Thursday, March 11, 2010

“Bill seeks to bolster horse racing industry (WKYT Lexington)” plus 1 more

“Bill seeks to bolster horse racing industry (WKYT Lexington)” plus 1 more

Bill seeks to bolster horse racing industry (WKYT Lexington)

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 07:46 PM PST

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Lawmakers worried about preserving
Kentucky's horse capital status presented a plan Thursday that
offers a cash infusion to bolster the state's racing industry by
taxing Internet betting and allowing a new form of gambling on old
horse races.
The measure cleared the Senate State and Local Government
Committee on an 11-1 vote, signaling bipartisan backing to boost a
signature Kentucky industry, which some fear is falling behind as
tracks elsewhere have sweetened purses by offering casino-style
gaming.
The proposal offered by Sen. Damon Thayer would open Kentucky
race tracks to Instant Racing, a pari-mutuel-style game in which
gamblers bet on past races without knowing the names of the horses.
Money generated from a 1.5 percent fee on Instant Racing wagers
would flow into a fund meant to supplement race purses at Kentucky
tracks for Kentucky-bred horses.
Another key feature would impose a 1.5 percent tax on Internet
wagering of Kentucky horse races. The proposal seeks a share of the
money from the growing popularity of online and phone betting. That
revenue also would be directed to boost live racing in Kentucky.
Thayer, R-Georgetown, said the proposal was a way to offer broad
support for the industry - from the tracks to the horse owners,
breeders, trainers and jockeys.
The measure also would do away with the state's two-tiered
pari-mutuel taxing system for wagering at the tracks. Instead, it
would set a flat rate of 1.5 percent.
Sen. Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort, said the proposal would help
the industry, which he said has been hurt by "ridiculously low"
race purses. But he expressed doubts that it was enough.
"We're throwing them a life preserver, but I want to tell you I
don't think we're bringing them out of the water," Carroll said
during the committee hearing.
Thayer said he hoped the proposal could double the amount of
money flowing into the funds meant to help supplement purses for
Kentucky races.
Sen. Mike Reynolds, D-Bowling Green, cast the lone vote in
committee against the bill.
When asked afterward why he opposed the measure, he replied: "I
ran on the idea of no expanded gambling, and I vote that way."
Thayer said he considers Instant Racing another form of wagering
on horse racing.
Machines used for Instant Racing resemble video lottery
terminals, he said, but it's a pari-mutuel-based game. Betters can
scrutinize information about each horse's past performance, without
knowing its name, he said. Wagerers can place their bets based on
that information, or they can use other hunches.
"If you like the gray horse and the jockey has UK (University
of Kentucky) blue silks on, you can bet for that reason, too,"
Thayer said.
Thayer said Instant Racing has been a big success at Oaklawn
Park in Arkansas, where track officials credit the game with
helping generate millions in extra purse money for live racing.
Racing interests in Kentucky have been pushing for casino-style
games at horse tracks.
Last year, a measure to allow video gambling machines at the
tracks passed the House during a special session but died in the
Senate.
This year, expanded gambling has been a nonstarter, though Gov.
Steve Beshear included $780 million in his budget proposal that was
dependent upon legalizing video slot machines at race tracks.
The measure now heads to the full Senate. If it passes there, it
will return to the House, which will consider the changes made by
the Senate.
---
The legislation is House Bill 368.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Pitcairn Patter: Horse racing trots into town (The Times Express)

Posted: 11 Mar 2010 12:40 AM PST

No need to go to the Meadows. Horse racing is coming to Pitcairn this weekend.

Camp B will be holding its 18th annual Night at the Races in the Park Building on Saturday.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Post time is at 7.

Tickets are $10 and include free food, beer, pop and snacks. The event is BYOB.

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling Dan at 412-372-2017 or they will be available at the door.

Camp B provides a week of camping fun for area boys and proceeds from the event will help offset the cost. Come and enjoy all the fun of horse racing while supporting this great cause.

Baseball

There's still snow on the ground, but it's time to start thinking spring and that means baseball season is just around the corner!

The Pitcairn Baseball/ Softball Association will be holding sign-ups on Saturday at the borough building on Sixth Street from noon to 2 p.m.

This will be the final registration.

Alumni

Well, the snow fell and the Pitcairn High School Alumni had to cancel its February luncheon, but the group will try again this month.

They will meet at the Center Avenue United Methodist Church at noon on Tuesday for a "Soups On" lunch. Guests are asked to bring their favorite soup to share.

Auction

Tickets for the Woman's Club's "Saturday Nite at the Auction" on March 20 are going fast.

In addition to a buffet dinner that includes wine and beer, there will be more than 40 items to bid on, including restaurant certificates, theater tickets, children's items and more. Call 412-856-9055 or 412-856-7294 today for tickets.

Birthday

Sue Bogonovich's mom would like to wish her a very happy 40th birthday.

Sue will be celebrating her special day on Wednesday.

Fire hall

Are you looking for a place to hold your next party or event?

Fire Company No.1, off Broadway, can help. The hall is available to rent from Sunday through Friday. The organization also holds a bingo every Saturday at 7 p.m.

They play about 15 regular games and special and a progressive jackpot.

Cost is based on the number of cards played.

For information on renting the facility or the bingo, call Tom at 412-372-7040 or 412-628-4892.

St. Patrick's Day

Of course everyone is Irish on March 17!

So Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my readers!

May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always.

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