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Letter To The Editor: Gulfstream, Santa Anita, And Decoupling


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Pegasus Day at Gulfstream is one of my most enjoyable days at the races. The melding of great entertainment, world-class horses, and a great vibe shows racing at its best. It is expensive to put on and showcases our sport in the highest light. It is also the most ironic considering the recent announcement regarding the closing of Gulfstream and seeking development absent horse racing. I was perplexed to listen to Belinda Stronach on Pegasus Day speak of the non-compatibility of racing in an urban environment, despite all of the major racetracks worldwide being domiciled in such urban centers, almost without exception. Furthermore, her citing a crowning achievement of her tenure as the exit of Maryland racing was confusing at best.

This is not a personal attack on 1/ST Racing, but merely an acknowledgment that avarice and 'land values' are now the driving force of the company, and not the future of Thoroughbred racing. Contrary to the ethos of founder Frank Stronach, whose goal was to place corporate holdings into a trust to preserve and protect racing, the properties are now meant to be used for their 'highest and best use.' The interpretation of such is that return on investment and profitability are primary motives and the acknowledgment that we do not meet this standard has been settled within the corporate ranks.

It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to recognize this new reality and plan for a future without 1/ST Racing. Our 'partner' seeks a divorce and we can and must protect our interests post-divorce. Without a concession that allows for racing and development to co-mingle, we have no future at Gulfstream, nor at Santa Anita. To date, we have an unwilling 'partner' and the inexorable march to the inevitable closure of both stares back at us. The above racing properties have always had a higher and best use as urban density if your determination is that of profitability and land value versus a recognition that' we' bought racetrack properties in urban environments and their purpose is that of Thoroughbred racing. That is their tradition and a disregard for the impact these closures will have upon our industry is callous and self-centered, absolving any responsibility to the business that created this windfall opportunity, as well as to the chaos it thrusts us into through the loss of two iconic and historically important racetracks.

We must negotiate the best divorce we can and I implore those parties that can and do have influence to align in order to create permanence and a certainty for our sport. The idea that 1/ST Racing would exit the racing business, then consider building another racetrack to reenter a business they just exited defies credibility. Suspend reality for a moment and accept the statement as true. If so, we are certain to face the same scenario once again when this new location becomes too valuable to conduct racing.

We cannot accept decoupling in Florida and build our own gallows. Accepting the casino license committed Gulfstream to offer horse racing as a primary premise–not an arbitrary premise that they can eliminate for further profit. The same goes for horsemen's rights and the independence of a horsemen's group to protect their interests independent of the racetrack. The idea that a 'horsemen's group' would support or be neutral on the issue of decoupling suggests either collusion or an inability to understand any semblance of a fair deal. To give up more than six million annually in purse enhancements in return for a promise of three years of racing challenges the absurd, despite any corporate help offered during this time frame.

If the threat of a reduction of racing dates and the inevitable retribution of any who opposed decoupling comes to fruition, so be it. Horsemen are tough and resilient; these are requisites for the life we live. Please get involved in the fight and do not wait for a savior, as one is not coming to our rescue. No concession without concession, no compromise without compromise must be our united stance. We must determine our own future and bring to bear political influence and the financial resources of individual and industry groups to ensure racing has a home in these important centers.

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The post Letter To The Editor: Gulfstream, Santa Anita, And Decoupling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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