FL horsemen:"Screw everyone else. We got ours"

[Tom]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/218709/dispute-could-see-simulcasting-to-finger-lakes-halted?source=rss

Once constant thought the history of Finger Lakes has been the total greed of the local horsemen. they have always been there to be roadblocks to anything that did not fill their own pockets first. When simulcasting first came about, it was the horsemen who blocked our access to it.

Now,as the curtain is ready to fall on the thumb, they want to screw everyone else by halting simulcasting for the fans, the employees. The track wants to cut racing back from 155 to 100 days, a smart decision considering the short field and days cancelled this year and previous years because the local yokels could not muster enough horses to fill a card. They would love to see three horse fields! That is about all that show up now fit to race.

One thing I will not miss then the track is gone is the greedy SOBs who are the local horsemen.

[SuperPickle]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/218709/dispute-could-see-simulcasting-to-finger-lakes-halted?source=rss

Once constant thought the history of Finger Lakes has been the total greed of the local horsemen. they have always been there to be roadblocks to anything that did not fill their own pockets first. When simulcasting first came about, it was the horsemen who blocked our access to it.

Now,as the curtain is ready to fall on the thumb, they want to screw everyone else by halting simulcasting for the fans, the employees. The track wants to cut racing back from 155 to 100 days, a smart decision considering the short field and days cancelled this year and previous years because the local yokels could not muster enough horses to fill a card. They would love to see three horse fields! That is about all that show up now fit to race.

One thing I will not miss then the track is gone is the greedy SOBs who are the local horsemen.


All horsemen are greedy. SoCal or mid-Atlantic are no different.

Finger Lakes is done. Once the casino down the street got approved it was game over.

The horsemen are just trying to make a murder look like a suicide. Go out on their terms.

Notice none of them said crap when the place was bleeding handle from five $3 horses a day. They cashed their short field purse checks and didn't say a word.

[EasyGoer89]

Amazing how they're pulling simo signal due to some outside force that has nothing to do with the horseplayers who come in there every day to bet on racing. Incredible that the trigger finger response is 'I know, let's screw the customer'

[Tom]

Most of them will be bagging groceries this summer, after the track closes and they find out just how unessential to the real world they are.

[BIGTKLO]

I don't think there are that many grocery stores in the immediate area for all of us. Oh well, my doctor has been asking me to lose weight for quite some time.

[johnhannibalsmith]

How about you kill a few birds with one stone and sweat it off in the Phoenix sun in the near future.

[BIGTKLO]

I like the way u think, especially since it's gonna be 14 here in the morning and I have to help with my gals horses.

[EMD4ME]

]I like the way u think[/B], especially since it's gonna be 14 here in the morning and I have to help with my gals horses.


And there HE GOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


g2ZmKM91Dzs

[BIGTKLO]

C'MON MAN nobody needs to see the side profile.

[EMD4ME]

C'MON MAN nobody needs to see the side profile.

I saw nothing wrong with it but DERE YOU GO!!!!! ;) :D :ThmbUp:

[EMD4ME]

I think...................I think.....................I just completed..............




DA KILLLLLERRRRRRRRRRRR CROSSOVER!!!!!!!!!! :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :lol:

[BIGTKLO]

FUNNY STUFF and you have the Soccer Dan call. I called Lava Man, LAVER MAN, and my buddies rode me hard about it. Soccer Dan didn't win again until a 10K n3l at TUP in 2007.

[EMD4ME]

FUNNY STUFF and you have the Soccer Dan call. I called Lava Man, LAVER MAN, and my buddies rode me hard about it. Soccer Dan didn't win again until a 10K n3l at TUP in 2007.


Tell your buddies, that was just my accent coming out :)

YOU did a great job ! Don't mind them !

[lamboguy]

And there HE GOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


g2ZmKM91Dzsmake no mistake about it, that is one awesome race call.

[EMD4ME]

make no mistake about it, that is one awesome race call.

And MC of the BM show! He was just born to do this. Wish he was NYRA's #1 guy,

[EasyGoer89]

C'MON MAN nobody needs to see the side profile.


Completes

The superfextahhhhhhhhhhh!! :D

Love that.

