Quote:
Originally Posted by Appy
"Some of these had thoroughbred tracks at one time: Alabama, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and either Kansas or Missouri (don't remember which state Woodlands was in) but they failed."
I can only speak to Kansas. The tracks in Kansas DID NOT FAIL. The political change in state government failed the tracks by essentially creating a monopoly favoring state owned casinos while initiating taxation rates (a difference of approximately 22%) making it impossible for the tracks to operate at a profit.
There has been a bill to correct the different rates and reopen the tracks (Woodlands and Eureka) written to be submitted for vote for several years now but the governor and his crew have delayed and played politics to keep it off the floor. The new bill provides for an extended meet length for Woodlands and relegates Eureka to fair meet status. By this time general failure of the state budget has escalated to a point where other issues take precedence, so horse racing is once again in the closet. However, political control appears to be gravitating in a more moderate direction, so there is renewed hope the tracks will reopen in accordance to the new bill in the foreseeable future.
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I have never been to the Woodlands, so it would be nice to add them to my visit list if racing ever returns there. As to Eureka, that was a great little track and I would love to go back there again sometime. I was able to get in several days at the very interesting Anthony Downs, where they alternated dog and horse races. And the horse races included TB, QH, and paint/appaloosa. I think they closed up for good in 2012 when the property was redeveloped. Too bad, as they had conducted races for over 100 years!
Please keep us posted on any racing developments. Thanks!