The Aga Khan's Zarkava, the unbeaten winner of the 2008 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) and that year's Cartier Horse of the Year, gave birth Feb. 6 to her first foal.
Dancing in Silks, winner of the 2009 Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), has been named California champion sprinter and older male by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Legislation that would allow New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos to accept wagers on sporting events will go before an Assembly panel the week of Feb. 8.
Location: Working on something very much like Deep Blue... but for horses.
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The following was written for me by a fellow horseplayer who is a HANA supporter. I agree 100% with every word:
An Open Letter to Los Alamitos Horseplayers
Last week HANA Pres Jeff Platt spoke at a CHRB meeting in opposition to a proposed 2% takeout increase at Los Alamitos. The CHRB Board, despite the evidence presented that an increase in takeout rates would have a negative impact on handle and revenues, decided to institute the raise. They also included a review process, where by the CHRB would from time to time review Los Alamitos handle numbers between now and Sept 8th, 2010, in order to monitor the effect of this takeout increase on handle.
If the handle numbers come back weak, and show that horseplayers are reacting negatively to this takeout increase, there is a high likelihood it will be rescinded. If the handle numbers come back unchanged, there is a high likelihood the takeout increase will be made permanent. It is also likely, in our opinion, that if Los Alamitos handle is strong, that other California tracks will follow suit with takeout raises of their own. We know this would have a very negative effect on you, as a horseplayer, and in return on California Racing as a whole.
You, as a Los Alamitos bettor, have a very big say in all of this. Each dollar bet at Los Alamitos is a vote for making the takeout increase permanent, and a vote towards seeing higher takeouts across California. Each dollar withheld from Los Alamitos is a vote towards rescinding this takeout increase, and discrediting the notion that racing's revenue problems can be solved by simply raising the price of an already overpriced product. You are in the enviable position to have a direct and measurable impact on the future of California racing, and to make a statement on behalf of horseplayers everywhere.
We ask you to consider these facts, and we trust that your actions and decisions will help to bring about a better and brighter future for this game.
Please pass this message on to fellow horseplayers everywhere.