[FantasticDan]

FUNNY STUFF and you have the Soccer Dan call. I called Lava Man, LAVER MAN, and my buddies rode me hard about it.
At least you didn't call Tin Cup Chalice "Tin Cup Sha-lace" in the Indiana Derby.. :D

[Tom]

I don't think there are that many grocery stores in the immediate area for all of us. Oh well, my doctor has been asking me to lose weight for quite some time.

I know people at TOPS.

[BIGTKLO]

Get me in produce. I might not be able to resist taking from the cashier on big pick 6 carryover days.

[thaskalos]

Get me in produce. I might not be able to resist taking from the cashier on big pick 6 carryover days.

Tom will get you in bakery...where you'll be in the dough.

[cj]

I know people at TOPS.

They still making baseball cards?

[burnsy]

What people don't understand is: this is an act of desperation, not greed. The horseman see the writing on the wall, and Tom is right. If you have years upon years of horse experience. Where the hell do you go? If you're in upstate NY, its a live stock farm or no where.........Stewarts shop making sundaes? Micky D's? The grocer as suggested?

For all those that keep saying horse racing is in great shape, its doing fine. Go to some of these places, the small venue, scratching it out. For many, casino money and the rate of the signal fee, its the only hope. Its not greed when your back is against the wall. Its the smell of fear.

I'm not a horseman but Saratoga Harness has gone through some of the same deals as described here. Horses are the only thing some of these people know. Its mostly a "family business" that goes back generations and these are not the Whitney's or Vanderbilt's we are talking about here. Like everything in life and the jungle of economics, the weakest and the lowest will fall first. Only a turkey doesn't know when Thanksgiving is......and even some of them know when to "run". They had better get "theirs" because no else gives a damn, and they know and feel what's coming.

[cj]

What people don't understand is: this is an act of desperation, not greed. The horseman see the writing on the wall, and Tom is right. If you have years upon years of horse experience. Where the hell do you go? If you're in upstate NY, its a live stock farm or no where.........Stewarts shop making sundaes? Micky D's? The grocer as suggested?

For all those that keep saying horse racing is in great shape, its doing fine. Go to some of these places, the small venue, scratching it out. For many, casino money and the signal fee, its the only hope. Its not greed when your back is against the wall. Its the smell of fear.

I'm not a horseman but Saratoga Harness has gone through some of the same deals as described here. Horses are the only thing some of these people know. Its mostly a "family business" that goes back generations and these are not the Whitney's or Vanderbilt's we are talking about here. Like everything in life and the jungle of economics, the weakest and the lowest will fall first. Only a turkey doesn't know when Thanksgiving is......and even some of them know when to "run". They had better get "theirs" because no else gives a damn, and they know and feel it coming.

The other side though is that horsemen did nothing to help grow the game while sucking up the slots revenue. We see it everywhere, not just at Finger Lakes. No takeout cuts would ever be approved, no cuts in dates that would have led to bigger fields and more betting, no concessions at all. Just raking in slots money like a gift from heaven with no foresight whatsoever.

[BIGTKLO]

They still making baseball cards?

That would be TOPPS

[cj]

That would be TOPPS

I know---it was a joke, obviously a bad one.

[BIGTKLO]

I thought it was funny. I liked it.

[cj]

I thought it was funny. I liked it.

I've still got a few of these in the garage for a rainy day :)

http://cdn.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-product-image/1-t6600251-400.jpg

[thaskalos]

http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/player/Cal_Ripken_Jr./mlb-baseball-cards/1982-topps-traded-cal-ripken-jr-098t-rookie-baltimore-orioles-psa-10.html?sku=6600251&utm_source=SportsMem_PLA&utm_medium=cse&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnb3DBRCX2ZnSnMyO9dIBEiQAOcXYH5odZyV8 zUPdfU87NxuykhVS5L8r_fYdUCVmmLv5e9saArwz8P8HAQ

Maybe you should move them in the house.

[FantasticDan]

They still making baseball cards?You lost Tom on that one.. he only collected Welcome Back Kotter cards :cool:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/0c/d9/e2/0cd9e25fa02cf9b72b0767e6d0c5628d.jpg

[BIGTKLO]

I've still got a few of these in the garage for a rainy day :)

http://cdn.sportsmemorabilia.com/sports-product-image/1-t6600251-400.jpg

That's a winner. GOOD LOOKING ROOKIE CARD

[cj]

http://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/player/Cal_Ripken_Jr./mlb-baseball-cards/1982-topps-traded-cal-ripken-jr-098t-rookie-baltimore-orioles-psa-10.html?sku=6600251&utm_source=SportsMem_PLA&utm_medium=cse&gclid=Cj0KEQiAnb3DBRCX2ZnSnMyO9dIBEiQAOcXYH5odZyV8 zUPdfU87NxuykhVS5L8r_fYdUCVmmLv5e9saArwz8P8HAQ

Maybe you should move them in the house.

