Gulfstream Park’s unusual GPTARP slots petition has Florida horsemen wary, Daily Racing Form’s Matt Hegarty Reports

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

Daily Racing Form Reports on Florida Thoroughbred Horse Racing

An unusual regulatory petition is stirring confusion among Florida horsemen and breeders who do not know whether the request to the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering  indicates an attempt by GPTARP, as it is known, to conduct an end-run around legal requirements for a binding agreement with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA).

“GPTARP,” the acronym for “Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Retirement Program,” is the new name for Gulfstream’s decades-old Quarter Horse permit, which was converted this past February 2013 into a Thoroughbred permit.

Last year, “GPTARP,” a non-profit entity, also sought to be declared as the lowest pari-mutuel revenue generator for a certain time period, so as to secure a “Summer Jai Alai” permit that would then, in turn, allow it to re-apply for another Quarter Horse permit.  The State of Florida turned down the request,  which was based on a phony “race” staged on April 8, 2012, featuring two Gretna “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” women dressed up as jockeys and mounted on aged horses of questionable breeding that were bedecked in Western-style saddles.  The horses, one of which had been entered the same day as the “race,” were started at the drop of a flag.  Shockingly, wagering was offered on the event, which had not even been sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association as being a legitimate Quarter Horse race.  To round out GPTARP’s “meet,” a Thoroughbred race at Gulfstream on December 31, 2011 had been run under the GPTARP permit (likely unbeknownst to the entries’ connections).  It is predicated on these two “races” that GPTARP’s 2,000 slot machines would be installed, if allowed.

Also a remaining question is whether the GPTARP permit is domiciled in Miami-Dade or Broward.  The case is mired in administrative litigation.  Certainly, the actual location of GPTARP’s address given in the March 7, 2013 petition is troubling, with its “corporate offices” located on or off Gulfstream’s property, depending upon the source consulted.  According to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser, the address does not exist.

But Tim Ritvo, general manager of Gulfstream Park, said horsemen have no reason to fear the plans of GPTARP.  He said that under a contract the track reached with horsemen earlier this year “they are guaranteed a share of any revenue from slot machines if we exercise the permit.” The contract runs for at least 25 years, Ritvo said.

So why is GPTARP seeking clarification of the statute regarding the requirement to have an agreement with horsemen and breeders?

Matt Hegarty of the Daily Racing Form reports here:  http://www.drf.com/news/gulfstream-park-slots-petition-has-horsemen-wary 

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, GPTARP, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Ruling–National News Coverage This Week

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
May 8, 2013

In a story Monday about a ruling involving the facility running barrel races in Gretna, the News Service incorrectly said, based on information from the source, that the parent company of Gretna Racing would appeal a DOAH ruling saying its license was invalid. Neither Gretna Racing, nor its parent company PCI Gaming, was actually a party to the case, and thus has no apparent standing to appeal.  An intervenor in the case is the Florida Quarter Horse Track Association, which shares leadership with Gretna, and of which Gretna Racing is a member. The actual party which lost was the state Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

 

Other media reports on the ruling follow . . .

Daily Racing Form:  Florida judge rejects track license

A Florida administrative law judge has struck down a decision by the state’s parimutuel regulator to award a license to a north Florida track that offers betting on barrel racing.

 

Miami Herald (Associated Press):  Panhandle barrel racing track loses legal fight ‎

An administrative judge has ruled that state regulators ignored the law when they allowed a Panhandle horse track to use barrel racing as way to bring gambling to a small town near the state capital.

 

Palm Beach Post:  Administrative judge nixes barrel racing licenses

The state of Florida erred when it licensed barrel racing at two North Florida racetracks, an administrative law judge ruled today.

 

Sunshine State News:  Judge Pulls the Reins In on Florida Barrel-Race Gambling

An administrative court judge ruled Monday that a state agency exceeded its authority two years ago when it gave gambling licenses to two North Florida barrel horse racing tracks.

 

Blood Horse:  Judge Rules Barrel Racing in Violation of Law

An administrative judge has ruled that state regulators ignored the law when they allowed a Panhandle horse track to use barrel racing as way to bring gambling to a small town near the state capital.

 

The News Service of Florida via Florida Baptist Witness:  Judge rules Gretna barrel racing license violated state law

Horse barrel racing shouldn’t have been approved by a state agency for wagering in Florida, an administrative law judge ruled May 6.

 

WTVT and WOFL FOX-TV:  Panhandle barrel racing track loses legal fight

An administrative judge is ruling that the state was wrong to let a Panhandle track conduct barrel racing.

 

TheHorse.com:  Judge Rules Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing in Violation of Law

The ruling follows months of taxpayer-funded litigation in defense by of pari-mutuel barrel racing, for which there is no legislative authorization.

 

WFSU:  Florida Judge Strikes Down Gretna Barrel Racing

A Judge in Tallahassee has ruled that Florida can’t allow a certain type of horse racing. The ruling against what’s called “pari-mutuel barrel racing” came after 16 months of hearings.

 

Blog:  Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing, We Hardly Knew Ye

An administrative law judge (ALJ) in Florida has issued a final ruling that has determined the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (DPMW) in Florida improperly issued a license for race dates to Gretna Entertainment for barrel racing.

 

U.S. Trotting/Standardbred Canada:  Ruling Against Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing

After 16 long months of hearings and legal challenges, an administrative law judge in Tallahassee has ruled that the State of Florida cannot allow the conduct of pari-mutuel barrel racing under current law.

 

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, GPTARP, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

State Policy Allowing “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Struck Down by Florida Administrative Law Judge

Posted on May 6, 2013 by

Statement from United Florida Horsemen on the “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Ruling Issued on May 6, 2013:

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE STRIKES DOWN STATE OF FLORIDA POLICY ALLOWING “PARI-MUTUEL BARREL RACING”

After 16 long months of hearings and legal challenges, an administrative law judge in Tallahassee has ruled that the State of Florida cannot allow the conduct of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” under current law.

The ruling follows months of taxpayer-funded litigation in vehement defense by the State of a new gambling product that was never legislated, never received a regulatory hearing or any public input.

“The State of Florida should be pleased with this ruling,” said Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association President Dr. Steve Fisch.  “It is well-written and consistent with the law.  This ruling will lend confidence to both Florida Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred breeders and owners that Florida is a legally safe and prosperous state in which to race and breed a superior horse.”

“The fact is, the majority of the barrel horse industry was against pari-mutuel barrel racing, since the ‘Gretna Model’ that was used did not provide the economic stimulus that was promised to their industry.  The leadership at National Barrel Horse Association seems to be pleased with the ruling.  Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds alike can now race and breed without the fear that one of Florida’s major economic engines that produces thousands of the nation’s best race horses and provides tens of thousands of jobs would otherwise have been reduced to a farce that would only have required as few as 10 to 12 horses at a day’s performance, producing virtually no additional net jobs.

“The Florida Quarter Horse industry has produced multiple world champion racing Quarter Horses and four winners of the $2.4 million All-American Futurity.  The growth of both Florida’s Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred industries industry has been severely stymied by these questionable activities over the past few years.  But now, with this ruling, the thousands of owners and breeders of Florida race horses can get on with their business of producing jobs and green space for Floridians.

“As for Florida’s professional racing industry horsemen who have fought this battle, we have essentially paid the litigation bill at both ends.  And, we have endured the irony of knowing the very same owners of that new gambling product were actually litigating on behalf of the State of Florida against us.

“But this trial has been about far more than serving justice for an outright hijack of Florida’s legislative and regulatory process by a few special interests.

“Our fight has been about protecting the Florida horse racing industry’s $2.2 billion annual contribution to Florida’s economy that brings solid business, tourism and jobs to our state, as well as national and international prestige in the finest international horse racing communities.

“Our industry creates over 104,000 documented annual jobs in Florida, and we have weathered this spurious litigation to protect them.  Literally, as the “Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” model and its proliferating hybrids are substituted for legitimate horse racing by pari-mutuel permitholders as an end-run around Florida’s statutory requirements for slot machines and card rooms, thousands of horse racing and breeding jobs and businesses that would have otherwise been created have never had a chance to materialize.

“Thus, our battle has been about ensuring that generations of people, families and businesses that have built their livelihoods on horse racing can continue to invest and grow in Florida.

“It also has been about protecting the wagering public by ensuring the integrity of our product through the careful oversight of our independent horsemen’s associations.

“As this audacious case has dragged on, our policymakers have come to realize what we horsemen knew all along—that Gretna Racing LLC’s “pari-mutuel barrel racing” was simply the pilot project to bypass state and federal laws that protect and ensure integrity in the wagering and racing product throughout America.   But by virtually eliminating the need for horses, independent horsemen and legitimate racing, the “Gretna Model” creates nothing but an economic black hole.

“Indeed, those who otherwise would have invested in Florida horse racing and breeding have watched in in amazement as our industry stood under attack—all because of clever lawyering and loopholes that have now run amok.

“As lawful, independent and statutory horsemen’s organizations that have historically functioned as partners with Florida’s pari-mutuel permitholders to produce hundreds of millions in revenue and economic impact, our members hope to once again regard Florida as a permanent home, and that we prosper together in growing our economy as was the intent of awarding pari-mutuel permits to begin with.

“Simply, Florida’s economy and gambling landscape benefits exponentially with legitimate racing, but becomes a special interest vortex without it.

“On behalf of our owners, trainers and countless tireless workers who make Florida horse racing successful on both the national and international level, we are committed to ensuring our sport stays legitimate, so it can be enjoyed by generations to come.

“Remember, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.’”

 

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, GPTARP, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Horse Racing, Breeding an Economic Mega-Engine–Here’s Proof–WATCH LIVE

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

Florida Thoroughbred Horse Sales Nearly 50% over 2012; Watch the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Webcast Live!

Those who were unaware that Florida’s horse racing and breeding industry is a great investment may be stunned to learn prices for Ocala Thoroughbred horses are skyrocketing this week by nearly 50 percent over 2012.

Michael Compton of the Blood Horse, an international Thoroughbred breeding publication, reports that yesterday, the first day of the sale, 189 horses brought a first-day spring sale record total of $11,372,500, compared with 186 horses selling for $7,533,000 at last year’s opening session. The $60,172 session average, also a record, soared 48.6 percent from last year’s first day average of $40,500.  The $37,000 median price rose 48 percent, compared with $25,000 a year ago.

A filly by Limehouse (Hip No. 292), brought $320,000 from Alex and JoAnn Lieblong to top yesterday’s opening session.

“This serious distraction of ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing,’ its hybrids and related spurious lawsuits over the constitutionality of independent horsemen’s associations have the real potential of scaring away these types of investors in Florida’s horse racing industry,” said Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling.  “Our members need to feel confident that their investment in Florida is protected and fostered.”

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations Urge Warring South Florida Tracks to Settle Their Differences—And Soon

Posted on April 22, 2013 by

With South Florida’s two Thoroughbred tracks engaging in an escalating regulatory battle over racing dates, the professionals who do the “heavy lifting” to provide the actual horse racing product—the horse owners, trainers and breeders—find themselves as unexpected bystanders in an unwanted dispute.  Thus, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), made up of Thoroughbred owners and trainers, and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association  (FTBOA) can only urge Gulfstream Park and Calder Casino and Racing—each facility remotely controlled by giant corporations—to settle their differences—and quickly.

“I’m all about the free market, but there are certain types of products that require a greater degree of regulation.  Horse racing is one of them,” said FHBPA Executive Director Kent Stirling.  “Done right, horse racing and breeding affords Florida with enormous economic impact because of all the jobs and businesses it creates.   But unfortunately, the current dates conflict is rooted in a statutory glitch that is being exploited by clever lawyering at the expense of what could be most beneficial for all of us, not to mention Florida taxpayers.”

Overlapping dates can drain the local horse population and fragment wagering dollars—making it difficult for the entire industry to prosper.

“This serious distraction of racing dates overlap, combined with other current issues like ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ and related spurious lawsuits over the constitutionality of independent horsemen’s associations have the real potential of scaring away investors in Florida’s horse racing industry,” Stirling said.  “Most of our members are small business owners and need to feel confident that their investment in Florida is protected and fostered.”

Lonny Powell, a former horse racing regulator and track operator, who now serves as CEO of the FTBOA agreed.  “It’s imperative that our members—Thoroughbred breeders, horse and farm owners throughout the state—see a flourishing, stable and growing racing industry in South Florida.  We certainly want both of these tracks and all horsemen racing in Florida to prosper.   It’s more than troublesome that this dates overlap crisis distracts from all of our collective efforts to grow Florida’s $2.2 billion-a-year Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, which among the national few that show an increase in foal numbers, while our tracks continue to offer races that consistently feature some of the best competition on the national stage.  To place any of this at risk for a self-inflicted dates overlap collision course causes us much concern and frustration.  History has clearly shown there is no industry upside that comes from an uncooperative and intensely competitive dates battle like we’re facing here in South Florida”

Phil Matthews, a prominent veterinarian and FTBOA president, agreed.  “Much to all of our frustration, it appears that both we and the FHBPA have little ability to affect the situation.  That’s why it’s important for our policymakers to understand our members have a major investment in putting horses—our core product—out on the track, so Florida’s Thoroughbred industry can thrive.  It is imperative that we do everything we can to encourage these giant corporations to make the right decisions, not just for both their respective facilities, but for the industry and marketplace as well.  In fact, our future depends on it.”

Both organizations agree it’s long overdue for Gulfstream and Calder to finally settle their key competitive differences and successfully move forward. 

“The addition of slot revenues to purses has kept Florida competitive and held our place in the prestigious international world of Thoroughbred racing,” FHBPA President Phil Combest added.  “It was Florida’s horse racing industry that provided the platform and the partnership for the corporations that control these facilities to bring slots to Florida to begin with.  Because the horsemen stand to lose the most in this crisis, we’d like to see this conflict settled very soon.”

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Legitimate Horse Racing Brings Jobs, Florida Business Investment, Positive Economic Impact in 2013

Posted on April 3, 2013 by
Florida Thoroughbred and accredited Quarter Horse Racing

Above: Fans of Legitimate Florida Horse Racing Pack Gulfstream Park

Record crowds, increased handle, growing purses, jobs, businesses and positive economic impact throughout Florida were the clear result of legitimate horse racing held at Gulfstream Park, Hialeah Park and Calder Race Course this year.  Florida’s horse breeding industry also produced the 2013 winner of the world’s richest race—the $10 Million Dubai World Cup.

At Gulfstream Park:  “The record crowd of 20,382 surpassed the previous attendance record in Gulfstream’s facility of 18,224 set last year on Florida Derby Day.  Total handle that day of $24.66 million eclipsed last year’s record of $24.61 million.  Total on-track handle was $4.36 million—up 7.1 per cent from last year.”

At Hialeah Park:  “The biggest advance in the racing was to increase our simulcast outlets from 400 to 500 during this past season . . . When our master plan is complete, we will have infused our local economy with approximately $1 billion in development dollars and provided over 3,000 jobs to South Florida-based entities and personnel.”

At Calder Race Course:  “(The) announcement that Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Trinniberg won the 2012 Eclipse Award as champion sprinter marked the fourth time in the last three years that a horse based primarily at Calder Casino & Race Course was presented with one of Thoroughbred racing’s most coveted awards.”

In Florida’s Breeding Industry:  “ . . . around the world in Dubai, Animal Kingdom won the world’s richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup.  The winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby, he was broken and trained by Randy Bradshaw at Adena Springs in Ocala.  The Derby victory also made his sire, Leroidesanimaux, famous.  Leroidesanimaux stands at Hallmarc Stallions at Stonewall Farms in Ocala for $22,500.”

“It’s clear, hard evidence that, with proper management, Florida horse racing is stronger than ever,” said Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling.  “Now is the time to fully understand that the scope of racing’s economic impact reaches far beyond the racetrack itself—from the thousands of small businesses that support racetrack operations, to Florida’s world-class agri-business breeding industry, tourism, real estate and many other positively impacted industries.”

As Florida’s Legislature works this year to illuminate gambling’s gray areas, however, a simple, yet insidious loophole remains:  With no definition of “horse race” on Florida’s law books, counties have rushed to hold slot referendums in the wake of “pari-mutuel barrel racing.”

Designed to exploit Florida’s requirement for slot machine licensees to hold live racing, “pari-mutuel barrel racing” led copycat to “races” being held with as few as two horses ridden by house-owned riders—instead of the thousands of independent competitors that would normally come to Florida for legitimate competition—thereby squelching the jobs, business and economic impact they otherwise create.  Meanwhile, the offending pari-mutuel permitholders quickly capitalized on the attendant bonus profits of 365-day cardrooms and their permits’ slot machine potential.

Emboldened, some pari-mutuels have started to define a “horse race” anyway they want, resulting in further decimation of legitimate Florida horse racing, the 104,000 annual jobs it creates and its resulting $2.2 billion statewide economic impact. 

<a href=”http://www.hypersmash.com”>Hypersmash.com</a>

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Forbes Notes Florida’s “Billionaire Racehorse Bootcamp” For Sale

Posted on February 13, 2013 by
Forbes Reports Florida's Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center is For Sale

Above: An aerial view of Payson Park, Florida’s “Billionaires’ Racehorse Bootcamp”

Forbes Notes Florida’s “Billionaire Racehorse Bootcamp” For Sale, Yet State Continues to Let Phony Horse-Related Events Destroy $2.2 Billion Horse Racing Industry

Yesterday, February 12, 2013, Forbes noted Florida’s world-famous “Bootcamp for Billionaires’ Horses.”

Now for sale by its aging private owner, Payson Park remains profitable and near full occupancy.  However, a stark reality lurks in the background of what would otherwise be a highly attractive, lucrative, job-creating and economically beneficial real estate deal—while the waiting list of buyers dwindles.

As Florida lawmakers embark on a protracted study of gaming policy, the State continues to allow the use of phony horse events to skirt live racing and regulatory requirements for slot machine licenses.  Word has gotten around the international horse racing community that rooted in the unilateral regulatory approval of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” is a nefarious plan to deliberately and dramatically curtail the usual thousands of horses needed for a normal Florida race meet down to as few as two horses—thus completely eliminating the need for facilities such as Payson Park and 104,000 annual jobs that would otherwise be needed to support normal training and racing activities, such as racetrack operations, racehorse training and ancillary breeding industries—all part of what drives the horse racing industry’s enormous Florida economic impact.

Will Florida’s horse racing industry be destroyed before our policymakers realize and protect the financial value and international prestige of this economic engine?   How many potential buyers of Payson Park will balk at a purchase because of the clever lawyering and loopholes that have been allowed to literally begin the dismantling of all of it?

In the article, which is reprinted below, Forbes describes Payson Park thusly:

“Billionaires and multimillionaires with a penchant for racing have steadfastly filled the stalls for 30 years, the vast majority of seasonal licensees boarding horses coming through word-of-mouth recommendations.  Among them: the Aga Khan; telecom billionaire Kenny Troutt and wife Lisa; Arab diplomat brothers Mahmoud and Moustapha Foustok; late Irish airline mogul Tony Ryan; diamond prospector Charles Fipke (whose horse Tale of Ekati is named for his Canadian diamond mine); and Madeleine Pickens, the soon-to-be-ex-wife of energy billionaire T. Boone Pickens.”

Meet Payson Park: The $9 Million Racing Bootcamp For Billionaires’ Horses
By Morgan Brennan, Forbes Staff

2/12/2013 @ 7:03PM |

When Virginia Kraft Payson and her late husband Charles Shipman Payson first arrived at the St. Lucie training farm in Indiantown, Fla., it was in shambles.  Built in the 1950s by racing mavens Michel Phipps, Bull Hancock, Townsend Martin and C.T. Chenery, the farm had fallen into disrepair upon their deaths and landed in the real estate portfolio of an attorney looking to eventually profit from the value of the land itself.

“There were cattle and alligators on the race track,” remembers Kraft Payson, a Sports Illustrated journalist-turned-thoroughbred breeder. The self-proclaimed ‘outdoor adventuress’ and her husband Charlie, a wealthy industrialist who graced the Forbes 400 list in the early 1980s with a $100-million-plus fortune, had set their sights on horse racing, having acquired several thoroughbreds for competition. “To use the track, someone would have to ride out first to clear the wildlife that had come in the night before.”

Still, the Paysons leased the dilapidated farm for the winter season of 1979-1980 to train their horses: it was close enough to their snowbird residence on Jupiter Island that they could visit regularly to stay apprised of their investments’ progress during the winter months when Lexington, Ky. wouldn’t provide an optimal training climate.

After racing specialists surmised that it would take relatively little capital to restore the tracks to top condition, the couple, which also owned the New York Mets baseball team at the time, put in an offer to buy it. By August, after five months of haggling, the farm was theirs and Payson Park Thoroughbred Training Center was born.

To announce the new venture – and the new name – the new owners took out a single full-page ad in the racing forum. Posed in front of paddock fences, the Paysons promised to have their newly christened thoroughbred training facility open for business by October 1, in less than two short months.

Thanks to more than 100 people working daily, Payson Park did open. “We filled every stall by opening day,” recalls Payson. “We almost couldn’t handle it; we even had to turn some people away.” And until the economic downturn in 2008, the stalls stayed completely booked, with a wait list.

The result: a 405-acre training facility equipped with 21 barns touting a total of 499 stalls, a one-mile championship dirt track, a 7/8th mile irrigated turf track, and an electronic six-horse starting gate. The work also yielded two dormitories totaling 62 rooms, an observation lounge, 76 paddocks, a café with a commercial grade kitchen, a veterinarian facility, a lighted soccer field, and miles of riding trails. As Kraft Payson proudly points out, the dirt training track is the farm’s crown jewel, lauded the “most consistent of all race tracks measured in the country,” according to an independent study from M.I.T.

Payson Park’s success has been due in part to its prime location. As one of only two thoroughbred training facilities in South Fla. (the other is Palm Meadows), the commercial farm is less than an hour from billionaire-centric Palm Beach, providing a lauded wintertime training option that’s easily accessible.

Billionaires and multimillionaires with a penchant for racing have steadfastly filled the stalls for 30 years, the vast majority of seasonal licensees boarding horses coming through word-of-mouth recommendations. Among them: the Aga Khan; telecom billionaire Kenny Troutt and wife Lisa; Arab diplomat brothers Mahmoud and Moustapha Foustok; late Irish airline mogul Tony Ryan; diamond prospector Charles Fipke (whose horse Tale of Ekati is named for his Canadian diamond mine); and Madeleine Pickens, the soon-to-be-ex-wife of energy billionaire T. Boone Pickens.

Then there are the horses. Pickens is the owner of Cigar, which, with 16 consecutive wins, is reportedly the top money earner in thoroughbred racing history. Other decorated champions include Drosselmeyer, Perfect Shirl, Royal Delta, Gio Ponti, St. Jovite, Easy Goer, In Summation, Voodoo Dancer, Perfect Soul, Ajina, Arravale, Go Between, Callwood Dancer, Pine Island, Lure, and Payson’s own race-winner, Rutherienne. The facility has been used by several Hall of Fame trainers too, including Roger Attfield, Christophe Clement, Shug McGaughey and Bill Mott.

“The Queen of England has had horses trained at Payson Park,” Kraft Payson informs me. “The first question she always asks when I see her at horse races in England is, ‘How is Payson Park?’”

But perhaps Queen Elizabeth II won’t be asking that question much longer. The outdoor adventuress – who has piloted hot air balloons, hunted wild game in Africa and dog sledded 75 miles across Alaska in her 80-plus years — put her beloved farm on the market for $12 million last May. With no buyer yet materialized, it has recently been slashed to $8.95 million.

“I have four children, my sole heirs, who have no interest in thoroughbred racing,” sighs Kraft Payson, who will continue to own and inhabit a residence located on a property adjoining the facility’s vast acreage.  “It’s an estate planning move because I think they would sell it for 10 cents on the dollar to get rid of it and I don’t want that to happen to Payson Park.”

The cash-positive property is being offered as a commercial venture through Atlantic Western Realty Corp. Since the downturn, owners have cut back on their equine holdings, so the wait list has disappeared. But the farm continues to hover near full occupancy: for the 2012 fiscal year, 88% of stalls are full and the facility will earn just under $320,000 after operating costs and before taxes.

Brad Scherer, the real estate broker for the property, says he suspects a major racehorse owner – perhaps even someone boarding horses there now – will ultimately snap up the property. But the eponymous matriach doesn’t care who — as long as it continues to provide training for thoroughbreds.

“We have a reputation for being the very best in the country…so it must continue as a training facility,” Kraft Payson insists. “I do hope that after it is sold, to be able to come down and visit.” And of course, to have a place to board her horses in the winter.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Would Suffer Serious Job Loss, Economic Drain Without Horse Racing Industry, Horsemen Explain at Florida Senate Gaming Committee Today

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

February 4, 2013–Speaking to the Florida Senate Gaming Committee today on behalf of Florida’s Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries, Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association President Dr. Steve Fisch, explained that “Florida would hear a giant sucking sound” if the State were to lose the widespread economic impact of its $2.2 billion horse racing industry.

