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New Mexico Panel OKs Slaughter House Study

A legislative committee in New Mexico has unanimously approved a study to determine the feasibility of locating a slaughter facility in the state for purposes of processing horse meat for human consumption.

NY Bill Would Ban Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Legislation calling for a ban on performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing has been sent to the New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.

What's Going On Here: One Step Forward...

The Kentucky HBPA's statement wasn't the one it hoped to make.

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What's Going On Here: Deja Vu All Over Again

The industry is still short of the goal of uniformity from state to state

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Equine Medication Focus of Senate Hearing

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has scheduled a hearing next week on "Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing."

Talkin' Horses: Focus on Furosemide

Did you miss the live show? Listen now to the archived, on demand, version.

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Hendershot Moves Into NTRA Consulting Role

Peggy Hendershot, who has headed the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's legislative endeavors, is leaving the organization at the end of 2011.

Illinois Senate Approves Racetrack Slots Bill

The Illinois Senate May 31 gave final legislative approval to a sweeping expansion of gaming in Illinois, including authorization for slot machines at racetracks.

Illinois House Approves Racetrack Slots

The Illinois House May 30 passed legislation that would permit slot machines at the state's race tracks as part of a dramatic expansion of gaming around the state.

Equine Drug Bill Introduced by Congressmen

Two members of Congress introduced legislation May 4 authorizing penalties for those caught using performance-enhancing drugs in racehorses.

Kentucky Hearing Set for Racing Compact Bill

Legislation authorizing Kentucky to join the proposed National Racing Compact is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Feb. 9.

Compact Legislation Pre-filed in Kentucky

Republican Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer has pre-filed a bill that would authorize an interstate racing and wagering compact with Kentucky as a member.

Oh, the Things Brass Hat Could Tell

A pretty good day for the struggling Kentucky racing industry can't hide the fact something needs to be done, and fast. By Tom Lamarra

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Owner: Legislation Key to 'New' Hialeah

Hialeah Park probably will begin Quarter Horse racing in 2010 only if the Florida Legislature makes three major changes in state racing laws, the track's owner John Brunetti said April 15.

California Bill Seeks Wager Monitoring

A California state senator has introduce legislation seeking real-time monitoring of pari-mutuel wagering, a move prompted by a high-profile technology glitch involving last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

Tracks Included in Texas Gaming Bill

Some Texas lawmakers are trying again to establish Las Vegas-style casinos in the state, and they say now is the time to do it because the state needs the money. Racetracks would be included, according to legislation unveiled Feb. 24.

Funds for Regulation Focus of KY Bills

A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced legislation that would impose a 3.5% tax on out-of-state advance deposit wagering companies that take bets from Kentucky residents.

KY Horsemen Circulating VLT Petition

The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is circulating a petition asking the General Assembly to support legislation to authorize video lottery terminals at racetracks in the state.

KY Bill: Use Taxes to Fund Horse Racing

A Kentucky lawmaker is preparing racing-related legislation with a primary goal of funding the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, equine drug testing, and supplements for purses and stakes at the state's racetracks.

BC Tax-Break Bill Offered in Kentucky

Legislation authorizing a pari-mutuel tax break for a racetrack that hosts the Breeders' Cup World Championships has been pre-filed for the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly session.

IHA Blamed for Flawed Revenue Model

The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 is a double-edge sword. And the debate over whether it should be amended continues.

Is Racing Using Its Slots Money Wisely?

As hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from slot machines flows to horse racing, there is growing sentiment that perhaps the racing industry is failing to capitalize on the new wealth by solely pumping money into purses and breed development programs.

Ohio Lawmaker Plans Gaming Legislation

An Ohio lawmaker whose district includes River Downs said Nov. 26 he plans to introduce legislation in 2009 for casino-style gaming that would support the horse racing and breeding in the state.

Bill Calls for Handle, Injury Reports

Legislation that would require racetracks to submit detailed daily reports on pari-mutuel handle and attendance, and various parties to submit racehorse injury reports, has been pre-filed for the 2009 session of the Kentucky General Assembly.

NTRA to Seek Commitments on Reform Plan

Support for a proposed national strategic plan for equine welfare and safety and other reforms will be sought Sept. 12 when the National Thoroughbred Racing Association brings together industry representatives for discussion and -- it hopes -- commitment to action.

Bill to Bag Withholding Tax Introduced

Legislation that would eliminate the automatic 25% federal withholding on pari-mutuel winnings of $5,000 or more on wagers of at least 300-1 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives July 29.

Texas HORSE Seeks Support, Legislation

Texas Thoroughbred Association executive director David Hooper addressed the Greater Houston Horse Council July 21 in an effort to garner support for a new breed coalition, Texas Horse Organizations for Racing, Showing and Eventing, which is known as Texas HORSE.

Challenges for Kentucky Not Going Away

The bipartisan Joint Subcommittee on Horse Farming, which meets periodically when the Kentucky General Assembly isn't in session, has made strides in educating lawmakers on the importance and scope of Kentucky's horse industry. And the challenges for the industry won't go away.