They are protected, promise. Mine are 8 and 9, not 10, so not worth that kind of loot.

[FantasticDan]

They are protected, promise.
http://highdesertblogging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Chihuahua-Home-Security.jpg

[FantasticDan]

Simulcast wagering returns tomorrow:

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/218982/simulcasting-deal-reached-at-finger-lakes

[horses4courses]

How very ironic, considering the OP :lol:

[Tom]

What is ironic about it?
Same old same old the horsemen have playing for decades now.

[FantasticDan]

Finally some movement in developing a plan for purse protection:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/money/business/2017/01/12/state-involved-talks-finger-lakes-gaming--racetrack/96483174/

The union at Finger Lakes pleaded with state leaders to help them develop a resolution, finally meeting with them Monday in Albany, along with representatives of Delaware North, the operators of the track; del Lago, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office and the state Gaming Commission.

A spokesman for the state Gaming Commission called the 90-minute session “significant” in addressing the union’s concerns.

"After hearing various concerns and possible solutions from everyone at the table, each party committed to going back to their entities to gather additional information," Lee Park, a spokesman for the commission, said in an email. "All parties will reconvene in the governor's office to meet again in the very near future."

[Tom]

"After hearing various concerns and possible solutions from everyone at the table, each party committed to going back to their entities to gather additional information," Lee Park, a spokesman for the commission, said in an email. "All parties will reconvene in the governor's office to meet again in the very near future."

Sounds like they are kicking the can down the road.
What's next, a meaningful dialog, followed a committee to further investigate?

[FantasticDan]

Sounds like they are kicking the can down the road.
What's next, a meaningful dialog, followed a committee to further investigate?
Ordinarily I would agree, but with Lago set to open in less than a month and FL dates and contracts needing to be signed off on very soon, there appears to be some urgency to the negotiations.

[FantasticDan]

FL purse protection bill submitted by state Senator John Bonacic, chairman of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/liz-o/senate-bill-protects-finger-lakes_b_14139954.html

[Tom]

TY Dan:ThmbUp:

[Big Peps]

I have a tough time getting my mind around all this. Brand new Casino getting built 20 minutes from Finger Lakes, NYS decides on geographic boundaries and that Lago casino needs to offer financial relief and kick up purse $$$ to Tioga Downs Race Track because this track will be hit the worst or because the geographic boundary created states that this is the way it will go.

Is this just a complete disregard for who will be hurt most when they create these so called "Boundaries? Nobody in their right mind would not see that Finger Lakes get hit the most with the Lago Casino getting built.

Now, Tioga has their shiny new Casino and where is the Lago relief money going? Seems to make sense as this was known going in by these developers. These developers are also Rochester based last time I checked.

Whole thing just wreaks of poltical BS from every viewpoint.. I must be missing something? No? I don't know if I agree with the whole process in general but the developers of the Casino knew this going in, so there should be some relief from Lago to the Lakes, IMO

Will it happen? never seems this easy.

[FantasticDan]

I have a tough time getting my mind around all this. Brand new Casino getting built 20 minutes from Finger Lakes, NYS decides on geographic boundaries and that Lago casino needs to offer financial relief and kick up purse $$$ to Tioga Downs Race Track because this track will be hit the worst or because the geographic boundary created states that this is the way it will go.

Is this just a complete disregard for who will be hurt most when they create these so called "Boundaries? Nobody in their right mind would not see that Finger Lakes get hit the most with the Lago Casino getting built.

Now, Tioga has their shiny new Casino and where is the Lago relief money going? Seems to make sense as this was known going in by these developers. These developers are also Rochester based last time I checked.