Dr. Fisch was joined in person by Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling, who represents nearly 6,000 Thoroughbred owners and trainers, 4,000 of whom reside in Florida.

“We urge our legislators to fully understand Dr. Fisch’s plea today to ‘stop the exodus of Florida horses and money,’” Stirling said.  “Horse breeders need their assurance that Florida is prepared to stop the recent rash of phony horse events causing the problem.  They want to know opportunity for legitimate competition is alive here, and that our policymakers take their business investment in Florida seriously.”

As documented in national reports, an increasing number of Florida pari-mutuels have misused their state-granted gambling permits to hold events that are not only afoul of state and federal law, but are deliberately designed to destroy jobs by eliminating the need for horses and competitors in Florida’s $2.2 billion horse racing industry, which employs over 104,000 people annually.

Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry, which alone employs over 51,000 Floridians annually, is responsible for producing four of the past seven Kentucky Derby winners, Dr. Fisch told the Senate Committee on Gaming today.  He explained that every horse produced on a Florida breeding farm spawns support businesses and produces seven full-time jobs.  These jobs include feed dealers, hay farmers, farriers, veterinarians, racetrack operations personnel, horse trainers, equipment and tack dealers, grooms, exercise riders and hospitality industry personnel who serve incoming horsemen.

Florida’s horse racing industry ranks among the top three states nationally.  Ocala-Bred Thoroughbreds dominated this year’s Breeders’ Cup—the Super Bowl of Thoroughbred Racing.   In additional testament to the strength of Florida’s breeding industry, a Florida-based Thoroughbred breeder purchased 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace last year for $10 million dollars.

To access today’s and other Committee meeting materials, including Dr. Fisch’s presentation and a podcast of the proceedings, click here.

 

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Florida’s Horsemen United Today at Florida Senate Gaming Committee Presentation on Horse Racing Industry’s $2.2 Billion Economic Impact

Posted on February 4, 2013 by
“Let me be clear:  Our hard-working horsemen will not allow the recent rash of phony horse-related events to enable a greedy few to squander our enormous job-creation engine for the people of Florida, or make a mockery of our state to the international horse racing community.” –FHBPA Executive Director Kent Stirling
 

Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) Executive Director Kent Stirling will be present at the Florida Senate Committee on Gaming meeting today, February 4, 2013, in support of Dr. Steve Fisch of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (FQHRA), who will present data on the multi-billion-dollar economic impact of Florida’s horse racing industry.

Dr. Fisch will be among the speakers at the meeting today, which begins at 2 p.m. (ET) and is scheduled to run until 5 p.m. (ET).  To view Dr. Fisch’s presentation and the complete meeting materials, click here (begins on page 68).  The meeting will be Webcast live on The Florida Channel’s “Web 3.”

The FHBPA, which represents nearly 6,000 owners and trainers of Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry, has been working closely with the FQHRA—the Florida arm of the American Quarter Horse Association—to address the recent rash of phony horse-related events in Florida that have been used spuriously by various pari-mutuel permitholders statewide to bypass Florida’s live horse racing requirements in their attempt to secure slot machine licenses.

“It is imperative that the development of any long-term gaming policy by Florida’s Legislature take into account the $2.2 billion annual economic impact of Florida’s horse racing industry,” Stirling emphasized.  “Legitimate horse racing in Florida employs over 104,000 people annually, and is responsible for our Ocala-based horse breeding industry annually ranking among the top three states in the nation.”

The two horsemen’s associations have strongly questioned both the legality and use of the phony horse events, which have been deliberately designed to drastically curtail the usual thousands of horses needed for a normal race meet down to as few as two horses—thus completely eliminating thousands of jobs that would otherwise be needed to support normal racing activities, such as racetrack operations, racehorse training and ancillary breeding industries that drive the horse racing industry’s enormous Florida economic impact.

Stirling added.  “Let me be clear:  Our hard-working horsemen will not allow the recent rash of phony horse-related events to enable a greedy few to squander our enormous job-creation engine for the people of Florida, or make a mockery of our state to the international horse racing community.”

To view a list of other speakers at today’s Senate Gaming Committee meeting, click here.

To go directly to the Committee’s Web page, click here.

For additional information, go to www.FloridaHorsemen.com

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Senate Gaming Committee Schedules Two Meetings in January 2013; Florida’s Horsemen Applaud Chairman Richter’s Commitment to Study Complete Florida Gaming Landscape, Economic Impact

Posted on December 19, 2012 by

Florida Senate Gaming Committee Schedules Two Meetings in January 2013

Florida’s Horsemen Applaud Chairman Richter’s Commitment to Study Complete Florida Gaming Landscape, Economic Impact

After its initial meeting was canceled during early December, the Florida Senate’s new Gaming Committee will convene on January 14 and 22, 2013 during the Legislature’s regular Interim Committee Week schedules.

“I am confident I speak for the 104,000 Floridians employed annually by the horse racing industry that we are very encouraged by Chairman Garrett Richter’s commitment to do a complete economic analysis of all gambling in the state,” said Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling.  “Horse racing generates $2.2 billion a year for Florida and draws global interest to our state.  Because the precipitous side effects of both existing and proposed gaming policies have not yet been duly considered, members of the Senate Gaming Committee will certainly be shocked to learn that we are already killing thousands of Florida jobs during this past year—not creating them.”

Recently, certain Florida pari-mutuel permitholders have been allowed to open cardrooms and apply for slot machine licenses under the pretense of conducting phony horse-related events such as “pari-mutuel barrel racing” that are purposefully designed to drastically eliminate the need for competing horses, horse breeding and the many jobs and economic impact these activities create.

“Would Florida rather have slot machines and many, many more jobs and businesses? Or slot machines and just a few jobs?” Stirling remarked.  “That’s the difference between having real horse racing and allowing these rapacious imposters to continue their scheme.”

Allowed as a brand new gambling product without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input, activities such as “pari-mutuel barrel racing” and its copycat hybrid activities have rapidly spread throughout the State as a work-around to cardrooms and slot machines at the expense of horse racing that would otherwise result in the creation tens of thousands of jobs and businesses.  Wagering handle as low as $24 a day has been recorded for “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” with the resulting state pari-mutuel taxes generated plummeting to less than $20 a day.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Senate’s New Gaming Committee Must Contemplate Dire Economic Cost of Phony Horse Events Enabling Statewide Slot Machine Proliferation

Posted on November 29, 2012 by

Florida Senate Gaming Committee Chairman Garrett Richter
Above:  Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter will guide the Florida Senate’s newly created Gaming Committee in 2013

Note:  The first meeting of the new Senate Gaming Committee, originally scheduled for December 3, 2012, has been canceled.

It was announced on November 28, 2012, that the Florida Senate’s newly created Gaming Committee will be chaired by Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter.  Senator Maria Sachs will serve as Vice Chair.

  • Information on the Senate Gaming Committee and its membership is reprinted below.

Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling, who represents nearly 6,000 Florida Thoroughbred horsemen, said of the new Committee: 

“The 104,000 people employed by Florida’s $2.2 billion dollar horse racing industry congratulates Senator Richter, Senator Sachs and all the members of this important new Committee.

“As Senators begin their careful study of the facts surrounding Florida’s convoluted gambling laws and regulations, it is critical to know that the statewide rush to hold county slot machine referendums has been largely fueled over the past year by the use of phony, contrived horse-related events such as ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ and copycat hybrids deliberately designed to skirt both state and federal law at the expense of our livelihoods.

“These phony events—brand new gambling products that were allowed with no enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input—exploit the fact that Florida has no legal definition of ‘horse race.’

“Not even real barrel racing or horse racing, these illegitimate events have been fabricated by rogue pari-mutuel permitholders and their casino interests to purposefully eliminate the thousands of competitive horses and 104,000 documented Florida jobs they annually create in Florida’s legitimate Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred racing and breeding industry, while enabling these facilities to be licensed for cardrooms and—if ultimately allowed by the Legislature—slot machines.

“Hence the statewide rush by counties such as Gadsden, Hamilton and Washington to hedge their bets this year with speculative slot referendums.

“Because Florida law requires live racing in order to hold ancillary gaming activities, facility owners —some of them out-of-state tribal gaming corporations—see Gretna Racing LLC’s “pari-mutuel barrel racing” model as an opportunity to not only curtail the expense of jobs that would normally be created by legitimate horse racing, but to hoard the resulting profits that would otherwise be distributed in purses through independent horsemen’s associations.

Florida Senate Committee on Gaming

Members

Chair:
Senator Garrett Richter (R)
Vice Chair:
Senator Maria Lorts Sachs (D)

Staff

  • John Guthrie, Staff Director

2013 Meeting Records
12/03/2012 03:00 PM Meeting Notice – Meeting Canceled
Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some Florida Counties’ Slot Machine Votes Based on Phony Horse-Related Events, Florida’s $2.2 Billion Horse Racing Industry Reminds

Posted on November 6, 2012 by

November 6, 2012—With residents in various Florida counties voting today on whether or not to allow slot machines within their boundaries, should it soon be authorized, leaders of Florida’s Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred industry noted that similar ballot questions taken earlier this year in counties such as Gadsden and Hamilton, have been wholly based upon pari-mutuels’ use of phony, contrived horse-related events designed to skirt Florida’s requirements for live racing in order to qualify for slot machines.

As documented in national reports, an increasing number of Florida pari-mutuels have misused their state-granted gambling permits to hold events that are not only afoul of state and federal law, but are deliberately designed to destroy jobs by eliminating the need for horses and competitors in Florida’s $2.2 billion horse racing industry, which employs over 104,000 people annually.  Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry alone employs over 51,000.

“While slot revenue has helped maintain Florida’s purse competitiveness with other states, casinos have become emboldened by nefarious schemes like Gretna Racing’s ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ and copycat ‘flag drops’ that are structured to not only yield as little revenue as possible (in order to qualify for even more slot machines), but are aimed directly at eliminating horses and the jobs they create,” said Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling,  “Under the ‘Gretna Model,’ slot money accrues directly to casino owners, and not out into the Florida economy as it was originally intended through legitimate, live horse racing.”

An administrative court ruling has been delayed on whether “pari-mutuel barrel racing” was allowed as a brand new gambling product in Florida without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input.  Followed by cancellation of “races” even though poker and cardrooms have been allowed to stay open 365 days a year, wagering on this unrecognized event has sunk as low as $24 a day.

Florida’s horse industry ranks among the top three states nationally.  Ocala-Bred Thoroughbreds dominated this year’s Breeders’ Cup—the Super Bowl of Thoroughbred Racing.

In additional testament to the strength of Florida’s breeding industry, a Florida-based Thoroughbred breeder purchased 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace this week for $10 million dollars.

 

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Based on Phony April 8 “Race,” GPTARP Opens Slot Door Through Summer Jai Alai Permit Argument; The Florida Current’s Gray Rohrer Reports On Administrative Challenge

Posted on October 30, 2012 by

Flap over summer jai alai permit bleeds into another pari-mutuel loophole fight

Gray Rohrer, 10/29/2012

TheFloridaCurrent.com

State regulators denied a second summer jai alai permit to Flagler Dog Track and Magic City Casino this summer, but now the fight over the little-used loophole that would allow jai alai performances from May through November is spilling over into a separate battle to possibly open the door to more slot machines in Miami-Dade County.

To read the complete story and access related research, click here.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ocala Breeders Sales (OBS) Commits to Legitimate Quarter Horse Racing; Meanwhile, Unsuspecting Horseman Reports Being Tricked Into Phony Event, Daily Racing Form’s Matt Hegarty Reports

Posted on October 26, 2012 by

OBS Commits to Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association; South Marion Real Estate Holdings Runs Phony Race, Tricks Horseman

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company plans Quarter Horse race Dec. 11

By Matt Hegarty
Daily Racing Form
Published October 25, 2012

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Marion County, Fla., plans to run a Quarter Horse race and a Thoroughbred race on Dec. 11 to activate a 25-year-old permit for Quarter Horse racing that would allow the track to pursue a card room or other forms of gambling that might one day be legalized for permit holders, officials of the company confirmed on Thursday.

The sales company’s plan is the latest in a series of efforts by Florida companies to activate permits for Quarter Horse racing to exploit the gambling opportunities afforded to permit holders under a convoluted set of laws and regulations. Under those rules, permit holders are eligible to apply for a license to run card rooms, and many of the principals involved are optimistic that they will be successful in convincing lawmakers to expand those opportunities later to include slot-machine parlors or casinos.

The efforts have concerned officials representing both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses who fear that the companies will use Quarter Horse permits to skirt regulations requiring the distribution of card-room revenues to horsemen. Under Florida law, Thoroughbred permit holders must provide 50 percent of all card-room revenue to purses, but Quarter Horse permit holders do not have any such requirement.

But Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company officials said on Thursday that they would hold the Dec. 11 races only with the sanction of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, said Tom Ventura, the president of the company. Still, OBS is seeking to activate the permit to keep its options open should the Florida legislature authorize additional forms of gambling, Ventura said.

“What lies ahead is still uncertain other than that we wanted to activate the permit, run the races, and leave the door open for anything that might come in the future, whether that’s card rooms or whatever else,” Ventura said.

That goal is also the hope for a variety of other companies – many of which have shared ownership – seeking Quarter Horse permits, which are currently held by 12 entities in Florida, including Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Racing Program. The Gulfstream Park Aftercare group received its permit after running a single Quarter Horse race on April 8 at Gulfstream that was organized by the track and run over the objections of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

Including the Gulfstream Park Aftercare group, none of the companies that has activated the permits has contacted the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association about an agreement governing the racing, and they have instead enlisted independent Quarter Horse trainers to provide runners for races that are held under conditions that strain the boundaries of legitimate racing.

For example, last weekend, a company called South Marion Real Estate, under a lease that South Marion reached with OBS to use the sales comapny’s property, held two races on the grounds using horses provided by one Quarter Horse owner-trainer, Marcus Strickland. When Strickland arrived with the horses, organizers of the races said they had to be listed under different trainer names, despite Strickland’s owning and training the horses, Strickland said. Strickland said he was told that his horses were being rented to the program trainers. The races were then run as parimutuel events, which will likely allow South Marion to apply for a Quarter Horse permit.

Strickland said he provided the horses because he was promised by the organizers of the races that they intended to run at least 20 Quarter Horse races at OBS once they received the permit. However, after discussing the situation with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Strickland now says that he has doubts about the group’s intentions of ever running another Quarter Horse race other than the minimum required to activate the permit.

“I don’t know if this was on the up and up or if it was a scam and I got caught in the middle of it,” said Strickland, who received $6,000 for providing the horses. “If I was misled, I may have done more harm than good.”

The races at OBS were organized by Tony Mendola, according to Ventura. Strickland said that the check to pay him for providing the horses was from Bellwhether Properties.

Mendola did not return phone calls to his cell phone on Thursday.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Casino Doctors on “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing”: State of Florida Was Clueless As Gretna, Others Plowed Ahead on Slot Scheme

Posted on October 19, 2012 by

BETTING ON BARREL RACING IN FLORIDA?

Originally Posted on June 13, 2012

WELCOME TO GRETNA

First time we ever saw barrel racing was in the 60’s at the PIMA County Fair (Arizona) in the desert west of the Tucson city limits.  Several dozen talented, young cow girls atop steeds of considerable agility traversed the barrels from front to back and back to front til one remained clearly the best.  Certainly today’s rodeo fans around the country have enjoyed similar competitions as prelims to the calf roping and bull riding. In fact barrel racing is gaining in popularity and now is considered at some rodeos a main event.

However, NOT ONCE watching barrel racing did it REMOTELY occur that it in the year 2012 it is the center piece for creating a racino.   Sure, there might be a casual wager between cowboys or fans to keep the interest level up. But, that’s not what’s going on in the boondocks of the Sunshine State.  Here’s the deal:

Tiny Gretna,Florida (population 1700), is located in Gadsden County in the Panhandle.  The nearest megalopolis is Quincy (the county seat), and then Bainbridge, Georgia. Gadsden is a traditional democratic stronghold in the long skinny panhandle area that goes bright red since the mid 1960’s.

Gretna is located just a hop skip and jump off  coast to coast interstate 10 at the point in the state where motorists cannot imagine that Florida continues  on much further (it does). It centers the dullest, most boring section of I-10 with continuous forests of sphagnum moss covered oak and pine trees:  no scenery and straight as an arrow. The three hour drive from Bowdenville to Pensacola is a snoozer.  Greater Gretna touches but does not intrude into the Central Time Zone.

By way of background, five years ago a pie in the sky initiative by a private concern (supposedly in tandem with the Miami Dade County Commission and Airport Authority) tried to place slot machines in the airport. Considered mostly folly, it was declared ultimately totally illegal by the State. It was a gargantuan manipulation of the constitutional amendment allowing slots in the Miami area race tracks and frontons.

Shortly thereafter wire services around the state erupted with a story about tiny Gretna, Florida housing a racino in its midst with Barrel racing its center piece.  Of course, since the State Constitution mandates slot machines were only legal in the Miami Dade/Broward County race tracks the chances of Gretna being a bonafide gaming destination was considered totally absurd.  Or was it?

The nearest pari-mutuel facility to Gretna is the dog track in Monticello near Tallahassee, or Panama City. NOTHING IN BETWEEN.

In a state where telemarketers continue to sell underwater lots in the Everglades, and arcades in strip malls feature  “internet” look alike slot machines that pay out in “merchandise”,   the prevailing philosophy “shoot it up the flagpole” continues to produce multiple overnight millionaires.  Scam artists are so numerous that white collar criminals like Scott Rothstein and Bernie Madoff and Nevin Shapiro are revered by lesser operatives who stoop to fleecing  friends, enemies, even relatives.

In that climate little Gretna proudly announced that it would endorse the building, staffing  and operating  a barrel racing arena using quarter horses in competition as a prelim (excuse) to open a full blown poker room and subsequent casino complex.

Six years ago when the Florida  legislature authorized the marriage between horses,dogs,cestas and Wheel of Fortune machines much of the legal language was not specific (in fact ambiguous)  as lobbyists played upon the income from slots to bolster the disastrous education budget of Florida, and social programs to boot. A panacea.  Found money…..

Well, some bright entrepreneurs reasoned that there’s really no difference between Gulfstream Park’s thoroughbred  oval, Hollywood Dog Track greyhound marathon course, the Miami Jai Alai fronton and Hialeah Park’s quarter horse sprints  and competitive barrel racing (17 seconds and a cloud of dust).  The State was clueless. All of the various factions got to arguing with one another while the powers that be in Gretna plowed ahead.

Palm Beach County which was excluded from the law (but a mecca for simulcast and greyhound wagering and poker) started legal suits against the state. Aside from the Disney corridor around Orlando, a variety of factions around the peninsula began sniffing around the viability of casinos or racinos.

Here’s a coinkidink, the “private” concern in the Gretna promotion involves one David Romanik who was the instigator of the failed attempt to get the slot machines into the Miami airport, and subsequently to place a slot parlor in the trendy western suburb, Weston. He was also a past CEO of Gulfstream Park and a savvy lawyer about all things gaming in Florida. In Gretna he had yet another interested partner: The Creek Indians.

The Creek tribe owns and operates successful casinos in Alabama and their historical tribal territory, which, depending upon who you ask extends into the south Georgia/West Florida marketplace.  With Georgia being a state with NO pari-mutuel or casino gaming there’s a vast untapped mass of pennies, nickels, dimes and dollars awaiting a convenient gambling destination.

The hue  and cry against Gretna’s new facility has been swift and deafening:  ranging from the National Barrel Horse Racing Association to the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association to thoroughbred and quarter horse breeders to the usual religious and social entities that automatically dismiss gambling of any kind. All are adamantly opposed. All vocal.

However, definitions of what constitutes a bonafide “race”  in the State of Florida are cloudy at best and with no strong governing body, the door swung wide open for the little town that could. Even the weak, out of step governor looked the other way and kicked the can down to regulatory officials in departments varying from state to agriculture.

On a fairly frequent basis, a couple dozen people, 8 or so horses and riders gather at the Creek Entertainment Gretna facility, which incidentally already houses a fully operational poker room—- as owners campaign to add slots into the mix. The PCI (Poarch Band of the Creek Indians along with Mr. Romanik and his partner and uber lobbyist Marc Dunbar) is building the race track facility and casino, holding job fairs, and generally marching on.  PCI has gone so far as to send a breakage check to the Florida Quarter horse Racing Association with which it has no relationship. The check was returned immediately.

In January 2012  a referendum in Gadsden County was held to determine if the fine citizens of that (rural) county would allow slots/barrel racing etc. in their midst. It passed. This vote, the very essence of which was illegal  by constitutional statute sent all manner of ripples through the industry and government.  State Attorney General Bond and state regulators proclaimed it illegal and horse enthusiasts across the state called it nothing more than a GET RICH QUICK scheme.

All that being said, the orchestration of going from NOTHING to a possible major casino player in two years is breathtaking.  Mssrs. Romanik and Dunbar were able to get the biggest impediment to their scheme capsized by gaining the Governor’s ear and having the recalcitrant chief of the Pari-Mutuel division, Milt Champion, fired before the referendum was in place. From that point forward they railroaded, cajoled, sidestepped, clouded just about every aspect of the issue and, bang zoom, the poker take for the month of April was 232,019.099.

There is no surprise to those of us who’ve inhabited this state of slings and arrows over the years that such a scheme would not only be successful but leave the overall impression that it’s a good thing for the masses (and city, county, state budgets, jobs, equestrian industry bolster etc).  There is also no surprise that a half dozen similar schemes around the state are already in the prep stage and, depending upon how long it takes the legislature and officials to capitulate, should be up and going within a few years.

Thank you Scott and Bernie and all your many, many predecessors for making Florida the land of opportunity (and sunshine).

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Controversial Gretna Resumes “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing,” Plans Thoroughbred Simulcasting from Calder Casino Despite Pending Litigation, The Blood Horse’s Jim Freer Reports

Posted on October 18, 2012 by

Gretna Resumes Racing, Plans Simulcasting

Updated: Saturday, October 13, 2012 9:52 AM
Posted: Friday, October 12, 2012 9:56 AM

Gretna Racing in Gretna, Fla., has resumed its controversial pari-mutuel barrel racing under a Quarter Horse license and it is preparing to start its first simulcast signals that could include Calder Casino & Race Course and other Thoroughbred tracks.

Gretna Racing, located 25 miles west of Tallahassee, held 40 rodeo-like barrel racing performances in December 2011 and January 2012. Research by The Blood-Horse indicates there have been no other recent pari-mutuel barrel racing meets in the United States.

As Gretna Racing begins its new season, the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings is preparing to issue a ruling by the end of this November that could determine whether any of the state’s other Quarter Horse license holders could conduct pari-mutuel barrel racing under those licenses.

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association are supporting the case’s plaintiffs, the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, and the Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association. They maintain that pari-mutuel barrel racing is not legal under Florida law.

Because Gretna Racing has completed one pari-mutuel meet, it is eligible under Florida laws to take simulcasts.

On its website, Gretna Racing has a statement that simulcasting is “coming soon” without additional details.

Several employees in Gretna’s poker room, reached by phone, declined to talk about the track’s planned start date for simulcasting and its possible list of signals.

Marc Dunbar, a Tallahassee attorney who represents Gretna Racing, did not return phone calls. He is a minority owner of the track’s parent Creek Entertainment Gretna, whose majority owner is the Poarch Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama.

“Calder plans on sending the signal to Gretna because they qualify under law,” officials of  the Miami Gardens, Fla., track said in a  statement.

If Calder or the Florida HBPA declines to send the track’s signal and its imported signals to Gretna. Calder would also have to stop transmission to most if not all  of the approximately 20 Florida horse tracks, Greyhound tracks and jai-alai frontons that take its signal.

Thus, the Florida HBPA will not use its veto power and prevent Calder from sending its live and imported signals to Gretna, said Florida HBPA executive director Kent Stirling.

Data from the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering indicate the importance of intra-state wagering (ITW) to Calder and  the Florida HBPA, which has  the purse contract with Calder.

Wagering on Calder races totaled $4.4 million at other Florida pari-mutuels during the combined months of July and  August this year.

Those facilities’  total wagering on other Thoroughbred tracks, sent via Calder, was $49.2 million for the combined two months.

That $54 million in  bets was  about 45% of the $119 million in wagers at  Florida pari-mutuels during the two months, according to the Florida DPMW.

Those numbers illustrate the usual scene at many of the state’s Greyhound tracks: The poker room is crowded and it appears through observation that there are as many, if not more, people betting on Thoroughbred simulcasts than on live races.

The Florida HPBA and its allies are concerned that any new  barrel racing tracks would focus on poker and simulcasts and have low racing costs while competing for gaming dollars with Florida’s established racing and breeding industries.

Several Florida counties, including Gadsden where Gretna is located, have approved ballot issues that would permit casinos at their pari-mutuels. There is a widespread view that Florida’s courts and/or its legislature would need to approve any expansion of casinos.

