Simulcast Bill Would Benefit Playfair Larger Split Of Wagers At Emerald Downs Possible

Playfair Race Course could resume operation as an expanded simulcast wagering site before the end of the month, the track’s director of racing said Monday.

Depending on the fate of the simulcast wagering bill that awaits action in the state Senate, the Spokane track may be offering wagering on races at Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields, Calder Race Course and Emerald Downs within the next two weeks, Ted Martin said.

It’s not “economically feasible” for Playfair to serve as a satellite site for Emerald Downs under existing contract stipulations, Martin said. But passage of the bill would increase the Spokane track’s split of the wagering dollar on Emerald’s program, Martin said.

Offering Emerald Downs races would be a marketing plus for Playfair. The Greyhound Park in Post Falls - which carries full-card simulcast wagering on every major track in New York, Florida, Kentucky and California - can’t take races from Washington tracks.

Greyhound Park manager Don Gross said the Post Falls facility expects to lose some business when Washington becomes the last state with a thoroughbred racing and breeding industry to adopt full-card simulcast wagering legislation.

“But we think we can stand the hit,” Gross said. “We’ve been prepared for it.”

Among the attractions this week at Greyhound Park is Thursday’s opening of Lone Star Park, the $110 million, so-called Palace on the Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Martin said Playfair may carry Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa, because of local ties. Some horsemen and riders, including 1995 jockey champion Jason Eads, who raced here, have moved to the Midwest, Martin said.

“We’re looking into contracts (with California and Florida) now, anticipating the (simulcast) bill will go into effect before the end of April,” Martin said.

The track is on target to open its on-site racing program Aug. 13, Martin added.

The licensees - Stan Horton, Dave Martin and Dave Blankenship, the Playfair Racing Inc. partnership known as Old Playfair - are prepared to operate a 52-day meet from Aug. 13 through November, Martin said.

Although it is shorter than the 66 days originally announced, Martin said Playfair still is scheduled to send its races to state off-track sites in October and November.

, DataTimes