Yavapai Downs under threat.

[craigbraddick]

Hi People:

This has been a busy 48 hours.

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Sec...rticleID=93021

I have personally written to the Governor and include my letter below. I would ask all of you who enjoy our product to email Governor Jan Brewer to help ensure racing in Arizona. The link to send her an email is: http://www.governor.state.az.us/contact.asp

With many thanks and if anyone has any questions my phone number is 304-543-3981.

Craig.


Dear Governor Brewer:

My name is Craig Braddick, I am the Track Announcer at Yavapai Downs. I am originally from England and have lived in the USA for ten years.

The Tax Assessor for the Yavapai County Fairgrounds has deemed the property to be a commercial enterprise instead of an agricultural entity causing their tax bill to rise from $30K per annum to $400k per annum.

I believe this may have been something you could have vetoed as it was part of another bill you signed. The ramifications of this are dire for the future of the Fairgrounds and changing the status of the Fairgrounds (and raising its tax in such a manner) will not generate much needed funds. Nor will it create commerce or employment. It will also take away business from the Prescott area and adversely harm the livelihood of many people who voted you into office.

Yavapai County Fairgrounds need their previous status returned at once, without fail. Do not dismiss this request with the plea of: "It's the end of the legislative session." That is no excuse. You are the Governor, this is an injustice, put it right now, without delay. Even if it means establishing a prescient. After all, that is surely the role of the Governor.

1. The property clearly is used for agricultural education and development. Under the new management of Mike Mullaney, he has refocused the entire property to serve the needs of the community. From country pursuits such as dog agility to our horse race meet (which glorifies and educates a population of the animal who tamed the west) to using our event center in the future for rural based events and education such as farmers markets, possible heritage events for Native Americans, Hispanics and all Americans whose ancestors made this part of the country great, to opportunities for young people to learn traditions of the west, the joy of fair competition and learn job skills connected to ranching through learning and becoming involved with horse racing (just as I did many years ago.)Similarly the car racing track at the Fairgrounds give a rural population a chance to socialize, and learn from each other in practical and social ways that they can take from there and apply in an agricultural setting. Repairing of equipment, the passing on of knowledge of machines, for example.

2. Every other Fairground in the state enjoys this tax benefit. Give Mike Mullaney and his team an opportunity to show you over time WHY they are worthy of this as well. If you proceed, you will strangle the project and the jobs of the very people who elected you. Not to mention the irrevocable harm you will do to the generations of people who have made agriculture and the rural way of life their own in this part of the state.

3. The loss of Horse Racing to Yavapai Downs and the fairground will ring the death knell of the sport in AZ. Already Coconino County are eyeing up the race dates. However, as an experienced Announcer and racing man, I can tell you people around the country who watch Yavapai Downs on a daily basis will not bet as much money on races held at the track at Flagstaff. Firstly, the track is too small, so wagering options become limited to horses who can just grab an early lead and secondly it is a proven fact among serious horse players that a mile track delivers more consistent results. Turf Paradise cannot race year around because of the heat in the summer climate.

If you desire a positive future for the people of the Prescott area, the preservation and continuation of agricultural traditions and the future of horse racing which generates tax money from not only local, but national and international sources, reverse this decision, NOW.

If you do not, many people will know where you stand and will remember this betrayal.

No excuses, do it now, do it right and be a Governor we can be proud of. And in return, I promise I and everyone at the Fairgrounds will do our utmost to make you proud of your decision.

And while you are at it, do you actually realize how much money the State could make to give to the needy and worthwhile causes you support if you allowed Gaming at Turf Paradise and Yavapai Downs? It would secure the future of the racing industry, make money for the state and give many thousands of people a future. There is nothing to be lost.

Please do not reply with a polite but ineffectual "Thank you for your note" sent by an intern or such. Please call Mike Mullaney, without fail, at the Fairgrounds so he can explain in full why this is something you MUST act on straight away.

Yavapai Downs and the Fairgrounds are windows that the world can peer into, become inspired by and contribute money to the economy of Arizona.

If you have any questions regarding my letter (or horse racing, gaming, etc) I would be happy to answer them. Please call me at 304-543-3981 .

Sincerely,

Craig W. Braddick.

[forced89]

Great letter, but sadly I am afraid that there is little that can be done in the short term.

[Tom]

I'll send my complaints, but when times get tough, government feed of their people instead of helping them. I have no doubts your governor has no regard for the people he will be hurting - all he sees in cash.

[Charli125]

Originally Posted by craigbraddick

1. The property clearly is used for agricultural education and development. Under the new management of Mike Mullaney, he has refocused the entire property to serve the needs of the community. From country pursuits such as dog agility to our horse race meet (which glorifies and educates a population of the animal who tamed the west) to using our event center in the future for rural based events and education such as farmers markets, possible heritage events for Native Americans, Hispanics and all Americans whose ancestors made this part of the country great, to opportunities for young people to learn traditions of the west, the joy of fair competition and learn job skills connected to ranching through learning and becoming involved with horse racing (just as I did many years ago.)Similarly the car racing track at the Fairgrounds give a rural population a chance to socialize, and learn from each other in practical and social ways that they can take from there and apply in an agricultural setting. Repairing of equipment, the passing on of knowledge of machines, for example.

2. Every other Fairground in the state enjoys this tax benefit. Give Mike Mullaney and his team an opportunity to show you over time WHY they are worthy of this as well. If you proceed, you will strangle the project and the jobs of the very people who elected you. Not to mention the irrevocable harm you will do to the generations of people who have made agriculture and the rural way of life their own in this part of the state.

