceways and small-town tracks across North America to raise money for charity, attracting large crowds to greet him at every stop.
Cam Fella was Canada's standardbred equivalent to thoroughbred's Northern Dancer. Like "The Dancer", Cam Fella was not only a great racehorse, but an incredibly majestic sire of champions and world record holders. He did more than any horse to focus public attention on harness racing during the 1980s, challenging all comers at tracks across North America. His feats endeared him to countless fans, many of whom formed an entourage that traveled to wherever Cam Fella raced.
On the track he had the will to overcome seemingly insurmountable leads by his foes. He simply refused to be beaten. His regular driver and trainer, Pat Crowe, said: "losing just wasn't in Cam's book." Dave Perkins in The Toronto Star wrote, "He was from his own competitive planet, known for going only (but absolutely) as fast as necessary. He did his winning face-to-face, looking the competition in the eye and not letting it past." His exploits became legendary. Consider his race record, which ended in 1984 on the crest of 28 consecutive victories, and earnings of over $2 million, which at the time made him the richest pacer in history.
Canadian trainer Doug Arthur paid $19,000 for the son of Most Happy Fella at the 1980 Tattersalls Sales in Lexington, Ky. At two the colt won three of 11 starts, breaking stride and being disqualified on three occasions. A 2:00.2f win in his final start of 1981 in the Valedictory Series at Greenwood Raceway prompted Norm Clements of Uxbridge and Norm Faulkner of Stouffville to buy the colt for US$140,000. For the next two years he won 58 races in 69 starts. In 1982 and '83 he was voted Horse of the Year by both the USTA and the CTA. His wins at age three included the Cane Pace, Queen City Pace (now called the North America Cup), Monticello-OTB Classic, Prix d'Ete, Messenger, Provincial Cup and the Confederation Cup. At four his 30 wins in 36 starts included the Stewart Fraser Memorial, Canadian Pacing Derby, B.C. Classic, World Cup, Graduate and Driscoll Series, Frank Ryan Memorial, American-National Maturity, Blue Bonnets Challenge Cup, Mohawk Gold Cup and U.S. Pacing Championships at Roosevelt and Sportsmans Park.
Retired to stud in New Jersey, Cam Fella became one of the greatest progenitors in the history of the standardbred horse. He sired 1,002 foals. His offspring accumulated $106.9 million and included 16 winners of at least $1 million and 268 performers that earned $100,000 or more. His millionaires include Eternal Camnation, Presidential Ball, Cams Card Shark, Precious Bunny and Camluck. His daughters proved to be prolific producers as well. Jennas Beach Boy (p,4, 1:47.3) and winner of $1.9 million is out of one of Cam's daughters. Cam's stud career ended in 1997 when he had to be gelded because of cancer. To ensure that Cam Fella's "unparalleled contributions to the sport are never forgotten," Standardbred Canada established "The Cam Fella Award" to recognize extreme effort and dedication to Canadian harness racing by an individual or group." The Canadian Racing Hall of Fame
So, while venturing off to a myriad of antique stores once again today, I came across an old framed photo of a "Hunt Scene", you know, the ones with the hounds and horn blowing riders? So you ask..."What does THAT have to do with Cam Fella"? Absolutely nothing! It was the print BEHIND it that really caught my attention. An old framed poster of Cam Fella, signed by his driver, Pat Crowe! Here it is below:
There's no date on it, just the autograph of Pat Crowe! And of course, nothing to be found on the internet as to where this poster came from. So, once again, I ask if anyone knows anything about this poster or even it's value (I got it for next to nothing as far as I'm concerned), please let me know!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Cam Fella was Canada's standardbred equivalent to thoroughbred's Northern Dancer. Like "The Dancer", Cam Fella was not only a great racehorse, but an incredibly majestic sire of champions and world record holders. He did more than any horse to focus public attention on harness racing during the 1980s, challenging all comers at tracks across North America. His feats endeared him to countless fans, many of whom formed an entourage that traveled to wherever Cam Fella raced.
