Page 101 - 18 January 2013

2012 A YEAR IN REVIEW
April 26
Kansas horsemen rally at the state capitol in support of SB- 241, the Kansas Agricultural Opportunity Act, which would make it economically feasible for racetracks to reopen in the state.
April 26
Pinnacle Entertainment,
Inc. announces it has entered into agreements that would result in the Company securing a 75.5% equity stake in Retama Partners, Ltd.,
the owner of the racing license for Retama Park. Pinnacle also owns River Downs in Ohio.
May 12
May 4
Canterbury Park announces Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has signed legislation that will increase the company’s flexibility to operate its card room which should lead
to increased revenues, as well as increased purses for live races.
Les Bois Park and Idabet.com enter into an agreement to feature the Les Bois races on Idabet.com’s multi-platform website, with wagering and live video available. Idabet.com,
an Idaho-based online betting service, offered players an 8% cash bonus on select Les Bois wagers to promote the track’s races online.
May 17
Boyd Gaming Corp., the parent company of Delta Downs
in Vinton, Louisiana, enters into an agreement to purchase Peninsula Gaming LLC, whose holdings include Evangeline Downs, in Opelousas, Louisiana. The $1.45 million deal also includes Kansas
Star Casino near Wichita, Kansas; Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa; Diamond Jo Worth in Northwood, Iowa; and Amelia Belle Casino in Amelia, Louisiana. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.
May 5
The two-day meet at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Sonoita, Arizona, is saved thanks to a fundraiser organized by artist Deborah Fellows. Local citizens and horsemen raised money for purses and other expenses needed to conduct the races.
April 27
May 8
SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, reduces the number of races per day
from 11 to nine following
an agreement with the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association. Racetrack management cited reduced casino revenues for the reduction in races, and also cut purses on most of the remaining stakes races by $10,000.
May 17
The Oregon Racing Commission adopts a temporary rule to lower the threshold levels for clenbuterol in blood from 25 picograms to 2 picograms for all horses racing in the state.
May 18
Canterbury Park lowers the takeout rates on all Pick 3 and Pick 4 wagers to 14%, making them among the lowest in North America.
May 18
The American Quarter Horse Association launches a web-based New Ownership Guide designed to provide
a friendly and practical introduction to the industry,
and to let prospective owners understand what their responsibilities and rewards will be. The New Ownership Guide can be found at aqha.com/racingownership.
May 18
The Oregon Racing Commission limits the thresholds for clenbuterol to 2pg/ml in blood for all horses racing in Oregon. The amendment closely follows AQHA recommendations for clenbuterol use, including an approximate withdrawal time of 30 days.
The Florida Supreme Court dismisses a case that had been blocking Hialeah Park from installing slot machines. Track management express their desire to open a racino during the 2012- 2013 Quarter Horse meet. The amendments increase the limits on the number of tables allowed in a card room, increases the poker bet limit, and removes limits on the number of poker tournaments that can be conducted.
May 5
Walter and Carolyn Bay, owners of World Champion Cold Cash 123, receives a Certificate of Recognition
from the state of Michigan for their work in the Quarter Horse industry. State Representative Joel Johnson presented the couple with a plaque during a ceremony at Mt. Pleasant Meadows.
May
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