Ruling Pending

The Florida Division of Administrative Hearings finished its hearing on the Gretna case Aug. 23 in Tallahassee. Attorneys who represent the plaintiff Florida Quarter Horse associations said Administrative Judge Cathy Sellers indicated she plans to issue a ruling by Nov. 24.

If Sellers rules in favor of the plaintiffs, she could not revoke Gretna Racing’s licenses or order a halt to racing or poker at the facility.

But she could tell the Florida DPMW and its parent, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, to not renew Gretna’s licenses and not issue other licenses for pari-mutuel barrel racing until the overall legality of the activity is reviewed.

A ruling in Gretna Racing’s favor would not require any of those reviews or changes.

When asked about the Gretna case. Calder officials said in a statement: “There are a lot of opinions on barrel racing issues, but Calder does not have comment on supporting Gretna or questioning our state regulator.”

In the administrative court, the Quarter Horse associations maintained that pari-mutuel barrel racing is not authorized under Florida laws. However, Gretna Racing had Quarter Horses as the majority of horses in its barrel races and thus met a state law’s requirement for the breeds that can be used under a Quarter Horse license.

This year the Florida legislature did not pass a bill that would have specifically excluded barrel racing from pari-mutuel horse racing. It is anticipated the sponsors will introduce a similar bill for the 2013 session.

In addition to its three Thoroughbred tracks, Florida has Quarter Horse racing at Hialeah Park and Standardbred racing at Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park.

Total wagering on Gretna’s races for 40 cards was $43,514 in 2011-2012, according to the Florida DPMW.

It has scheduled pari-mutuel barrel racing for 10 weekends through June 30, 2013. As of Oct. 11, the Florida DPMW did not have Gretna’s Oct. 5-6 handle numbers readily available.

Gretna Racing’s website has a notice that because of low attendance it has canceled a series of non-wagering “open barrel racing” days.

That  led the Florida HBPA to issue the following comment: “It is the lowest of ironies that Gretna Racing’s card and poker room continues to stay open 365 days a year. This regulatory nightmare has meant the loss of countless Florida jobs and economic impact, not to mention the tax revenue that could have helped our economy if legitimate racing had otherwise been held at Gretna.”

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s 50,000 Employed by Thoroughbred Racing at Crossroads: Miami Herald Business Monday Interview With Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) Director Kent Stirling

Posted on October 15, 2012 by
The Miami Herald
Posted on Sun, Oct. 14, 2012
statewide the horse industry still generates an economic impact of about $5.1 billion and nearly half of that comes from racing. At South Florida’s major tracks like Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park there are thousands of people who depend on horses to make their living, from trainers and grooms to blacksmiths and veterinarians.
Above:  Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association at Calder Race Track in Miami Gardens, visits the thorougbred Philourpockets.   (Photo:  Joe Rimkus Jr. / Miami Herald Staff)

Keeping track of the horse racing industry

By ELAINE WALKER
ewalker@MiamiHerald.com

Today, it’s the slot machines, more than the races, that draw crowds to the major horse tracks in South Florida.

Yet, statewide the horse industry still generates an economic impact of about $5.1 billion and nearly half of that comes from racing. At South Florida’s major tracks like Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park there are thousands of people who depend on horses to make their living, from trainers and grooms to blacksmiths and veterinarians.

But in many ways the industry sits at a crossroads and the leaders of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are fighting for the livelihood of their members. The trade association represents the 5,500 horse owners and trainers who race in South Florida at both the Calder Casino & Race Course and Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino.

The Miami Herald recently met with Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, to discuss what’s happening in racing today. Then we asked him to respond to our written questions. Here’s an edited version of what he had to say:

Q: How did you get involved in the horse and pari-mutuel industry?

I grew up on a farm and both of my parents and my sister were talented show horse riders. I didn’t much care for jumping show horses, so when I was 16 I went to old Randall Park in Cleveland and worked as a hot walker for thoroughbred race horse trainer Jerry Caruso. By the time I went into the Air Force, I had spent a few more summers working with racehorses when home from college. After four years of sitting behind a desk in the U.S. Air Force, I knew I wanted to work outside. Since I love animals, becoming a thoroughbred horse trainer. It seemed like the perfect job.

Q: How many people are currently employed by the thoroughbred industry?

Somewhere in excess of 50,000 people are employed in Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry.

Q: Are most people in the industry still making money today? Why or why not?

Each year fewer and fewer owners and trainers in Florida are making a profit. I would guess that very few of the owners and trainers that race year-round in Florida are making any money. Of the trainers stabled year ‘round in Florida at Calder, I would estimate that 90 percent of them are broke or headed in that direction. This is because the purses at Calder have not increased in the last 10 years. Since Calder doesn’t do much in the way of advertising their racing, the pari-mutuel handle declines every year and the revenue from slots earmarked for purses barely covers the loss from the shrinking revenue from declining wagering on racing. I know you are questioning my stating that 90 percent of the trainers at Calder are broke or going broke, because you are wondering why would they remain in the industry under such circumstances? The fact is, this sport really is a labor of love. These people believe that the “big” horse who will turn rags into riches is just around the corner, if you hang in there for one more year.

Q: Do you see the horse industry currently at a crossroads? Why?

I think the worst thing that has happened to racing in my lifetime is the acquisition of tracks by large companies like Churchill Downs (CDI), Penn Gaming and the privately owned Stronach Group (formerly Magna Entertainment). These groups are focused entirely on their bottom line to keep their stockholders happy. All of these corporations used racing and the strong efforts and financial contributions of their horsemen to legally acquire different forms of alternative gaming such as slots. But within a few years of being permitted to hold alternative gaming, these tracks began working on ways to keep these newfound gaming revenues for themselves. This meant casting off the horsemen, their “partners.”

Q: What kind of economic impact does the horse industry have on South Florida and Florida today?

The horse racing industry has a $2.2 billion annual statewide economic impact, but that is boosted especially in South Florida during the winter months when Gulfstream conducts by far the best racing in the winter in North America. Numerous Kentucky Derby winners and other Triple Crown race winners begin their careers at Gulfstream Park and these horses attract many “snowbirds” to South Florida. The Ocala area still boasts one of the major horse breeding centers in North America, but it is slowly shrinking as other states offer better year-round racing with higher purses than Florida.

Q: How much demand / interest still exists today among consumers in South Florida and Florida for horse racing?

Gulfstream still creates very strong interest in racing, because they hold excellent racing and promote it substantially. Calder has always been the “two-year-old capital” of North America, but with stagnant purses and no marketing of their product, they are losing many of their two-year-olds to northern tracks. There still exists a significant demand and interest in Florida-bred horses, because they win some of the country’s most prestigious races and continue to outrun their pedigrees.

Q: Who are your target customers and how often do they visit?

Our target customer at Gulfstream Park is in the 30-to-50 age range. Racing in general seems to have lost a generation or two of fans when most tracks’ philosophy was pretty much “open our doors and they will come.” Well, “they” didn’t come, and other sports and forms of entertainment advertised and used new mediums such as television, which racing ignored for years.. It’s really tough, even for Gulfstream, to draw people to wager on weekdays when times are hard as they are today. Unfortunately, by Florida law, thoroughbred horse racing can’t run races at night.

Q: What do you think has caused the drop in consumer interest?

Consumer interest began dropping about 50 years ago — a time when thoroughbred racing was the number-one attended sport in North America. That’s right, racing drew more attendance than either Major League Baseball, college football or the NFL. Racing was the only sport that could be legally wagered on, and this “monopoly” led to the “open our doors and they will come” philosophy as racing mistakenly eschewed spending money to have its product on television.

Q: How have slots helped or hurt the horse racing industry?

Slots have helped racing, in that they have increased purses at Gulfstream and kept purses from dropping at Calder. They have hurt the industry, because what “partnership” we horsemen had with the tracks has been or is seemingly being corrupted by their corporate bottom line.

Q: How is online betting impacting your business?

On-line betting (ADW), has pretty much destroyed our on-track business by making it easier and more profitable (via rebates) for fans to wager without coming to the tracks. Since the two tracks in question each have their own ADW company, they cannibalize our on-track business. Where before, horsemen would get 10 cents on every dollar wagered on track, they now settle for 3 or 4 cents on the dollar when the bets are placed through a track-owned ADW.

Q: What would happen to the horse racing industry if legislation were passed allowing destination casinos?

Obviously destination casinos would not help our industry, inasmuch as they would have more and better alternative gaming to offer than our tracks. They would have a giant profit margin and economic advantage, because they would most likely be required to pay nothing to purses as our tracks are currently required to do from slot revenues. Gulfstream would like to be a destination casino, but I am not convinced that would be as helpful to racing as some might think.

Q: We know you are supporting litigation to put an end to barrel racing currently taking place in Gretna, a small town in North Florida. How is this form of racing threatening the livelihood of your industry?

The “Gretna Model” purposefully eliminates the need for thousands of horses and denies the horsemen’s rights under the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, which mandates that horsemen must consent to the track’s simulcast signal being sent across state lines for wagering purposes. Here is how it could threaten our industry: Gulfstream Park has a quarter horse permit, with which they conduct unsanctioned “flag drops,” or “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” using only two horses per day. Then they build a large, beautiful slots facility and connect it to the arena. Now they don’t need to pay thoroughbred purses. .Track-owned “barrel racers” have displayed in Gretna that they are happy with $2,000 a day divided up over 8 races. To compare, Gulfstream currently pays daily purses of well over $400,000 to the thoroughbreds. Q: Explain how thoroughbred and quarter horse racing are different than what’s happening at Gretna and other tracks with “pari-mutuel barrel racing?”

Thoroughbreds and quarter horses are two distinct breeds that each have their own industry in the U.S. Quarter horses typically run shorter races … about a quarter of a mile. is somewhat typical. Thoroughbreds basically race from five-eighths of a mile to a mile and a quarter. Both industries need about 1,500 or more horses to conduct a normal race meet, with every three or four horses requiring at least two or three people to care directly for them. Plus, both industries have large breeding industries in Florida that employ even more people than at the races.

Q: What kind of industry job loss are you looking at in South Florida and the entire state if “pari-mutuel barrel racing” is allowed?

If “pari-mutuel barrel racing” and similar unsanctioned events are legally upheld, legitimate racing will die almost immediately, since track owners will no longer be obligated to have events requiring the traditional volume of horses. The owners and trainers will move to other states with higher purses almost immediately. All the breeding farms in Ocala will close down and their breeding operations will then move to another state. Similar circumstances with unregulated gambling are already causing a mass exodus of the horse racing industry in Texas as we speak.

Q: What’s your favorite horse track in the country and why?

People that know me will be shocked, as will John Brunetti Sr., but my favorite track in America was, and still probably is Hialeah Park. It was once the most beautiful track in the world and I had my greatest successes there, as one of my horses won the Grade 1 Hialeah Turf Cup twice.

© 2012 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Phony Quarter Horse Races Are Florida’s Newest Gold Rush, Daily Racing Form’s Matt Hegarty Reports On GPTARP, Others

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

Florida racetracks’ new fad? Quarter Horse meets

By Matt Hegarty, Daily Racing Form

10/11/2012 12:44PM

Two Quarter Horses lined up near the top of the stretch for the 11th and last race April 8 at Gulfstream Park. A racetrack employee held a flag in his upraised hand, brought the flag down, and the horses were off. When the horses crossed the finish line 220 yards later, Gulfstream Park had officially held a Quarter Horse meet under Florida law, qualifying a subsidiary of the track for a Quarter Horse permit by the state’s racing commission.

Gulfstream’s effort to secure its Quarter Horse permit – which was awarded to the track’s retirement-care subsidiary, Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After Racing Program – is part of a gold rush by companies seeking to obtain Florida racing licenses to exploit the gambling opportunities afforded to permit holders. Under state law, permit holders in most counties in Florida can operate poker rooms. The belief that the Florida legislature will soon expand the gambling opportunities available to permit holders has led 12 companies to file for Quarter Horse permits in Florida in the last two years, including several filings for parimutuel barrel racing.

The flurry of permit applications has unnerved the state’s Thoroughbred horsemen and breeders, who contend the jockeying for permits is an effort to cut horsemen out of shares of revenue from casino-type games.

Under Florida law, there are two requirements for sharing revenue from card rooms with horsemen. Any Thoroughbred or harness track that operates a card room must evenly share card room net income with horsemen and breeders. But Quarter Horse permit holders have no such requirement. All that is required is a purse agreement with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association or “the association representing a majority of the horse owners and trainers” at the track.

Dr. Steve Fisch, president of the Florida QHRA, said Tuesday that none of the Quarter Horse racing permit holders has ever contacted him to discuss a purse agreement. Instead, some permit holders, including Gretna Racing in north Florida, have reached agreements with local organizations representing barrel racers, which does not fit under the Florida QHRA’s definition of racing, disqualifying the Florida QHRA from representing the interests of the runners at some tracks.

“The attempts to open Quarter Horse permitted tracks without using true sanctioned Quarter Horse racing is exactly what it looks like,” Fisch said. “And that’s to open a card room or a casino without any true commitment to racing.”

Through Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After Racing Program, Gulfstream began seeking a Quarter Horse racing permit late last year. The track contended that it ran a race qualifying for a Quarter Horse permit Dec. 31 – using Thoroughbred horses – and the next day, it canceled a Quarter Horse race on the overnight. Then came the April 8 match race using barrel-racing riders, which was run over the objections of horsemen. The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering’s decision to issue the Quarter Horse permit to Gulfstream’s After Racing Program based on those races has led to a formal objection by the FHBPA.

Officials of the FHBPA declined to comment specifically about the issue, citing ongoing purse negotiations with Gulfstream. The horsemen’s contract with Gulfstream expires Dec. 31.

“We’re obviously not happy about it,” said Kent Stirling, the executive director of the FHBPA.

Timothy Ritvo, president of Gulfstream Park, said Gulfstream’s only intention in running the races was to secure the racing permit out of fears that the legislature would disallow additional permits sometime during the 2012 legislative session. The advice came from Marc Dunbar, Gulfstream’s lobbyist, who has been advising most of the other companies seeking Quarter Horse permits, including the barrel-racing facilities. Dunbar did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Ritvo called the effort to secure the permit “a strategic move by us so that if destination casinos come we could get a place up.” In Broward County, where Gulfstream is situated, parimutuel facilities can also operate slot machines, which are far more lucrative than card rooms. Gulfstream already operates a casino at its Hallandale Beach property, under its own racing permit, which allows it 2,000 slot machines.

Ritvo said that if Gulfstream pursued another casino, it would cut horsemen in on a share of the revenue. He said Gulfstream’s owner, the auto-parts manufacturer and owner-breeder Frank Stronach, has a commitment to live Thoroughbred racing.

“But it’s easy to see why they’re having trouble trusting out,” Ritvo said. “The horsemen are concerned that someday barrel racing will substitute for Thoroughbred racing, and our lobbyists have pursued a barrel-racing license in Gretna. Frank is a free-enterprise guy, so he wasn’t going to stand in the way of that, something that doesn’t affect us way up there.”

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Citing “Low Attendance,” Gretna Racing Cancels “Open Barrel Racing;” Poker and Cardrooms Allowed to Continue, While Slots Loom

Posted on October 5, 2012 by

Resultant horse racing industry job loss continues as pari-mutuels leverage “Gretna Model” to bypass Florida’s live racing requirements for slot machines

Opening for “pari-mutuel barrel racing” once again today, October 5, 2012, despite an imminent court ruling on the legality of its racing license, Creek Entertainment Gretna concurrently announced on its Web site that its remaining “open races” for 2012 have been canceled “due to low attendance.”

The North Florida gaming entity was awarded the spurious license by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering nearly one year to date, allowing it to conduct the brand new gambling product of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input.

“It is the lowest of ironies that Gretna Racing’s card and poker room continues to stay open 365 days a year,” said Kent Stirling, Executive Director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents over 6,000 Florida Thoroughbred horsemen.

“This regulatory nightmare has meant the loss of countless Florida jobs and economic impact, not to mention the tax revenue that could have helped our economy if legitimate racing had otherwise been held at Gretna,” Stirling continued.  “Even worse, hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds have been expended by the State of Florida to defend Gretna’s questionable license award.”

“Because the spurious ‘Gretna Model’ has been allowed to continue by Florida’s Legislature and pari-mutuel regulators, permitholders across the state are lining up to bastardize legitimate racing and capitalize on its fundamental platform of side-stepping Florida’s legal requirements for live racing in order to have slot machines,” FHBPA President Phil Combest explained.  “This includes every single Quarter Horse permitholder except Hialeah Park, the only place at which legitimate Quarter Horse racing is being held in Florida.”

“Pari-mutuel barrel racing” has failed so badly, that wagering handles as low as $24 per day have been recorded.  Because Florida does not legally define what a “horse race” is, regulators allowed Gretna to proceed, without regard for its impact on Florida’s $2.2 billion dollar horse racing industry and the 50,000 jobs it creates annually.

Meanwhile, legitimate Quarter Horse racing at Hialeah Park, the only Florida racing legally accredited by the American Quarter Horse Association for its high standards, averaged 4,100 daily attendees and handled an average of $200,000 for each day of its 2011-2012 race meet.  Because of Hialeah Park’s success, purses for legitimate Quarter Horse have risen to an all-time Florida high of over $4 million dollars for 2012-2013.

Nearly 1,000 horses were housed at Hialeah during its Quarter Horse meet.  In contrast, at Gretna, the entire 2011-2012 season used approximately 50 horses—thus eliminating the many of the jobs that would have otherwise been generated there and in the local horse breeding industry.

At least 800 documented licensed personnel are employed at the Hialeah meet, while Gretna has a comparable 38 documented licensees.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

No Jobs Generated by Electronic Roulette Wrought by Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing, GPTARP; Florida Defines “Un-Roulette” Same as Slot Machine, Miami Herald’s Fred Grimm Notes

Posted on October 1, 2012 by

Because Florida law fails to define what a “horse race” is, rogue pari-mutuel permitholders like Gretna Racing LLC, Hamilton Downs, and even Gulfstream Park (GPTARP) have been given carte blanche to bastardize legitimate horse racing through the misuse of Quarter Horse permits to roll out slot machine expansion statewide.  In addition to devastating the racing industry, revenue from these scofflaw permits is being deliberately held down in order to qualify certain permitholders for “Magic City” jai alai permits, thus tripling their slot machine capacity to take full advantage of more regulatory hijinks that now allow various electronic games to be defined as the equivalent to slot machines. 

As a result, jobs are lost in the racing industry, as well as the gaming industry, when pie-in-the-sky employment promised to unsuspecting jobless Floridians fails to materialize.

In the column below, the Miami Herald’s Fred Grimm talks about the “un-roulette” and aptly notes how casinos are lining up to sidestep Florida’s live racing requirements through the insipid use of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” (and GPTARP “flag drops”) that ultimately hurts all of us:

 

MiamiHerald.com

A roulette wheel that pretends it isn’t

By Fred Grimm

fgrimm@MiamiHerald.com

Players hover around the table, regarding a small metal ball as it dances around the circumference of a spinning roulette wheel that isn’t a roulette wheel. Not in Florida. Because, well, roulette’s illegal here, isn’t it?

“It’s roulette, but better,” insisted Louis Ruiz, as the ball’s momentum faltered and it fell into one of the little numbered slots. “No one to cheat you. This is just gravity.”

Indeed, the roulette wheels that South Florida’s racinos and Indian casinos added to their gambling menu this summer are hermetically sealed under a plastic dome. Untouched by human hands. No croupier stands watch.

Gravity, on this particular turn, was kind to Ruiz, 43, of Pembroke Pines, with a card identifying him as an “elite” regular gambler at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood. “I won $210.”

His winnings were recorded on one of the 12 burping terminals around the un-roulette wheel that represents yet another peculiarity in Florida’s ever expanding gambling regime. Clearly, the betting around this table has to do with an actual ball rolling around an actual tangible wheel, not some digital on-screen apparition. But last winter, Miami’s Magic City Casino convinced an administrative judge that these gadgets were an incarnation of legal, electronic slot machines.

Another new machine features a robotic arm that tosses actual dice. But don’t call it craps.

“Takes your money just the same,” observed Anthony Gray, another regular at the Hard Rock. Yet Florida pretends there’s a moral distinction between the old fashioned roulette or craps and these semi-electronic hybrids. Though the electronic versions are much more efficient at relieving gamblers of their money.

Leaders in the state Legislature, as they snuffed out bills that would have created so-called “destination casinos” last session, explained that they’re determined to staunch the “expansion of gambling.”

Truth is, they’ve had about as much luck slowing down the gambling industry in Florida as they’ve had keeping Burmese pythons out of the Everglades. In November, voters in both Palm Beach and Lee counties will be voting whether to legalize slot machines at their local racinos. Not that local voters have any such authority. But the track operators know a “yes” vote will up the pressure in Tallahassee. Up in Gadsden County, 63 percent of the voters approved a slot referendum in January, as the local track operator replaced quarter-horse racing with a novel new form of pari-mutuel gambling: rodeo style barrel racing.

Gaming operators are talking about opening jai-alai frontons in Florida City and Sunrise, no matter that jai-alai has about as much cachet in modern Florida as shuffleboard. It’s all about slots, slots and more slots.

Meanwhile, gambling conglomerates, looking for destination casinos, are pouring money into Florida politics.

And on the other end of the gambling spectrum, Internet cafes have contributed more than $700,000 to state campaigns this year, looking to preserve the fiction that no gambling occurs in their storefront gambling dens.

It might work. In Florida, home of the un-roulette, we cling to an illusion about holding the line on gambling. But the line keeps moving.
Read more here:  http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/17/3007503/a-roulette-wheel-that-pretends.html#storylink=cpy

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing “Diabolical,” “Ugly” Says Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) President Phil Matthews

Posted on September 26, 2012 by

In a September 21, 2012 interview with The Florida Horse Magazine, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association President Dr. Phil Matthews called the use of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as a substitute for legitimate racing by Florida pari-mutuel permitholders “ugly” and “diabolical” . . . the excerpt from his interview is below (the complete interview is reprinted below that):

TFH: It’s been widely reported that pari-mutuel barrel racing is a significant threat to thoroughbred racing and breeding in Florida. Can you expound on this threat?

PM: This is certainly a topic that is paramount on my mind. It gets back to what many of us feared from the advent of racinos around the country and slots and card rooms coming in to Florida.  It has always loomed as a double-edged sword.  They were seen as a savior for racing because of the boon it has been to purses and breeder’s awards. But many of us were waiting for the next shoe to drop, when some tracks figured a way to have their casinos, and slots, but not have the investment and demands of live racing at all or curtail it significantly. That is exactly what is happening with barrel racing. These barrel racing rogue permit holders are trying to create a venue by which thoroughbred racing can be eliminated. They pay very small purses, have a very small number of horses to provide space for and still qualify for their other forms of more lucrative gaming. It is an ugly thing that is happening.

I want everyone to realize two other points that are very important about this diabolical process. These people are doing everything they can do to delegitimize the now legitimate, and traditional, horsemen’s groups. That is the FTBOA and the FHBPA [Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association]. We have always been the groups that the racetracks had to enter in to agreement with for breeder’s incentives and purses. Gretna wants to create their own “cozy” horse groups, basically run by them, which they will supposedly negotiate with, and by doing so cut us out of the process.  And I don’t mean the barrel racing process, I mean Thoroughbred racing!

The second point I want to make is this.  Where have the race tracks been on this issue?  The silence has been deafening.  They don’t visibly take a stand but they are just waiting to see what happens. As one high ranking racing official said to me, “Hey, we like it. We like the flexibility it could provide.” This should send a chill down the spine of any individual or organization truly dedicated to live thoroughbred racing in Florida.

The complete interview is reprinted below from:  http://www.ftboa.com/news/presidents-report/2131-presidents-report

The Florida Horse magazine editor-in-chief Brock Sheridan recently had a chance to sit down with FTBOA President Phil Matthews and discuss some of the changes we have seen during his tenure at FTBOA and what opportunities and challenges Dr. Matthews feels may lay ahead for the Association.
September 21, 2012
 

Q&A with FTBOA President Phil Matthews

The Florida Horse magazine editor-in-chief Brock Sheridan recently had a chance to sit down with FTBOA President Phil Matthews and discuss some of the changes we have seen during his tenure at FTBOA and what opportunities and challenges Dr. Matthews feels may lay ahead for the Association.

TFH: Before we get started, most people know you as a veterinarian and businessman, but tell us about your history as a thoroughbred breeder.

PM: I believe I bought my first mare in 1983, a Great Above mare that went on to produce several black type horses including a Grade II filly named Parlay.  As Cedar Grove Farm, my wife and I have been very fortunate to be able to produce several stakes winners including another Grade III winner Rizzi’s Girl and a Grade II-placed horse, Papi Chullo that won several other stakes. I’ve participated in every part of the game from sales at all ages to racing.  It’s been exciting.

TFH: What are some of the things that have transpired during your year as FTBOA president?