On the track he had the will to overcome seemingly insurmountable leads by his foes. He simply refused to be beaten. His regular driver and trainer, Pat Crowe, said: "losing just wasn't in Cam's book." Dave Perkins in The Toronto Star wrote, "He was from his own competitive planet, known for going only (but absolutely) as fast as necessary. He did his winning face-to-face, looking the competition in the eye and not letting it past." His exploits became legendary. Consider his race record, which ended in 1984 on the crest of 28 consecutive victories, and earnings of over $2 million, which at the time made him the richest pacer in history.
Canadian trainer Doug Arthur paid $19,000 for the son of Most Happy Fella at the 1980 Tattersalls Sales in Lexington, Ky. At two the colt won three of 11 starts, breaking stride and being disqualified on three occasions. A 2:00.2f win in his final start of 1981 in the Valedictory Series at Greenwood Raceway prompted Norm Clements of Uxbridge and Norm Faulkner of Stouffville to buy the colt for US$140,000. For the next two years he won 58 races in 69 starts. In 1982 and '83 he was voted Horse of the Year by both the USTA and the CTA. His wins at age three included the Cane Pace, Queen City Pace (now called the North America Cup), Monticello-OTB Classic, Prix d'Ete, Messenger, Provincial Cup and the Confederation Cup. At four his 30 wins in 36 starts included the Stewart Fraser Memorial, Canadian Pacing Derby, B.C. Classic, World Cup, Graduate and Driscoll Series, Frank Ryan Memorial, American-National Maturity, Blue Bonnets Challenge Cup, Mohawk Gold Cup and U.S. Pacing Championships at Roosevelt and Sportsmans Park.
Retired to stud in New Jersey, Cam Fella became one of the greatest progenitors in the history of the standardbred horse. He sired 1,002 foals. His offspring accumulated $106.9 million and included 16 winners of at least $1 million and 268 performers that earned $100,000 or more. His millionaires include Eternal Camnation, Presidential Ball, Cams Card Shark, Precious Bunny and Camluck. His daughters proved to be prolific producers as well. Jennas Beach Boy (p,4, 1:47.3) and winner of $1.9 million is out of one of Cam's daughters. Cam's stud career ended in 1997 when he had to be gelded because of cancer. To ensure that Cam Fella's "unparalleled contributions to the sport are never forgotten," Standardbred Canada established "The Cam Fella Award" to recognize extreme effort and dedication to Canadian harness racing by an individual or group." The Canadian Racing Hall of Fame
So, while venturing off to a myriad of antique stores once again today, I came across an old framed photo of a "Hunt Scene", you know, the ones with the hounds and horn blowing riders? So you ask..."What does THAT have to do with Cam Fella"? Absolutely nothing! It was the print BEHIND it that really caught my attention. An old framed poster of Cam Fella, signed by his driver, Pat Crowe! Here it is below:
There's no date on it, just the autograph of Pat Crowe! And of course, nothing to be found on the internet as to where this poster came from. So, once again, I ask if anyone knows anything about this poster or even it's value (I got it for next to nothing as far as I'm concerned), please let me know!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Monday, January 16, 2012
A Blast From The Past!
As many of you know, I love antiquing, especially for harness racing memorabilia! So on Friday I received a call from one of my many "anitque connections", telling me that someone just dropped off a box of old harness racing photos! Of course I jumped at the chance to see them and hopefully acquire them! He even mentioned on the phone that one of the win photos was of MEADOW SKIPPER!! I literally choked and had coffee come out of my nose when he said that! "Really?", I said, "Meadow Skipper? You have a win photo of MEADOW SKIPPER??". "Yep", he said. Ok, there's no way in hell that this guy has a win photo of Meadow Skipper, one of the most predominent foundation sires of harness racing. The stallion that sired Albatross (sire of Niatross), Most Happy Fella, Ralph Hanover, Chairmanoftheboard and Naughty But Nice, to name a few! Muttering to myself of how lucky I was, I jumped in my truck and drove frantically down the road....I made it to the next concession in 2:02....not a bad time!! Anyways...refusing to break any more laws I slowed down and imagined how I would possibly get out of a speeding ticket by telling the OPP officer that there was a win photo of Meadow Skipper waiting for me......
