It seems everyone is in agreement that the addition of alternative gambling at Hoosier Park would be good for horse racing statewide.
But how bad would it be for the local track if the slot-machine bill — to be considered today by an Indiana Senate committee — fails?
“We’re struggling,” admitted Hoosier Park President Rick Moore. “It’s no secret that we’ve posted multi-million dollar losses the past several years. We’re planning on hanging on. But hanging on is not how businesses expand and industries become all that they can be.”
Anderson horse trainer and owner Ernie Gaskin put it even more bluntly.
“If it passes, I get to stay here,” said Gaskin. “Otherwise I’ve got to go. In a year or so I’ll be gone. It’s too good in too many places.”
Those places are in states where slot machines are allowed at the tracks and revenue has pushed purses up to the point where making a good living is much easier than it is in Indiana.
“I wanted my daughter Amanda to be able to graduate from Pendleton Heights,” said Gaskin. “She loves it there. But I don’t know.”
Is it likely that Hoosier Park would close its doors?
“Will we still be here? Yes,” said Moore. “Will it be tough times? Yes. It’s not a bright scenario. It’s not one I like to focus on. We need some help. I told the public policy committee we need your help and we need it right now.”
So the doors will likely stay open — but to what type of racing?
“I know I’ll be leaving, and I know a bunch of other horsemen who will be leaving too,” said Gaskin.
Already Hoosier Park has moved away from the stakes races that draw high-quality horses, trainers, owners, jockeys and drivers. The track has become a collecting point for claiming races, which are filled mostly with horses that owners are looking to sell.
There could come a time when Hoosier Park will feature the type of horses found at summer county fairs.
“I love the people who run the fair circuit,” said Gaskin. “I spent a lot of time there. It’s a great place to get a horse started. But it’s the triple A (compared) to the major leagues.”
Home News (ADS ONLY)
March 20, 2007
10:27 a.m. - If bill fails track will struggle to 'hang on'
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
