MD Racing Editorial

[Barbaro06]

Here is my gripe to the editor on the state of MD racing. Let me know how it sounds...I would like to get it to the papers as soon as possible! Thanks!

It’s only a few days before the Special Session gets underway here in Annapolis. Once again the issue of slots will be part of the discussion. In the meantime, Thoroughbred breeders will be contemplating their next move when it comes to raising racehorses in the state of Maryland. One farm has already taken action: Northview Stallion Station is expanding its operation into Pennsylvania so its clients can take advantage of the better incentives to breed and race horses in that state. The dilema is not confined to the big breeding operations in Maryland—even small time breeders debate about sending their mares north across the Mason-Dixon line to foal a Pennsylvania bred racehorse.

What seems to be overlooked in the debate is the horse industry and the money it generates for the state of Maryland. According to the American Horse Council, the goods and services the industry produces are worth $1 billion dollars and employs a total of 28,000. As for the racing portion of the industry, the economic impact is worth $600 million with 9,000 people employed in the racing and breeding sectors. With more and more owners and breeders deciding to take their horses elsewhere, more and more money that used to go into Maryland’s economy goes into the coffers of other states. And in these “austere” times, that is not a good thing.

It would be a great shame if the horse racing industry disappeared from Maryland. This state holds a lot of firsts in horse racing: first to have organized racing (1743), first million-dollar one day stallion stakes event (Maryland Million), and the first to have an international race to feature horses from around the world (Washington DC International, 1952). The state is also considered the cradle of American horse racing. The irony of it all is that the state legislature designated the Thoroughbred as Maryland’s official state horse in 2003 to recognize its importance to the state. How soon they forget…

[mightyhijames]

i think this is outstanding. if space is an issue, i would drop the whole first paragraph. seriously, the average joe citizen has no idea why that is a problem. and don't forget about the green space that racing helps to preserve. there is so much at stake and no seems to give a rats bottom.

[yukidragon]

Maybe Oregon can hook up with them an kill two birds with one stone.

Its not the State.
It's the ones in office that should get out of the Horse Industry.

Look at Oregon .
The sales alone in this State maybe the lowest in America.
The State above an below are doing better.
Oregon has a track with a crapola reputation.
Oregon breeders should just race around Mt.Hood on a dirt road .
I bet they would have more fun.

[winds]

I think it's wonderful, to the point.

winds

[Barbaro06]

Thanks...I think I will take out the part on the breeders and cut to the chase on the economic impact.

[leveeguy]

The point I like to make is that Maryland's thoroughbred industry is not looking for a handout or a bailout. It is looking for a level playing field on which it can compete.

[rudydee]

Don't forget-where there are horses-there is open space.
Not McMansions, malls, or shopping centers.

[winds]

No, keep the part about the breeders, the breeding operations generate a lot of money to the economy too. It is important that part of the industry is noticed too in your letter, not just the tracks. They need to see what their actions or non action is doing to the economy of the industry and to the state.

winds

[Barbaro06]

Argh I scrapped the bit on the breeders, but kept the numbers regarding the horse industry as a whole, then the racing sector.

I did get a phone call from the editorial department....looks like they are going to publish. The guy asked me if I was involved in some way with the industry...I told him I was a fan of horse racing who would hate to see Maryland racing disappear. He said that folks aren't interested in watching racing, period, here. I said then why do people pay money (a lot of money) to watch losing baseball and football teams?