The Daily Racing Form, an international publication devoted to horse racing, reports that Florida horsemen and breeders are wary of a new petition by Gulfstream Park to increase the number of slot machines at its facilities without negotiating an agreement with the proper trade association.
Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After Racing Program (GPTARP) is asking the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to clarify whether, under state law, the park must negotiate an agreement with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association before petitioning to be allowed to install more slots.
The Form reports the track presently operates 860 machines, more than 1,100 fewer than it is permitted; GPTARP is asking to be allowed to install up to 4,000.
Tim Ritvo, general manager of Gulfstream Park, told the Form that horsemen have no reason to fear the plans of GPTARP, because under a contract agreed to earlier this year they are guaranteed a share of any revenue from slot machines if we exercise the permit.
A press release from the Florida Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association posed the question, So why is GPTARP seeking clarification of the statute regarding the requirement to have an agreement with horsemen and breeders?
Asked the same thing by the Daily Racing Form, Ritvo responded: I have no idea. ... Thats a question for [lobbyist] Marc [Dunbar]. Lawyers have a different way of looking at things than you and me, you know?
Matt Hegarty of the Daily Racing Form reports here.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at (954) 235-9116.
