Tag Archives: horse racing

Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit Launches Anonymous Whistleblower Platforms

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit announced today the launch of its anonymous whistleblower platforms that enable participants in the Thoroughbred industry to submit tips safely and anonymously regarding potential violations of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. The text and email platforms are supported through a partnership with RealResponse, the leading provider of safe and secure reporting platform for athletes, teams, and organizations, while the telephone platform is supported by Ansafone.

Using the designated telephone line, text line, or email address, any industry participant can anonymously submit information relating to Covered Horses, barns, trainers, or other Covered Persons for review by HIWU’s Investigations Unit. Submissions are accepted 24/7. Whistleblowers can include their contact information if they are open to potential follow up from HIWU’s investigators. However, this option is voluntary.

“Our anonymous whistleblower platforms will empower concerned individuals to safely and securely alert HIWU to potential violations of the AMDC Program, including situations where the welfare of the horse or integrity of the sport may be compromised,” said Michelle Pujals, HIWU’s general counsel. “We look forward to working with RealResponse, which has a proven track record in administering this type of technology, to facilitate the success of this key component of the ADMC Program.”

“We are honored to work with the leadership of the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit,” said David Chadwick, RealResponse Founder and CEO. “We have seen significant interest from leading integrity agencies who seek a more efficient and effective platform to enhance their investigative process. Working with HIWU as it launches platforms to protect against efforts that compromise the integrity of horse racing, as well as to protect the wellbeing of the equine athletes, is important to us. Our service makes it simple and easy for those in the field to report concerning incidents they witness to ensure fairness and safety across the industry.” 


Individuals who would like to submit tips should utilize the following contact options:

Phone Line: (888) 714-4498

Text Line: (855) 901-8477

Email Address: [email protected]

Industry participants should note that the HIWU Investigations Unit can only consider tips regarding the ADMC Program and will not respond to potential violations of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program or other violations or inquiries that fall outside the jurisdiction of the ADMC Program. Potential violations of the Racetrack Safety Program will be forwarded to HISA.

Those with information regarding potential violations of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program should call (877) 513-2919 or email [email protected]. Submissions will be treated anonymously.

Grants Pass Downs Rides Into Summer Meet

Grants Pass Downs will kick off its summer racing season tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. The 8-race opening day program will feature the Shady Cove Stakes, with a full field of 10 thoroughbreds competing for a purse of $12,000 at a distance of five furlongs. The meet will boast more than 80 races scheduled over nine dates – June 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and July 1, 6, 7 and 8 – with $60,000 available in purses each day. Post time is set for 4:00 p.m.

Lighting was installed this spring to facilitate twilight racing, and the track was widened to support bigger fields. Thanks to a grant from the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (OTOBA), Grants Pass Downs was also able to complete a number of other safety-focused projects including the installation of a new retaining wall, fencing, breakaway distance markers and additional sand to improve the track surface. The stall area was also expanded to accommodate up to 450 horses to meet growing demand. Those stalls are now nearly full as hundreds of horsemen and women from around Oregon and across the West have come to Grants Pass to participate in the meet.

“The uncertainty of these times hasn’t dampened any of the enthusiasm we’ve felt from our partners in the racing community since commercial racing came to Grants Pass last year,” said John Everly, racing secretary at Grants Pass Downs. “Demand remains very high, and even with the addition of more stalls in the barn area and fields expanding from eight to 10 horses with the widened track and an expanded starting gate, races should be pretty full throughout the meet.”

In accordance with current Oregon state health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the meet will be held without fans in attendance. Racing fans unable to attend due to the current public health guidelines are encouraged to watch and wager at TVG.com and other advance-deposit wagering (ADW) websites, as well as at participating off-track betting (OTB) locations around the state. Grants Pass Downs has also expanded its wagering menu and will offer two new bets during the Summer Meet—a fifty cent Jackpot Pick Five with a $5,000 guaranteed pool and a 15% takeout rate, and a one dollar early Pick Four. For a list of participating ADW sites and OTB locations, visit https://gpdowns.com/wagering/.

