MTR Gaming announced it has completed its aquisition of Scioto Downs, a Standardbred track in Columbus, Ohio.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, in an effort to thwart what it believes is a growing problem with the piracy of signals and subsequent loss of revenue, plans to discuss the possibility of operating its own offshore wagering hub.
Monday, July 14, 2003John Roark, president of the Texas Horsemen's Partnership and a board member of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, fought back a challenge to win a second two-year term as president of the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.
Monday, July 14, 2003Horsemen's representatives who have been working on national insurance issues for the horse racing industry said purchasing an insurance company doesn't appear feasible, but forming a captive might be a viable option.
Friday, July 11, 2003With a goal to raise $2 million to $3 million a year to support its initiatives, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium is looking at a mechanism that would raise money from horsemen and racetracks based on the top four finishers in each race.
Thursday, July 10, 2003Participants in a July 10 medication workshop reached the consensus that "over-medication" may contribute to fewer starts by racehorses, but other factors -- racetrack surfaces, an emphasis on speed, too much pressure on 2-year-olds, and a thirst for quick profit -- probably are just as responsible.
Thursday, July 10, 2003With its election of officers looming July 13, the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has races for both president and vice president. In addition, the question of whether the position of chairman of the board would continue to have voting rights figures to come up for discussion.
Thursday, July 10, 2003The board of directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International will consider adoption of a policy that would make treatments such as hypoxic therapy prohibited practices until their impact on horses is scientifically demonstrated.
Thursday, July 10, 2003A silent auction to raise money for the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund figures to draw some interest at River Downs, usually among the fund-raising leaders on Jockeys Across America Day. The event will be held at tracks around the country July 5.
Thursday, July 03, 2003The issue of video lottery terminals at Ohio's racetracks died in the state Senate June 25.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003The issue of video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks still has a chance for passage in the state Senate, though it may be a longshot.
Tuesday, June 24, 2003The Ohio State Racing Commission has requested the connections of the 3-year-old fillies Sing High Sing Low and Mountain of Light attend its July meeting in the wake of a case of mistaken identity in the 13th race at River Downs May 30.
Monday, June 23, 2003The Ohio General Assembly is expected to vote next week on a video slots proposal for Ohio's racetracks.
Thursday, June 19, 2003The Ohio General Assembly is expected to vote next week on a video slots proposal for Ohio's racetracks.
Thursday, June 19, 2003Wild and Wicked, despite having only two lifetime starts and none in stakes company, has been installed as the 7-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday's $300,000 Ohio Derby (gr. II) at Thistledown. Preakness runner-up Midway Road is the second choice at 8-5.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003Legislation that would place the issue of racetrack video lottery terminals on the Ohio ballot has been changed again as Democrats and Republicans square off over the state budget.
Friday, June 13, 2003The Ohio Senate on June 11 delayed consideration of a resolution to put a racetrack video lottery terminal issue on the November ballot. The delay was caused by disagreements among Senate Democrats over how VLT revenue, estimated to be $500 million and $700 million a year, would be distributed.
Thursday, June 12, 2003Ohio State Racing Commission officials said June 11 an investigation into the circumstances behind a race in which the wrong horse competed and finished last as the favorite at River Downs near Cincinnati revealed it was a mistake with no fraudulent intent.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003The Ohio Senate is expected to vote by June 13 on a resolution to put the issue of video lottery terminals at racetracks on the November ballot. Meanwhile, opposition to the proposal picked up with ads on cable television in selected areas of the state.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003Legislation that would place the issue of racetrack video lottery terminals on the November ballot was introduced in the Ohio Senate June 3. Opponents are already predicting defeat.
Wednesday, June 04, 2003A resolution to place the issue of racetrack video lottery terminals on the November ballot will be introduced in the Ohio Senate, probably the week of June 3, Sen. Louis Blessing said. The Senate recently removed a proposal for VLTs from the proposed state budget.
Friday, May 30, 2003HipodromoEnLinea.com, designed to bring online pari-mutuel wagering to Spanish-speaking people in the United States, has joined the list of affiliates in the AmericaTab program.
Wednesday, May 28, 2003Officials with Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, said May 22 all systems are go on its purchase by MTR Gaming Group, owner of Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in West Virginia.
Thursday, May 22, 2003The Ohio Senate is considering legislation to place on the November ballot a constitutional amendment to legalize video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks.
Thursday, May 22, 2003Father Frank Niehaus, a Catholic priest who breeds and owns Thoroughbreds, knows the horses and knows his audience. On May 4, the day after the Kentucky Derby, he used racing's biggest event to reach out to his parishioners.