PM: Wow, a fast year. Looking back, I guess what stands out the most is all of the transitions that have taken place over this year, which necessitated a huge time commitment but have also energized me due to the potential these transitions have meant and will mean to the Association. Mr. Hancock left after twenty-two years and then Lonny Powell came on board. Mike Compton left as editor of the FEP [Florida Equine Publications] and we brought you [Brock Sheridan] on board.  We’ve also been very serious about transiting to a more dynamic IT and financial reporting system that has taken a lot of time and effort. This system will not only make us more secure and efficient but hopefully will provide some membership added value features that the association has not enjoyed before.  A lot of this transition was started by Fred Brei and then continued by me, seeing them through to fruition.

When it comes to facilitating and implementing changes and forward progress everything moves more slowly than you’d like, certainly more slowly than Lonny and I would like. But that is life. We started in a little deeper hole in terms of the existing technology more than even we had envisioned. And listen, that’s not a commentary on the past.  It wasn’t a focus for Dick [Hancock], being a little more old school and prioritizing different things, but Lonny and I thought prioritizing some modernization was very important at this juncture.

One last thing about looking at the past year; it has been a delight to work with the Board of Directors. They have volunteered time, energy and brain power that has been a pleasure to be a part of. And I can’t say enough about the staff of FTBOA; tremendous.  All hard working and very dedicated.

I’d like to give an additional shout-out to our officer team-Brent [Fernung], Francis [Vanlangendonck], Bonnie [Heath] and Sheila [DiMare] by the sheer responsibilities of being an officer and executive committee member they really had to step-up during the transition. I must give special kudos to Brent, who in the role of First VP has taken his role very seriously to provide some excellent support and counsel to both Lonny and I.

TFH: You’ve mentioned how fast this year has gone and some of the many accomplishments of the Association. To what do you attribute your fast start as president of the FTBOA?

PM: I mentioned the significant transition. Well Fred got the ball rolling. The first thing he tackled as president was to provide more financial and accounting expertise which involved bringing Caroline Davis on board.  She has a wealth of experience in the world of financial management and understands completely the necessity for security, accuracy, checks and balances, etc.  She has done a terrific job.

Fred also worked hard to address complaints coming from within the association.  Several things were changed as a result and in other instances the correct information had to be provided because there was a plethora of misinformation.  He, and the Board at that time, took the mindset of moving forward and progressing rather than just maintaining the status quo. It took a tremendous time commitment on Fred’s part, much more than any previous president. In fact, I think it is fair to say that Fred raised the bar for all future presidents to be more engaged and commit more energy than was traditional with this office. And again, that is not a commentary on the past people.  I think all of us should be very grateful to anyone that has served as an officer or board member and given of their personal time and energy.

A last comment on Fred, if I can. There was some criticism of Fred’s approach to revitalizing racing in Florida. That there was too much concentration on stakes supplements. Something that apparently escapes people on this subject is that the more we improve the live racing product in Florida, the greater the handle, both live and simulcast as well as local demand for Florida-breds. It is the handle—our percentage of it—that creates breeders’ awards.  We need a strong racing product for Florida, for our breeders as well as our owners.

TFH: What does the nine month report card on CEO Lonny Powell look like?

PM: What the search committee saw in Lonny was a person that wanted to move forward and keep moving forward, someone with vision and a proven record as a top executive. What I saw in Lonny was someone that had an amazing breadth of experience within the thoroughbred industry and was not only well acquainted with the workings of the business but knows most of the players both in Florida and throughout North America. The thoroughbred breeding and racing world is very unique with many nuances. I was very pleased that we were able to find someone that knows it backward and forward.

I’ll digress briefly on this point.  There were several names that were brought to the search committee during that time, and a couple of them had strengths in one area or another that were more specialized than Lonny’s in that particular area.  But no one came close to bringing the complete package like Lonny.  I thought it was very important then and feel that we have been well vindicated by our selection ever since; because now I have seen firsthand how many moving parts there are in his position.  It’s incredible really; and it helps so much to have someone that has had a lifetime of experience and success weaving through those relationships; and mine fields in a positive fashion.

You see we aren’t in a bubble.  I think a small portion of our membership believes that all this association needs to do is distribute breeder’s awards.  It is very important that we communicate with, work with, negotiate and lead when necessary with, all of the players with stakes in this Florida industry. That means the race tracks, the HBPAs, the ADWs, the legislature, the Florida Department of Ag, Marion County, City of Ocala, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the American Horse Council, and on and on.  If we don’t have a seat at these tables and we don’t press for our concerns on all levels, we become weaker. Lonny’s ability to hit the ground running on all of these fronts has exceeded our expectations.

Lonny gets all that and knows how to work in that world.  He also has considerable CEO experience that makes him a good administrator.  He is an enthusiastic team builder.  He puts people in a position to get the most out of them and creates an environment of support and empowerment in which they can flourish.  That translates to an efficient, competent and accountable staff that gets things done for the Association. As a business owner, I understand the importance of strong corporate culture.  It is paramount in making a business successful.  Lonny understands this to the tee.

TFH: How do you see Florida Equine Publications now and in the future relative to the FTBOA?

PM: I have always thought that the need for a public relations arm to be so necessary.  We are fortunate to have a staff that produces a great product, a product that wins awards year after year.  What FEP produces accomplishes a lot of things for the FTBOA, most notably helping ensure our relevance to the rest of the world, both within and outside of the industry.  The web site, The Florida Horse, the Wire to Wire give our members a source in which to advertise their products, to help get their stories and accomplishments told, to keep up with the industry changes and news, all of these things.

An important point that I think is always worth reminding people of is that without FEP we would be outsourcing any public relations and marketing efforts. This way it is done well, under our complete control and by people that understand our needs and purpose. And as it stands, FEP is a profit asset for the FTBOA.

TFH: Would you like to touch on the recently announced supplement bonus program that is now in its second year?

PM: I’d like an opportunity to clarify if necessary the supplemental bonuses. The bonus affects awards received during the 2011 calendar year.  Anyone that received a bonus during that year will get a check for an additional 11%.  To make the math easy, if you received $1000 in 2011, you will receive a check for $110. From a pure blended percentage standpoint we are now at the highest level in our history-and we hope to continue this upward trend in the future It’s also expanded to pay bonuses for first, second and third place, meaning more bonuses than before.  Oh, and one more thing, those checks should be sent out by mid-October at the latest.

TFH: You’ve talked about maintaining healthy, live thoroughbred race dates in Florida; will Marion County be a part of that formula?
PM: Yes, the FTBOA created OTR [Ocala Thoroughbred Racing] for the express purpose of converting the quarter horse permit to a thoroughbred permit.  This was accomplished in August. It has been the opinion of the board that we need to do whatever we can to ensure racing, and as many racing dates as possible, to exist in Florida. This was seen as a tool in our tool box toward achieving that goal.  It is a tough mountain to climb, but I assure you that OTR is pushing hard to make racing available to us in Marion County. And the type of racing venue we can be proud of that will support the bottom line of owners and breeders through purses and breeders awards, as well as create even more awareness and relevance with the public.

TFH: It’s been widely reported that pari-mutuel barrel racing is a significant threat to thoroughbred racing and breeding in Florida. Can you expound on this threat?

PM: This is certainly a topic that is paramount on my mind. It gets back to what many of us feared from the advent of racinos around the country and slots and card rooms coming in to Florida.  It has always loomed as a double-edged sword.  They were seen as a savior for racing because of the boon it has been to purses and breeder’s awards. But many of us were waiting for the next shoe to drop, when some tracks figured a way to have their casinos, and slots, but not have the investment and demands of live racing at all or curtail it significantly. That is exactly what is happening with barrel racing. These barrel racing rogue permit holders are trying to create a venue by which thoroughbred racing can be eliminated. They pay very small purses, have a very small number of horses to provide space for and still qualify for their other forms of more lucrative gaming. It is an ugly thing that is happening.

I want everyone to realize two other points that are very important about this diabolical process. These people are doing everything they can do to delegitimize the now legitimate, and traditional, horsemen’s groups. That is the FTBOA and the FHBPA [Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association]. We have always been the groups that the racetracks had to enter in to agreement with for breeder’s incentives and purses. Gretna wants to create their own “cozy” horse groups, basically run by them, which they will supposedly negotiate with, and by doing so cut us out of the process.  And I don’t mean the barrel racing process, I mean Thoroughbred racing!

The second point I want to make is this.  Where have the race tracks been on this issue?  The silence has been deafening.  They don’t visibly take a stand but they are just waiting to see what happens. As one high ranking racing official said to me, “Hey, we like it. We like the flexibility it could provide.” This should send a chill down the spine of any individual or organization truly dedicated to live thoroughbred racing in Florida.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Illegal Quarter Horse Racing Planned by Gretna Racing Co-Owner David Romanik for Florida City Slot Venture; the Miami Herald’s Elaine Walker Reports Jai Alai, Quarter Horse Pari-Mutuel Permits Behind Keys Gateway Gambling Expansion

Posted on August 28, 2012 by

 Note:  For background information on David Romanik’s Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings, click here.

The Miami Herald

Posted on Mon, Aug. 27, 2012
Florida City could get jai-alai or horse racing, plus a casino

By ELAINE WALKER
ewalker@MiamiHerald.com
Hungry for economic development and jobs, Florida City is ready to embrace parimutuel gambling.

That could come in the form of a quarter horse racetrack, jai-alai fronton — or both — located adjacent to the Florida Keys Outlet Center. Either format would carry a license for the ultimate goal: a casino with a poker room and slot machines just east of Florida’s Turnpike that could draw both residents and tourists passing through the South Miami-Dade city on the way to the Florida Keys.

“It’s another piece in trying to recover the economy in this area,” Mayor Otis Wallace said. “It will present another revenue resource for the city. In these tough economic times, it’s important to look at other sources other than taxing people to death.”

The initiative is another sign of the gambling industry’s determination to expand. Despite the state Legislature’s denial last spring of full-scale destination gambling, some industry players are exploiting loopholes in state law to expand parimutuel betting.

If the Florida City effort succeeds, it will have plenty of company. Miami-Dade and Broward counties are already home to a half-dozen parimutuel facilities that operate slots and card rooms in addition to wagering on parimutuel sports; two more existing parimutuels in the region are eligible for slots. And that doesn’t include the four tribal casino facilities in the two counties.

Behind the plans for Florida City is Ocala gambling attorney David Romanik, the former general counsel of Gulfstream Park. In 2010, the state turned down an application for a quarter horse racing permit in Florida City by Romanik’s company, Fort Myers Real Estate Holdings. While that fight remains in litigation, Romanik acknowledged that applying for a jai-alai fronton could be his next move.

“Should the quarter horse [effort] fail, or if it’s going to take too long, I’m going to shift over to a different type of permit for that property,” Romanik said.

But industry experts say when it comes to economics, neither the racetrack nor the jai-alai fronton are going to drive business.

“The only reason to have the license is to have the ability to open a casino or slots,” said Brian McGill, an analyst who follows the gambling industry for Janney Capital Markets. “The key is you do everything possible to minimize your costs on the parimutuel side and focus on maximizing the revenue through slots.”

Florida City began clearing the way for gambling this summer, when the City Commission agreed to rezone nearly 25 acres at the southwest corner of Southwest 172nd Avenue and Southwest 336th Street. The commission created a new land-use category for gambling. The rezoning came at the request of property owner Fort Myers Real Estate Holdings, which purchased the two parcels of land in 2010 and 2011 for $6.5 million.

Wallace says he didn’t like the Internet gambling that was popping up in convenience stores around his city. He didn’t want to outlaw gambling, but he felt it was important for the city to control where any facilities would be located.

His solution: Create a designated place for gambling far enough away from schools and homes.Preliminary plans presented to Florida City by Romanik’s group in June call for a 30,000-square-foot building to house the jai-alai fronton, as well as the card room and video gambling machines. The mayor said it might open as soon as next year. A second phase could come later with a quarter horse track.

Florida City officials were told that the project would create between 150 and 200 jobs during construction. The card room and jai-alai fronton would yield between 75 and 100 jobs, with another 30 jobs in a video game arcade, Wallace said. Romanik’s group told city officials the facility would be assessed at about $15 million after the initial construction.
Wallace is waiting for Romanik’s group to request site plan approval after it secures the appropriate permit.

“The ball is in their court to come back to us with a plan of what they want to do,” Wallace said. “We’re expecting to see a site plan in the next month or two.”

Romanik last week declined to discuss details of his Florida City plan but said he remains confident of the region’s potential to support gambling.

“I think it’s a great location,” he said. “There are two million people driving by there every year on their way to the Keys. It’s an activity that people in that area have shown they would enjoy.”

One relatively swift path to a parimutuel license would be a partnership with an operator holding an unused permit. At least a half dozen have been issued but are not yet active, according to state records and industry sources.

Among those are recently issued “summer’’ jai-alai permits that Magic City Casino lawyers and others have obtained based on a loophole in a 1980 state gambling law. The provision allowed the facility with the lowest annual volume of bets to seek an additional jai-alai permit for use during summer months. Such permits can be used to construct a jai-alai fronton and poker room anywhere in the county in which it is issued.

“Dave Romanik has spoken to anybody and everybody with a permit,” said Isadore Havenick, vice president of government affairs for Magic City Casino in Miami, which has two unused jai-alai permits. “There are a lot more permits in Miami-Dade and Broward than there are facilities.”

Havenick says while his family has considered partnering with Romanik in Florida City, they don’t expect to make any commitments in the near future.

“He’s not the only person we’re talking to,” Havenick said. “But we’re really waiting to see what’s going to happen in the Legislature.”

If Romanik continues his efforts to secure a quarter horse permit for Florida City, he will face opposition from leading horse industry groups.

The Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association and others are fighting the state’s decision to issue a permit for barrel racing to Gretna Racing, a company in which Romanik is a partner. The horse-racing industry argues that barrel racing is not a parimutuel sport.
Horse-racing leaders fear that Romanik is trying to bring the Gretna model to Florida City, which dramatically cuts both the costs and payouts associated with racing.

“This is just a get-rich-quick scheme,” said Kent Stirling, executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “It could lead to the downfall of the thoroughbred industry. We’re fighting this tooth and nail because it’s our future.”
© 2012 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/08/24/v-print/2971208/florida-city-could-get-jai-alai.html#storylink=cpy

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Hearing Case No: 11-005796RU Reconvenes for Third Time on August 22-23, 2012 in Tallahassee

Posted on August 21, 2012 by

Litigation Now at Nine-Month Mark

American Quarter Horse Association: “Pari-mutuel barrel racing” is NOT legitimate Quarter Horse racing

Litigation over the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering’s 2011 unilateral license award for Greta Racing LLC to conduct “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as a new form of gambling without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input will continue this Wednesday, August 22 through August 23, 2012 at the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings in Tallahassee.

This third (3rd) continuation marks the ninth (9th) month and what will amount to nine (9) days of testimony in Case No: 11-005796RU, in which Gretna Racing LLC co-owners Marc Dunbar and David Romanik are actively litigating as “intervenors” on behalf of Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering—the same regulating entity that granted their North Florida-based pari-mutuel facility the license in question.

Along with Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering officials, among those who have testified in the trial have been former Thoroughbred racetrack Gulfstream Park CEO Doug Donn and the American Quarter Horse Racing Association’s Executive Director of Racing Trey Buck.  The American Quarter Horse Association has refused to sanction “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as legitimate Quarter Horse racing.

Even though Florida law requires pari-mutuels to hold live horse racing in order to operate 365-day cardrooms and slot machines, Gretna Racing LLC has continued to operate cardrooms and pursue its slot machine license despite the controversy and ensuing litigation over the legitimacy of its racing license award.

During the June 2012 proceedings, former Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Director Milton Champion testified in Florida Administrative Court that the licensing of barrel racing as a pari-mutuel event was “a joke” and “an embarrassment” to the State of Florida.  Champion recounted how he was dismissed from his Director position for not approving “pari-mutuel barrel racing.” 

Champion further testified that he was asked to resign after his superior, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson was instructed to effect the dismissal by Florida Governor Rick Scott’s now-departed Chief of Staff Steve MacNamara.

“Because ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ is specifically designed to sharply curtail the need for racehorses and their inherent job creation value, the Florida horse racing and breeding industry’s $2.2 billion statewide economic impact stands to diminish accordingly,” explained Kent Stirling, Executive Director of Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents over 6,000 Thoroughbred horsemen who race in Florida.

To access the entire case history and docket, or view related litigation, go to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings Web site or click here. 

For further information, please contact Kent Stirling at the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association at (305) 625-4591, or visit our blog at www.FloridaHorsemen.com.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gretna “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Co-Owner David Romanik Expects to Open Jai Alai, Casino In Florida City “Gateway to the Keys”

Posted on August 21, 2012 by

Romanik Wants to Open Jai Alai; Casino in 2013

By Julie Schaffter   Mon, Aug 13, 2012

South Dade News Leader

Romanik estimated that the time frame for the casino to be built would likely stretch into 2013, if all goes well.

With news of a casino and Jai Alai fronton coming to Florida City, many residents are curious about the circumstances surrounding its approval.

Mayor Otis Wallace and the commissioners have backed the idea since its first proposal on the agenda, and having maintained the stance that it is better to welcome the opportunity for local jobs than scorn a business simply because of its nature.

Due to a myriad of chance-based electronic games popping up all over the surrounding community, mostly in convenience stores, the commissioners and mayor have decided to place restrictions that will control the spread.

David S. Romanik, an attorney in the Gaming and Entertainment Law Group, has expressed ample excitement over bringing a casino to Florida City.

“It was the distance away from many of the competitors,” Romanik stated when asked why Florida City had been chosen for the site of the adult arcade. “It’s the gateway to the Keys. Two million people pass by every year.”

One of the greatest factors was having “a city government that supported us.”

Romanik estimated that the time frame for the casino to be built would likely stretch into 2013, if all goes well.

“We’re shooting for next year,” he said, “Unfortunately, in the world of gaming in the state of Florida we’re constantly in a state of flux. I don’t know what the legislature is going to do when they meet again.”

Constantly divided by opposing views on the legality and profit of gambling, Florida has no definitive laws, and thus the process to gain approvals often becomes a game of waiting and, ironically, chance.

“On the grand scale of things, it’s looking pretty good right now,” Romanik said, maintaining optimism.

As with any new business, the potential for local job openings has captured the attention of many residents. When questioned on whether or not they planned on hiring local contractors to assist with the building, Romanik answered with a promising ‘yes’.

“The city requires it and we give locals a fair shot,” he said, “I’m looking for mostly local people to be employees once we open up, too.”

Between the poker rooms and the Jai Alai (a sport involving a ball bounced off a walled space and played with curved device known as a ‘xistera’ attached to the player’s hand), Romanik estimates between 100 and 150 jobs will be added.

“Once we get some kind of machine game in there,” he added, “then that number will double or triple.”

Also projected for future additions is a hotel, which will bring even more jobs to Florida City. Romanik remained ever-hopeful, “The hotel is going to be more tied to the slot machines. There’s a need for there to be organized lodging in the section with the activities; which I’m kind of hoping it will be, because I think it will be a good place for people to stop off on their way to the Keys, go down, spend the day, and then come back and party.”

Surprisingly, to some, and not-so surprisingly to others, the addition of a casino has not elicited any negative feedback from the community.

“The community has been great,” he said. “I think they’re looking forward to the jobs, looking forward to the activities and getting Florida City on the map; they’re really looking forward to that. The mayor and the planning department have been great, I think that they’ve been very supportive.”

Reasons for this may also include the “pretty good deal, as far as their participation and the revenues the casino is going to generate.”

With any luck, construction will begin soon, and Florida City will boast a brand new casino and Jai Alai court come 2013. All the jobs to be generated, in addition to the revenue collected by the city will hopefully have a positive effect not only on the community, but the economy as well.

New business is good business, and the chance for a steady job – and maybe even a bit of fun – is nothing to turn up one’s nose at.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Former Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Regulation Director Milton Champion Testifies Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing A “Joke” and “Embarrassment” to the State of Florida

Posted on June 29, 2012 by

Former Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Director Milton Champion testified in Florida Administrative Court this week that the licensing of barrel racing as a pari-mutuel event was “a joke” and “an embarrassment” to the State of Florida.

With his testimony on June 27, 2012 marking the fifth day of the final hearing on the issue of whether “pari-mutuel barrel racing” has been allowed as a new gambling product in Florida without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input, Champion recounted how he was dismissed from his Director position for not approving Gretna Racing LLC’s racing license.  Gretna Racing subsequently used the license to hold “pari-mutuel barrel racing” instead of the legitimate Quarter Horse racing to which it had initially committed.

(Note:  The State of Florida mandates that pari-mutuel permitholders must hold live horse racing in order to operate 365-day cardrooms and slot machines.  With the State having unilaterally declared “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as “horse racing,” Gretna Racing secured the ability to operate cardrooms and quickly moved to gain its slot machine license.  However, because “pari-mutuel barrel racing” is specifically designed to sharply curtail the need for racehorses and their inherent job creation value, the Florida horse racing and breeding industry’s  $2.2 billion statewide economic impact stands to diminish accordingly.)

For the hearing, Gretna Racing co-owners Marc Dunbar and David Romanik are actively litigating as “intervenors” on behalf of Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, which granted their North Florida-based pari-mutuel facility the same license in question. 

Champion further testified that he was asked to resign after his superior, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Commissioner Ken Lawson was instructed to effect the dismissal by Florida Governor Rick Scott’s now-departed Chief of Staff Steve Macnamara.

The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reported on May 6, 2012:  “In an email to MacNamara in August, Marc Dunbar, a lawyer and part-owner of a horse track in Gadsden County, complained about the division’s staff and hoped MacNamara could get them into shape. MacNamara had worked together at Dunbar’s law firm and listed the firm as a source of income on his financial disclosure forms as recently as 2010.

In September, Dunbar and his partners asked the division for permission to run rodeo-style barrel racing as a parimutuel sport, instead of the quarter horse racing they had intended when they obtained the permit. Shortly afterwards, Champion said he was called into Department of Business and Professional Secretary Ken Lawson’s office. “He told me Marc Dunbar is close with the governor’s chief of staff and they want me to resign, so I resigned,’’ Champion said.

Champion now says that while “the law may not be clearly defined,’’ had he remained at the agency he “would have strongly suggested we not approve it.”

MacNamara said Champion was asked to resign because his wife worked at the Seminole Hard Rock as head of surveillance. While the state does not regulate the tribe, it does regulate their competitors. But Champion said he had disclosed his wife’s job when he was hired to head the division five years ago and again when he was reappointed to the post when Scott came to office.

With Champion gone, the division then approved the barrel racing switch, a move which Dunbar and his partners hope will allow the track to get slot machines.”

 

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Overruled! Marc Dunbar Defending Gretna “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” On Behalf of State of Florida; Gray Rohrer of the Florida Current Reports: Fight over barrel racing license resumes

Posted on June 27, 2012 by

Fight over barrel racing license resumes

By Gray Rohrer, 06/26/2012

Testimony continued Tuesday in an administrative court case over a barrel racing license issued to Gretna Racing LLC.

Legal fireworks ensued as attorneys for the quarter horse racing industry tried to get state regulators with the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to admit they issued a license for betting on barrel racing – the first of its kind in the country – in violation of state statutes.

“The issuance of a license for this type of racing … is contrary to their own rules,” said Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association attorney Steve Menton while asking questions of Jamie Pouncey, a license administrator with the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

Menton was interrupted several times while interviewing Pouncey. Gretna Racing attorney and part-owner Marc Dunbar objected to the relevance and type of questions put to Pouncey, who he said shouldn’t be allowed to answer questions that constitute a legal opinion.

“What does the date of a Hialeah racing permit have to do with the matter before us?” Dunbar asked when Menton brought up procedures used to give licenses to a South Florida racetrack.

Administrative Court Judge Cathy Sellers overruled most of Dunbar’s objections.

The FQHRA and the American Quarter Horse Association filed their suit last year, contending that Gretna Racing’s license to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on horse races in a rodeo arena around a set-up of barrels instead of on a traditional quarter horse track is contrary to state law. The administrative court hearing began in April but was extended because of the length of witness testimony. The hearing is expected to last until Thursday.

Related Research: Access all documents related to Division of Administrative Hearings Case No. 11-005796RU

Reporter Gray Rohrer can be reached at grohrer@thefloridacurrent.com.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Hearing Resumes in Tallahassee, Florida Division of Administrative Hearings on June 26, 2012

Posted on June 25, 2012 by

“Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Hearing Resumes in Tallahassee June 26, 2012

A continued final hearing on the issue of whether “pari-mutuel barrel racing” has been allowed in Florida without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input will begin tomorrow, June 26, 2012, at the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings in Tallahassee (Hearing Room 7, DeSoto Building, 1230 Apalachee Parkway, 9:00 a.m. (ET). 

After what was supposed to be the final day of a three-day hearing on April 11, 2012, at least six witnesses still remained to testify in the case (Case No: 11-005796RU), which involves a dispute over the award of a racing license by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to Gretna Racing LLC. 

Since the award of its license, Gretna Racing has used it to conduct a brand new form of gambling it calls “pari-mutuel barrel racing.” 
 