I bulldozed through the guy's unplowed driveway and parked half-cocked in front of the door. I actually forgot to put the damn truck in park, but luckily remembered in the nick of time. The guy was in the driveway, wide-eyed, telling me how fast I made it. Rushing by him towards the front door of his shop, all that I remember saying to him were four words, "Meadow" - - -"Skipper" - - - - - "Win Photo"..........
He pulled out the rat sh$t infested box and I scurried through the photos.......only to find a MEADOW SKIPPER PROMO PIECE!! UGH!!! This isn't a damn win photo, I thought to myself....But this guy knows nothing about harness racing and I wanted to keep a good rapport with him for future acquisitions.
I then began to take a good look at some of the photos, and while there were not any horses that were extremely famous, there were some drivers and horses from my area.....so I bought the box.
Below are some of the findings:
And.... the Stallion promo pieces:
Bret Hanover: 1964 Horse of The Year and all-time money winning 2-Year-Old. Bay colt 1962 by Adios p, 1:57.1/2-Brenna Hanover p, 2:01 by Tar Heel p, 1:57. Bred by The Hanover Shoe Farms, Inc., Hanover, Pa.; owned by Richard Downing, Cleveland, Ohio. Trained by Frank Ervin, and driven to his record by Don Miller.
Meadow Skipper: World Champion 3-Year-Old Pacer. Bay horse 1960 by Dale Frost p, 1:58-Countess Vivian p, 3, 1:59 by King's Counsel p, 1:58. Bred by C.S. Hayes, Columbus, Ohio; owned by Clearview Stables, Winthrop, Me. Trained and driven by Earle Avery.
Even though there was no "win photo" of Meadow Skipper, I am acquiring more and more harness racing history....These photos, along with my aged OSS trophies....that NO ONE seems to have any info on, will have there own special spots within my collection......And to think....these photos were going to be thrown out!! I believe the photos above showing D. Campbell (Dunc Campbell) and Jack Campbell are the grandfather and father to the legendary John Campbell, currently harness racing's all-time leading catch driver in money won with....Considered by many to be the best driver in harness racing history!
You can read more about John Campbell here
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
I bulldozed through the guy's unplowed driveway and parked half-cocked in front of the door. I actually forgot to put the damn truck in park, but luckily remembered in the nick of time. The guy was in the driveway, wide-eyed, telling me how fast I made it. Rushing by him towards the front door of his shop, all that I remember saying to him were four words, "Meadow" - - -"Skipper" - - - - - "Win Photo"..........
He pulled out the rat sh$t infested box and I scurried through the photos.......only to find a MEADOW SKIPPER PROMO PIECE!! UGH!!! This isn't a damn win photo, I thought to myself....But this guy knows nothing about harness racing and I wanted to keep a good rapport with him for future acquisitions.
I then began to take a good look at some of the photos, and while there were not any horses that were extremely famous, there were some drivers and horses from my area.....so I bought the box.
Below are some of the findings:
 |
| Horse: Popular Jerry-Photo-August 16, 1969 |
 |
| Horse: Popular Jerry-Time: 2:10-Dresden Raceway-Driver: D. Campbell August 16, 1969 |
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| Horse: Skippy Volo-Time: 2:09.1-Western Fair Raceway-Driver: Terry Kerr November 9, 1974 |
 |
| Horse: Miss Amber Abbie-Time: 2:09-Mohawk-Driver: Jack Campbell October 2, 1963 |
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| Miss Amber Abbie Win Photo-Mohawk-October 2, 1963 |
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| Horse: Popular Jerry-Time: 2:07.4-Western Fair-Driver: Jack Campbell June 4, 1971 |
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| Popular Jerry Win Photo-Western Fair-June 4, 1971 |
And.... the Stallion promo pieces:
 |
| Bret Hanover p, 2, 1:57.2/5 |
 |
| Meadow Skipper |
Even though there was no "win photo" of Meadow Skipper, I am acquiring more and more harness racing history....These photos, along with my aged OSS trophies....that NO ONE seems to have any info on, will have there own special spots within my collection......And to think....these photos were going to be thrown out!! I believe the photos above showing D. Campbell (Dunc Campbell) and Jack Campbell are the grandfather and father to the legendary John Campbell, currently harness racing's all-time leading catch driver in money won with....Considered by many to be the best driver in harness racing history!
You can read more about John Campbell here
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
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