Monday, May 05, 2003Showing the riding style that made him the leading rider at River Downs last year, jockey John McKee made his return to the Ohio racetrack a winning one.
Tuesday, April 15, 2003The Ohio Racing Commission has conditionally approved the sale of Scioto Downs, a Columbus Standardbred track, to MTR Gaming, owner of Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in West Virginia.
Monday, April 14, 2003AmericaTab and its affiliates set a one-month handle record in March with $8.3 million in wagers, the company reported April 10. It was the second consecutive month of record-breaking handle.
Thursday, April 10, 2003The Ohio House of Representatives April 9 passed a t wo-year budget that opens the door for a public vote on video lottery terminals at Ohio's seven racetracks.
Thursday, April 10, 2003River Downs near Cincinnati, Ohio, will open April 12 with up to 78 horses--and perhaps 300 people--on the track.
Wednesday, April 09, 2003It seems as though the horse supply and the betting dollar is about to get stretched even further in the Midwest, where racetracks and casinos are plentiful.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003The issue of video lottery terminals at Ohio racetracks is again being discussed in the Ohio General Assembly. The latest proposal would put the question up for public vote later this year.
Friday, April 04, 2003Keeneland, which opens for its spring meet April 4, is requiring all horses that enter the grounds to have a health certificate written within 72 hours of arrival.
Tuesday, April 01, 2003The Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners has issued a serious call to the state's racing and breeding industry as it pushes for alternative gaming: Nothing will be accomplished without a strong grass-roots campaign, and should gaming be approved, track operators must invest revenue to promote horse racing and revitalize aging facilities.
Monday, March 31, 2003Thunders On, a winning son of Thunder Gulch, has entered stud at Walnut Lane Farm near Springfield, Ohio.
Thursday, March 27, 2003Due to the recent detection of equine herpesvirus in three horses at Turfway Park, nearby River Downs has implemented procedures that must be followed before horsemen can ship in to their stalls or use the track for training purposes.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003MTR Gaming Group, owner of Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort in West Virginia, is pursuing the issuance of $130 million in senior notes through a private placement, business wires reported Feb. 26. The money for be used for several projects, including development of a track in Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, February 26, 2003The Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association has called for changes in a formula it said cost Thoroughbred horsemen more than $13 million in 2001 alone. It planned to present a position paper to the National HBPA Jan. 29 during its winter convention.
Tuesday, January 28, 2003The owner of Beulah Park in Grove City, Ohio, said he is surprised at the bid made for the purchase of neighboring Scioto Downs.
Friday, December 27, 2002Emergency legislation to authorize video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks is apparently dead in current session of the legislature.
Thursday, November 28, 2002Opposition to legislation recently introduced in the Ohio Senate that would allow video slot machines at the state's seven racetracks is continuing to mount.
Friday, November 22, 2002Gov. Bob Taft has again warned the Ohio legislature that he would veto any bill allowing video slot machines at the state's seven commercial racetracks. Taft issued a terse written warning he would veto the bill that would bring in an estimated $500 million for primary and secondary education.
Thursday, November 21, 2002Legislation to authorize 14,000 video slot machines at Ohio's seven racetracks was introduced Nov. 19. The bill, which includes an emergency clause that requires a two-thirds vote by the Senate and House, was introduced by Sen. Louis Blessing, whose district includes River Downs.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002The former home of Magical Mac, a horse who lived to be 50 and had his own book, was hit by one of the recent tornadoes which struck the Midwest and South on Nov. 10.
Wednesday, November 13, 2002A bill to authorize video slot machines at Ohio' racetracks will be introduced in the state legislature and not sent to the voters as a constitutional amendment, a top legislator said.
Wednesday, November 13, 2002Trainer Barbara Holbrook was found dead of a gunshot wound at her home in Yorkville, Ind. on Tuesday. Her estranged husband, Roger Holbrook, is wanted by police in connection to the shooting and is described as "armed and dangerous."
Thursday, November 07, 2002The Ohio Senate Ways and Means Committee will begin hearings next week on legalizing video slot machines at Ohio racetracks.
Wednesday, November 06, 2002Elections in six states Nov. 5 may determine, or at least play a role, in the future of alternative gaming at racetracks.
Sunday, November 03, 2002The Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio has unveiled a proposed budget for the state that includes video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks.
Thursday, September 05, 2002Jockey John McKee tied the all-time record of apprentice wins by a jockey in one season at River Downs on Aug. 31.
Sunday, September 01, 2002