Nearly 450,000 horsemen in eight Florida and national organizations have agreed that the Division’s license award to Gretna Racing was an overstep of regulatory authority and constitutes an unpromulgated Rule.
 
Normally, the introduction of a new gambling product into the market would be enabled with the passage of legislation, followed by subsequent regulatory hearings in which public input would be provided and considered.  With “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” none of that process occurred.
 
Now enabled to minimally meet Florida live racing requirements for poker and slot machine licensing through “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” other Florida pari-mutuel permitholders are in line to leverage this new gambling product to acquire slot machines without conducting legitimate horse racing.

Of paramount concern to Florida’s racing industry, “pari-mutuel barrel racing” plummets the need for approximately 2,000 horses at a typical racetrack to just 8 per day, of which the same 8 horses can, and have been used over and over again, while the cardrooms stay open 365 days a year.  Legitimate horse racing is documented to employ over 50,000 Floridians per year who produce over $2.2 billion in statewide economic impact.  
 
“The implications of allowing ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ to decimate the enormous economic impact of Florida’s heretofore successful horse racing and breeding industry are dire.   The State of Florida cannot afford to allow clever lawyering and loopholes to destroy its internationally known horse racing and breeding industry in this manner,” remarked Kent Stirling, Executive Director for the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which comprises over 6,000 Thoroughbred horsemen.

 

To view the entire case history and docket for tomorrow’s hearing, go to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings Web site and click here.

 

 

For further information, please contact the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association at (305) 625-4591.

Visit our blog at www.FloridaHorsemen.com

 

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Magic City Loophole Lawyer John Lockwood Tells The Florida Current: Repeal of slot machine rules won’t have much of an effect on pari-mutuel business

Posted on June 20, 2012 by

The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering (DPMW) was set to consider the repeal of various Rules relating to slot machine and pari-mutuel regulation at a hearing on Monday, June 18, 2012  in Tallahassee.   The hearing was scheduled to place less than 10 days before the DPMW resumes defense of its license award to Gretna Racing LLC’s “pari-mutuel barrel racing” in administrative court.

(Hyperlinks to the referenced Rules are provided below)

Gray Rohrer of The Florida Current reports:

Gaming rules to be repealed without hearing

Gray Rohrer, 06/18/2012

A meeting to repeal about a dozen rules regulating pari-mutuel and slot machines operations scheduled for Monday was cancelled when no one requested a hearing.

Since a hearing was not held, the filing deadline for the rule repeals is Aug. 23, and they will take effect Sept. 12.

The rules that are slated to be repealed would do away with state requirements for:

* a $15,000 fee to pay for an initial background investigation for a pari-mutuel permit;
* information given to regulators on amendments to lease agreements for pari-mutuel permits;
* a report to be kept on site detailing the amount and types of jobs related to slot machine operations;
* keeping an updated list of a slot operator’s minimum security staff levels;
* and protocols surrounding electronic money transfers.

According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which houses gaming industry regulator Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, the rules were targeted for repeal as part of Gov. Rick Scott’s executive order 11-01 directing state agencies to find obsolete, duplicative or overly burdensome rules to eliminate.

Related Research: Read Executive Order Number 2011-01.

Requirements to provide reports on slot machine jobs and security staffing levels are “no longer necessary” because “federal and state employment laws require companies to maintain accurate and current job descriptions for each position so employees who are hired are aware of the expectations related to their jobs,” said DBPR spokeswoman Sandi Poreda.

Pari-mutuel operators that offer slots said the repeal of the rules won’t have much of an effect on their business. John Lockwood, an attorney and consultant for several pari-mutuel owners and slot machine companies, said the state “went overboard” in 2006 when many of the rules were adopted.

“A lot of that stuff just wasn’t really necessary to regulate the industry,” Lockwood said.

 

 

The pari-mutuel rules slated for repeal include:

The pari-mutuel rules slated for amendment include:

The slot machine rules slated for repeal are:

  • 61D-14.042: Accounting and Occurrence Meter Specifications
  • 61D-14.013: Pari-Mutuel Occupational License Transition Period Provisions
  • 61D-14.023: Slot Machine Base Doors
  • 61D-14.026: Cabinet Wiring
  • 61D-14.077: Procedure for Electronic Fund Transfers
  • 61D-14.078: Patron Slot Machine Gaming Accounts
  • 61D-14.083: Compliance with Federal Reporting Requirements
  • 61D-14.091: Jobs Compendium Requirement
  • 61D-14.092: Content of Jobs Compendium
  • 61D-14.094: Department Agreement to the Minimum Critical Staff Level (MCSL) List Requirement for Security and Surveillance

On January 4, 2012, the DPMW repealed various regulations specifically pertaining to Thoroughbred racing.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ray Paulick: Gretna Racing’s Bizarre Florida Barrel Racing Scheme Like Woody Allen’s Movie “Bananas”–”A travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham”

Posted on May 9, 2012 by
section ray

Ray’s Paddock

Bizarre Florida Barrel Racing Scheme Rolls Along

by Ray Paulick | 05.09.2012 | 7:53am

If Fielding Mellish, the hapless revolutionary from the 1971 Woody Allen movie “Bananas,” were representing Florida horsemen in trying to stop the barrel-racing-for-slots scheme from proceeding any further, he’d have the perfect description of what has taken place so far: “It’s a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.”

Exactly.

Beyond that, it’s a classic example of log-rolling politics in Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, where it’s not what you know but who you know. And in the case of the Gretna Racing LLC application to have pari-mutuel barrel racing in Gadsden County – a move that could spread to other parts of the state and permit these licensed “racetracks” to offer slot machines – one of its investors, lawyer-lobbyist Marc Dunbar, knows some very powerful people.

Dunbar’s law firm is listed by Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff, Steve MacNamara, as a source of income as recently as 2010. Shortly after MacNamara joined Scott’s administration last July, he reportedly received an email from his old boss Dunbar complaining about the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

In September, Dunbar’s Gretna Racing application was filed with the DPMW, attempting to exploit a loophole in Florida’s gaming law that could permit a racetrack to be licensed without offering what most people traditionally think of as a horse race. Enter a handful of horses and riders, a couple of barrels, some pari-mutuel machines, and a local referendum to permit slot machines.

It’s Dunbar and partner David Romanik’s 21st century definition of pari-mutuel horse racing.

That same month, the powerful MacNamara wielded his clout at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees the DPMW. Its director, Ken Lawson, called DPMW chief Milt Champion into a meeting and told him to step down from the job he’d held for the past five years.

“He told me Marc Dunbar is close with the governor’s chief of staff and they want me to resign, so I resigned,” the Miami Herald quoted Champion as saying.

Leon M. Biegalski was named director of the division, and the Gretna application was approved.

Champion told the Miami Herald as head of the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering he “would have strongly suggested we not approve it.”

Is this whole sequence of events an abuse of power? That’s not for me to say, but it certainly looks like a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham.

It’s not over. Florida horsemen have gone to court to try and stop this bizarre scheme. Their case, in front of an administrative law judge, began in April and has been postponed until June. In the interim, the Miami Herald has uncovered the relationship between Gov. Scott’s chief of staff and one of Gretna Racing’s partners, and his possible influence in replacing the director of the Division of Pari-Mutuel.

Let’s hope the judge isn’t as friendly with Steve MacNamara as Marc Dunbar is.

 

To read the complete Miami Herald story by Mary Ellen Klas, click here or go directly to the Miami Herald story Web page here:  http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/05/2785490/scotts-powerful-chief-of-staff.html#storylink=misearch

Click here to sign up for the Paulick Report’s daily email newsletter to keep up on this and other stories happening in the Thoroughbred industry

 

About Ray Paulick:   For 15 years, Ray Paulick was a leading industry voice as the editor in chief of the Kentucky-based magazine, The Blood-Horse, and his weekly “What’s Going on Here” commentary was a “must read” for people throughout the Thoroughbred racing and breeding world.  This highly respected journalist is now the Publisher of the Paulick Report www.paulickreport.com, which is known nationally and internationally as the Thoroughbred industry’s independent voice for news, analysis and commentary.

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida’s Bizarre Approval of “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing”: The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas Explores How the Path Was Laid After Florida Pari-Mutuel Regulator Ousted At Gretna Racing Owner/Lobbyist’s Behest

Posted on May 7, 2012 by

</p><br /><br /><p>Steve MacNamara, Gov. Rick Scott's chief of staff.</p><br /><br /><p>

Above:  Steve MacNamara, Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff. (Photo from The Miami Herald)

“Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Approved Shortly After Florida Regulator Ousted At Gretna Racing Owner/Lobbyist’s Behest

Published Sunday, May 6, 2012, the investigative news article below by The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas explains how the path was laid for the improbable 2011 approval of “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” which has cost both the State of Florida horse racing industry jobs and state tax revenue, and is now resulting in attempts to expand gambling throughout the state.

Excerpt from The Miami Herald, Sunday, May 6—The complete article is reprinted below:

(Then-Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Director Milton) Champion said he, too, also was asked to resign.

In an email to MacNamara in August, Marc Dunbar, a lawyer and part-owner of a horse track in Gadsden County, complained about the division’s staff and hoped MacNamara could get them into shape. MacNamara had worked together at Dunbar’s law firm and listed the firm as a source of income on his financial disclosure forms as recently as 2010.

In September, Dunbar and his partners asked the division for permission to run rodeo-style barrel racing as a parimutuel sport, instead of the quarter horse racing they had intended when they obtained the permit. Shortly afterwards, Champion said he was called into Department of Business and Professional Secretary Ken Lawson’s office. “He told me Marc Dunbar is close with the governor’s chief of staff and they want me to resign, so I resigned,’’ Champion said.

Champion now says that while “the law may not be clearly defined,’’ had he remained at the agency he “would have strongly suggested we not approve it.”

MacNamara said Champion was asked to resign because his wife worked at the Seminole Hard Rock as head of surveillance. While the state does not regulate the tribe, it does regulate their competitors. But Champion said he had disclosed his wife’s job when he was hired to head the division five years ago and again when he was reappointed to the post when Scott came to office.

With Champion gone, the division then approved the barrel racing switch, a move which Dunbar and his partners hope will allow the track to get slot machines.
Posted on Sunday, May 6, 2012
As Gov. Scott’s gatekeeper exerts control, heads roll

By Mary Ellen Klas
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau

www.MiamiHerald.com

Steve MacNamara, Gov. Rick Scott’s chief of staff Steve MacNamara has officially become Tallahassee’s Wizard of Oz.

The lawyer-lobbyist turned university professor is the brass knuckles gatekeeper and omnipotent advisor to Gov. Rick Scott.

Since becoming the governor’s chief of staff last July, MacNamara has controlled access to the governor and his schedule, assumed authority over appointments and dictated press releases and policy memos. He has directed the governor’s message and reached into the bowels of agencies to remove people he doesn’t like and install favorites.

“No one gets in to see the Wizard. Not no one, no how,” reads the sign on the way into MacNamara’s office, an excerpt from the famous movie.

He played the same role as chief of staff for former House Speaker John Thrasher and for Senate President Mike Haridopolos, each time temporarily stepping aside from his teaching, law firm and lobbying work.

POSITIVE SIGNS

Now, nine months later, the governor’s relations with lawmakers have improved. Florida’s unemployment rate is down. Scott had a successful legislative session with a modest agenda and, while his approval ratings remain low, they are on the rise.

“I think he’s doing a great job,’’ Scott said.

“I don’t think there’s any question he’s made a difference for this governor,’’ said Thrasher, now a St. Augustine state senator.

Scott’s closest supporters and some Tea Party followers, however, say that the union between the newcomer governor and the wily insider is for them a Faustian bargain. Though they refuse to be quoted by name, several advisors to the governor — both inside and out of government — fear Scott is squandering his conservative credentials and his outsider brand by engaging in deal-making with special interests who have connections to MacNamara.

His critics call him Florida’s “shadow governor,” noting that agency contracts have been redirected, gambling allowed to expand, and a policy to privatize state prisons, which Scott didn’t focus on during his campaign, has become an administration priority.

“I voted for the outsider and he has hired the consummate insider and he is acting like an insider now,’’ said Henry Kelley of the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party. “It’s very disappointing.”

He complained that issues Scott campaigned on, like illegal immigration, have been shelved while prison privatization has emerged. “Was that the governor’s decision or was that MacNamara’s decision?”

What’s more, they worry MacNamara is running the government with an eye toward retaining influence and returning to lobbying when he leaves, as scheduled, later this year.

MacNamara, 59, has heard the rumors and denies planting the seeds for a return to lobbying. He had originally planned this fall to move to Montana, where he has a home in the mountains along a glacier fed river. But his wife, an anesthesiologist, has a job in Vermont and he plans to move there.

“I haven’t done that in the past and it’s not my M.O.,’’ he said, dismissing the thought that he would need to cash in on his Scott administration connections. But as a tenured professor, he said, he’s exempt from the two-year lobbying ban. “I could lobby anybody in state government.”

THE EXODUS

Since MacNamara joined the office, five agency heads Scott brought to Tallahassee have left. Scott’s general counsel and director of external affairs resigned. One of Scott’s longest-serving staffers, deputy communications director Amy Graham, is leaving to join the Mitt Romney campaign, and at least two others have told the Herald/Times they are on their way out.

“If I only had to work for the governor, it would be great,’’ said Jack Miles, former secretary of the Department of Management Services who resigned in March and blames clashes with MacNamara for his decision.

After a career in the private sector, most recently as a former senior director at CIGNA, the healthcare company, Miles agreed to accept Scott’s offer to manage the agency that handles the nuts and bolts of government — from multimillion dollar contracts, leases on state buildings to health insurance for state workers.

“The governor, on many occasions made it very clear: I hired you to run your agency. I won’t interfere,’’ Miles said. “That worked for a period of time, then changes started to happen in the governor’s office and that was no longer the case.”

In interviews with several current and former top advisors and agency heads, one pattern emerges: while each offered a plausible reason for leaving, most say working conditions under MacNamara contributed to their departure.

Others agency heads who have left their $140,000-a-year posts include Secretary of State Kurt Browning, who stepped down in January to run for Pasco County superintendent of schools, and Doug Darling, executive director of the newly created Department of Economic Opportunity.

PROMOTING FAVORITES

Darling resigned in January, four days after sending MacNamara a critical note complaining of excessive travel expenses from film commissioner Shari Kerrigan, whom MacNamara had recruited. He cited personal reasons for his resignation.

Frank Farmer resigned in March as surgeon general after leading an overhaul of the health department but clashing with lawmakers over a push to turn over public health duties to counties. He cited his wife’s treatment for breast cancer but later told The Daytona Beach News-Journal that a mammogram performed in December was negative. Scott called his resignation “an unfortunate surprise.”

Two others, Miles’ chief of staff, Brett Rayman, and Milt Champion, former director of the Division of Parimutuel Wagering, told the Herald/Times that they were asked to leave so that MacNamara could replace them.

Rayman, who served as a budget and policy official for three previous governors after a 23-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, said he considers Scott “probably the best governor I’ve ever worked with.”

During Scott’s first few months in office, the staff had “complete interaction” with the governor, Rayman said, and “understood what their mission was.” Under MacNamara, however, “things have been completely disorganized.’’

“He has political favorites he’s trying to move around and I’m not sure the governor knows what MacNamara’s doing,’’ said Rayman, who now works for the Department of Financial Services, which is not under the governor.

Among Rayman’s frustrations: orders from MacNamara’s deputy, Marc Slager, to “hold off” on signing a contract with a company to use federal money to map broadband access in Florida.

Another company that had lost the contract, Connected Nation, began pushing for legislation to move management of the contract from the DMS to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

The move would have allowed for the bids to be reopened and for the company, and others, to get a second shot at the contract. DMS objected, warning the switch could cost the state federal grant funds. The company’s lobbyists included Lanny Wiles, the husband of Scott’s former campaign manager, and Al Cardenas, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida.

Slager said “they had already expressed their opinions and the facts” and didn’t want them advocating a position.

Champion said he, too, also was asked to resign.

In an email to MacNamara in August, Marc Dunbar, a lawyer and part-owner of a horse track in Gadsden County, complained about the division’s staff and hoped MacNamara could get them into shape. MacNamara had worked together at Dunbar’s law firm and listed the firm as a source of income on his financial disclosure forms as recently as 2010.

In September, Dunbar and his partners asked the division for permission to run rodeo-style barrel racing as a parimutuel sport, instead of the quarter horse racing they had intended when they obtained the permit. Shortly afterwards, Champion said he was called into Department of Business and Professional Secretary Ken Lawson’s office. “He told me Marc Dunbar is close with the governor’s chief of staff and they want me to resign, so I resigned,’’ Champion said.

Champion now says that while “the law may not be clearly defined,’’ had he remained at the agency he “would have strongly suggested we not approve it.”

MacNamara said Champion was asked to resign because his wife worked at the Seminole Hard Rock as head of surveillance. While the state does not regulate the tribe, it does regulate their competitors. But Champion said he had disclosed his wife’s job when he was hired to head the division five years ago and again when he was reappointed to the post when Scott came to office.

With Champion gone, the division then approved the barrel racing switch, a move which Dunbar and his partners hope will allow the track to get slot machines.

TOP SALARY

MacNamara, whose $189,000 is the highest in Scott’s administration, believes it’s important for the governor to have people in positions of power who can be trusted. “They’re not free agents,’’ he said. The policy positions “have to be in conformance with what the governor wants to do.”

When MacNamara moved to the governor’s office, he brought with him Chris Finkbeiner, Slager, and administrative assistant, Amy Bescaglia, from the Senate. MacNamara made Finkbeiner and Slager his deputy chiefs of staff, giving them the same role as two women deputy chiefs of staff already in the governor’s office, Jenn Ungru and Carrie O’Rourke but paying them considerably more.

Finkbeiner and Slager make $135,000. Ungru and O’Rourke make $100,000.

MacNamara’s first orchestrated ouster came with the removal of Department of Corrections Chief Ed Buss. The prisons chief had been lured to Florida from Indiana but, once here, became a vocal critics of a Senate-led effort to privatize 30 South Florida prisons.

The idea was an important one to MacNamara whose close friend, Jim Eaton, is the lead lobbyist for the Geo Group, one of the nation’s largest private prison companies which stands to make billions in state business if they win the privatization contracts.

When a circuit court judge ruled in September that the budget maneuver used to pass the prison plan in 2011 was unconstitutional, it invalidated the prison plan, MacNamara demanded Ungru “give me some options” so that if they win on appeal they could “move forward with all due speed and diligence” in pushing for the prison plan. The hearing on the appeal is set for June.
MacNamara dismisses the forced departures as routine and not out of the ordinary for a governor running the nation’s fourth-largest state.

“People lose jobs; people lose contracts,’’ he said. “It’s calibrating people more than anything else. It’s not controlling people.”
Tampa Bay Times senior writer Lucy Morgan contributed to this report.

© 2012 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.miamiherald.com

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/05/v-print/2785490/scotts-powerful-chief-of-staff.html#storylink=cpy

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Amid Ongoing Negotiations With Gulfstream Park, Headline Misrepresents Florida Horsemen

Posted on April 18, 2012 by

New Times Broward/Palm Beach was notified on April 12, 2012 that the headline of their published article “Gulfstream Park Draws Ire From Horsemen for Running Last-Minute Quarter-Horse Race” had been altered on a gaming-themed blog to reflect the exact opposite statement.

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (FHBPA), which is the entity referenced in the New Times headline and article, is presently in negotiations with Gulfstream Park concerning statutory purse (prize) contracts.  Based in Miami, the FHBPA (an affiliate of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) represents over 6,000 members statewide to ensure Thoroughbred tracks’ proper payment and distribution of purse money to Thoroughbred owners, among its other traditional undertakings.

The FHBPA currently has a valid and binding contract with Gulfstream Park stating that only Thoroughbred racing may be conducted there.

To view the original article with the correct headline, click here.

To view a screen shot showing the altered headline, click here:  Florida Gaming Watch Headline

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Gretna Racing LLC “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Case To Be Continued On June 26, 2012

Posted on April 12, 2012 by

After nearly three days of testimony and at least six witnesses still remaining to testify yesterday, April 11, 2012, the case involving a dispute over the award of a racing license by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to Gretna Racing LLC was temporarily halted and will be taken back up over a three-day period beginning June 26, 2012.
 
Since the award of that license, Gretna Racing has used it to conduct a brand new form of gambling it calls “pari-mutuel barrel racing.” 
 
Nearly 450,000 horsemen in eight Florida and national organizations have agreed that the Division’s license award to Gretna Racing is an overstep of regulatory authority and constitutes an unpromulgated Rule.
 
During this week’s administrative hearing, the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (the Florida arm of the American Quarter Horse Association, which regulates and oversees the integrity of Quarter Horse racing worldwide) questioned the State’s hasty award to Gretna Racing, given the Division’s knowledge that the license would be used for “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as a new Florida gambling product.
 
Normally, the introduction of a new gambling product into the market would be enabled with the passage of legislation, followed by subsequent regulatory hearings in which public input would be provided and considered.  With “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” none of that process occurred.
 
Now enabled to minimally meet Florida live racing requirements for poker and slot machine licensing through “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” other Florida pari-mutuel permitholders are in line to leverage this new gambling product to acquire slot machines without conducting legitimate racing, which heretofore has employed over 50,000 documented Floridians per year who produce over $2.2 billion in economic impact.   Instead of 1,000 or more horses at a typical racetrack, “pari-mutuel barrel racing” plummets the need for that supply to just 8 per day, of which the same 8 horses can, and have been used over and over again, while the cardrooms stay open 365 days a year.
 
The implications of allowing “pari-mutuel barrel racing” to decimate the enormous economic impact of Florida’s heretofore successful horse racing and breeding industry are dire.   The State of Florida cannot afford to allow clever lawyering and loopholes to destroy its internationally known horse racing and breeding industry in this manner.

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Joint Statement by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (the Florida Chapter of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) and the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (the Florida arm of the American Quarter Horse Racing Association) on the final event at Gulfstream Park April 8, 2012 (Update–”Results” Below):

Posted on April 8, 2012 by

Joint Statement by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (the Florida Chapter of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) and the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (the Florida arm of the American Quarter Horse Racing Association) on the final event at Gulfstream Park today, April 8, 2012:

“It should be advised that today’s unlawful Gulfstream Park event billed as a ‘Quarter Horse’ race is not recognized, authorized or regulated by the American Quarter Horse Association, which regulates and oversees the integrity of all lawful Quarter Horse racing globally and in the United States, including Florida.  At no time has the American Quarter Horse Association been contacted about approving Gulfstream’s plans for today.

Further, the horses in today’s highly questionable event have not even been certified as actual registered, accredited Quarter Horses.  The lack of a regulation starting gate and the use of barrel racing riders as ‘jockeys’ should be of great concern to the public as to the legitimacy of the fiasco.

Why Gulfstream Park has chosen now to so flagrantly violate its current and binding contract with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association remains a mystery, but track officials have been duly notified that our organization, which represents over 6,000 Thoroughbred horsemen in the State of Florida, will use all necessary remedies to ensure racing there is implemented properly, with integrity and according to our contract, and both state and federal law.

The question still remains as to whether a race was actually ever even run under Gulfstream’s Quarter Horse ‘After Care’ license on December 31, 2011, and whether the State of Florida will allow that, combined with today’s unlawful event, to technically fulfill Florida’s two-year live racing requirements, with the goal toward opening a new casino that would include additional slot machines.”

Update on the “results” of yesterday’s phony “Quarter Horse” race at Gulfstream Park–apparently, the duel was won by a 12 year-old mare of unknown breeding, who paid $3.00 to win.  It is not known whether the barrel race riders, who used Western saddles and were dressed up to resemble jockeys, were weighed in before the event, or were held to any other such regulation.  Since the American Quarter Horse Association has not authorized or approved Gulfstream’s “Quarter Horse” event, Equibase did not even track the results.

What IS known is that more than several rules of racing were broken in carrying out the event, including the issuance of duplicitous entry sheets, and a serious infraction of entering a horse in the “race” after the entries were closed.  This is illegal in both Thoroughbred AND Quarter Horse racing.  One of the horses that finally “ran” was actually one of the illegal entries.

Nowhere in Gulfstream’s on-line results, entries or scratches does the billed “Quarter Horse race” show up.  What data will be reported the the State of Florida is anyone’s guess.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Barrel Racers to Compete at Gulfstream Park in South Florida Sunday, April 8, 2012

Posted on April 6, 2012 by

Please note that the two riders listed on the 4/8 event are barrel racers.

A copy of the Gulfstream “overnight entries” for Sunday, April 8 (right). 

Despite related ongoing turmoil and protracted litigation, Gulfstream Park has unilaterally decided to proceed with its own version of Quarter Horse racing.  To view a copy of the Gulfstream “overnight entries” for Sunday, April 8 click here or on the photo to the right>.
 
Please note that the two riders listed on the April event are barrel racers.  It is assumed that their horses are also barrel racers.  However, the race will be a 220-yard dash.  The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA’s) understanding is that the two horses will start by the drop of a flag.
 
