More than 100 racetrack employees, horse owners, and local politicians rallied in front of the Massachusetts State House on Monday in support of a bill passed by the Senate last fall that allows up to 2,000 slot machines to be installed at each of the state’s four racetracks and which has languished in the House since. Legislators are meeting today to set a date “to formally debate” the bill, which was to have been voted on in March according to an agreement made last December. It’s now expected that the legislature will take action on April 5, a delay that’s angered some slots supporters.
More slots links: Suffolk Downs is now maintaining a news page with links to relevant articles from newspapers across the area.
Posted by JC in State Issues on 03/22/2006 @ 10:05 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
– In today’s Derby Watch: Corinthian is off the Derby Trail; weekend Beyer numbers are out.
– Speed genes found? “A British scientist yesterday claimed to have made a ‘historic breakthrough‘ in the study of thoroughbred genetics, after a six-year research project produced the first proof of a relationship between specific genes and the individual performances of racehorses.”
– Kentucky congressman Ed Whitfield, who led hearings into the the jockeys’ insurance issue last fall, said that legislation amending the Interstate Horseracing Act to provide workers’ compensation to jockeys and backstretch workers could be ready in four weeks.
– Rockport Harbor’s injury-plagued racing career is over. Owner Rick Porter announced on Monday that Rockport was done racing and headed to a career at stud because of the foot injury that’s dogged the colt since the 2004 Remsen: “The wall of the hoof is cracked and the consensus is that he would need a minimum of 90 days turnout … There are no guarantees that the foot will heal 100%. Therefore, I have decided to retire him.”
– Steve Haskin joins Paul Daley in wondering why Mom’s Command isn’t on the Hall of Fame ballot this year. “Mom’s Command has slipped through the cracks again. After having her name on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2005, the 1985 New York filly Triple Crown winner was conspicuous by her absence this year.”
Posted by JC in Jockeys' Insurance, News on 03/22/2006 @ 10:00 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Lawyer Ron was the only favorite to win one of today’s Derby preps: The sharp colt trained by Bob Holthus came from off the pace to take the Rebel, with second-favorite Private Vow, making his first start since last November, fading out of contention early. Achilles of Troy finished fifth in the Gotham, well behind wire-to-wire winner Like Now, and was vanned off with a sore leg; Bluegrass Cat was second to Deputy Glitters in the Tampa Bay Derby; and Bob and John had a troubled trip and barely got up for third in the San Felipe, which was won by A.P. Warrior. John Shirreffs, who recently took over training the colt, told the Downey Profile earlier this week that he planned to let the A.P. Warrior “do his thing,” and that, “I don’t think you want to mess around and play games with him. You don’t want to take him back, or send him.” Shirreff’s approach — at least in this race — seems to have worked wonders on the colt who’d gone off form in his past couple of races.
More: Complete coverage of Saturday’s race results can be found in the Derby Watch …
Posted by JC in Racing on 03/18/2006 @ 10:30 pm / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Follow @railbird on Twitter
