Letter to the Editor: Ron Kirk Calls for Florida Alternative

[Wandering Eyes]

I enjoyed David Heckerman's recent series of articles. They caused me to feel some nostalgia about the “good ole days.”

I remember vividly when I heard TJC had fought expanded TV coverage, and thought “how shortsighted.” When it (and NYRA) later threw up roadblocks to off-track betting and allowed New York OTBs to be run by folks not interested in racing, it seemed to me they were underestimating the appeal of more convenient wagering.

By the time horsemen attempted to prevent the development of a card club at Hollywood Park, it was obvious that Indian casinos were making headway in Southern California. I remember thinking it would make sense for racetracks to co-opt their efforts and stake out their own position. After all, the thought processes required for playing poker are not that dissimilar to what's needed in handicapping.

Even though I was Chairman of TOBA in the mid-1990s, I don't recall any attempt by TOBA to prevent a casino at Arlington Park. I was aware of the casinos underway in Gary, Indiana, which is only 30 miles from Chicago. It would surely have made more sense to encourage a casino at Arlington Park to counter what was happening in such a nearby state.

All in all, I share Heckerman's opinion that powerful people/groups have wasted time fighting the inevitable. (IMO, just like HBPA fighting HISA now. I was surprised his article didn't touch on this).

One area where I disagree is his point of view towards Churchill Downs. It seems to get a “hall pass” because of their supposed “need” to fulfill shareholder expectations regarding ROI. In my opinion, Churchill Downs has opted to focus on short-term ROI by focusing on the “low hanging fruit” of Derby/Oaks days, rather the long-term ROI of doing what they could to keep horse racing growing. I think Churchill Downs has long been in a position to lead the industry toward more widespread appeal. I feel it let down the industry and the horsemen who put on the show down by redefining itself as a wagering company, to include casinos. Frankly, I don't think Churchill Downs has the same level of expertise in gaming as a competitor like MGM.

(It has always struck me as strange that everybody seems to focus on the massive investment in land and facilities to build a racetrack. I think that investment pales when compared to the investment required by owners and breeders to produce the “talent” that people go to watch).

As for the idea that horsemen ought to “invest” with Gulfstream Park, I completely disagree. I think a better idea is for horsemen to unite NOW to develop an alternate track location near Ocala. Ocala is becoming even more “horse central” with the expansion of horse showing at the World Equestrian Center. Ocala's proximity to a large “active” retirement community like The Villages makes it an ideal location. It seems obvious nowadays that live attendance is not the only driver of wagering, so a smaller physical facility in an enthusiastic horse community like Ocala could work well.

–Ron Kirk, President, Kirk Horse Insurance LLC

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