“The health and safety of our athletes, staff, partners and guests is our highest priority, and we have put new protocols in place to ensure a safe, fun environment for all as we resume racing operations,” said Rod Lowe, director of racing and chief operating officer at Grants Pass Downs. “We’ll be encouraging the use of masks or face coverings by all guests. Additionally, hand sanitizer stations have been set up in high traffic areas throughout the premises, and social distancing reminders – like signage and floor markings – have been posted throughout the premises.”

Grants Pass Downs will allow a maximum of 250 nonessential people on site on racing days, including owners and their guests, sponsors and corporate partners, and members of the media.

Grants Pass Downs names Jason Beem as track announcer for 2020 racing dates

Grants Pass Downs has named veteran race caller Jason Beem as track announcer for its 2020 commercial race meets. Beem will call all nine days of summer racing, beginning Tuesday, June 16 through closing day, Wednesday, July 8, as well as the track’s fall meet. Final dates for fall racing have yet to be determined.

A seasoned track announcer, social media personality, podcast host and author, Beem brings over 15 years of experience calling races to Grants Pass Downs. He has experience calling meets around the country, at Colonial Downs, Louisiana Downs, Monmouth Park, Portland Meadows and River Downs, among others. He hosts a daily horse racing podcast called The Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast, and is known for his annual “Beemie Awards,” held each December to celebrate the best moments in horse racing social media.

“We are excited to add Jason’s talent and vast experience in horse racing to the upcoming summer meet,” said Randy Evers, president of Grants Pass Downs. “His infectious enthusiasm for our sport is the perfect fit for calling our races, and he is certain to inject an extra wow factor in an unusual time. Our summer race dates will be held without spectators to maintain health and safety during the pandemic, but we are confident that Jason’s unique voice will help accurately reflect the excitement we’ve felt from the Grants Pass community.”

Beem, a Pacific Northwest native who grew up attending races at Longacres and Portland Meadows, is eager to lend his talents to the track for the first commercial races in Oregon this year.

“I’m honored to join the team at Grants Pass Downs as they continue to build on Oregon’s long and storied horse racing legacy,” said Beem. “The leadership and staff at Grants Pass Downs are doing an excellent job driving the next era of horse racing in the state while keeping hundreds of horsemen and women at work in Southern Oregon. I consider Oregon a second home and am thrilled to be a part of this team for the summer and fall meets.”

The summer race meet at Grants Pass Downs will kick off without spectators on Tuesday, June 16. Post time is set for 4 p.m. each day. Races will be available for spectators to watch and wager on TVG Network and other advance deposit wagering sites, and carried by Oregon’s off track betting sites. A full list of participating ADW sites and open off track betting sites are available on Grants Pass Downs’ website at www.gpdowns.com.

Growth and Safety of Pari-Mutuel Industry to be Committee Focus at Winter Meeting of Legislators from Gaming States, January 10-12 in San Diego

credit: Sean Hamrock

With US pari-mutuel handle showing growth in each of the last five years, a legislative committee will focus on the future and safety of this gambling sector when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States holds its Winter Meeting, January 10-12, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

As the only gaming conference where the legislative decision-makers meet, more than three dozen legislators from 19 states are among the nearly 200 NCLGS Winter Meeting registrants.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Although the Marriott room block has sold out, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of, and offered at comparable rates to, the host hotel. To view the hotel information and agenda, and to register for the Winter Meeting, visit http://nclgs.org/index.php/events/nclgs-winter-meeting-san-diego-2020.

The NCLGS Winter Meeting has been approved for 10.0 credits by the Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education, underscoring its prominence as a vital gaming forum.

“While the pari-mutuel industry endeavors to sustain its recent growth, it also seeks to ensure the safety of its equine athletes, including the use of proper racing surfaces and effective drug-testing programs. The Committee on Pari-Mutuel looks forward to welcoming four experts who will discuss the path forward in pari-mutuel racing,” said NCLGS President William P. Coley, a state senator from Ohio who will chair the committee.

