Nothing Concrete but word around the shedrows is that the honeymoon period of purses boosted by slot money are a thing of the past in Indiana. Not only that, but they somehow slid wording into the slots bill to permit the cancellation of owner's and breeder's awards. Since the wording was not connected, it is severable. I'm sure cancellation of the awards was meant to be tied to the increased purses, but that's not how it was written, so they are severable. Talk about a cluster-"party." So there was just a couple of years of good money and now the sticky fingered politicians are back and pulling the rug out from under racing?
So now Indiana goes back to $6K MSW's and there are no awards??? Is there anyone on the board who is close to the truth of what is going on?
Strange Goings On In Indiana
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
Strange Goings On In Indiana
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
This is the second time I've seen this... I don't know where it's originating from but it's not accurate.
Here's the deal in a nutshell as I understand it:
The legislative session that is closing now began with some discussion that could have reduced the horsemen's percentage of slot revenue. This was no surprise, since the economy sucks, the state's budget is tight, and everyone's looking for money to use for their pet projects. I think any state with gaming revenue has to deal with this on a pretty regular basis. However, an interim legislative study committee decided that the revenue dedicated to horsemen was appropriate. Gaming-related amendments were discussed, as everyone expected, but nothing passed and nothing should now be able to change until the 2011 budget session, when I'm sure it will all come up again.
Something you might have heard about was potential elimination of the three breed development committees and the standardbred breed advisory board, which was included in a bill that would have eliminated 30 boards and commissions throughout the state. This did not happen; instead the breed development committees were left out of the bill completely.
So, in reality the Indiana horsemen came out of this session with existing revenue levels and breed development committees intact.
Now... that said, it is my understanding that the IHRC is playing around with the concept of taking owners award money away and instead putting that money into the purses. This would create a higher purse level, which would then technically actually make breeders and stallion awards a little higher... but there has not been a decision made to DO that (yet) and it did not include taking away the breeders and stallion awards. The IHRC is also playing around with ways to increase "quality" but their ideas are all still in the discussion phases. However, the IHRC's discussions about this can't change legislation or introduce bills... that all stands and the IHRC has to work within those guidelines.
If anyone is concerned about the program and wants to know more precise details about the IHRC and their thought process right now, I can put you in touch with one of the breed development committee members who has his finger on the pulse of the action and he can answer your questions accurately with first-hand knowledge. I may even see if I can get him to come comment on this thread, since his knowledge of the situation FAR surpasses anything I could share on the subject.
Here's the deal in a nutshell as I understand it:
The legislative session that is closing now began with some discussion that could have reduced the horsemen's percentage of slot revenue. This was no surprise, since the economy sucks, the state's budget is tight, and everyone's looking for money to use for their pet projects. I think any state with gaming revenue has to deal with this on a pretty regular basis. However, an interim legislative study committee decided that the revenue dedicated to horsemen was appropriate. Gaming-related amendments were discussed, as everyone expected, but nothing passed and nothing should now be able to change until the 2011 budget session, when I'm sure it will all come up again.
Something you might have heard about was potential elimination of the three breed development committees and the standardbred breed advisory board, which was included in a bill that would have eliminated 30 boards and commissions throughout the state. This did not happen; instead the breed development committees were left out of the bill completely.
So, in reality the Indiana horsemen came out of this session with existing revenue levels and breed development committees intact.
Now... that said, it is my understanding that the IHRC is playing around with the concept of taking owners award money away and instead putting that money into the purses. This would create a higher purse level, which would then technically actually make breeders and stallion awards a little higher... but there has not been a decision made to DO that (yet) and it did not include taking away the breeders and stallion awards. The IHRC is also playing around with ways to increase "quality" but their ideas are all still in the discussion phases. However, the IHRC's discussions about this can't change legislation or introduce bills... that all stands and the IHRC has to work within those guidelines.
If anyone is concerned about the program and wants to know more precise details about the IHRC and their thought process right now, I can put you in touch with one of the breed development committee members who has his finger on the pulse of the action and he can answer your questions accurately with first-hand knowledge. I may even see if I can get him to come comment on this thread, since his knowledge of the situation FAR surpasses anything I could share on the subject.
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"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
Yeah, I know... 
I will say that the conference committee process is going on now and something could potentially resurface during the process, but things are about over and we should have the final outcome 100% nailed down shortly.
I will say that the conference committee process is going on now and something could potentially resurface during the process, but things are about over and we should have the final outcome 100% nailed down shortly.
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"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
Press Release from the IHRC:
March 11, 2010
Purse Supplement Added to Indiana Program
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has announced that Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park have agreed to supplement purses for Indiana bred or sired thoroughbreds competing in open races.
A purse supplement of 25% will be awarded to horses finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in any open race except claiming races for a claiming price of less than $15,000. The supplement, which is being initiated at the request of the Commission, will be paid from the tracks’ purse account.
“Hoosier Park is pleased to offer significant financial incentives to reward Indiana bred thoroughbreds that place in open company in further support of the Indiana horse industry,” said Jeffrey Smith, General Manager of Racing at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.
Jon Schuster, General Manager of Indiana Downs added, “I believe this is an excellent step in improving the quality of racing in Indiana. Indiana breds should be rewarded for competing in open company.”
The new supplement will be in addition to an already lucrative breed development program that receives approximately $12,000,000 of slot generated revenue annually.
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission is currently reviewing its thoroughbred breed development program with an emphasis on improving the quality of its racing program.
March 11, 2010
Purse Supplement Added to Indiana Program
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has announced that Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park have agreed to supplement purses for Indiana bred or sired thoroughbreds competing in open races.
A purse supplement of 25% will be awarded to horses finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in any open race except claiming races for a claiming price of less than $15,000. The supplement, which is being initiated at the request of the Commission, will be paid from the tracks’ purse account.
“Hoosier Park is pleased to offer significant financial incentives to reward Indiana bred thoroughbreds that place in open company in further support of the Indiana horse industry,” said Jeffrey Smith, General Manager of Racing at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.
Jon Schuster, General Manager of Indiana Downs added, “I believe this is an excellent step in improving the quality of racing in Indiana. Indiana breds should be rewarded for competing in open company.”
The new supplement will be in addition to an already lucrative breed development program that receives approximately $12,000,000 of slot generated revenue annually.
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission is currently reviewing its thoroughbred breed development program with an emphasis on improving the quality of its racing program.
**************************************
"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
"Don't be a boorish buffoon" -Hokies Respect 'Jerk Alert'
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told today while at the track that if a horse runs for $5K or less and hasn't placed at least 4th in its 5 starts following that start for $5K or less than they are ineligible to start or stall at Indiana Downs. If I remember correctly, the condition book last year said that if they drop to $4K or less and not placed 4th or better they would not be eligible to run at IN. I know they want to do away with cheap claimers, but aren't they shooting theirselves in the foot by implementing this rule? There were a few people upset by this when discussed today and are really becoming turned off by the Indiana program.
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wilf
- Breeder's Cup Contender
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If a horse has not placed in the top 4 in it's last 5 starts since dropping down to $5000 then obviously it's at the wrong track or needs another career. They are trying to have competitive racing I guess instead of 6 horses fighting for 5th money while the other 4 take the cream. Sounds to me like management are actually doing you guys a favour. Actually several tracks have eligibilty requirements of a similar nature but you can always try another venue to try and become re-eligible for wherever your main base might be.