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A Message from Our PTHA President Sal DeBunda
PTHA, PA EQUINE COALITION QUESTION LOGIC OF GOVERNOR’S REOPENING STRATEGY By: Tom LaMarra Posted: May 13, 2020 The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, which represents horsemen at Parx Racing, has questioned the logic of a decision by Gov. Tom Wolf to couple live racing with casinos when it comes to the reopening of businesses in the state. Wolf earlier released a three-phase reopening plan—red, yellow and green—and the businesses or activities that would be included in each one. The racing industry had believed that, if it were to offer live racing with only essential personnel permitted access, it would be classified as yellow. The colors are being
WITH FUNDING SHUT OFF, PURSES AND RACING SCHEDULES GET A MUCH CLOSER LOOK
By: Tom LaMarra Posted: April 15, 2020 As racetracks and horsemen’s groups await clarity on when live racing—probably with only essential personnel on hand at the outset—can resume in many jurisdictions, they also are re-examining purses and racing dates given revenue shortfalls brought about by coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdowns. In states such as Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where live racing was halted in mid- to late March, and in Delaware, where the meet is scheduled to begin May 27, there is no pari-mutuel revenue from live racing or full-card simulcasts. And casino gambling, the largest generator of purse revenue in those states, also has been
PA RACING COMMISSION OPPOSES RAID OF RACE HORSE DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND
By: Tom LaMarra Share Posted: Feb. 26, 2020 The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission Feb. 25 adopted a resolution opposing Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal to take $204 million a year from the Race Horse Development Trust Fund to pay for a college scholarship program. Wolf announced his plan during a budget address in early February, and since that time stakeholders in the racing and breeding industry as well as lawmakers have voiced opposition and noted the industry’s contribution to economic development and agriculture. Wolf signed the 2016 legislation that placed the funds into a trust in order to prevent the money—a share of slot machine revenue at
MATCH Series is Back
The popular MATCH Series (Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championships) is returning in 2018 after a 16-year hiatus. The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and its affiliates in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; Maryland Jockey Club (Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park); Delaware Park; Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment (Parx); Penn National Gaming (Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course); Darby Development (Monmouth Park); Eldorado Resorts (Presque Isle Downs & Casino); and the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are proud to announce their joint participation after regional discussions during the past six months led to an agreement to revive the MATCH Series and expand cooperation among