3. The loss of Horse Racing to Yavapai Downs and the fairground will ring the death knell of the sport in AZ. Already Coconino County are eyeing up the race dates. However, as an experienced Announcer and racing man, I can tell you people around the country who watch Yavapai Downs on a daily basis will not bet as much money on races held at the track at Flagstaff. Firstly, the track is too small, so wagering options become limited to horses who can just grab an early lead and secondly it is a proven fact among serious horse players that a mile track delivers more consistent results. Turf Paradise cannot race year around because of the heat in the summer climate.

Craig,

I have a question. While I agree with item #3, I'm not sure I get #1. I lived in Prescott for about 9 months when I was in college and I agree with the spirit of your letter; Yavapai is good for the economy and the area.

How is a racetrack not a commercial enterprise though? I think all of your points about the good it does are valid, but I don't see that you have much in your favor if you're trying to argue that a racetrack isn't a commercial endeavor.

Thanks,
Charlie

[Dave Schwartz]

I am surprised that so many of the locals voiced negative opinions about the track.

I wish you guys well in this.

[craigbraddick]

Hi Charlie:

Let me try to answer your point.

The racing operation at the County Fairgrounds ploughs its profits into improving the fairground facility for the local community. Already this year we have had a number of attractions (most of which are free or VERY low cost) where the community can meet together and learn about country and agricultural pursuits.

If we were running it to give shareholders a return or to invest in non related ventures, the Assessor may have a point but that is simply not the case here.

Craig

[Kelso]

Originally Posted by craigbraddick

If we were running it to give shareholders a return or to invest in non related ventures, the Assessor may have a point but that is simply not the case here.

But the Association clearly IS running it to give horsemen a return on THEIR investments in horses ... horses not necessarily raised in Arizona and horsemen not necessarily residing in Arizona.

[craigbraddick]

Originally Posted by Kelso

But the Association clearly IS running it to give horsemen a return on THEIR investments in horses ... horses not necessarily raised in Arizona and horsemen not necessarily residing in Arizona.

Well, you cannot expect the owners to run their horses for nothing! Horses from out of state and owners from out of state bring money into the economy as well. You cannot run a race meet entirely for state bred horses!

However, the point remains the proceeds after the operational costs helps make the area a better place for everyone.

Craig

[Kelso]

Originally Posted by craigbraddick

Well, you cannot expect the owners to run their horses for nothing! Horses from out of state and owners from out of state bring money into the economy as well. You cannot run a race meet entirely for state bred horses!

However, the point remains the proceeds after the operational costs helps make the area a better place for everyone.

Craig

I'm suggesting no such thing. I'm simply pointing out the fallacy of your not-running-for-profit (my paraphrase) comment.

Hotels and amusement parks also "bring money into the economy." Many enterprises have such an economic spill-over effect. They, like racetracks, are nevertheless commercial enterprises and are usually taxed as such.

[craigbraddick]

Originally Posted by Kelso

I'm suggesting no such thing. I'm simply pointing out the fallacy of your not-running-for-profit (my paraphrase) comment.

Hotels and amusement parks also "bring money into the economy." Many enterprises have such an economic spill-over effect. They, like racetracks, are nevertheless commercial enterprises and are usually taxed as such.

Kelso:

As I said earlier, the money made by the track returns to the County Fairgrounds Facility enabling the survival of the grounds for the whole community. Without racing, the county cannot afford to keep the Fairgrounds going and that is a large part of the rural community.

Craig

[Robert Goren]

Originally Posted by craigbraddick

Kelso:

As I said earlier, the money made by the track returns to the County Fairgrounds Facility enabling the survival of the grounds for the whole community. Without racing, the county cannot afford to keep the Fairgrounds going and that is a large part of the rural community.

Craig

A race track that actually makes money. That is unheard of these days. This place needs to be studied, not closed.

[fmolf]

Craig... does the track kickback monies into the state coffers at all?either thru on track handle oradw wagering?Perhaps the state may be cutting off its nose to spite its face?If monies are indeed being paidto the state this whole thing smacks of dirty politics!

[craigbraddick]

Originally Posted by fmolf

Craig... does the track kickback monies into the state coffers at all?either thru on track handle oradw wagering?Perhaps the state may be cutting off its nose to spite its face?If monies are indeed being paidto the state this whole thing smacks of dirty politics!

Yes it does, indeed!

Craig

[BlueShoe]

Originally Posted by Dave Schwartz

I am surprised that so many of the locals voiced negative opinions about the track.

Had the same thought. One thing that YD badly needs to do in order to promote themselves is update and improve their website. It is awful, out of date with little information. No mention of simulcasting except during last years live meeting, in fact, am not even sure if it is offered in other months except during the live meet. Craig? If so, how about the schedule and admission and parking info, etc. With the Arizona ban on ADW otb facilities are important to fans in the state.

[AZWrobel]

Originally Posted by BlueShoe

Had the same thought. One thing that YD badly needs to do in order to promote themselves is update and improve their website. It is awful, out of date with little information. No mention of simulcasting except during last years live meeting, in fact, am not even sure if it is offered in other months except during the live meet. Craig? If so, how about the schedule and admission and parking info, etc. With the Arizona ban on ADW otb facilities are important to fans in the state.

Turf Paradise takes over simulcasting in AZ once the Yavapai meet ends. TuP also in charge of the simulcasting right up until the first day of the YAV meet, even during the three week layoff in May between the 2 tracks. One thing I can say is TuP does a hell of a job advertising and marketing. They really have done a great job bringing in different types of crowds. They run friday twilight racing with live band, they are always advertising in the papers and they have a really good website. Information is easy to gather. I think YAV should follow in TuP's footsteps. Yavapai FINALLY has brought in some experience with a new GM, and Director of Racing...Craig Braddick is a great addition too. All these guys are more than qualified and bring a lot of potential YAV. I really hope they get a chance to show what they can do.