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Ohio Derby Heads Thistledown Stakes Schedule

All 17 of the stakes presented by Thistledown last year will return for the 2012 meet including Ohio's only graded stakes, the Ohio Derby (gr. III).

Beulah Park Will Likely Move to Youngstown

Penn National Gaming Inc. now plans to request to move Beulah Park near Columbus, Ohio, to a site near Youngstown rather than Dayton, according to its latest financial report.

Central Ohio Track First to Get VLT License

A central Ohio racetrack is the first of seven tracks in the state to receive a license to install and operate video lottery terminals.

Horsemen's Simulcast Rights Upheld in OH Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an opinion Jan. 24 that states the federal Interstate Horseracing Act trumps Ohio statute in regard to horsemen having a say in where races are transmitted.

OH Policy Group Continues VLT Challenge

The Ohio Roundtable Jan. 23 asked a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge to reject motions filed by the state to dismiss a lawsuit challenging legislative approval of a 2011 bill to authorize VLTs at racetracks.

Ohio Anti-VLT Group Given Deadline for Suit

Efforts to facilitate installation of video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks continued to quicken Dec. 22 when a public policy group that filed suit over VLTs was given a deadline to respond to motions to dismiss.

MTR Gaming Applies for Ohio VLT License

The parent company of Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia and Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Pennsylvania is the first to apply for a video lottery terminal license in Ohio.

State Wants Ohio VLT Lawsuit Dismissed

The office of Ohio Attorney General Michael DeWine filed papers in Franklin County Common Pleas Court Dec. 9 to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Ohio Roundtable, a group that opposes racetrack VLTs.

Deadline Set for Ohio VLT Court Challenge

Columbus, Ohio Common Pleas Court judge Timothy Horton set Sept. 9, 2012, as the deadline for the state to file and answer a suit filed by the Ohio Roundtable over racetrack video lottery terminals.

Thistledown Posts 10% Gains for 2011

Despite offering two fewer days of live racing, Thistledown finished its 2011 racing year with a 10% gain in all-sources wagering on its live product compared to 2010.

Thistledown Cancels Program for Oct. 27

A smaller horse population as its 2011 meet nears an end was cited for cancellation of live racing Oct. 27 at Thistledown.

OH Group Files Lawsuit Over VLT Law

The Ohio Roundtable, which opposes the expansion of gambling, said Oct. 21 is has filed a lawsuit challenging racetrack VLTs in the state.

Ohio Racetrack Relocation Rules Expedited

Gov. John Kasich signed another executive order Oct. 20 that allows the Ohio State Racing Commission to adopt regulations governing eligibility for racetracks to install video lottery terminals and to request relocation.

Ohio Governor Fast-Tracks VLT Regulations

Republican Gov. John Kasich, citing an "emergency" in Ohio, issued an executive order Oct. 14 allowing the Ohio Lottery Commission to adopt regulations governing racetrack video lottery terminals.

Wait-and-See for Ohio Racetrack Relocations

If the Ohio Supreme Court were to rule that video lottery terminals can't be installed at racetracks in the state, attempts to move tracks to new locations would be dropped.

Eagle Time Closes Career With Thistledown Win

Eagle Time, a 14-year-old horse owned and trained by Rick Jordan, has alternated between the racetrack and the breeding shed since 2009.

Beulah Alters Surface, Lowers 'Pick' Takeout

Beulah Park will begin its 2011-12 racing season Oct. 10 with a renovated racing surface and "pick" wagers with a reduced pari-mutuel takeout of 15%.

OH Lottery Preparing for Racetrack VLTs

The Ohio Lottery Commission said Sept. 26 it plans to have video lottery terminals installed at some of the state's racetracks perhaps by January 2012.

Keeneland Yearling Sale Surpasses 2010 Total

Any questions about whether the Keeneland September yearling sale would have staying power beyond the first week were answered Sept. 19 when the auction's receipts went beyond the entire 2010 sale gross.

Ohio 2012 Dates Reflect Some Stability

After years of steady reductions, Ohio's seven racetracks have applied for 694 dates in 2012, only seven fewer than were applied for this year.

VLT Revenue Splits Remain Issue in Ohio

Racetracks and horsemen's groups in Ohio continue to wrestle over how much purses and breed development programs will receive from track-based video lottery terminals, which were legalized earlier this year.

River Downs Reports Gains in Ontrack Handle

River Downs, where the start of the 2011 race meet was delayed because of Ohio River flooding, reported gains in live handle and daily average purses.

Franchise Player Sires Initial Winner

Stakes-placed Franchise Player came through with his first winner when his son Mr Sox won at Thistledown Sept. 2 for Thomas L. Thornton.

River Downs to Host Old Friends Benefit Day

River Downs will host an "Old Friends Day" at the Cincinnati, Ohio track Sept. 5 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

OH Track Relocations Must Wait Until October

A racing regulator in Ohio said Aug. 21 it will be the middle of October for a decision is made on allowing Penn National Gaming Inc. to transfer the racing licenses of its two tracks to other locations.