NY Senate OKs Bill on Steroids Testing

The New York Senate approved a bill June 23 that would establish a testing program for steroids in racehorses via horsemen's contributions.

Hearing Shows Racing at Critical Point

Drugged equines, grisly catastrophic breakdowns, greedy breeders, damaged racehorses with nowhere to go, inaction and confusion, and industry leaders more concerned with holding onto power than doing the right thing -- a congressional subcommittee heard it all June 19 during a hearing in Washington, D.C.

Equine Equity Act Now Law

Members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives voted May 22 to override a presidential veto of the 2007 Farm Bill exercised by George W. Bush. As a result, the 2007 Farm Bill is now law and it includes the Equine Equity Act, a provision that amends the depreciation schedule for racehorses to a uniform three years.

Officials: Don't Discount Welfare Groups

Though their views and actions may at times be considered extreme and bizarre by some, animal rights and welfare groups have a large constituency, have proven effective at making their point, and shouldn't be disregarded when they seize on an issue, officials said.

Analysis: 'Smarty Slots' Take Lead

The "Smarty slots" in Pennsylvania have been jingling for more than a year. In Kentucky, where the racing industry views Pennsylvania as a major threat, casino legislation broke from the gate in a tangle yet again this year.

Mack Backs TOC Call for Reform

Earle I. Mack, who led the push for pending auction reform legislation in Florida, has come out in support of a strong policy statement recently released by the Thoroughbred Owners of California regarding horse sales.

Illinois Gaming Expansion Stalls

Gaming expansion, including authorization for slot machines at racetracks, appears to have been left at the starting gate once again in the Illinois General Assembly.

Pols Reluctant to Tackle Pricing

The question of whether state legislators should become more involved in pari-mutuel pricing and distribution continues to be asked, and at this point, there doesn't appear to be an answer--at least a definitive one.

U.S. Senate Approves Farm Bill

The United States Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill Dec. 14 by a vote of 79 to 14. Included in the legislation is the Equine Equity Act, which would reduce the capital gains holding period for horses from two years to one and accelerate and make uniform the depreciation for racehorses over a three-year period.

Ohio Forms KEEP-Like Coalition

The Ohio horse industry, in an effort to make its voice heard around the Buckeye State, has formed a coalition similar to the Kentucky Equine Education Project, a horse industry advocacy group in Kentucky.

Jockeys Get Mount-Fee Increase, Pension Assistance

Two separate pieces of legislation passed by both houses of the California legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger provide for an increase in mount fees for jockeys as well as a contribution to a pension plan for riders.

Task Force Recommendations Draw Praise, Criticism

Preliminary recommendations aimed at self-regulation for the equine auction industry were unveiled by the Sales Integrity Task Force during a public forum held at the Keeneland sales pavilion Oct. 15, but the driving force behind Kentucky legislation seeking reform in the public selling arena quickly voiced displeasure with the suggestions.

Arizona Law Makes Taking Account Bets a Felony

Account wagering companies no longer are accepting wagers from Arizona residents due to a law that took effect Sept. 19. Violation of the law is a class six felony, which could mean jail time.

Calif. Racing Board Bill Tabled Until 2008

A legislative attempt to limit the number of horse owners who can serve on the California Horse Racing Board won't become law this year. The measure was left on the state Assembly floor without a vote as the 2007 legislative session came to an end.

Chase to Oversee Horse Council Communications

Sarah A. Chase is joining the staff of the American Horse Council as the new director of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based organization.

Immigration Bill Appears Dead--Indefinitely

The United States Senate postponed action June 28 on comprehensive immigration reform--perhaps until after the 2008 November election--when an effort to limit debate on the Senate floor failed to garner enough votes.

Immigration Bill Survives Senate Vote

The United States Senate voted June 26 to revive broad legislation to overhaul the country's immigration system. The measure was thought to be dead earlier in the month.

N.Y. Bill Giving THA More Money Goes to Spitzer

A measure in New York to increase the amount of money Thoroughbred owners pay from purses to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has gained legislative approval and now goes to Gov. Eliot Spitzer for his consideration.

Illinois Governor Signs Anti-Slaughter Legislation

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has signed legislation that outlaws killing horses for human consumption.

Jockey, Backstretch Worker Insurance Bill Introduced

Two congressmen introduced legislation May 4 that would provide injury insurance for jockeys and others who work in horse racing, but last year the proposal was met with stiff resistance from groups in the racing industry.

Equine Equity Act Introduced by McConnell

The Equine Equity Act, which would reduce the capital gains holding period for horses and allow horse owners to depreciate all racehorses over the same period, has been introduced in the United States Senate.

At Track With Slots, Horse Shortage Cans Opener

Slot machines may help purses, but in a competitive environment--even in the same state--they don't guarantee a large horse population if one New York track is any indication.