Although the “race” shown on the attachment is scheduled to fulfill what was supposed to be the second half of Gulfstream’s December 31/January 1 “Gulfstream Park After Care Quarter Horse Permit Meet,” there is strong question as to whether the initial race of the “Gulfstream After Care” licensed race scheduled for December 31, 2011 was actually run, since, although Gulfstream officials claimed publicly not to have run the race that day, but nevertheless reported wagering totals to the State of Florida.  The FHBPA’s understanding is that Gulfstream was fined a small amount by the State of Florida for the faulty reporting.  To view the handle report, click on the following link:  http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pmw/documents/HandleandCardroom2011-2012–2012-03-13–February–YTD.pdf
 
It is also the FHBPA’s understanding that, given the State’s acceptance that there was, indeed, a race actually run under Gulfstream’s Quarter Horse permit on December 31, that Sunday’s (4/8) race would technically fulfill Florida’s two-year live racing requirements with the goal toward opening a new casino that would include additional slot machines.
 
Sunday’s Barrel Horse race was scheduled without the permission or knowledge of the FHBPA, which has a contractual agreement with Gulfstream Park stating that ONLY Thoroughbred horse racing is to be run at the facility. 
 
“The FHBPA has been negotiating with Gulfstream on a new purse contract since the end of 2011.  However, the results have been frustratingly unsuccessful,” FHBPA President Phil Combest explained.  “Obviously, we, the horsemen, are, by definition, totally committed to the future of Thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream, but if Gulfstream intended to engage in legitimate Quarter Horse racing, it would have done so with the approval and sanction of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, which is the Florida arm of the American Quarter Horse Association.  We do not even remotely understand how Gulfstream’s use of barrel racers in what they are terming ‘Quarter Horse racing’ fits in here.”

“It’s also extremely important to understand that we currently have a valid and binding purse contract with Gulfstream which runs through December 31, 2012.  That contract explicitly states that there will NO racing of any type other than Thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream,” Combest added.
 
“Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” at North Florida’s Gretna Racing LLC (co-owned by Gulfstream Park lobbyist Marc Dunbar and former Gulfstream Park attorney David Romanik) has resulted in 99.1% drops in pari-mutuel handle, along with a precipitous drop in the need for horses from some 1,000 to less than 50 to complete a “meet.”

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gretna Racing LLC Co-Owner and Former Gulfstream Park Attorney David Romanik Deposed in Florida Taxpayer-Funded Litigation to Subsidize and Protect Failure of “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing”

Posted on April 5, 2012 by
  • To access the complete dockets for Taxpayer-Funded Litigation to Protect Gretna Racing LLC’s “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing,” and the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association” Retaliatory Nuicance Case, which is also forcing the State of Florida to expend taxpayer dollars t0 defend Gretna Racing in drawn-out litigation, scroll down.
  • Click here to read the Tampa Tribune Commentary on the “Gretna Loophole” that Hamilton Downs Jai Alai plans to exploit.

From The Florida Current

Gretna Racing partner David Romanik deposed in barrel racing case

By Gray Rohrer, 04/04/2012 – 04:58 PM

 
David Rominik, a partner in Gretna Racing LLC, the group that received a license from state regulators last year allowing them to conduct barrel horse races, was deposed Wednesday in Ocala as part of an administrative court case in which quarter horse racing groups are seeking to invalidate the license.

The Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association and the American Quarter Horse Association are fighting the license because they contend the new form of pari-mutuel license is a way of minimizing the costly overhead involved in racing quarter horses and thoroughbreds. An administrative court judge will hear the case in Tallahassee next week.

In barrel racing, bettors wage money on which horse has fastest time through a course on a rodeo-like track set up with barrels. Horses race one at a time in timed events, as opposed to traditional horse racing in which several horses race to the finish line.

The groups contend that the license issued by the state’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering constitutes an unpromulgated rule without statutory sanction. Gretna Racing, however, has countered that FQHRA and AQHA are merely trying to solidify their “monopoly” on agreements with existing horse tracks for prize and purse money, freezing out the newly formed North Florida Horsemen’s Association.

Attempts to reach Gretna Racing officials Wednesday were unsuccessful. But in response to an attempt by the FQHRA to get a court to grant a stay of the license last year, their lawyers noted that “Florida law has never defined the terms ‘horse race’ or ‘horse racing’ . . . undoubtedly because these words, since the founding of our country, have consistently been interpreted to mean simply a contest between two or more horses racing against each other or against time.”

Meanwhile, the NFHA, which the other quarter horse groups contend is a front organization for Romanik and fellow Gretna Racing partner Marc Dunbar, is challenging a purse agreement between the Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association (which is affiliated with FQHRA) and the Hialeah Park Race Track. FQHRA officials say the challenge, which is set for an administrative court hearing in May, is simply a tactic to pressure the groups fighting the barrel racing license.

“The agreement is fairly boilerplate,” said Michael Barry, a lawyer representing the quarter horse groups in the case. “It’s clearly been brought as a way to retaliate against the quarter horse associations for challenging the barrel racing license at Gretna.”

A decision from the administrative court judge in the barrel racing license case is not expected until two months after the hearing.

Reporter Gray Rohrer can be reached at grohrer@thefloridacurrent.com.

Filed in: Gaming
Tags: Pari-Mutuels

Docket for Case No: 12-000896

NORTH FLORIDA HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.
vs.
FLORIDA QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS AND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., AND FLORIDA QUARTER HORSE RACING ASSOCIATION, INC., AND DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING

Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 4/3/2012 Notice of Hearing (hearing set for May 22, 2012; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 4/3/2012 Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/27/2012 Notice of Transfer.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/23/2012 Response to Initial Order filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/14/2012 Initial Order.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/13/2012 Agency referral filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/13/2012 Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing Involving Disputed Issues of Material Fact filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/13/2012 Motion to Dismiss filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/13/2012 Response to Motion to Dismiss filed.

Docket for Case No: 11-005796RU

FLORIDA QUARTER HORSE RACING ASSOCIATION, INC.; FLORIDA QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS, AND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; AND GERALD KEESLING
vs.
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF PARI-MUTUEL WAGERING

Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 4/3/2012 Respondent and Intervenors’ Joint Motion for More Definite Statement filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 4/2/2012 Notice of Agency Representative Deposition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/30/2012 Notice of Deposition (of D. Romanik) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/30/2012 Notice of Corporate Representative Deposition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/28/2012 Intervenor’s Notice of Taking Deposition (of S. Fisch) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/28/2012 Notice of Deposition (of M. Champion) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/28/2012 Notice of Depositions (of W. Cox, S. Dymmik, and B. Dickman) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 3/28/2012 Notice of Telephonic Deposition (of D. Donn) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 2/14/2012 Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for April 9 through 11, 2012; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Not Available 2/14/2012 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 2/13/2012 Letter to Judge Sellers from M. Dunbar regarding request for telephone conference to re-schedule final hearing filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/30/2012 Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for March 28 through 30, 2012; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/27/2012 Intervenor’s Notice of Stay filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/27/2012 Intervenor’s Memorandum of Law filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/27/2012 Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for February 2 and 3, 2012; 10:30 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL; amended as to starting time on first day of hearing).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/27/2012 Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for February 2, 3 and 6, 2012; 10:30 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL; amended as to dates of hearing).
Not Available 1/27/2012 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Not Available 1/27/2012 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/24/2012 Notice of Telephonic Deposition (of D. Donn) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/24/2012 Notice of Telephonic Deposition (of M. Champion) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/20/2012 Notice of Depositions (of L.P. Stallings and C. Taylor) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/20/2012 Intervenor’s Notice of Taking Depositions (of T. Buck, D. Schauf, G. Keesling, and S. Fisch) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/19/2012 Notice of Deposition (of K. Allen) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/18/2012 Order Denying Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/18/2012 Intervenor’s Response to Petitioners’ First Request for Production of Documents filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/18/2012 Certificate of Service of Intervenor’s Answers to Petitioners’s First Interrogatories to Intervenor filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/13/2012 Notice of Serving Petitioners’ First Set of Interrogatories on Intervenor filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/13/2012 Petitioner’s First Request for Production of Documents to Intervenor filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/12/2012 Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Inc.’s Response to Respondent’s First Request for Admissions filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/12/2012 Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association, Inc.’s Response to Respondent’s First Request for Admissions filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/12/2012 Notice of Service Respondent’s Answers to Petitioners’ First Set of Interrogatories filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/12/2012 Division’s Response to Petitioners’ First Request for Admissions filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/12/2012 Department of Business & Professional Regulation Division of Pari-mutuel Wagerings Response to Petitioners’ First Request for Production filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/11/2012 Petitioners’ Response in Opposition to Intervenor’s Motion to Dismiss filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/11/2012 Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Inc.’s Response to Respondent’s First Request for Production filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/11/2012 Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Associaiton, Inc.’s Response to Respondent’s First Request for Production filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/11/2012 Notice of Serving Petitioner’s Unverified Answers to Respondent, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Parimutiel Wagering’s First Interrogatories filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/11/2012 Notice of Serving Petitioner’s Unverified Answers to Respondent, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering’s First Interrogatories filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/10/2012 Intervenor’s Notice of Supplemental Authority filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/6/2012 Notice of Depositions (of J. Pouncey, J. Blackman, and J. Dillmore) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 1/3/2012 Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/20/2011 Notice of Scrivener’s Error filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/20/2011 Order Denying Request to Take Official Recognition and Motion to Abate.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/20/2011 Order Granting, in Part, and Denying, in Part, Motion to Dismiss Amended Petition Challenging Agency Statement Defined as a Rule and Denying Motion to Strike.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/19/2011 Petitioners’ Response in Opposition to Respondents’ Motions to Abate filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/19/2011 Division’s Joinder in Motion to Dismiss by Intervenor Florida Quarter Horse Track Association filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/16/2011 Motion to Dismiss Amended Petition and Motion to Strike Request for Unauthorized Relief filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/6/2011 Order Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for February 2 and 3, 2012; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Not Available 12/6/2011 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/5/2011 The Intervenor’s Response in Opposition to Motion for Continuance filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/5/2011 Order Granting Continuance (parties to advise status by January 5, 2012).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/5/2011 Order Granting Motion for Leave to Amend Petition Challenging Agency Statement as Defined as a Rule.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/5/2011 Order Denying Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering`s Requests to Take Official Recognition.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/5/2011 Order Denying Division`s Motion to Stay Proceedings.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/2/2011 Intervenor’s Request to Take Official Recognition and Motion to Abate this Proceeding Resolution of Pending Appeal filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/2/2011 Motion for Continuance filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/2/2011 Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering’s Concurrence/Joinder in Intervenor’s Request for Official Recognition and Motion to Abate Pending Resolution of Pending Appeal filed.
Not Available 12/2/2011 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 12/1/2011 Notice of Appearance (Marc Dunbar) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/30/2011 Letter to Judge Sellers from Cathy M. Sellers from D. Romanik in response to Order of November 29, 2011 filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/29/2011 The Intervenor’s Supplemental Response in Opposition to the Petitioners’ Motion to Amend Petition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/29/2011 Petitioners’ Response in Opposition to Motion to Stay Administrative Proceeding filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/29/2011 Notice of Telephonic Motion Hearing (motion hearing set for December 2, 2011; 2:00 p.m.).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/28/2011 Joinder in Motion to Dismiss filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/28/2011 The Intervenor’s Response to the Petitioners’ Motion to Amend Petition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/23/2011 Petitioners, Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Inc., and Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association, Inc.,’s First Request for Admissions to Respondent, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/23/2011 Petitioners’ First Request to Take Official Recognition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/23/2011 Notice of Serving Petitioners’ First Set of Interrogatories on Defendant, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/23/2011 Petitioners’ First Request for Production of Documents to Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/23/2011 Motion Seeking Leave to Amend Petition Challenging Agency Statement Defined as a Rule filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering’s Third Request to Take Official Recognition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Respondent’s First Request for Admissions to Petitioner Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Inc. filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Respondent’s First Request for Admissions to Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association, Inc. filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Respondent’s First Request for Production to Petitioner Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, Inc. filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Respondent’s First Request for Production to Petitioner, Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association, Inc. filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Notice of Service of Interrogatories filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/22/2011 Petitioners’ Response in Opposition to Division’s Preliminary Motion to Dismiss filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/21/2011 Order Granting Petition to Intervene.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/21/2011 Division’s Motion to Stay Proceedings filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/21/2011 Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering’s Second Request to Take Official Recognition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/18/2011 Notice of Appearance (Ralf Michels) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/16/2011 Notice of Hearing (hearing set for December 13 and 14, 2011; 9:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/16/2011 Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
Not Available 11/16/2011 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/15/2011 Petition to Intervene (filed by Florida Quarter Horse Track Association, Inc.) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/15/2011 Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering’s First Request to Take Official Recognition filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/15/2011 Notice of Appearance (Charles Collette) filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/15/2011 Division’s Preliminary Motion to Dismiss filed.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/15/2011 Notice of Appearance (David Romanik) filed.
Not Available 11/15/2011 CASE STATUS: Pre-Hearing Conference Held.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/14/2011 Rule Challenge transmittal letter to Liz Cloud from Claudia Llado copying Ken Plante and the Agency General Counsel.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/14/2011 Order of Assignment.
Document in Adobe Acrobat Format 11/10/2011 Petition Challenging Agency Statement Defined as a Rule filed.
 
Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tampa Tribune Commentary: Hamilton County Florida Slot Referendum Anchored by Gretna Copycat “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing”; Designed to Kill Jobs That Would Normally Be Created With Legitimate Quarter Horse Racing, FHBPA’s Kent Stirling and FQHRA’s Dr. Steven Fisch Explain

Posted on April 3, 2012 by

Gambling on “barrel racing”

By KENT STIRLING, STEVE FISCH|Special to The Tampa Tribune
Published: April 03, 2012   Updated: April 03, 2012 – 12:00 AM

www.tampatribune.com

As the people of Hamilton County in North Florida approach the April 10 decision on whether to allow slot machines at Hamilton Downs Jai Alai and Poker, they should know that the referendum’s backers have deliberately misled them on the number of promised jobs, as well as the highly questionable behind-the-scenes manipulation on which the referendum is based.

The stark reality is that if Hamilton Downs were holding legitimate, accredited quarter horse racing versus the contrived “parimutuel barrel racing,” a minimum of 800 more jobs would be available. The truth is available in documented real numbers — not promises or projections.

Heretofore, Florida has allowed slot machines only at facilities that hold live racing, which traditionally employs thousands of people.  Last year, more than 800 workers were licensed at Hialeah Park, at which legitimate quarter horse racing drew a daily average of 4,100 people, who wagered an average of more than $200,000 per day. Nearly $4 million in prize money was paid to competitors — all without the “help” of slot machines, poker or other predatory forms of gambling.

In direct competition, legitimate quarter horse racing out-earned Gretna Racing LLC’s self-styled “parimutuel barrel racing” by more than 99 percent. Worse, during December and January, Gretna “pari-mutuel barrel racing” paid the state of Florida only $19.64 in daily pari-mutuel taxes.

Last year, Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering played a cruel trick on the people of Gretna in Gadsden County by enabling a rodeo event to be considered as a horse race. Ironically, “parimutuel barrel racing,” which is not even real barrel racing, is cleverly and purposefully designed to actually eliminate jobs that would normally be created by legitimate horse racing.

The record books will show that Gretna’s “parimutuel barrel racing” can be conducted with as few as 36 horses for the entire “meet,” whereas legitimate horse racing at Hialeah Park drew nearly 1,000 documented and accredited quarter horses from around the nation. All those horses employed a whole lot of people in Miami — both on the track and off, and drew entourages that enriched the businesses in Hialeah and Miami-Dade County, as well as generated tax payments that benefited the entire Florida economy.

Because each horse creates an average of seven jobs, Florida’s horse racing industry has grown over the years to employ in excess of 50,000 people annually, ranking us third in the nation behind New York and California. But parimutuel owners who are using “parimutuel barrel racing” to deliberately cut the number of jobs, horses and racing days down to the bare minimum don’t care. They hope their paltry promise of a few hundred jobs can fool Hamilton’s unwitting citizens, whose “yes” vote will be used to make a few insiders very wealthy, with little return for Florida’s economy.

Considered by the National Barrel Horse Association to be a joke and an insult to its sport, “parimutuel barrel racing” requires just eight horses per performance, as opposed to an actual sanctioned barrel racing event, which typically draws hundreds of horses in just one day. Nothing but a perfunctory way to meet the state’s live racing requirements, “parimutuel barrel racing” purposely eliminates the need for additional horses and their respective entourages (and thus, jobs) that legitimate horse racing brings.

When the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association insisted upon safe, American Quarter Horse Association-approved humane conditions for horses that were supposed to run in on an oval track promised by Gretna Racing LLC owners, Gretna Racing’s Alabama Poarch Indian Tribe and lobbyist-owners sued. To date, no oval track has been built, while regulators sit idle and allow these promises to be broken.

Now, other parimutuels stand to benefit from the “Gretna Loophole.”

Neither the National Barrel Horse Association nor the American Quarter Horse Association approve of “parimutuel barrel racing.” Rather, Gretna Racing “competitors” are just a pre-selected few insiders who have signed away their rights in a non-compete agreement.

“Parimutuel barrel racing” will never grow into anything. Its creators don’t want it to. What they want is your money in their slot machines.

Only with legitimate horse racing can the installation of slot machines create a winning equation that truly will grow the economy by creating thousands more jobs. And not only at the Hamilton Downs facility, but throughout the county and surrounding areas by fostering the breeding, training and racing of legitimate race horses — which is what Hamilton’s people expect. When the resulting outlying farms grow and prosper through legitimate horse racing, businesses will grow to support them.

On April 10 the people of Hamilton County should vote “no” or, better yet, save their votes for a day when the casino barons actually deliver the fair deal that taxpayers expect: 1,000 quarter horses at a real racetrack, and the thousands of jobs they create.

Kent Stirling is executive director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.   Dr. Steven Fisch is president of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park, Slot Machines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Post-Gretna “Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing” Palm Beach Kennel Club Slot Seekers Appear to be Jockeying for Florida Attorney General Opinion Wiggle Room: The Palm Beach Post’s Dara Kam Reports Boca woman sues Palm Beach County to take slots vote off November ballot

Posted on March 28, 2012 by

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 7:55 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2012; Posted: 7:51 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2012

 Read the Palm Beach County Slot Machine Referendum Complaint Here

A Boca Raton woman has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to take a slot machine referendum off the November ballot in Palm Beach County because she believes it “may be nothing more than a straw poll.”

County commissioners voted in December to place the referendum on the ballot in the hopes that a favorable vote would lead to the Palm Beach County Kennel Club being able to offer slot machine gambling.

But Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote a non-binding opinion in January saying that pari-mutuels outside Broward and Miami-Dade counties, where voters approved slot machines years ago, are not allowed to have the more lucrative slots without changes to the state constitution or permission from the Legislature. Citing Bondi’s opinion, Gov. Rick Scott and the Department of Business of Professional Regulation said they will not grant permits for slot machines at pari-mutuels outside Broward or Miami-Dade.

Bondi’s and DPR’s actions were in response to an effort by Creek Entertainment Gretna to get a slots permit for it barrel-racing track and poker room in Gadsden County, where voters approved slots in January.

In the Palm Beach County lawsuit, Sandra Medlicott alleges that the referendum would mislead county voters by giving them the impression that, if the referendum passes, the Palm Beach Kennel Club would be able to get slots. But “the proposed referendum may be nothing more than a straw poll that cannot authorize slot machine gaming” at pari-mutuels in the county, Fort Lauderdale attorney D. David Keller wrote in the lawsuit filed March 20 against the county commission and Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher.

Keller would not elaborate abut why Medlicott filed the lawsuit. “The lawsuit speaks for itself. I have a policy of not commenting on pending lawsuits. I do my talking in court,” he said.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who pushed the county to put the referendum on the ballot, said he hadn’t seen the lawsuit and could not comment.

The county put the referendum on the ballot after an 2011 appellate court ruling involving Hialeah Park racetrack found that the legislature has the authority to allow slot machines at pari-mutuels without a constitutional amendment, as was required for Broward and Miami-Dade counties. That decision is on appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, which has not decided whether to take it.

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Jennifer Sorentrue contributed to this story.

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Slot Machines, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Thoroughbred Racing Rules and Regulations Quietly Deleted on January 4, 2012

Posted on March 23, 2012 by

While most of Florida’s horse racing community went about its business on January 4, 2012, the State of Florida’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering  quietly repealed a shocking slate of crucial regulations pertaining to Thoroughbred racing under the cover of Florida Governor Rick Scott’s 2011 Executive Order to repeal regulations that are “unneeded” or “unnecessarily burdensome to small business.”  Each track, of course, is free to have its own “house rules.”  The question is . . . do they or will they?  Will a free-for-all ensue in which tracks can do whatever they want, whenever they want?  Or is this part of  greater effort to kill off legitimate horse racing so jokes like “barrel racing” or worse can be completely controlled by lobbyist track owners without the bother of state interference?

ALL OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA REGULATIONS BELOW HAVE BEEN REPEALED AND NO LONGER EXIST.

Chapter Title: RULES OF THOROUGHBRED HORSERACING

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=61D-13

61D-13.001 General Rules.

(1) Chapter 61D-13, Florida Administrative Code, applies to all permitholders and occupational licensees participating in thoroughbred horseracing in Florida.

(2) Prior to the beginning of the meet, permitholder management shall notify the division of the post time of the first race of each performance of the meet.

(3) Racing permitholders shall at all times maintain their track surfaces in good condition and shall have proper implements to maintain a uniform track surface, weather conditions permitting.

(4) Any person who exercises, breezes, or races horses on the permitholder’s grounds shall wear a protective helmet and vest.

(5) It shall be a violation of these rules for any person to:

(a) Leave unattended any needle or syringe in a stall or horse barn.

(b) Smoke in horse stalls, feed rooms, and under the sheds.

(c) Sleep in any of the feed rooms or stalls at any time.

(d) Lock stalls occupied by horses.

(e) Permit open fires anywhere in the stable area, or to use any oil or gas burning lanterns or lamps.

(f) Possess electrical appliances that are not in safe working condition to be used in the stable area.

(g) Permit the accumulation of debris in the alleyway in front of the stalls and blockage of the alleyway that would prevent easy access to each stall door in case of fire.

Specific Authority 550.0251(3), (11) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251 FS. History–New 8-15-04.

61D-13.002 Stewards.

(1) During each racing meet there shall be a Board of Stewards at each thoroughbred permitholder facility which consists of three (3) stewards, one (1) of whom shall be the State Steward selected and hired by the division, and two (2) of whom shall be hired by the permitholder.

(2) The Board of Stewards shall have the authority to enforce the laws of the State of Florida and the rules of the division regarding racing (collectively referred to as the “Racing Laws”), and shall have jurisdiction over all racing officials, occupational licensees, and patrons under the Racing Laws. The Board of Stewards’ period of authority shall commence at the beginning of each race meet and shall terminate with the completion of their business pertaining to the race meet, which may include hearings, which occur after the race meet, for disciplinary action for violations occurring during the race meet. No racing official other than the stewards shall have the right to impose a fine or suspension of license for a violation of state laws or rules.

(3) The Board of Stewards shall take notice of alleged misconduct or violations of the Racing Laws, and initiate investigations into alleged misconduct or violations. The Board of Stewards shall investigate promptly and render a decision in every protest, objection and complaint made under the Racing Laws. They shall maintain a record of all protests, objections and complaints. The Board of Stewards shall file daily with the division and the permitholder a copy of each protest, objection or complaint and any related ruling.

(4) The Board of Stewards shall conduct all proceedings in accordance with the provisions of Rule 61D-3.001, Florida Administrative Code. The State Steward shall be the presiding steward in any hearings or proceedings conducted by the Board of Stewards in regard to the Racing Laws. The Board of Stewards shall impose any of the following penalties on an occupational licensee for a violation of the Racing Laws:

(a) Issue a reprimand or suspend imposition of a penalty pending a similar violation;

(b) Impose a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each count or separate offense;

(c) Scratch or disqualify a horse from racing;

(d) Require forfeiture or redistribution of a purse or award, when specified by law;

(e) Suspend a license for not more than sixty (60) days for each count or separate; or

(f) Impose any combination of penalties as set forth in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this rule.

(5) For racing violations, notice of hearings of the Board of Stewards shall be oral notice to the licensee. Failure to appear at the time and place designated shall automatically result in suspension until appearance. The Board of Stewards shall grant a continuance of hearing for a reasonable length of time upon good cause being shown. Good cause shown shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the availability of the results of a split sample requested pursuant to Section 550.2415(5), Florida Statutes, the availability of witnesses or other matter outside of the control of the parties involved in the hearing.

(6) Each of the stewards shall be present in the Board of Stewards’ stand during the running of each race. The Board of Stewards shall have the authority to interpret and enforce the Racing Laws, and to decide all questions regarding racing relating to the Racing Laws.