Whole thing just wreaks of poltical BS from every viewpoint.. I must be missing something? No? I don't know if I agree with the whole process in general but the developers of the Casino knew this going in, so there should be some relief from Lago to the Lakes, IMO
It is confusing, but you basically got it. What it comes down to now is this new provision to the law passing, so that FL racing gets the relief from Del Lago that it should have received to begin with, if not for all the zoning shenanigans.

[Big Peps]

It is confusing, but you basically got it. What it comes down to now is this new provision to the law passing, so that FL racing gets the relief from Del Lago that it should have received to begin with, if not for all the zoning shenanigans.

Which seems to make sense, Del Lago always knew that the provision for a track was in there, just now it's not Tioga but Finger Lakes but I'm sure there are objections regardless and like I said, I can debate the original premise but it seems to make sense that the Lakes SHOULD be entitled to it under the old provision now that Tioga Downs has it's own Casino.

[Tom]

The big question is, why do we even need Del Lago in the first place?
Obviously, palms in Albany have been greased.

[EMD4ME]

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/finger-lakes-2017-season-still-air/

[thespaah]

I don't think there are that many grocery stores in the immediate area for all of us. Oh well, my doctor has been asking me to lose weight for quite some time.
I hope you can find another gig at another track. That is if this thing does not get resolved.

[Tom]

Double hit for Baby Mario - he screws FL and pocket vetoes NYRA reorganization plan.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219548/cuomo-rejects-nyra-restructuring-bill?source=rss

Horse's ASS is horse's worst friend. :ThmbDown: :ThmbDown: :ThmbDown:

btw, good comments - sort of like PaceAdvantage! :lol:

[thespaah]

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/finger-lakes-2017-season-still-air/
There is trouble afoot.
Don't know what to think here. My first instinct is to lay the blame on the horsemen. Not so sure.
They want the dates. The track management claims the money isn't there nor is it likely to be available.
Perhaps it is time for the people involved to decide whether half a loaf is better than no loaf.

[thespaah]

Double hit for Baby Mario - he screws FL and pocket vetoes NYRA reorganization plan.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219548/cuomo-rejects-nyra-restructuring-bill?source=rss

Horse's ASS is horse's worst friend. :ThmbDown: :ThmbDown: :ThmbDown:

btw, good comments - sort of like PaceAdvantage! :lol:
Cuomo is now cashing in all of his political chips. The speculation is he is going to take a run at the White House in 2020.
With the unilateral decisions he's been making, he's not making his political base line up in support.
The thing with NYRA, i cannot figure out. Cuomo does not appear to be a friend of the horse racing business. So why would he want control of NYRA.....
One can ask though is this....Is he more interested in the power of controlling NYRA more than the health of the entity itself.

[SuperPickle]

I honestly find myself struggling with a strong logical argument for Finger Lakes to stay open. The racing is awful. The fields are small. One family literally wins 10-20% of the races. It's in the middle of no where.

It closing would boast Mountaineer and Ohio tracks.

I know it's cold but it might be better dead than alive.

[Tom]

I honestly find myself struggling with a strong logical argument for Finger Lakes to stay open. The racing is awful. The fields are small. One family literally wins 10-20% of the races. It's in the middle of no where.

Oh, so that means I live 7 miles past nowhere!:lol:

[stlseeeek]

The racing is awful. The fields are small. One family literally wins 10-20% of the races.

Better than Fairmount Park, where the Track owner literally wins 20-30% of the races.

[EMD4ME]

I honestly find myself struggling with a strong logical argument for Finger Lakes to stay open. The racing is awful. The fields are small. One family literally wins 10-20% of the races. It's in the middle of no where.

It closing would boast Mountaineer and Ohio tracks.

I know it's cold but it might be better dead than alive.

It supports the nybred program. Where else will hapless nyra nybreds go to earn a few state bred dollars?

[EMD4ME]

Cuomo is now cashing in all of his political chips. The speculation is he is going to take a run at the White House in 2020.
With the unilateral decisions he's been making, he's not making his political base line up in support.
The thing with NYRA, i cannot figure out. Cuomo does not appear to be a friend of the horse racing business. So why would he want control of NYRA.....
One can ask though is this....Is he more interested in the power of controlling NYRA more than the health of the entity itself.

My feeling is he hates horse racing because of his dads relationship with the bible belt nyra bosses from years ago.

He wants control to make sure he keeps killing the game.

They want the slot money and AQU to be a new real estate development..

No proof. Just my suspicion.

