West Virginia Advances Model Rules Despite Reluctance

In an effort to play catch-up with other racing jurisdictions in the mid-Atlantic region that have already adopted or are in the process of implementing model rules regarding medication abuse and stepped-up penalty scales, the West Virginia Racing Commission (WVRC) voted to send four proposals backed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) out for a 30-day public commentary period during the board's May 18 meeting.

But when the WVRC meets again to vote on whether to adopt those rules at a yet-to-be-scheduled date, commission chairman Ken Lowe, Jr. said during Tuesday's tele-meeting he won't support the system of fines included within some of those ARCI model rules because he believes they are too onerous for West Virginia trainers to bear.

Lowe was specifically referencing an ARCI model rule that eliminates a previous multi-tiered penalty system for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug violations and replaces it with a minimum fine of $1,000 (absent mitigating circumstances), then scales upward for repeat violators by escalating the fine amounts and adding license suspensions.

The WVRC also advanced ARCI model rules that regulate clenbuterol usage, intra-articular injections, and the adoption of the most current Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances list (the state currently abides by an outdated version of that list).

“I'm looking at the mid-Atlantic region-Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and us,” Lowe said. “And we're the only state that's yet to adopt these rules. I want to tell you, I have been to each one of those racetracks. I have raced [as an owner] at most of those racetracks…. As much as I know [West Virginia] is similar, we are still different in some aspects, [and] everything is not the same here as it is there. It is not just the [six-furlong track at Charles Town]. There's more to it than that….

“I can listen to what California wants and what New York wants and what Kentucky says. But one size doesn't always fit all. So you're going to hear me on occasion-and you've heard me say-I can't agree with this [and] I'm going to continue to hold that position. [So] I think we have to be very careful what we agree to.

“I'm going to give you a couple of comments from commissioner Ken Lowe, okay?” the chairman said, referring to himself in the third person. “Number one, in my opinion, is we don't want to be an outlier. I understand that. But at the same time…I can't agree to do something just because everyone else has. I'm not geared that way…. If it's best for everybody, I'll go along with it. But I just can't let something happen that's not fair to the West Virginia horsemen at Mountaineer or Charles Town…

“I agree with the threshold idea. I really do. But on the other hand…the thousand-dollar [penalty] to a trainer in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware is a whole lot worse than a thousand dollars to a trainer in West Virginia. Big difference. Big, big, big difference. I can't agree to these amounts of money,” Lowe said.

“We can put it out there now and see what comments come back,” Lowe said prior to calling for a vote. “But I can tell you first thing I will do is probably slice all of those amounts, right off the top.”

Neither of the other two commissioners-J.B. Akers or Tony Figaretti-chose to address the subject, although both voted in favor of advancing the proposal to the public commentary phase.

It was unclear how or if Lowe voted because he did not appear to cast an audible voice vote. After the two other commissioners voted yes, Lowe asked if there was any opposition, then said, “Hearing none, the motion passes.”

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‘Why Go Through This Every Year?’: Commission Chair Pushes Synthetic Surface For Charles Town

With 11 fatalities thus far in 2021 and closures this week to evaluate the track surface, Charles Town Races came under fire at this week's meeting of the West Virginia Racing Commission. According to the Thoroughbred Daily News, WVRC Chairman Ken Lowe Jr. strongly recommended that Charles Town consider replacing it's six-furlong dirt oval with a synthetic surface.

“Let's truly think about working together to figure out a way that Charles Town can go to synthetic,” Lowe said. “I don't see an answer to this problem that we have every year here. I know [the track superintendent] is doing a great job. Management's trying…. But why go through this every year? Let's figure out a way to do it so there can possibly be a synthetic surface at Charles Town that solves most of the problems with a proper drainage system, et cetera. I think that's the solution.”

Charles Town's vice president of racing operations, Erich Zimney, responded: “It's certainly something that will have to be discussed internally here, and I would caution against anything rash as far as mandating anything.”

Read more at the TDN.

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Charles Town To Be Down For Track Maintenance Week Of April 18

In order to accommodate maintenance work being performed at the track, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia has cancelled its four live racing programs scheduled for the week of April 18. The property will remain open for simulcasting.

The track also cancelled live racing on Saturday, April 3, due to a lack of entries. Races are generally held Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Following completion of the maintenance, live racing is anticipated to resume on Wednesday, April 28 with a first race post time of 7:00 P.M. EST.

The post Charles Town To Be Down For Track Maintenance Week Of April 18 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Charles Town Cancels Saturday Card Due To Lack Of Entries

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia has cancelled its live racing program for Saturday, April 3, due to a shortage of entries needed to fill the card.

The property will remain open for simulcasting as currently scheduled.

Live racing is slated to resume on Wednesday, April 7 with a first race post time of 7:00 P.M. EST.

The post Charles Town Cancels Saturday Card Due To Lack Of Entries appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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