(7) The decision of the Board of Stewards as to the official order of finish, including the disqualification of a horse or horses as a result of any event occurring during the running of the race, shall be final for the purposes of distribution of the pari-mutuel wagering pool. When the stewards determine that a horse shall be disqualified for interference, they shall place the offending horse behind any such horse or horses as in their judgment such horse interfered with, or if the interference was intentional, placed other horses and jockeys at risk of injury or altered the finishing position of the horse or horses interfered with, they shall place it last.

(8) The Board of Stewards has the authority to cancel wagering on an individual betting interest or on an entire race and also has the authority to cancel a pari-mutuel pool for a race or races, if such action is necessary to protect the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering.

(9) The stewards shall, within 72 hours after the close of each racing day, file with the division, a signed report of any and all infractions of the laws and rules coming under their observation, and shall file with the division any and all rulings on infractions or otherwise as soon as said rulings are made.

Specific Authority 120.80(4)(a), 550.0251(3), (11), 550.1155 FS. Law Implemented 120.80(4)(a), 550.0251, 550.1155 FS. History–New 8-15-04.

61D-13.003 Jockeys.

(1) Each jockey and apprentice jockey must obtain an occupational license from the division and abide by the rules outlined in this section. References to jockeys under this section shall be deemed to include apprentice jockeys.

(2) A jockey shall fulfill all riding engagements unless excused by a licensed physician. If a jockey fails to fulfill all riding engagements for any reason (including excused absentees), then the jockey will not be permitted to ride on the subsequent race day even if the jockey has been previously engaged to do so. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Stewards may grant a jockey relief from the provisions of this rule, but only in the event good cause is demonstrated by the jockey. Good cause shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an event beyond the jockey’s control or the jockey being committed to participate in a race designated as a stakes race by the permitholder.

(3) A jockey under temporary suspension shall not ride in a race during the period of the suspension except that the jockey may fulfill any designated stake race engagements on file with the stewards at the beginning of the meet.

(4) No jockey shall make a bet on any race nor accept the promise or the token of any bet, with respect to the race in which the jockey is participating, except through or from the owner or trainer of the horse the jockey rides, and then only on that horse to win or place first in any multiple horse type wager.

(5) The use of spurs by a jockey is prohibited.

(6) Jockeys shall keep their feet in the stirrups at all times during the race.

Specific Authority 550.0251(3), (11) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251 FS. History–New 8-15-04.

61D-13.004 Maintaining a Straight Course.

(1) If the stewards determine that a racing infraction was intentional, or due to careless riding or driving, the jockey shall be held responsible.

(2) When the way is clear in a race, a horse may be ridden or driven to any part of the course, but if any horse swerves, or is ridden to either side so as to interfere with, impede, or intimidate any other horse, it is a racing infraction.

(3) The offending horse shall be disqualified if, in the opinion of the stewards, the racing infraction altered the outcome of the race, regardless of whether the infraction was accidental, willful, or the result of careless riding.

(4) A horse crossing another horse so as actually to impede that horse shall be disqualified, unless the impeded horse was partly in fault or the crossing was wholly caused by the fault of some other horse or jockey.

(5) If a horse or jockey jostles another horse, the aggressor shall be disqualified, unless the jostle was wholly caused by the fault of some other horse or jockey or had no impact upon the outcome of the race.

(6) If a jockey willfully strikes another horse or jockey, or rides willfully or carelessly so as to injure another horse which is in no way in fault, or so as to cause other horses to do so, his horse is disqualified.

(7) When a horse is disqualified under the rules, the other horse or horses in the same race coupled as an entry shall be disqualified, unless the stewards determine that the offense committed by the horse or jockey did not assist the coupled horse or horses.

(8) Complaints under this rule can only be received from the owner, trainer, or jockey of the horse alleged to be aggrieved and must be made to the Outrider, Clerk of Scales or to the stewards prior to the race being made official. Nothing in this section shall prevent the stewards taking notice on their own recognizance of a riding or driving foul.

(9) Any jockey against whom a foul is claimed shall be given the opportunity to present his case to the stewards before they make any decision.

(10) A jockey whose horse has been disqualified or who unnecessarily causes his horse to shorten its stride with a view to complain or so as to give the appearance of having suffered a racing infraction, or an owner, trainer or jockey who complains frivolously that his horse has been crossed or jostled, shall be disciplined pursuant to subsection 61D-13.002(4), Florida Administrative Code.

(11) All horses and jockeys are expected to give their best effort to win all races in which they participate, and any instructions or advice to the jockeys, or any handling of their horses by the jockeys other than for the purpose of winning are forbidden. All persons violating this rule will be subject to fines or license suspension, or both, by the stewards.

(12) The decision of the stewards as to the extent of a disqualification of any horse in any race shall be final.

Specific Authority 550.0251(3), (11) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251 FS. History–New 8-15-04.

61D-13.005 Disqualification.

(1) When the stewards determine that a horse shall be disqualified for interference, they shall place the offending horse behind such horse or horses it interfered with. However, if the interference was intentional, placed other horses and jockeys at risk of injury or altered the finishing position of the horse or horses interfered with, they shall place it last.

(2) Possession of any electrical or mechanical stimulating or shocking device by a jockey, horse owner, trainer, or other person authorized to handle or attend to a horse, shall be grounds for the stewards to scratch or disqualify the horse and impose penalties upon the possessors of such devices pursuant to subsection 61D-13.002(4), Florida Administrative Code.

(3) The stewards shall determine the appropriate placement or whether a horse shall be unplaced for the purpose of purse distribution for a violation of Section 550.2415(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

Specific Authority 550.0251(3), (11), 550.2415(13) FS. Law Implemented 550.0251, 550.2415 FS. History–New 8-15-04

61D-13.006 Use of Whips.

(1) Although the use of a whip is optional, any jockey who uses a whip during a race shall do so only in a manner consistent with exerting his or her best efforts to win.

(2) In all races where a jockey participates without a whip, an announcement of such fact shall be made over the public address system.

(3) Prohibited uses of the whip include use of the whip:

(a) On any part of the horse’s body other than the shoulders or hindquarters;

(b) During the post parade or after the finish of the race;

(c) Excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the horse’s skin;

(d) When the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;

(e) Persistently, even though the horse is showing no response under the whip; or

(f) Striking another horse or any person.

Specific Authority 550.0251(3), (11), 550.1155 FS. Law Implemented 550.0251, 550.1155 FS. History–New 8-15-04, Amended 1-4-05.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

In Bizarre Move, Gretna “Pari-Mutu​el Barrel Racing” Owner Sends “Breakage” Check to Florida Quarter Horse Organizati​on . . . Even Though No Agreement To Do So Exists Between Them

Posted on February 9, 2012 by

“Check Immediately Returned”

In a bizarre move during the week of February 6, 2012, Gretna Racing, LLC (Gretna) owners sent the Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FQHBOA) a “breakage” check from its “pari-mutuel barrel racing” operation, even though no agreement of any sort exists between the two organizations to do so.

“Breakage,” commonly known as the amount of money left over after statutory and regulated wagering revenue distributions, would normally be part of monies audited by an independent horsemen’s association such as the FQHBOA and used to properly fund “purses” (prize money) and breeders’ awards according to state and federal law.

Notwithstanding the fact that barrel racing is not Quarter Horse racing, Gretna’s ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ operation has no agreement or affiliation with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (FQHRA) or the FQHBOA.  Therefore, the check was promptly returned to its sender via documented post office mail.

“We find Gretna’s sending of this check to be highly questionable,” said Dr. Steve Fisch, DVM, who serves as FQHRA and FQHBOA President.   Concurrently, Gretna’s co-owners are aggressively pursuing litigation against FQHRA and FQHBOA members in what many have characterized as a coordinated effort to eliminate state and federal horsemen’s protections altogether.

The FQHRA and FQHBOA serve as the Florida arm of the 300,000-member American Quarter Horse Association (“AQHA”), which regulates Quarter Horse racing nationwide.  Among other substantial duties that include auditing and accounting of accredited Florida Quarter Horse racing purse distributions, the FQHRA and FQHBOA also ensure access to workers’ compensation coverage and liability protection for horsemen, including jockeys.  The National Barrel Horse Association regulates barrel horse competitions.  Both organizations oppose Gretna Racing’s use of “pari-mutuel barrel racing” as a means of skirting Florida’s live racing requirements for pari-mutuel permitholders to hold 365-day slot machines and poker.

As set forth by the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 and echoed by Florida law, tracks must have an agreement with a horsemen’s organization in order to operate.  Horsemen’s associations are independent organizations that represent the contractual interests and associated welfare of the competing horse owners and trainers, along with their respective employees and horses.

Further, the process of auditing tracks’ statutory purse distributions to horsemen is often so tenuous, horsemen’s associations of all breeds, including the FQHRA and FQHBOA, as well as the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA)–Florida’s Thoroughbred horsemen’s association—must employ their own full-time accountants and bookkeepers.

In the unprecedented case of “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” however, Florida regulators allowed Gretna to own its own horsemen’s group, a non-profit known as the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association (NFHA),” which is actually registered with the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering as a “non-wagering horse racing” permit.

And because, up until January 27, 2012, the “NFHA” has been controlled by former Gulfstream Park attorney David Romanik and Gulfstream Park lobbyist Marc Dunbar, who co-own Gretna with PCI Gaming, a company owned by an Alabama Indian tribe, Gretna can thereby control distribution of the “breakage” check unilaterally.   On January 27, 2012, Romanik’s authority as NFHA Director was transferred to a Board, which includes the City of Gretna’s City Manager, Antonio Jefferson and Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals Director Cindy Gramling.  Not surprisingly, the NFHA had “agreed” to allow Gretna Racing to circumvent the Florida statutes in this manner.

Read:  Gretna’s Agreement With Itself

“That these wayward funds were so haphazardly handled by Gretna officials effectively illustrates that the unsuspecting ‘North Florida Horsemen’s Association’ members are being kept in the dark about contracts and statutory funds distributions that would normally be subject to auditing by an independent horsemen’s group such as FQHRA and FQHBOA. ” FHBPA Executive Director Kent Stirling explained.  “What’s even more disconcerting , Gretna’s wayward ‘breakage’ check was for $727.70, but it reported $917.20 to the State of Florida for the same purpose.  Where is the missing money?”

FQHRA and FQHBOA-sanctioned racing at Hialeah Park out-earned Gretna “pari-mutuel barrel racing” by 99.1 percent in a direct comparison.  Under the protection of the FQHRA and FQHBOA at Hialeah Park, nearly 1,000 accredited Quarter Horses competed for nearly $4 million in purse money, whereas at Gretna, which underwrote its own purses and handled its own purse auditing and distribution, only a handful of barrel racers and approximately 40 horses of unknown breeds were known to compete for the advertised $38,000 in total prize money.

“It may come as a surprise to many that the FQHRA and FQHBOA once worked with Gretna until it refused to comply with AQHA regulations.  But, if this strange communication is Gretna’s way of saying it now wants to abide by AQHA racing code and Florida law, we certainly won’t rule out that possibility,” Dr. Fisch remarked.

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Quarter Horse Racing, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Just One Month Before Issuing Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing License, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering Lost Hefty Attorneys’ Fees Court Battle With Gretna Racing Owners

Posted on February 5, 2012 by

Above: Gretna Racing LLC Owners David Romanik (left) and Marc Dunbar (right)

Just one month before awarding Gretna Racing LLC the highly questionable license with which it perpetrated “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering had lost a complex protracted litigation battle with Gretna Racing owners David Romanik and Marc Dunbar over the lawyer/lobbyists’ petition for the award of attorneys’ fees in a case involving the Division’s denial of a Quarter Horse permit to “Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings.”  (This company later became “South Marion Real Estate Holdings,” while a company by the name of Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings is now controlled by Romanik.  South Marion Real Estate Holdings is controlled by Michael Goldstein, a longtime Romanik associate and grandson of an official at Pompano Park racetrack who formerly controlled Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings.)

To view the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings September 15, 2011 Final Order in Case 11-001722FC, click here.  To view the entire docket, click here.

Demanding to be reimbursed as much as $360,831 from taxpayer coffers for their time in litigating the Division’s Ft. Myers Quarter Horse permit denial, Romanik and Dunbar even supplied experts who testified that a multiplier should be used to make the Division “’pay dearly,’ i.e., as punishment . . .” for what they termed “a gross abuse of the agency’s discretion.”

The request was enabled by the First District Court of Appeal, which said the Division’s later related actions were “so contrary to the fundamental principles of administrative law” that Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings was entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees.

But, in reviewing the timesheets and other documentation submitted by Romanik, Dunbar and two other affiliated attorneys, the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings found “obvious flaws and less obvious insufficiencies” and “a large amount of duplication . . . which exceeds a tolerable degree.”

“Regardless of how Mr. Romanik’s hours are characterized, they were excessive and duplicative,” stated Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth McArthur, who ultimately reduced Romanik and Dunbar’s requested hourly fee from $450 to $325 and $300, respectively.  She further determined that the circumstances of this case did not warrant that the Division be “punished.”  In fact, the Division’s denial had been because of a new law, under which Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings permit could no longer qualify for the Quarter Horse racing permit for which it had applied.

It was ultimately revealed that, should Ft. Myers Real Estate Holdings have actually commenced gaming operations, Romanik would have been paid $5 million, in addition to “any and all court fees that may be awarded.”  Dunbar’s law firm, Pennington et al, was to be a subcontractor in the deal.

South Marion Real Estate holdings, along with Pompano Park, are among six pari-mutuel entities that are currently awaiting the results of Quarter Horse license applications with the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.  None currently hold agreements with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, the State’s statutorily recognized horsemen’s association.

In 2011, Romanik and Dunbar launched a spurious smokescreen lawsuit against the statutory Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, while the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation continues to mount aggressive taxpayer-funded litigation against the same organization in defense of its unilateral Gretna Racing license award, which was done with no enabling legislation or regulatory hearings.

Gretna Racing’s “pari-mutuel barrel racing” is enabled by the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association,” which is controlled and owned by Romanik and Dunbar.  State and federal law mandates that tracks must have agreements with lawful horsemen’s associations in order to ensure the proper distribution of funds derived from wagering revenue.  Aside from Gretna Racing, no other pari-mutuel currently actively owns and controls its own horsemen’s association.

Recently, in the face of mounting statewide disapproval, Hamilton Downs Jai Alai, which had applied for a “pari-mutuel barrel racing” license based on the Gretna Racing model, withdrew its application for racing dates.

www.UnitedFloridaHorsemen.org

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Quote from United Florida Horsemen on today’s Gadsden County slot referendum (1/31): The people of Gadsden County and the City of Gretna are being cheated out of exponentially more jobs and long-term economic development they could have had if Gretna Racing LLC were holding legitimate Quarter Horse racing instead

Posted on February 1, 2012 by

Quote from United Florida Horsemen on today’s Gadsden County slot referendum (1/31):
 
“Notwithstanding the fact that the Gadsden County Slot referendum was held based the unlawful premise of “pari-mutuel barrel racing,” the travesty is that, regardless, of tonight’s outcome, the people of Gadsden County and the City of Gretna are being cheated out of exponentially more jobs and long-term economic development they could have had if Gretna Racing LLC were holding legitimate Quarter Horse racing instead.   For those who doubt that fact, the truth is now in the numbers:  Real Quarter Horse racing at Hialeah Park has out-earned and outperformed Gretna’s “pari-mutuel barrel racing” by over 99 percent—all with no cardrooms, slots or bailout from the taxpayers of Florida.   As for job creation?  Hialeah has over 800 employees who received their pari-mutuel license at the facility.  Gretna has only 38.   Proof that real jobs created by real horse racing are something slot machines can never replace.”
 
For more information, contact:
Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association:   Kent Stirling (305) 628-2989 or khs0813@bellsouth.net
Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association & Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association: Dr. Steve Fisch, DVM (850) 510-9650 or sfischDVM@avsequinehospital.com
 
 
www.UnitedFloridaHorsemen.org
www.FloridaHorsemen.com

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ignoring Florida Legislature, Pending Litigation, Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Seeks Regulatory Loophole Protection

Posted on January 31, 2012 by

Read the documents–Gretna Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing Seeks Regulatory Loophole Protection

Seeking to protect its cardroom and pending slot operations by solidifying the very loophole that enabled “pari-mutuel barrel racing” in the first place, Gretna Racing LLC owners David Romanik and Marc Dunbar have filed a petition to amend Rule 61D-2.001, entitled “General Definitions.”  In response, the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has scheduled a five-hour March 13 workshop on the issue just days after the 2012 Florida Legislature officially concludes.

The audacious move comes amid Florida legislators’ pending efforts to correct the State’s legal definition of “horse racing,” the absence of which has led to a relative avalanche of pari-mutuel permitholders attempting to leverage the “Gretna Model” to similarly exploit existing the State’s live horse racing requirements to secure cardrooms and, ultimately, slot machines.

Late in 2011, absence of a clear legal definition of “horse racing” was interpreted by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to allow for “pari-mutuel barrel racing.”  By successfully exploiting this loophole, Gretna Racing was deemed to meet Florida’s live racing requirements, thereby enabling the opening of its 365-day per year cardroom and poker facility.  At that point having filed minimal “racing dates” that also fulfilled Florida’s two-year live racing requirement for slot machine licensing, Gretna Racing’s Romanik and Dunbar quickly convinced Gadsden County officials to hold their desired slot referendum, despite the cloud of massive and costly litigation mounted by Florida horsemen strongly indicating that “pari-mutuel barrel racing” was, in fact, based on an illegal license award by state regulators.

Now, despite the pending legislative and litigation firestorm, and contrary to the stern disapproval of Florida Governor Rick Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, pari-mutuel regulators will once again entertain Gretna Racing by considering Romanik and Dunbar’s proposed Rule amendment petition.  Essentially, amending Florida’s regulatory definition of “Contest” in the proposed manner would protect and perpetuate not only Gretna Racing, but its six copycat license applicants in the regulatory pipeline, thus firmly entrenching the expansion of gambling at the cost of decimated Florida horse racing industry jobs.

“The State of Florida licensed Gretna ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ without any enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input,” recalled Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling.  ”The last time I checked, you can’t just ignore the law, then go back and fix it when someone points out in hindsight the fact that you broke it!”

Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association President Steve Fisch noted, “Once again, Florida regulators are usurping the role of the Legislature and paying short shrift to the resulting job loss and economic drain—both of which have been stunningly quantified in this very short December/January time period.  The fact remains:  Legitimate Florida Quarter Horse racing is out-earning ‘pari-mutuel barrel racing’ in dramatic proportions.  To say one is the same as the other—especially in this tight budget year—is simply cheating Florida taxpayers across the board.”

For more information, contact:

  • Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association:   Kent Stirling (305) 628-2989 or khs0813@bellsouth.net
  • Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association & Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association: Dr. Steve Fisch, DVM (850) 510-9650 or sfischDVM@avsequinehospital.com

 

 

www.UnitedFloridaHorsemen.org

www.FloridaHorsemen.com

Posted in Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing, Gulfstream Park | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Senate Agriculture Committee Acknowledges Florida as “Horse Capitol of the World”; Florida Legislators Are Urged To Support Proven Job Power, Economic Benefits of Legitimate Florida Quarter Horse Racing

Posted on January 30, 2012 by
Florida Senator Alan Hays is a longtime horseman

Senator Alan Hays, himself an experienced horseman, said: “We need to realize ancillary businesses that go with (the Florida horse) industry and the ripple effect of those dollars as they go through the state. This is a hidden gem and we need to do everything we can to magnify the effect.”

 

Legislators Are Urged  To  Support Proven Job Power, Economic Benefits of Legitimate Florida Quarter Horse Racing

Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture members were surprised to learn during a presentation today, January 30, 2012, that Florida’s horse industry is a $5.1 billion economic driver that creates 104,700 total statewide jobs per year.  In fact, for each horse, seven jobs are created, according to the American Horse Council.  To view the presentation (begins on Page 86) click here.

Florida Horse Park officials, who gave this morning’s presentation, described Marion County as the “Horse Capital of the World.”   They outlined the extraordinary buying power of the people who come to Florida from all over the world to watch, ride and care for horses of all kinds.  Purchase of hotel rooms and lodging, food, gasoline, clothing, feed, veterinary services, horseshoeing and more are some of the reasons for the dramatic economic benefit of Florida’s horse industry. 

Even the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association CEO Carol Dover was on hand to discuss the importance of the horse industry to her organization’s members.  She explained that the sheer strength of Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry provides the very infrastructure to encourage and warrant hoteliers’ investment.

Committee Chairman Gary Siplin introduced the presentation by explaining that Florida’s horse industry is one of the strongest industries in the state and has national impact.

Senator Alan Hays, himself an experienced horseman, said:  “We need to realize ancillary businesses that go with (the Florida horse) industry and the ripple effect of those dollars as they go through the state.  This is a hidden gem and we need to do everything we can to magnify the effect.”

If horses really do create jobs, the Legislature should note the success of legitimate Quarter Horse racing at Hialeah Park, which is out-earning “pari-mutuel barrel racing” by 99.1%.   

As evidence, nearly 1,000 accredited Quarter Horses are stabled at Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association-sanctioned Hialeah Park.  But Gretna’s entire “barrel racing” meet only requires 36 horses total—thus killing the positive impact that would otherwise be generated if Gretna Racing were to have used its permit for legitimate Quarter Horse racing instead of “barrel racing.” 

Gretna’s spurious use of its Quarter Horse permit to operate “pari-mutuel barrel racing” has deliberately cut the number of horses needed at its facility by over 96 percent.

Unfortunately, because no clear definition of “horse racing” yet exists, gambling regulators are free to consider what will further degrade the value of Florida’s otherwise-successful Quarter Horse racing and breeding industry by entertaining plans for six (6)  Quarter Horse licenses likely designed to cut live racing through spurious schemes like “barrel racing” that dramatically reduce the number of horses needed to create the very jobs and economic development acknowledged by our Senators today. 

It’s a fact:  Gretna and its copycat schemes are slaughtering, not growing Florida horse jobs and economic impact that would otherwise come with Florida’s legitimate racing and breeding industries. 

“Florida’s horse industry is not ‘dead’” explained Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling. “We are confident our legislators understand what we bring to the table and will work to protect it. This means ensuring that clever lawyering and loopholes are not allowed to trump job creation and economic development.”

Does Florida really want the economic and job creating benefits of legitimate live horse racing to be replaced by slots, cardrooms, poker, “pari-mutuel barrel racing” . . . .  or worse?

Legislators, we urge your awareness of this morning’s Senate Committee on Agriculture horse industry presentation and ask you to vote against any related pari-mutuel legislation that would serve to kill jobs and economic development of Florida’s horse racing and breeding industry.

For more information, contact:

  • Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association:   Kent Stirling, Executive Director (305) 628-2989 or khs0813@bellsouth.net
  • Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association and Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association:  Dr. Steve Fisch, DVM (850) 510-9650 or sfischDVM@avsequinehospital.com

 

The United Florida Horsemen are:

National and Florida Barrel Horse Association (24,000 members)

American Quarter Horse Association (350,000 national members; 7,163 Florida members)

Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (439 members)

U.S. Trotting Association (25,000 members)

Florida Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association (630 members)

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (1,300 members)

National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (35,000 members)

Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (5,000 members)

 

www.UnitedFloridaHorsemen.org

 

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing’s “North Florida Horsemen’s Association” Controlled by Gretna Racing, LLC Owners: Only in Florida Are Pari-Mutue​​ls Allowed to Own and Control Their Own Horsemen’s Unions

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

Pari-Mutuel Barrel Racing’s “North Florida Horsemen’s Association” Controlled by Gretna Racing, LLC Owners  

State of Florida Cheated Out of Literally 99.1 Percent Of Revenue It Could Be Earning Through Legitimate Quarter Horse Racing

Together with former third-generation Gulfstream Park attorney David Romanik, Gulfstream Park lobbyist Marc Dunbar is the part-owner of Gretna Racing, LLC, which is causing a deliberate horse racing industry decimation and dramatic loss of State revenue by having unilaterally introduced “pari-mutuel barrel racing” in North Florida.  This outright mockery of Florida law is enabled by these individuals’ own non-profit corporation known as the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association.”

Because the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association” is controlled by Dunbar and Romanik, revenues from Gretna’s cardrooms and, ultimately, slot machines, can easily be funneled back to their self-owned Gretna Racing, LLC, not to the “North Florida Horsemen’s Association” members who have unwittingly signed away their State and Federal purse negotiating rights.  These unsuspecting horsemen and women don’t realize that their rights to Gretna Racing’s revenues would otherwise be ensured under both Florida law and the Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, the intent of which was never to have tracks own their own horsemen’s unions, since without ensuring lucrative purses to attract competitors, horse racing of any kind ceases to be a proper economic driver and job creator for any state.

