Paulick Report | Horse Racing Free Tips

Horse Country Remains Operational Thanks To Community Support

When the pandemic arrived to the United States ten months ago, tourism was one of the first industries to experience significant consequences from necessary public health containment steps. Horse Country, a membership nonprofit supporting fan development through experiences aimed at leisure travelers, incurred significant losses due to pre-sold admission refunds and tour closures.

“Between refunds and not being able to offer tours, a year that had been trending to exceed 40% growth year over year turned into a budget net-negative,” said Price Bell, Jr., president of Horse Country's board. “The way we're currently structured, nearly all of our operating budget is derived from revenue sharing when members give tours. When that couldn't happen, we were looking at a pretty dire scenario. We cut every expense we could, including a temporary furlough of our team. Even as a limited amount of tours reopened in 2020, we would not have made it without the financial support of our industry, community and members.”

Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Breeders' Cup and The Jockey Club provided emergency support in the spring. The KTA-KTOB joined that group with a contribution over the summer, and Breeders' Cup has subsequently made an additional pledge of support. Claiborne Farm donated proceeds from tours in 2020, and other members have donated tour revenue. Spendthrift Farm made a contribution and has helped lay the groundwork for a future partnership between MyRacehorse and Horse Country.

Due to the organization's structure, Horse Country did not qualify for government support programs. At the suggestion of Bill Farish, Visit Horse Country partnered with the Bluegrass Community Foundation to launch a charitable fund supporting the growing charitable initiatives of the organization including services for TAA-accredited aftercare members of Horse Country which receive a complimentary membership, scholarship and field trip visits, community outreach such as Meet the Neighbors, and a new workforce development partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

So far, in a launch of the fund earlier this year, more than 70% of the initial goal of $150,000 has been raised, with major support coming from the W. S. Farish Fund, followed by the Duncan & Carol Taylor Fund, Headley & Nancy Bell, Priscilla Fallon, The Bakhaus Family Foundation, The Jones Family Foundation, Siena Farm and Godolphin, and others.

“The successful work of fan development through Horse Country is vital to our industry. For it to go away after the dedication of so many wasn't acceptable,” said Bill Farish of Horse Country member Lane's End Farm, and on behalf of the W. S. Farish Fund. “The financial health of Horse County is vital to the success of the effort. I'm thrilled to hear the match by the W. S. Farish fund has worked and that Horse Country will make it through this pandemic.”

“Like many this year, the key to our survival was creativity, and community support,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We pivoted to free virtual tours and reached millions. We reopened a limited number of tours at reduced capacity and they were often sellouts; private tours were a particularly attractive product this year. We are deeply grateful our industry, guests, members and community continue to be committed to Horse Country's mission, and excited about what we have to offer.”

Tours for 2021 will be offered on a limited basis beginning late December, though some members may not resume regular operations until later in the new year. Updates can be found at www.visithorsecountry.com or by contacting the office at info@visithorsecountry.com.

“We know experiences at member locations are effective at fan development, and owner development; it's been rewarding to see the support for creative new ideas and the purely educational and charitable work that has always been part of our mission, which can now grow. It's been a tough year, but we've learned a lot, made some changes, and look forward to continuing our work.”

For more information on supporting Horse Country's charitable fund with a tax-deductible donation: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/horsecountry or contact Anne Sabatino Hardy at ahardy@visithorsecountry.com.

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Legislative Fix For HHR Still Unclear In Kentucky; No Bill Pre-FiledYet

According to The Louisville Courier-Journal, the future of the horse racing community in Kentucky could be at stake after a recent state Supreme Court ruling on historical horse racing (HHR). The supreme court dealt a blow to the racing industry in September when it ruled that one manufacturer's HHR terminals don't comply with the legal definition of pari-mutuel wagering in the state.

Supporters and opponents of HHR appeared before the General Assembly's Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations to discuss the path forward for HHR.

Racing industry representatives warned that the loss of HHR would seriously cripple Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry. The machines have provided $717 million in direct revenue to the horse industry so far.

Representatives from the Family Foundation, which brought the original suit questioning the legality of the machines, say a constitutional amendment would be required to change the state's definition of pari-mutuel wagering to accommodate HHR. The group opposes the machines, which resemble slot machines but use video of previously-run races to determine winning number combinations.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer disagreed.

“We're not looking for an expansion of gambling here,” Thayer said. “All we're looking to do is to put in statute that historical horse racing meets the definition of pari-mutuel wagering and this body has the authority to do that.”

As of Monday, no bill had been prefiled by a legislator regarding pari-mutuel racing in Kentucky. The next legislative session begins in January.

Jockeys’ Guild Annual Assembly Focuses On Crop Use, COVID-19 Challenges

The Jockeys' Guild held its Annual Meeting sponsored by TVG/Betfair virtually this year on Dec. 8, 2020. The Guild and its members continue to be appreciative of the working relationship with TVG/Betfair and its unwavering support of both the Jockeys' Guild and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund. The virtual meeting was attended by active jockeys from around the country.