[Tom]

It supports the nybred program. Where else will hapless nyra nybreds go to earn a few state bred dollars?

Guess where they will end up if the Thumb closes?
NYRA will give new meaning to the term nickel claimers.:D

[Trips]

Oh, so that means I live 7 miles past nowhere!:lol:
I thought you were 7 miles before the North Pole? :)

[EMD4ME]

Guess where they will end up if the Thumb closes?
NYRA will give new meaning to the term nickel claimers.:D

They should install lights at Belmont and run FL south at night. Cheap purses, higher handle.

But that makes sense, so I don't think it will happen.

[SuperPickle]

It supports the nybred program. Where else will hapless nyra nybreds go to earn a few state bred dollars?

Ohio? West Virginia? Erie? Hazel Park? Fort Erie?

These days your options with a slow horse are numerous.

[EMD4ME]

Ohio? West Virginia? Erie? Hazel Park? Fort Erie?

These days your options with a slow horse are numerous.

Yes, Fort Erie runs 6 months plus a year :rolleyes: . Yes, Hazel Park has the purses FL does :rolleyes: . Running NY Bred races is a protection from outside runners. How can you not see that?

Yes, I know. You're a former industry guy, so you always see things from an interesting perspective.

[johnhannibalsmith]

I think that your cheapie nighttime idea is a lot more work than you want to project here. And, more than likely would only be a matter of time before people realized that it made more sense to adapt the existing condition book and purse structure and integrate another 1000 head or whatever it is into the existing cards. I mean, how long realistically before we'd all start saying that only horsemen could come up with a scheme to run 18 seven horse fields a day instead of 10 ten horse fields?

But, I do think you still need to ask the question that you are asking so that these things can get fleshed out and people can think realistically about the next step - both the horsemen that need a track and the tracks that need horsemen.

[SuperPickle]

Yes, Fort Erie runs 6 months plus a year :rolleyes: . Yes, Hazel Park has the purses FL does :rolleyes: . Running NY Bred races is a protection from outside runners. How can you not see that?

Yes, I know. You're a former industry guy, so you always see things from an interesting perspective.

They can run $16k condition state bred claimers down state.

Keeping a business open for such a narrow purpose (as a place to run cheap state bred horses) isn't enough of a reason.

Let's put it this way. If your top reason is to keep FL open is to have a place to run cheap state needs you've already lost the debate.

[Tom]

The NY bred races are welfare for the state breeders - run vastly inferior horses for vastly inflated purses. Before anyone reminds me of Funnycide, let's keep it real and talk about the +/- 1 sigma of NY breds. Inferior horses to open runners.

With ASWs, we don't NEED to bring FE horses to FL. We can bet them at FE.

[FantasticDan]

Excellent commentary column from a local farm and horse owner:

http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/02/gov_cuomo_can_save_finger_lakes_race_track_1200_jo bs_with_one_stroke_commentary.html

[Tom]

Great article!

1200 families livelihoods are in the hands of a total idiot.
Nice.

[cj]

Unless the product gets better and people actually want to bet it, any subsidies are just delaying the inevitable.

[onefast99]

Unless the product gets better and people actually want to bet it, any subsidies are just delaying the inevitable.
CJ you can say that about many tracks in the US. The racinos have kept a bunch going but as we have seen over and over many politicians want the purse monies to be cut back and the racinos profits to be used towards bigger and better things like education. What they don't realize is the amount of those affected by cutting racing days or reducing purses.

[cj]

CJ you can say that about many tracks in the US. The racinos have kept a bunch going but as we have seen over and over many politicians want the purse monies to be cut back and the racinos profits to be used towards bigger and better things like education. What they don't realize is the amount of those affected by cutting racing days or reducing purses.

No argument from me, I agree that many tracks are only still around because of the subsidies. Is that a good thing or bad for the industry? There are positives and negatives. But what has happened is that none of the tracks or the horsemen have done a thing to make the product better despite a serious influx of cash.

I would argue it is much worse than before racinos came about. I hear often that it is only fair since tracks had to face more competition from the gambling dollar. There is certainly some truth to that. But subsidies didn't just augment purses to previous levels, they exploded them. Instead of using the surplus to make a better betting game, the opposite happened.

