By Nick Hahn
A work session held Thursday afternoon after the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) meeting could lead to an agreement between Colonial Downs and Virginia’s horsemen on the 2014 racing calendar. But it appears no deal will be presented to the Commission until at least mid-April.
Earlier in the week in Florida, Colonial Downs officials met with owner Jeff Jacobs, with VRC personnel present, likely to prepare a hybrid proposal of two slates of dates.
At its December meeting, the Virginia Racing Commission had awarded 25 days of racing in a five-day, five-week format that met opposition from the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA), the entity designated by the commission to represent horsemen. At a February meeting, the Commission suggested a meet that would offer 21 days of racing in a seven-week, three-day format that the VHPBA accepted but received no response from Colonial Downs.
Jim Weinberg, counsel for Colonial Downs, stated that discussion held in private would focus on the extension of the length of the meet (that is, weeks), the reduction of live racing days and an increase in average daily purses. In Thursday’s work session, Colonial presented three different scenarios to members of the VHPBA.
Specific details of the three scenarios as they were to be presented to the VHPBA board of directors are not known, but are “unlike any that have been performed in Virginia prior,” according to Frank Petramalo, the Executive Director of the VHPBA.
Sources suggest that some of the scenarios may involve fall racing and, logistically, could occur in 2014.
While not specifically mentioned, the possibility of a split meet — low-end in the summer, higher-end in the fall — may be on the table. A contentious item during the calendar impasse has been the profile of the meet. The VHBPA prefers a meet that is essentially similar to the typical Colonial Downs fare, with ample racing opportunities for lower-end maidens and claiming horses. Colonial, on the other hand, prefers a shortened, high-end, “boutique” meet with an emphasis on allowance and stakes racing.
Moreover, in past years, Jacobs, Colonial’s owner, has discussed the possibility of running a high-end fall meet on turf.
Another option previously discussed, at least by Colonial, has been the possibility of “stacking” harness and Thoroughbred racing days in a meet. The 25-day fall harness meet at Colonial Downs opens September 17th but with Colonial’s emphasis on turf racing and wide turf course, the possibility of stacking days exists. However, such an option would greatly reduce training options, suggesting that it could only work in limited circumstances.
Colonial Downs president Ian Stewart could not be reached prior to publication.
NOTES FROM THE COMMISSION
In business action taken by the commission, a limited license was issued to the Virginia Gold Cup for wagering on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd at the Virginia Gold Cup races held on May 3rd in The Plains, VA…
The commission also gave approval for pari-mutuel wagering on the Dogwood Classic races, largely steeplechase races, held Saturday, April 5th at Colonial Downs. Both parties agreed not to oppose the Commission approvals desired by the VHPBA for the Gold Cup and Colonial Downs for the Dogwood Classic.
Surprise, surprise! Guess what horse racing fans, you’ve just been hung out to dry for at least another two weeks. Not presenting any deal to the Racing Commission until at least mid-April. Are you kidding me??? It’s already been two freaking months! Charlestown, Laurel Park and Pimlico get ready for even more business. At this point, does anyone even care if racing ceases to exist in Virginia?
Don’t forget PETA is Headquartered just a few miles away from Colonial Downs in Norfolk and PETA has vowed to end horse racing in Virginia. Looks like they have nearly accomplished that. PETA has managed to create an atmosphere in the Legislature where the politicians wish horse racing would just go away.
It intrigues me that Jacobs believes he can establish CLN racing as a boutique meet like Keenland and Saratoga, or Kentucky Downs and Atlantic City. What does he think ever got the VA Derby to it’s present respected status? Seems to me it was plenty of low level grass races with fields of 12 to 14 horeses that players all over the country loved to bet on. That went away about 4 or 5 years back somehow or another.
This is really getting ridiculous.
As much as I love horse racing,interest in supporting Colonial Downs,(as I have done since it opened)is in a decline.
West Virginia will be collecting the majority of my cash.
Hard to believe the Kentucky Derby is officially one month away and there is still no wagering at Colonial Downs. As these knuckleheads with Colonial Downs and the Horsemen continue to jerk around fans, employees, bettors and other interests, we have now lost most if not all of the Derby-prep season. Oh by the way, this weekend is the Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, the Ashland and the Carter Handicap. I’m told Charlestown is already loading up for Derby Day at 800-795-7001. Racing is a lost cause in Virginia and nobody seems to care!