MTR Gaming Coping in Face of Competition

MTR Gaming Group, which recently received approval to refinance its debt, reported net income of $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2011. For the same three months in 2010, the company posted a net loss of $500,000.

PNGI Has Solid Quarter, Likes Its Chances

Penn National Gaming Inc. reported solid numbers for the second quarter of 2011 and said it expects good things from existing and potential properties despite increased competition.

Ohio-Bred Catlaunch Joins Millionaire Ranks

Two-time Ohio Horse of the Year Catlaunch joined the millionaire ranks on July 16 when he led wire to wire in the $50,000 George Lewis Memorial at Thistledown.

Ohio Racetrack VLTs Called 'Moving Target'

With Republican Gov. John Kasich preparing to sign legislation authorizing racetrack video lottery terminals and horse industry representatives already discussing strategy, a public policy group is ready to fight the plan.

Ohio Racing Needs 'Drastic Changes'

Two consultants will soon issue a report recommending ways for Ohio to improve live racing apart from the anticipated revenue from video lottery terminals.

Ohio Legislature Passes Racetrack VLT Bill

In a flurry of activity June 28 both houses of the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation allowing racetracks to apply for video lottery terminal licenses.

Ohio House Passes Racetrack Relocation Bill

The Ohio House of Representatives June 23 passed legislation authorizing the relocation of racetracks that are eligible for video lottery terminal licenses.

River Downs Lowers Minimum on Some Exotics

Officials at River Downs have announced the track will change its wagering format to offer 50- cent minimum trifectas and Pick 3s as part of their daily wagering schedule.

Ohio Policy Group: VLT Plan Violates Law

The Ohio Roundtable, a public policy organization, said an agreement between Republican Gov. John Kasich and casino developers that includes a provision for racetrack gaming is a "clear violation" of Ohio law.

Gaming Deal Offers VLTs to Ohio Racetracks

Ohio Gov. John Kasich's "comprehensive gaming review agreement" includes provisions for the Ohio Lottery Commission to award racetracks licenses to operate video lottery terminals.

Catlaunch, 10, Wins 19th Stakes of Career

Catlaunch, a 10-year-old gelding bred and owned by Ron Fields, continued to defy his age with a victory in the $50,000 Sydney Gendelman Memorial Handicap at River Downs June 11.

Apprentice Bags 3 During River Downs' Opener

Amanda Tamburello, a 33-year-old apprentice rider, rode three winners on River Downs' nine-race opening day card.

Waterlogged River Downs Sets Opening Day

River Downs near Cincinnati plans to open for live racing May 13, two weeks later than scheduled because of severe Ohio River flooding.

Simulcast Agreement Reached in Ohio

The Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has reached an agreement with a Cleveland-area harness track that will avoid a potential blackout of Triple Crown simulcasts in the state.

Thistledown Meet Quick out of the Gate

Ohio's Thistledown racetrack posted a 44% jump in on-track handle, from about $83,000 to $120,000, on its April 23 opening day card when compared to last year's opener.

Flooding Delays River Downs Meet Opening

The record-setting rains of April in the Cincinnati, Ohio area have forced officials at River Downs to push back their expected live racing opening of Friday, April 29, to a date yet to be determined.

Flood Forecast Forces River Horse Evacuation

Predictions the Ohio River near Cincinnati, Ohio, will rise above flood stage the weekend of April 23-24 has forced the evacuation of about 400 horses from the barn area at River Downs.

PNGI Says Ballot Question Key to Texas Plans

Penn National Gaming Inc. officials said April 21 they believe if the question of racetrack video lottery terminals makes the ballot in Texas it has a good chance to pass.

OH Horsemen Hope Deal Avoids Derby Blackout

The Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is in negotiations with a Cleveland-area harness track to avoid a situation that could lead to a statewide simulcast blackout of the May 7 Kentucky Derby.

River Downs, Horsemen Agree on 93 Racing Days

Having compromised on the number of racing dates, Pinnacle Entertainment and the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association have agreed on a contract for the 2011 meet at River Downs.

MTR Gaming Aided by Reduction in Expenses

MTR Gaming Group registered a 4.33% decline in net revenue in 2010, but the company also reduced total operating expenses by 10.48% on the year, according to a financial report for 2010.

Ohio Breeder/Owner Pat Buse Jr. Dies

Raymond L. "Pat" Buse Jr., an Ohio breeder/owner, died March 3 at his Cincinnati home.

Ohio Vet Daniel C. Stearns Dies

Daniel C. Stearns III, an Ohio veterinarian who served on a number of important Ohio racing organizations, has died.

Ohio Derby Heads Thistledown Schedule

The 77th running of the $100,000 Ohio Derby (gr. III) at Thistledown returns to its traditional June scheduling this year.

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (8)

More ramblings about things happening in horse racing, and more questions about why things happen in horse racing.

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