[SuperPickle]

No argument from me, I agree that many tracks are only still around because of the subsidies. Is that a good thing or bad for the industry? There are positives and negatives. But what has happened is that none of the tracks or the horsemen have done a thing to make the product better despite a serious influx of cash.

I would argue it is much worse than before racinos came about. I hear often that it is only fair since tracks had to face more competition from the gambling dollar. There is certainly some truth to that. But subsidies didn't just augment purses to previous levels, they exploded them. Instead of using the surplus to make a better betting game, the opposite happened.

The best example of this is NYRA. When NYRA added the slot money it increased purses massively. They could have cut takeout simultaneously and purses still would have been bigger. A lower takeout would help them grow their handle.

In the history of slots not one track has lowered takeout when they got slots to make their racing product more appealing. It's insane.

[FantasticDan]

Among other possible solutions currently being negotiated, a state senator will propose a bill tonight that NYS subsidize the purses this year to the tune of $3M, plus another $375K to the state breeding and development fund:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2017/02/07/sen-rich-funke-ny-should-3m-to-finger-lakes-racetrack/97605082/

[cj]

The best example of this is NYRA. When NYRA added the slot money it increased purses massively. They could have cut takeout simultaneously and purses still would have been bigger. A lower takeout would help them grow their handle.

In the history of slots not one track has lowered takeout when they got slots to make their racing product more appealing. It's insane.

NYRA isn't the best example, they were like 73rd on the "tracks to get slots" list. Place like Delaware, CharlesTown and Mountaineer were having dirt shoveled on them before slots. Is the sport as a whole better because these places still exist? That is a tough question to answer. NYRA would still be here without slots IMO.

[SuperPickle]

NYRA isn't the best example, they were like 73rd on the "tracks to get slots" list. Place like Delaware, CharlesTown and Mountaineer were having dirt shoveled on them before slots. Is the sport as a whole better because these places still exist? That is a tough question to answer. NYRA would still be here without slots IMO.

that's why NYRA is the best example. Simply put they didn't need all that purse money. They also had a healthy racing product. Combine the purse size and the product and its actually a real business argument to invest in the business.

With those other tracks the argument of racing not being viable is huge.

Not to be blunt but Delaware should have added slots and eliminated racing. Even a lower takeout would not have avoided what they have now.

But NYRA had a strong core business to invest in.

[EMD4ME]

I would also venture to add that if NYRA (the old NYRA, not Cuomo and his Cronies NYRA) had their way, takeout would've been reduced. Problem is (as Charlie Hayward can attest) if you try and lower handle, you have the NYSGC to deal with.

It really is a state run operation these days and the leader of the state ABSOLUTELY HATES horse racing.

[EMD4ME]

Excellent commentary column from a local farm and horse owner:

http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/02/gov_cuomo_can_save_finger_lakes_race_track_1200_jo bs_with_one_stroke_commentary.html


Thank you for Sharing that Dan.

I felt their pain and wish I could fight to change it. It hurts to my core.

[FantasticDan]

NYS Assemblyman optimistic a deal will be done very soon:

http://www.whec.com/news/kolb-racetrack-resolution-nears/4399317/

[Big Peps]

I think they will run at least a couple more years at the lakes, it's been on the edge for awhile and Lago could certainly be the death blow but it certainly won't go down easy. Always considered it my home track, know some great people over there and hate to see it go but don't know how long they can hold on unless Lago has to kick down. We shall see, don'tvsee how they were suppose to do this for Tioga before casino granted but now somehow logic gets thrown out window. Have to remember this type of stuff was part of the deal,is it right? Debatable for sure but Lago shouldn't get cart Blanche either or be allowed out on their end because of some ridiculous boundary that looks like some drunk dude drew

[FantasticDan]

Bill Finley weighs in on the issues facing FL.. interesting to see the FL HBPA President go on the record with the opinion that there will be no racing this year at FL..

http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/finger-lakes-woes-could-be-big-blow-for-ny/

[Tom]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219893/potential-bailout-plan-for-finger-lakes-to-be-discussed?source=rss

The racino operation at Finger Lakes, which has been a vital lifeline for purses and track operations in recent years, saw revenues of $2 million in the most recent weekly reporting period through Feb. 11. That is down from $2.4 to $2.6 million a week in video lottery terminal revenues from comparable weekly periods a year ago, according to filings made by the track with the state gaming commission.