The highlights included a riding crop discussion and update with regards to the various state regulations and track house rules which have been adopted this year. Co-chairmen John Velazquez and Mike Smith led a discussion with the riders from the various states where new riding crop rules have been implemented. The jockeys voiced their concerns and input regarding changes that have occurred with racing, as well as their ongoing fears with regards to the safety issues created by the restrictive use of the riding crop. It was noted that the Jockeys' Guild has and will continue to talk with regulators, industry participants, and stewards, to seek a fair, equitable national riding crop rule for all racing jurisdictions.

John Von Stade, of Accelerated Growth Partners, made a presentation to the members regarding a potential opportunity to provide exposure for the jockeys. The ideas and possibilities would be similar to those being provided to other professional athletes and the leagues through the use of social media and online platforms. This opportunity will potentially provide horse racing fans an insider's perspective that is interesting and entertaining.

As with the case in most aspects of life, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the racing industry and, in particular, the jockeys. In order to assure that racing is able to continue in the safest manner possible, riders were advised on the current updates to the COVID-19 protocols, recognizing that the protocols vary from state to state and racetrack to racetrack, with changes occurring frequently based on updated recommendations from the CDC, as well as the local health departments. It was reiterated that jockeys and/or their agents need to make sure they are up-to-date on each track's current protocols before they make plans to ride at a specific track.

The members were also provided an update on the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (“PDJF”). Like so many other non-profit organizations, COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on the customary fundraising efforts. However, with the continued support of committed and generous donors, as well as many of the individual jockeys who make contributions, some funds have been received in order to continue to provide the ongoing support of those catastrophically injured jockeys who rely on the assistance of the PDJF. It was announced, based on the hope of lessening of COVID-19 restrictions next year, the organization will launch a major initiative in 2021.

The members were updated on the Jockeys' Guild app which will enhance communication between the Guild and its members. The Jockeys' Guild budget and financials were also presented.

The riders in attendance re-elected John Velazquez and Mike Smith as co-chairmen, Ricky Ramirez, Julien Leparoux and Javier Castellano as Vice-Chairs, Joel Campbell as treasurer and Rodney Prescott as secretary. Joe Bravo and Alex Birzer were re-elected and Drayden Van Dyke was newly elected to the board of directors.

Additionally, the Guild announced that 27 members have been elected to the organization's senate, who are elected by fellow members of the Guild, with nine from each of the three regions. Among other responsibilities, the senate determines the levels of dues and assessments and selects the board members. Senate members are elected for a two-year term and were formally inducted during the virtual meeting. The elected senate includes the following individuals:

Eastern – Joe Bravo, Javier Castellano, Mike Luzzie, Irad Ortiz Jr., Jose Ortiz, Trevor McCarthy, Edgar Prado, Sheldon Russell, John R. Velasquez, Junior Alvarado (Alt.)

Central – Robby Albarado, Alex Birzer, Joel Campbell, Jon Court, Tyler Gaffalione, James Graham, Julien Leparoux, Deshawn Parker, Rodney Prescott

Western – J Martin Bourdieu, James Flores (QH), Eddie Garcia (QH), Juan M. Gutierrez, Flavien Prat, Ricky Ramirez (QH), Mike Smith, Drayden Van Dyke, Michael Ybarra, Eduardo Nicasio (QH – Alt.)

“The Guild sincerely appreciates the work and support of the previous Senate members and looks forward to working with the newly elected members,” said Terry Meyocks, president & CEO of the Jockeys' Guild. “As the organization that provides a voice for the jockeys, it is necessary that we have dedicated jockeys who are actively involved in the Guild working for the benefit of all jockeys.”

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Failed Pinnacle Race Course Property Set To Become New Site For Amazon Warehouses

What was previously Pinnacle Race Course is currently under construction to become two new Amazon warehouses. According to The Detroit Free Press, Amazon plans to bring about 1,000 jobs to the two warehouses being built south of Detroit Metro Airport.

John Enos, the township's community development director, said construction appears to be moving very fast. The warehouses being built on the one mile race track could be finished as early as next summer.

“One is going to be more warehousing, one will be more technology and separation and sorting,” Enos said to Detroit Free Press's JC Reindl. “They are pretty much located on the track, which is interesting to see from my standpoint as a planner and builder guy. There were a lot of very expensive soils put into that racetrack, different layers of sand and gravel, specifically put there for horses to run on.”

Christopher Girdwood, executive director of the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corp., said that Amazon only plans to use 100 acres of the 650 acre site, leaving room for more development.

“This is not the only thing you are going to see at Pinnacle,” Girdwood said. “This is a large piece of property, and this project is just a small piece of it.”

At least $50 million in capital was sunk into the racetrack that opened in 2008 in the middle of the recession. It closed in 2010 with operational losses.