Florida
Horse Breeders: Slots Needed
Separated by miles of fence line,
some white and others brown, pastures that have
raised some of thoroughbred racing's greatest
horses stretch across Marion County while the
sport's next generation of stars grazes contentedly.
"…But
in the middle of this beauty, just beyond the
training centers, undulating hills and picturesque
barns, there is concern throughout the thoroughbred
industry. With thoroughbred racing revenues
fading, breeders are wrestling with a tough
choice: maintain farms at high expense to support
the industry they love, or sell their highly
valuable land and further erode breeding in
Florida.
"It
is, industry officials say, a dilemma they may
have avoided had state legislators implemented
guidelines and tax rates for Constitutional
Amendment 4, the Broward County measure approved
by voters in March legalizing slot machines
at four pari-mutuel venues.
"Without
slot machine revenue to stop plummeting purses
at Florida's racetracks, 'we're going to go
down pretty quick,' said Richard Hancock, executive
director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders'
and Owners' Association.
"…Hancock
thinks slot machines at Gulfstream Park and,
ultimately, Calder Race Course in Miami-Dade
County, could double thoroughbred purses. The
additional purse money would not only help boost
breeders awards but would bring new owners into
the game who are currently sitting on the sidelines
because the return on their investment is negligible…"
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