Speakers on the Committee on Pari-Mutuels include:

  • F. Douglas Reed, Senior Pari-Mutuel Associate, Spectrum Gaming Group
  • Eric Hamelback, CEO, The National HBPA
  • Virgil Morgan Jr., Trainer, Member, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association
  • Gregory Simpson, Commissioner, Ohio State Racing Commission

The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:

  • Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
  • Two general-session Masterclasses focusing on sports betting and tribal-state compacting conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law
  • Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: “State of the Industry”
  • Two Sunday morning general session panel discussions
  • Thursday evening networking reception
  • Friday evening welcome reception
  • Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula

For sponsorship information, contact [email protected]. Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at [email protected].

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation. Learn more about NCLGS at https://www.nclgs.org/.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Releases Annual Report on Casino Gaming’s Impact on PA’s Horse Racing Industry

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today released the Annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report detailing the impact of Pennsylvania casinos on the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry.  The report is now available for download from the PGCB’s web site https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.

The report includes and compares information from calendar year 2018.  Among the report’s findings is that tax generated by the play of slot machines amounted to $242 million that was earmarked for enhancements of race purses, assisting breeding operations located in Pennsylvania, providing health and pension benefits for horsemen, and to support agricultural initiatives.

The report also shows that casinos that have racetracks continue to invest in backstretch improvements. Since 2006, operators have spent over $73 million to build or renovate buildings and structures.

The horse racing tracks operating in conjunction with casinos in Pennsylvania are:

Thoroughbred

  • Parx Casino in Bucks County
  • Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County
  • Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County

Harness

  • The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Luzerne County
  • The Meadows Casino and Racetrack in Washington County
  • Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Delaware County

Additionally, the report and its accompanying detailed statistical summary, provides a 5-year historical summary on:

  • Attendance at Pennsylvania’s racetracks;
  • A breakdown of PA Race Horse Development Trust Fund distributions;
  • Figures for breeding of both thoroughbred and standardbred horses;
  • Number of live races held in Pennsylvania and number of horses competing;
  • Purses awarded; and
  • Taxable handle and live racing handle.

Poll: Fatalities, Drugs, and Integrity: Americans’ Top Three Concerns for Horse Racing

Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash

According to a new, national and Kentucky-based poll commissioned by The Jockey Club, horse fatalities are the single most important factor facing the horse racing industry with nearly seven in 10 likely voters (69 percent) saying that it is a “very important” issue. The misuse of drugs was almost equally significant with 65 percent saying it was “very important.” Integrity and corruption also scored highly at 63 percent.

“This survey is further proof that the horse racing industry has reached a tipping point,” said Jim Gagliano, The Jockey Club president and COO. “The health of horses is of concern to both horse racing fans and the general public, and it’s time we make some real changes.”

Interestingly, these issues matter to people almost evenly across party lines and among Americans of all races and ethnicities. However, nationally, women are especially likely to view equine fatalities (77 percent), drugs (76 percent), and integrity (69 percent) as “very important” issues for the industry to address.

The poll also looked at the Horseracing Integrity Act (HIA) of 2019, which would establish a private, independent horse racing anti-doping authority involving the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA); require full transparency into the medical treatment, injuries, and health of all racehorses; and create one, universal system of medication regulation.

An astounding 91 percent of respondents said they would view horse racing “much more” or “somewhat more” favorably if the industry adopted the national regulations and strict anti-doping rules embodied in the HIA.

Other key findings in the poll include:

Kentucky

· Kentucky voters are three times as likely to say horse injuries have become more common (47 percent) than less common (15 percent) in recent years, which is no surprise given that U.S. horse racing lags far behind international standards to combat doping, creating horse injury rates that are 2.5 to 5 times greater than the rest of the world.
· 90 percent of Kentucky likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if Congress were to pass the HIA.
· 78 percent of Kentucky likely voters said that it is “very important” or “somewhat important” to reform the horse racing industry in order to improve the image of the sport.
· 95 percent of Kentucky likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if the U.S. adopted international standards, which are proved to reduce equine fatalities and injuries.

