By Kent Baker
 
Is Maryland thoroughbred racing destined for minor-league status -- or worse?

As live action prepares to shift back to the state from Virginia next week, a venerable tradition that dates to pre-Revolutionary War days is being threatened by declines in betting, cutbacks in purse monies, the possible loss of precious racing dates and increasing pressure applied by surrounding states whose offerings for races run under identical conditions continue to outstrip Maryland's because of slots-driven revenues.

The Maryland Jockey Club has been forced to make across-the-board cuts in nearly every rave through 2007.  (Mitch Stringer/PressBox)

Particularly worrisome to the industry is the planned installation of 60,000 slot machines in neighboring Pennsylvania. That means the Maryland industry now sits in the center of a horseshoe comprised of competitors on the east (Delaware), north (Pennsylvania) and west (West Virginia) with a massive additional source of finances to bolster purses.

"They'll all be up and running in about two years, and that's going to be a colossus up there," said Mike Pons, the operator of Country Life Farm, one of Maryland's major breeding centers.

Unless trends change and there is an unanticipated spike in wagering or the state government provides aid, an estimated 25,000 people directly or indirectly associated with the horse industry -- from track employees, owners, trainers and jockeys to veterinarians and farriers, breeders, farmers, hay, straw and food suppliers, hot walkers, grooms and exercise riders -- will be adversely affected.

"It's just unfortunately part of the economic reality," said Joe De Francis, chief executive officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. "As [former Jockey Club executive] Tim Capps said, 'We're dying by a thousand razor cuts.'"

In June, the Jockey Club announced cuts totaling $3 million from its fall budget after projected intake fell far short despite another highly successful Preakness Day, the foundation for the entire program. Meetings between track officials and a committee representing horsemen resulted in across-the-board cuts in nearly every race through 2007 and later the loss of 11 stakes races and a reduction of $50,000 in the purses of three other stakes, among them the Grade I Frank J. De Francis Dash.

Earlier this year, the track canceled the $500,000 Pimlico Special in an effort to save money.

"Something had to give," said trainer Katy Voss, a member of the horsemen's board. "We were going to be overpaid by the end of the year. Some people don't agree with us [advocates to slice days instead of purses]. The track wanted to give up the little summer meet [at Laurel]. Nobody is happy, but I think everybody understands. We're in big trouble and racing is going to hell unless something changes."

The dean of Maryland trainers, King Leatherbury, said the 200-plus trainers stabled here feel loyalty to the state, but admit there are problems.

“You have to run at Delaware and Charles Town and other places to protect the owners footing the bills,” said Leatherbury. “This [cutting back] has already damaged the breeding industry and what you'll see at the tracks will be short fields and less betting. One thing leads to another."

Decreasing purses were regarded as the lesser of two evils since preserving a full-time racing schedule is of paramount importance in terms of national status.

"You want to keep as close to a year-round economy as possible," said Wayne Wright, executive director of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "The less you ship, the better it is. Our people would rather race here, and we don't want to become a part-time industry."

The Maryland Horse Breeders Association quickly followed suit, decreasing the bonuses paid to Maryland-breds who win at state tracks, monies awarded to the horse's breeder and owner of the victor's sire.

"We only have so much money, and we have to spend it wisely," said Crickett Goodall, executive director of the MHBA. "Now, you have to work with projections."

Goodall said the state's breeders are hanging in the game despite the current climate, retaining their farms in hope of better days. But, despite a strong stable of stallions, more mares are being sent elsewhere to foal, and some breeders are opening satellite operations in other states or instituting alternative revenue sources.

"The waterhole is getting smaller," Pons said. "Maryland's position is falling, but on the other hand, it's never been this strong for purses in the whole mid-Atlantic area. You have to change your focus to that. It's tougher than ever, and we've had to be more resourceful than ever."

The "razor cuts" translate into a slow erosion. Tony Dutrow, a prominent trainer, moved to Pennsylvania. Graham Motion left Pimlico for Fair Hill's posh accommodations and easier access to Delaware, New Jersey and New York tracks. Tim Ritchey, who trained Afleet Alex, now accents the same northern areas after previously stabling locally.

More top names are splitting stables and sending horses to Florida for the winter, including Dale Capuano and Mike Trombetta.

"If things continue to deteriorate, you'll have more and more leaving here," said Wright. "And, usually, people don't come back."

Lou Raffetto, president of the Jockey Club, said if the state's General Assembly does not conduct a special session this fall, they will have to cut winter dates at Laurel and then limit racing to four days a week there.

If financial help is not forthcoming, Maryland would slip to "what Charles Town and Delaware used to be, third-tier tracks," Raffetto said. "Maryland has never been that type of racing state. I don't think people want to be associated with that level. We try not to think like that." 

No one relishes the idea of becoming minor league.

Next Week -- Part II: What are the chances of financial assistance?  

Issue 2.31: August 2, 2007