Letters To The Editor
Horse Racing
There’s hope in Washington
At a time of the year when many feel the need to give and be helpful to those less fortunate, I’d like to give the thoroughbred horse people in the state of Washington something: hope.
The Washington thoroughbred industry is going through a difficult transition since the sale of Longacres.
It is amazing how its participants have held together in light of the fact there is no live horse racing in the state’s population center, Western Washington.
Northwest Racing Associates is close to completing the necessary regulatory requirements and being allowed to start construction of a new track in Auburn. If the final few hurdles are overcome, there will be racing there in 1996. This will help the entire state, including Eastern Washington.
Although we have lost a lot of people since
the announcement of the sale of our main track in 1990, there are still 7,000 people licensed by the Washington Horse Racing Commission, including trainers, jockeys, grooms, veterinarians, clockers, exercise riders, clerks, computer operators and more.
There are still 16,000 acres devoted to the breeding and raising of thoroughbreds in our state, ranked eighth in foal production.
The economic impact of this industry is valued at more than $200 million and there are more than 2,000 employed at thoroughbred horse farms throughout the state.
Horse racing is such a beautiful sport/ industry. Environmentally friendly, nonpolluting and family oriented, it’s a heartwarming endeavor.
We’re close and can’t afford any more delays. Let’s hope our wish for expediency is answered and good news will be coming quickly from the Army Corps of Engineers so construction can begin in Auburn. Joe Laduca Editor, The Washington Horse Magazine, Seattle
All hands must work together
I’m writing this letter as I am very concerned about the future of a wonderful industry called “thoroughbred horse racing.”
This is not about who has the best racetrack, who gets the best racing dates or even who can make the most money. It is, however, about a multimillion-dollar industry, the loss of jobs, businesses and livelihoods such as farmers, feed and tack stores, breeding farms, training centers, etc.
I believe it is time for the Washington State Racing Commission, the HBPA, the Washington Horse Breeders Association and Emerald Racing Association to wise up and put aside personal ambitions and join together with Playfair and the horsemen of Eastern Washington to make some drastic changes to save this industry. It can’t wait; it has to be done before it’s too late.
We need across the state dual race meets with simulcasting and interstate simulcasting. State legislation has to be changed for horse racing to survive.
If Playfair Race Course is forced to close, it will be tragic, but it will be the tip of the iceberg. Horse racing in Washington will be history.
This industry needs help now! Playfair cannot run in the late fall and winter. We have to have summer racing to survive. Elizabeth Lindsey Spokane
Playfair shouldn’t have to beg
My concerns are about the decision of the Washington State Racing Commission concerning the racing dates awarded Playfair Race Course.
The racing commission’s chairperson just does not listen to the horsemen in Spokane. She seems to be controlled by the Emerald Racing Group. To me, this is corruption and should be looked into by someone.
Playfair Race Course is the only recognized privately owned race track in Washington at this time and should get some consideration and not have to fight over every little crumb it’s handed.
As a horse owner, I am very concerned about the survival of racing in Spokane. Dorothy E. Taylor Otis Orchards
xxxx Sports editor: Jeff Jordan Assistant sport editor: Joe Palmquist Outdoors editor: Rich Landers Columnist: John Blanchette Reporters: Steve Bergum, Kevin Blocker, Dave Boling, Chris Derrick, Greg Lee, Jim Meehan, Dave Trimmer, Mike Vlahovich, Dan Weaver Copy desk: Gil Hulse, Hilary Kraus, Geoff Pinnock, Mike Sando Stats desk: Kory Boatman, Katharine Kumangai Contributors: Rita Balock, Paul Delaney, Jim Price, Fenton Roskelley, Chuck Stewart, Ralph Walter.