Nationwide

· 95 percent of likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if an independent group, such as USADA (which regulates Olympic athletes), created and enforced medication rules at least as stringent as for other professional sports.
· 93 percent of likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if all Thoroughbred racehorses were subject to random drug testing at any time prior to or after a race to test for prohibited substances.
· 93 percent of likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if the U.S. adopted international standards, which are proved to reduce equine fatalities and injuries.
· 94 percent of likely voters said they would be “much more” or “somewhat more” favorable to horse racing if there were national medication rules and penalties. Currently, 38 separate state jurisdictions regulate the horse racing industry.

“With industry leaders banding together showing support for passage of HIA, we will be easing concerns of Americans who feel we are not doing enough to protect the health of racehorses,” said Gagliano.

Preakness Stakes Future Odds released by US Racing

2017 Preakness (credit: Maryland GovPics )

US Racing (https://www.usracing.com), an international online horse racing service, today announced future odds for the 144th Preakness Stakes to be held at Pimlico Racecourse on Saturday, May 18th.

Country House won the 145th Kentucky Derby as a 65-1 longshot after the disqualification of Maximum Security on a muddy track at Churchill Downs.

While Country House claimed the first leg of the Triple Crown, he is not installed as the favorite going into the Preakness Stakes. Code of Honor, who finished second place at the Kentucky Derby, has been assigned future odds of 5-2 to win the 2019 Preakness Stakes.

The second leg of the Triple Crown will be televised on NBC with updated information provided by US Racing.

2019 Preakness Stakes Odds

PostHorseTrainerJockeyOdds
1Code of HonorClaude R. McGaughey IIIJohn R. Velazquez5-2
2Country HouseWilliam I. MottFlavien Prat3-1
3TacitusWilliam I. MottJose L. Ortiz4-1
4War of WillMark E. CasseTyler Gaffalione4-1
5Game WinnerBob BaffertJoel Rosario5-1
6ImprobableBob BaffertIrad Ortiz, Jr.8-1
7VekomaGeorge WeaverJavier Castellano11-1
8AlwaysminingKelly RubleyDaniel Centeno12-1
9Laughing FoxSteven M. AsmussenRamon A. Vazquez12-1
10OwendaleBrad H. CoxFlorent Geroux14-1
11AnothertwistafateBlaine D. WrightTBA16-1

US Racing (www.usracing.com) is an award winning, international online horse racing service.

US Racing offers thoroughbred, harness and greyhound wagering content from over 200 of the world’s premier racetracks.

US Racing features race analysis, interviews, free handicapping tips and stories on trainers, jockeys, owners, breeders, horses and new technology and developments in the horse racing industry. US Racing provides reviews and promotions of racebooks, OTBs and ADWs companies worldwide. No wagering of any form takes place at US Racing.

The goal of US Racing to entertain, educate and inform people about the sport of thoroughbred horse racing.

US Racing is privately held with offices in Hong Kong and the Isle of Man.

Kentucky Derby Odds – Official Odds and Post Positions Released by US Racing

credit: Bill Brine

US Racing (www.usracing.com), an international online horse racing service, today announced the post positions and updated odds of the 145th Kentucky Derby to be held at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

“While Game Winner, Roadster and Omaha Beach are very strongly backed by punters— there have been some large figures on Roadster and Tacitus,” said Timothy Maxwell of US Racing. “However, Roadster drew post position 17 which has yet to produce a Kentucky Derby Winner.”

Over the past 5 years, the favorites have gone on to win the Derby but in 2019, Maxwell suggested that, “we see a lot of parity among these three year-olds.” In fact, many fans are looking forward to a match race between Roadster and Omaha Beach—which will hopefully extend over the three races of the Triple Crown.

The world will be watching the “Greatest 2 Minutes of Sports” on NBC and getting all the action with US Racing.

Full odds available here.

Americans Are Set To Make Record-Breaking Bets On 2019 Triple Crown Races This Year

Photo by Gene Devine on Unsplash

With this year’s Triple Crown races just around the corner, online bookies are set to make the most profit from derby horse races they have ever seen. PayPerHead.com, the leading online sportsbook software in the industry, states that online bookies will have over $145 million up for grabs from the Kentucky Derby alone.

“Triple Crown races are one of the most busiest and profitable times for online bookies.” explained Nate Johnson, Product Manager of PayPerHead.com. “Online bookies had a total of $139.2 million up for grabs last year. With recent legalization and an increased betting wave from across the country, online bookies are expected to make a record-breaking profit this year.”

The Triple Crown races are comprised of three races within the U.S, the Kentucky Derby, the Princess Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. In order to win the Triple Crown, a horse and jockey must win all three races. This makes the Triple Crown one of the most prestigious trophies in thoroughbred racing.

“Placing bets on the speculated Triple Crown trophy winner is one of the longest betting traditions in the U.S.” explained Johnson. “Last year, the sports betting industry saw hundreds of millions of dollars in bets placed on the Kentucky Derby alone. This year, we anticipate another record-breaking number due to factors like sports betting legalization.”

Throughout recent years, sports betting legalization has played a significant role in the growth of the sports betting industry. Even though placing bets on horse races has been legal for quite some time in the U.S, PayPerHead.com states that more Americans are becoming online bookies and starting their own businesses.

PayPerHead‘s online bookies can make up to $10,000 in their first month. As the stigma of online sports betting begins to disappear, PayPerHead sees an influx of new users from across the country.  With the Triple Crown races being one of the largest sports betting events of the year, PayPerHead online bookies have great potential to grow their current books and profit.

“The last horse to win the Triple Crown was American Pharoah in 2015. Currently, online bookies are predicting that Game Winner, War of Will, Signalman and Improbable have the closest chance to winning Triple Crown in 2019. If one of these top four thoroughbreds wins two of the three Triple Crown races, we can expect hundreds of millions in bets across the online bookie industry.”

Kentucky Derby Online Betting Releases Newest Media Poll

credit: Bill Brine

Kentucky Derby Online Betting (KDOB) recently unveiled the results of its latest media poll regarding the favorite picks for the eagerly anticipated 145th Run for the Roses. After a cancelled race at the San Felipe Stakes, and recent wins by contenders in Florida and the Gotham Stakes, this year’s race looks to be more robust and unpredictable than ever for betting enthusiasts.

KDOB is currently running an ongoing media poll to tally favorite horse picks leading up the first jewel of the Triple Crown. With the Tampa Bay and Gotham Stakes derby wins achieved by Tacitus and Haikal respectively, the top ten contenders for that media poll shifted somewhat, and now include:

  • Game Winner
  • Improbable
  • War of Will
  • Code of Honor
  • Bourbon War
  • Mucho Gusto
  • Tacitus
  • Country House
  • Hidden Scroll
  • Haikal

As the race on Saturday, May 4th at Churchill Downs rapidly approaches, KDOB maintains a comprehensive list of betting odds, with constant updates of those odds to reflect new information. The most popular betting platforms are presented in an easy and streamlined way, with the KDOB webpage prominently displaying bold links for the top-three-ranked racebooks. The website also offers extra tips to help gamers choose between racebooks by listing extra betting features and the overall popularity of each racebook.

Those looking to bet on the upcoming Kentucky Derby with Bitcoin and/or credit cards should take some time to familiarize themselves with the online racebooks available. Some racebooks do not offer Bitcoin bets at all, while others give signup bonuses for credit card use. Most bettors find that it pays to research a specific racebook choice ahead of time.

Some of the latest odds include Teeth of the Dog at 30/1; Danza, known to be a strong finisher, coming in at 25/1; and Tapiture at 20/1 odds, a strong bet for the top three who hails from the same camp as Bodemeister.

To see the entire list of media picks, and for all of the latest in Kentucky Derby betting odds, please visit https://www.kentucky-derby-online-betting.com/.