Yeah, build another casino 30 miles down the Thruway.
The mental midgets in NY are amazing for idiots.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

I have never been to finger lakes so I am not sure what the place is like. I just did a quick google search and it says they added the "casino" part around 2004. So thats been what, like 12-13 years? If one of their main gripes is they cannot compete with the other casino since it has amenities and a hotel, who is to really blame? Have they ever decided to reinvest in the facility or have other amenities to attract and keep more customers?

[Tom]

There are plenty of hotel rooms within a mile. If you are really nice about it, you can stay with me, only 7 miles ;)

[Tom]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219907/cuomo-proposes-plan-for-finger-lakes?source=rss

The Cuomo plan calls for Delaware North to commit between $600,000 and $1 million. In return, the horsemen would have to guarantee an average number of minimum entries per race. State officials Friday night did not immediately reveal that level.

2 year plan with a third as an option.

[FantasticDan]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/219907/cuomo-proposes-plan-for-finger-lakes?source=rss
2 year plan with a third as an option.
:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

In return, Finger Lakes commits to a dialogue relative to racing surfaces with the breeders and state, who will consider what economic development monies may be available for such purposes,'' said a brief statement by Cuomo's Gaming Commission on the new proposal.
Turf's on the table! :jump: :rolleyes:

[Big Peps]

:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:


Turf's on the table! :jump: :rolleyes:

That would be outstanding

[FantasticDan]

The FL horsemen have yet to sign off on the deal. I was actually at FL today, sitting among a group of folks that included some owners and horsemen. At one point a man stopped by who I assume was the Finger Lakes HBPA president, since he talked about all the interviews he's given lately, including the one with Bill Finley I linked earlier.

In stopping to talk with one of the guys, he said, "They offered us a ham sandwich, and we're tying to get a steak."

So it sounds like there's still more negotiating to come, at least from their perspective. Del Lago, Delaware North, and NYS are already on-board with the proposal as it currently stands.

[Tom]

Steak, huh?
Kind of sums my 45+ years of experience with them - greedy bastards.
What do they call the NYS bred purse enhancements for thier bottom of the barrel crap horses?

Unbeeleevable.

[SuperPickle]

I mean OMG.

Basically Delaware North gets to open a casino around the corner and kick in $600,000 to a million to support 145 days of racing.

That's $4,100 to $6,200 A CARD!

They're done.

Basically all their slot revenue is getting stolen and in return they get a couple hundred dollars a race.

If you're a fan of presque isle may I suggest you familiarize yourself with the Engleharts

[EMD4ME]

I mean OMG.

Basically Delaware North gets to open a casino around the corner and kick in $600,000 to a million to support 145 days of racing.

That's $4,100 to $6,200 A CARD!

They're done.

Basically all their slot revenue is getting stolen and in return they get a couple hundred dollars a race.

If you're a fan of presque isle may I suggest you familiarize yourself with the Engleharts


Good ol Governor Cuomo. Slime does not begin to describe him. I hope a horse steps on him one day.

[Tom]

Horses step in better things than him every day.

[FantasticDan]

FL HBPA going on the record with being dissatisfied with the deal, and racing is still "in jeopardy" this season..

What makes it confusing is that the article also says that the FL HBPA agreeing to the deal is "imminent"..

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2017/02/21/finger-lakes-racetrack-thoroughbred-racing-cost-estimates/98158350/

[elhelmete]

Slots ruined everything. Let the wolf in the chicken coop.

Hmmm, let's get legalized marijuana to subsidize tracks next!

[FantasticDan]

Where everything's currently at from the FL HBPA perspective:

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/220011/finger-lakes-racing-dates-could-plummet-under-proposal

[Tom]

Last year days were cancelled for lack of entries by this same "concerned" group. What they want is a lot of three horse field so they can get welfare checks.

Screw them.

Give them 50 days and let them figure out how to live on that for a year.
then negotiate NEXT year with them

Sympathy for them has long passed.
For decades, they had "hand" because it them or an OTB parlor.
With ADWs today, I think you know where they can stick that hand.

[FantasticDan]

A deal is now in place :ThmbUp:

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/220113/finger-lakes-horsemen-agree-to-deal-to-keep-track-open

[Tom]

http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/agreement-reached-at-finger-lakes-for-2017-racing-season/