If legitimate Quarter Horse racing sanctioned by the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (“FQHRA”) was taking place at Gretna Racing instead, these horsemen’s interests would otherwise be protected.  What’s worse, the irony is that legitimate Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association sanctioned Quarter Horse racing at Hialeah Park is out-earning Gretna “pari-mutuel barrel racing” by 99.1 percent, as reported to the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.  Gretna Racing only pays $19.64 per day in pari-mutuel taxes.

With only 36 horses needed to complete Gretna’s entire “pari-mutuel barrel racing” meet, versus nearly 1,000 that are stabled right now at Hialeah Park, the FQHRA’s success, in turn, spurs economic development and job creation in both the racing and breeding industries, since that revenue is properly shared with horsemen according to State and Federal law,  thanks to the FQHRA.  As further evidence, Hialeah’s legitimate Quarter Horse meet has 803 licensed pari-mutuel employees registered at its facility, whereas Gretna Racing has only 38 comparable licensees.  Documented attendance at Hialeah Park averages 4,100 per day.  The Associated Press and other major media reported Gretna Racing to attract only 20-50 people per day.

But the fact is, Dunbar and Romanik are actually now profiting at Gretna Racing from the very same business plan that they, themselves, are suing the law-abiding horsemen’s associations for.  During 2011, Dunbar and Romanik launched a spurious lawsuit against the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association and the Florida Quarter Horse Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, in which they claim damage from what the Florida Legislature ordained these statutory organizations to do:  Protect horsemen’s rights.

Nearly 450,000 members of United Florida Horsemen feel that the Florida Legislature should not support or negotiate with any person or entity that is currently engaged in a lawsuit designed to destroy horsemen’s livelihoods through self-dealing by means of dummy, self-owned horsemen’s associations designed exclusively to funnel pari-mutuel, card room and slot machine profits back to the track owners, rather than to properly disburse it to horsemen according to law.

To view State of Florida documentation on the ownership of “North Florida Horsemen’s Association,” click here.

The above information is based on reported Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering data.

Florida Non Profit Corporation:  NORTH FLORIDA HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.
Filing Information

Document Number:  N09000005229
FEI/EIN Number:  APPLIED
Date Filed:  05/29/2009
State:  FL
Status:  ACTIVE
Principal Address 215 SOUTH MONROE STREET, 2ND FLOOR TALLAHASSEE FL 32301-1839
Mailing Address P.O. BOX 10095 TALLAHASSEE FL 32302-2095

Registered Agent Name & Address:  DUNBAR, MARC W 215 SOUTH MONROE STREET, 2ND FLOOR TALLAHASSEE FL 32301-1839
US Officer/Director Detail Name & Address Title D:  ROMANIK, DAVID S 215 SOUTH MONROE STREET, 2ND FLOOR TALLAHASSEE FL 32301-1839
04/11/2011 — ANNUAL REPORT
04/09/2010 — ANNUAL REPORT

05/29/2009 — Domestic Non-Profit

The United Florida Horsemen are:
·         National and Florida Barrel Horse Association (24,000 members)
·         American Quarter Horse Association (350,000 national members; 7,163 Florida members)
·         Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (439 members)
·         U.S. Trotting Association (25,000 members)
·         Florida Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association (630 members)
·         Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (1,300 members)
·         National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (35,000 members)
·         Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (5,000 members)

http://www.UnitedFloridaHorsemen.org
http://www.FloridaHorsemen.com

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Florida AG on Slot Referenda: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) DBPR may not issue a slot machine license in any county outside of Miami-Dade and Broward that seeks approval of slot machines by local referendum (see s.551.102(4)) without new legislative authorization for such a local referendum

Posted on January 13, 2012 by

In response to a question posted by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”) Secretary Ken Lawson, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an Opinion yesterday, January 12, 2012 addressed to Secretary Lawson on the subject of slot machines.  The Attorney General has concluded that the DBPR may not issue a slot machine license in any county outside of Miami-Dade and Broward that seeks approval of slot machines by local referendum (see s.551.102(4)) without new legislative authorization for such a local referendum.

“The United Florida Horsemen welcomes the Florida Attorney General’s opinion on slot referenda, which emphasizes our collective support for the responsible expansion of gambling,” said Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling.  “Obviously, any slot referendums based on questionable or unlawfully awarded pari-mutuel licenses should never be entertained under any circumstances.   Such activity does not represent the legitimate pari-mutuel industry in Florida, which has carefully adhered to Florida laws and regulations in the expansion thereof, and strongly condemns any activity to the contrary.  Further, our respective industries have entirely underwritten programs to ensure responsible gambling statewide.”

To view Attorney General Bondi’s Opinion 12-01, please follow the hyperlink below:
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/JMEE-8QFQJC/$file/1201.pdf

To view Secretary Lawson’s request for an opinion, please follow the hyperlink below:
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/JMEE-8QFQKU/$file/Request1201.pdf

Media inquiries contact:

Re: Opinion 12-01 issued to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation regarding slot machine referenda and Section 551.102(4), Florida Statutes.

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) Seeks National HBPA Convention Sponsors as Calder Race Course Scales Back Commitment

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

Just nine days before the January 12 beginning of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) Winter Convention in Hollywood Beach, Florida, Calder Race Course General Manager John Marshall informed the Florida HBPA, which is hosting the event, that the racetrack was significantly scaling back its prior sponsorship commitment of $10,000.

As a result, the Convention faces a budgetary shortfall.  Any individual or organization that might be able to help bridge that monetary gap with an emergency sponsorship is requested to please contact Wanda at the Florida HBPA (Telephone:  (305) 625-4591 or FHBPA@bellsouth.net).

The National HBPA represents over 35,000 Thoroughbred racehorse owners and trainers throughout the United States.  The Florida HBPA has over 5,000 members. 

To read about the FHBPA mission of helping horsemen, click here.

Posted in Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Gulfstream Park Cancels Unsanctioned Quarter Horse Racing Scheduled for December 31, 2011

Posted on December 31, 2011 by

After long and intense negotiations, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, together with Gulfstream Park, were pleased to announce that an understanding in principle has been reached on a tentative new purse agreement.  Both sides are pleased with the upside potential for Thoroughbred racing in Florida.  Importantly, Gulfstream’s planned, unsanctioned Quarter Horse race scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on December 31, 2011 that was so vehemently opposed by the Thoroughbred horsemen has been canceled as part of the agreement.

“I think the horsemen will be pleased with the results of the negotiation, which should mean increased purses going forward,” FHBPA President Phil Combest said.  “Naturally, it’s a relief that Gulfstream’s unsanctioned Quarter Horse race has been canceled, inasmuch as the precedent it set could have resulted in enormous negative impact for Florida’s racing industry.”

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gulfstream Park Tells FHBPA’s Kent Stirling That Caesar’s Destination Resort Behind Bizarre Quarter Horse Pari-Mutuel Permit Slot Grab; The Blood Horse’s Jim Freer Reports

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

Gulfstream Quarter Horse Plan Questioned

Updated: Monday, December 26, 2011 1:09 PM
Gulfstream Quarter Horse Plan Questioned

Photo: Coglianese Photos
Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park will hold one or possibly two Quarter Horse races over the New Year’s weekend—one after its last Thoroughbred race Dec. 31 and a second possibly after its last Thoroughbred race Jan. 1.  The plan to run those races has led to immediate and strong opposition from the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

“Gulfstream Park has decided to exercise its dormant, non-profit Quarter Horse permit,” Gulfstream president and GM Tim Ritvo said in a statement Dec. 23. “We were advised by counsel that if we didn’t exercise the permit there was a possibility of losing it during the upcoming (Florida) legislative session.”

Ritvo added: “Every major pari-mutuel has been activating their dormant permits due to widespread expectations that lawmakers will revoke the permits during the upcoming session.”

Purses for the Quarter Horse races will come out of a separate account from the purse account for Gulfstream’s current meet, he said.

However, the Florida HBPA is considering legal action that would prevent Gulfstream from holding Quarter Horse races, said  the association’s executive director Kent Stirling. He said the Florida HBPA is concerned that Gulfstream could have expanded Quarter Horse racing during months other than the Thoroughbred season—with money from simulcasts, slot machines, and poker going to groups other than Thoroughbred horsemen.

Gulfstream, in Hallandale Beach, Fla., has held a Quarter Horse permit for several years.  On Dec. 19, the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering issued Gulfstream a Quarter Horse license for two performances.

Stirling said that Gulfstream’s contract with the Florida HPBA does not allow it to hold any racing other than Thoroughbred racing through Dec. 31, 2012.  He said the Florida HBPA is considering legal action that would prevent Gulfstream from holding Quarter Horse races.
Alon Ossip, an executive vice president for The Stronach Group, which owns Gulfstream, on Dec. 22 told Stirling and other Florida HBPA officials about the plan for two Quarter Horse races.

Ossip did not provide the Florida HBPA with details on plans for any additional Quarter Horse racing at Gulfstream, Stirling said.

Under one interpretation of Florida laws, holding one Quarter Horse race in two consecutive years can make a pari-mutuel in Broward County (Gulfstream’s locale) or Miami-Dade County eligible for a second casino.  Each of those casinos can have as many as 2,000 Las Vegas-style slot machines.

“He (Ossip) said the two Quarter Horse races could enable Gulfstream to have as many as 4,000 slots,” Stirling said. “He said someone like Caesar’s might be interested.”

A bill under consideration in the Florida legislature would authorize as many as three destination resort hotels in southeast Florida.  In addition to slot machines, each would have roulette and craps, which are currently not legal in Florida.

Ritvo has told The Blood-Horse that Gulfstream would like to be considered as a site for a destination resort.

Gulfstream has about 825 slot machines. It has vacant land, for a possible hotel-casino, on the south side of its property.

Gulfstream’s plan for two Quarter Horse races “came as a complete surprise, and was like a kick in the stomach from someone we thought was a partner,” Stirling said.
Ritvo said Ossip was hoping “to continue talks through Saturday to insure the horsemen this wasn’t being done to disrupt Thoroughbred racing. Unfortunately, members of the FHBPA were unavailable.”

“The Stronach Group remains committed to not only preserving Thoroughbred racing but allowing it to thrive,” Ritvo said.

Hialeah Park is holding Florida’s only conventional Quarter Horse meet with a purse contract with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association.

“They (Florida HQRA) are not providing horses to Gulfstream, and I don’t know who is,” Stirling said.

He said the Florida HBPA is concerned that Gulfstream could later use its Quarter Horse permit for pari-mutuel barrel racing—in a low-cost meet without the Florida HBPA in which Gulfstream might be able to keep bigger shares of simulcast and slot revenues.

He noted that Marc Dunbar, a Tallahassee attorney, is a lobbyist for Gulfstream and is one of the owners of Gretna Racing in Gretna, Fla.

Dunbar did not return phone calls.

On Dec. 1, Gretna Racing, which is near Tallahassee, began the first pari-mutuel barrel racing meet in Florida—a meet that is widely considered to be the first pari-mutuel barrel racing in the United States.

On Oct. 18, the Florida DPMW granted Gretna Racing a Quarter Horse license. Gretna is using the license for barrel racing, with Quarter Horses.

The Florida QHRA and the Florida Quarter Horse Breeders and Owners Association, in an emergency motion in a state court and in a state administrative hearing, are challenging the legality of Gretna’s licenses for racing and for a poker room it opened on Dec. 9.

Gretna Racing has been able to hold barrel racing, rather than conventional Quarter Horse racing, because Florida laws specify the breeds of horses but not the types of races that must be held with horse racing licenses.

On Dec. 21, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, said:“It doesn’t appear to me that it (barrel racing) was the intent of the law.”

Scott’s comment, to the Palm Beach Post editorial board, was his first public statement on the race meet at Gretna.

Several members of the Florida House and Senate have said they favor a change in definitions of horse racing, to prevent other facilities from having pari-mutuel barrel racing.  The Florida legislature will hold its 2012 regular session from Jan. 10 to March 9.

 

Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66710/gulfstream-quarter-horse-plan-questioned#ixzz1hm2Mwlzv

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Florida Horsemen’s President Phil Combest Says It’s “Absurd” That Gulfstream Park Fears Losing its Quarter Horse Permit; Track Still Not Forthcoming on Secret Horsemen’s Association or Where Alleged Quarter Horses Will Come From: Daily Racing Form’s Mike Welsch Reports

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

Gulfstream to run Quarter Horse race on New Year’s Eve

 

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Gulfstream Park has been granted legislative approval to exercise a dormant nonprofit Quarter Horse license and is hoping to run one Quarter Horse race prior to its regularly scheduled Thoroughbred program on Saturday, Dec. 31.

“We were advised by counsel that if we didn’t exercise the permit now there was a possibility of losing it during the upcoming legislative session,” said Ritvo. “Every major parimutuel facility in the state has been activating their dormant permits due to widespread expectations that lawmakers will revoke them. To meet the requirements of the nonprofit license, we must run one extra race on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, only one of which has to be for Quarter Horses.”

Ritvo said the long-range purpose of activating the Quarter Horse permit was that it could ultimately lead to Gulfstream being able to double its current allotment of 2,000 slot machines as well as add a second card room at the facility. He said the decision to exercise the long standing license came quickly and plans have not been completely finalized regarding the Dec. 31 Quarter Horse event.

“This really just fell into our lap on Tuesday,” said Ritvo. “A high level executive from the Stronach Group met with members of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association on Thursday to discuss the matter and was hoping to continue talks with the group Saturday to insure them this wasn’t done to disrupt Thoroughbred racing. The Stronach Group is under direct orders from Frank Stronach that Thoroughbred racing should survive and thrive at Gulfstream Park.”

But Phil Combest, president of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said the Gulfstream horsmen are opposed to allowing the track to run the Quarter Horse race. Representatives from Gulfstream and the HBPA plan to talk Wednesday to try and allay the horsemen’s concerns.

“The horsemen are still completely opposed to this whole thing for a number of reasons,” said Combest. “For example, what are the simulcast and ADW implications of running a Quarter Horse race at Gulfstream Park, among other things? Gulfstream says they are doing this for fear of losing the permit at the next legislative session. That’s absurd. The state would never revoke a not-for-profit permit.”

Ritvo said it’s still unclear where the horses will come from to fill the race on Dec. 31. A Quarter Horse meeting is currently being conducted at nearby Hialeah Park. Post time for the race is expected to be set at noon.

“At the moment we have no plans as to where we’ll get the horses for this race or what the purse will be although after holding a preliminary discussion with Racing Secretary Dan Bork, it is likely the purse will be somewhere in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. Whatever that purse may be, none of the money will come out of the Thoroughbred purse fund.”

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Gretna Casino Based on Illegal Barrel Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Calder Purse Contract Expires Despite Repeated Attempts by Florida Horsemen to Resolve Dates Crisis “Open Access” Issue

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

Following a year-long series of events that have directly violated its standing purse contract with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), Calder Casino and Race Course (Calder) management has rejected a proposal by the FHBPA to resolve the issue of offering “open access” between Calder and Gulfstream when the tracks are scheduled to race head to head in July 2013.  “Open access,” as that term has been discussed and understood by Calder and the FHBPA, would allow horsemen to ship their horses back and forth between Calder and Gulfstream.

The Calder purse contract initially expired on December 31, 2012.  However, since the track conducted no live racing during January, February or March, 2013, a simulcast agreement/purse contract was not critical for those months. 

Serious contract negotiations restarted in March and, in a show of good faith, the FHBPA even extended the expired contract through April, 2013, so as to address several difficult issues, the largest of which was the guarantee of “open access” when summer came. 

In the end, the FHBPA’s efforts were to no avail and the contract finally expired on April 30, 2013.  And, with that, the FHBPA’s consent for simulcasting Calder races was revoked.

Live racing resumes at Calder on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 12:50 p.m.

As the Florida chapter of the National HBPA, the FHBPA works to protect the safety of its members, their stable personnel and their horses, and works with racetrack management to ensure proper accountability, and responsible and humane conditions for those competitors, among other varied and statutory responsibilities.  Maintaining the independence of horsemens’ organizations serves to assure the wagering public of continued integrity in the horse racing product.

 

Background

For over 40 years, Calder Race Course—now Calder Casino and Race Course—has never charged a fee (rent) to its trainers for stalls, nor did it ever charge grooms and hotwalkers rent for their bare-bones-style dorm rooms.  Last year, that all changed as Calder management opted to charge room rent to workers and then, in December, charge trainers top dollar to rent stalls.  Notably, the December stall rent charge occurred even though the very same purse contract that expired on December 31, 2012 clearly prohibited stall rent, as had all previous contracts.

Now, Calder and Gulfstream Park are scheduled to run head-to-head this July, this impending dates war figures to take a significant toll on the horsemen and Florida horse racing industry, in general. 

“The horsemen did not create the dates dispute,” explained FHBPA President Phil Combest, “but they are caught in the middle of it.  And with Calder only running three days a week after June 30, there aren’t enough opportunities to race without open access between the two tracks.”

Upon the expiration of the initial extension of the old contract through April, Calder asked the FHBPA for yet another 30-day extension.  In a fair-minded attempt to resolve the problem, the FHBPA Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on April 29, 2013 and invited Calder officials Austin Miller and John Marshall to address the full Board.  This was followed by two hours of discussion by the Board, which resulted in a unanimous resolution that granted Calder the requested 30-day contract extension . . . BUT ONLY on the “express condition that the horsemen are granted perpetual Open Access (as that term has been discussed and understood by Calder and the FHBPA) to the Calder grounds.”

On Wednesday, May 1, Calder management formally rejected the offer.  As a result, the existing purse contract has now officially expired and with it, the FHBPA’s simulcasting consent is revoked.

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 

National and Local Media Coverage of Florida Horsemen Caught in Corporate Behemoth Standoff over Intertrack Wagering Power Struggle

(Click a headline below to read the complete story)

 

Louisville Courier-Journal:  As South Florida “datesmageddon” approaches,

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Executive Director Kent Stirling said, “The current dates conflict is rooted in a statutory glitch that is being exploited by clever lawyering at the expense of what could be most beneficial for all of us, not to mention Florida taxpayers.”

 

Paulick Report:  Florida Racing Dates—Is It Really About Live Racing?

Somewhere, in the convoluted Chapter 550 of Florida statutes covering pari-mutuel wagering is language stating that pari-mutuel facilities wishing to import Thoroughbred simulcasts have to buy the signal from the track currently offering live racing. The selling track gets two-thirds of the net revenue, with the simulcast facility getting one-third.

 

Ocala Star-Banner:  Florida’s thoroughbred groups fear industry could be gutted by track dispute

Florida thoroughbred horsemen worry the continuing fight between Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park over racing dates will ultimately ravage breeders, owners and thousands of others who make a living in the racing industry.

 

Daily Racing Form:  Florida horsemen’s groups ask for cooperation between Gulfstream, Calder

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling warned that the overlapping dates not only might risk over-extending the state’s human and equine populations, but also fragment the wagering dollar and divert resources needed to tackle other challenges facing the state’s Thoroughbred industry, such as pari-mutuel barrel racing.

 

Paulick Report:  Florida Horsemen’s Groups Urge Tracks to Settle Differences

With South Florida’s two Thoroughbred tracks engaging in an escalating regulatory battle over racing dates, the professionals who do the “heavy lifting” to provide the actual horse racing product—the horse owners, trainers and breeders—find themselves as unexpected bystanders in an unwanted dispute.

 

Florida Voices:  Gulfstream, Calder Overdue in Settling Dates Conflict

Done right, horse racing and breeding affords Florida with enormous economic impact because of all the jobs and businesses it creates.  But, overlapping dates can drain the local horse population and fragment wagering dollars — making it difficult for the entire industry to prosper.

 

Wire to Wire:   Florida’s Horsemen urge South Florida tracks to settle differences

Lonny Powell, a former horse racing regulator and track operator, who now serves as CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association said,  “It’s more than troublesome that this dates overlap crisis distracts from all of our collective efforts to grow Florida’s $2.2 billion-a-year thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.”

 

Blood Horse:  Rumor That Stronach is Buying Calder Denied

A Florida law requires a race track or jai-alai fronton to have a minimum number of pari-mutuel performance days to obtain and retain a casino license.  To do that, Calder must have at least 80 race days each year.

 

Calder Casino Owner Churchill Downs Posts Record Earnings

Churchill Downs Incorporated, home of the Kentucky Derby and parent company of Calder Casino and Race Course, has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2013 showing that it achieved record revenues for the period of $148.07 million

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Gaming Study Prompts Scathing Orlando Sentinel Rebuke: Like Contracting Anheuser-Busch To Study Whether Drinking Beer Is OK

Posted on April 29, 2013 by

Orlando Sentinel Columnist Scott Maxwell doesn’t mince any words in his scathing opinion of Florida’s Gaming Study.   Let’s hope he’s wrong, but his is one of many voices beginning to pile up in strong objection to the use of Florida taxpayer funds to hire a longtime gaming industry ally like Florida Gaming Congress promoter Spectrum Gaming:

More casinos in Florida? Bet on it

April 27, 2013|Scott Maxwell, TAKING NAMES

An old gambling joke says the difference between a prayer in church and a prayer in a casino is that, in a casino, you really mean it.

But when it comes to gambling in Florida, the Legislature isn’t wasting time on prayers.

It’s buying the results it wants — with your money.

The Legislature recently agreed to spend nearly $400,000 to “comprehensively examine gaming issues.”

Supposedly, this will help legislators determine whether Florida needs more big-time gambling and casinos.

Except the company they hired to do the study specializes in promoting big-time gambling and casinos.

Spectrum Gaming Group (note the key word there in the middle) actually sponsors the annual Florida Gaming Congress.

Gee, I wonder what it will find.

This would be like contracting Anheuser-Busch to do a study on whether drinking beer is OK.

To read more, go to:  http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-04-27/news/os-scott-maxwell-florida-casino-gambling-study-20130426_1_florida-gaming-congress-gambling-interests-more-gambling

 

 

To read more about legislative and regulatory issues affecting Florida’s $2.2 Billion horse racing industry, go to:  http://floridahorsemen.blogspot.com/

Posted in Florida Destination Casinos, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Racing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida horsemen caught in corporate behemoth standoff over Intertrack Wagering power struggle–National and Local News Coverage

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:  National and local media coverage of Florida horsemen caught in corporate behemoth standoff over Intertrack Wagering power struggle

(Click a headline below to read the complete story)

Louisville Courier-Journal:  As South Florida “datesmageddon” approaches, horsemen call for truce

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Executive Director Kent Stirling said, “The current dates conflict is rooted in a statutory glitch that is being exploited by clever lawyering at the expense of what could be most beneficial for all of us, not to mention Florida taxpayers.”

Paulick Report:  Florida Racing Dates—Is It Really About Live Racing?

Somewhere, in the convoluted Chapter 550 of Florida statutes covering pari-mutuel wagering is language stating that pari-mutuel facilities wishing to import Thoroughbred simulcasts have to buy the signal from the track currently offering live racing. The selling track gets two-thirds of the net revenue, with the simulcast facility getting one-third.

Ocala Star-Banner:  Florida’s thoroughbred groups fear industry could be gutted by track dispute

Florida thoroughbred horsemen worry the continuing fight between Calder Race Course and Gulfstream Park over racing dates will ultimately ravage breeders, owners and thousands of others who make a living in the racing industry.

Daily Racing Form:  Florida horsemen’s groups ask for cooperation between Gulfstream, Calder

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Executive Director Kent Stirling warned that the overlapping dates not only might risk over-extending the state’s human and equine populations, but also fragment the wagering dollar and divert resources needed to tackle other challenges facing the state’s Thoroughbred industry, such as pari-mutuel barrel racing.

Paulick Report:  Florida Horsemen’s Groups Urge Tracks to Settle Differences

With South Florida’s two Thoroughbred tracks engaging in an escalating regulatory battle over racing dates, the professionals who do the “heavy lifting” to provide the actual horse racing product—the horse owners, trainers and breeders—find themselves as unexpected bystanders in an unwanted dispute.

Florida Voices:  Gulfstream, Calder Overdue in Settling Dates Conflict

Done right, horse racing and breeding affords Florida with enormous economic impact because of all the jobs and businesses it creates.  But, overlapping dates can drain the local horse population and fragment wagering dollars — making it difficult for the entire industry to prosper.

Wire to Wire:   Florida’s Horsemen urge South Florida tracks to settle differences

Lonny Powell, a former horse racing regulator and track operator, who now serves as CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association said,  “It’s more than troublesome that this dates overlap crisis distracts from all of our collective efforts to grow Florida’s $2.2 billion-a-year thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.”

Blood Horse:  Rumor That Stronach is Buying Calder Denied

A Florida law requires a race track or jai-alai fronton to have a minimum number of pari-mutuel performance days to obtain and retain a casino license.  To do that, Calder must have at least 80 race days each year.

Calder Casino Owner Churchill Downs Posts Record Earnings

Churchill Downs Incorporated, home of the Kentucky Derby and parent company of Calder Casino and Race Course, has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2013 showing that it achieved record revenues for the period of $148.07 million.

Posted in Calder Race Course, Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Florida Gambling, Florida Slot Machines, Florida Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association, Florida Thoroughbred Racing, Gulfstream Park, Ocala Breeders Sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment