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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019
by: Valerie Mellema
Here's your weekly news update for the world of horse racing!
Vice President of Gulfstream Park Bill Badgett Resigns
After working for the Stronach Group five years, Bill Badgett, VP of Gulfstream Park has announced his resignation effective at the end of September. Badget stated that "he just needed a little bit of a break after going seven days a week, 365 days a year." While he has received several offers, he has not decided on where he will go next and is going to take some time off before deciding. He thanked the Stronach Group owners Frank and Belinda as well as executive Tim Ritvo.
Lawsuit Filed by Owners Unable to Compete in All American Futurity
A Texas horse owner and trainer have sued in U.S. District Court alleging their rights to due process were violated due to the New Mexico Racing Commission failing to follow their own policies and regulations. The complaint states that the Commission allowed horses belonging to a suspended trainer for suspicion of illegal drugging to compete under other trainers. The plaintiffs state that this caused them to miss the opportunity to compete in the recent All American Futurity, as the transferred horses were allowed to run and place in trials for the race.
Georgia Lawmakers Renew Considerations of Legal Gambling
While Georgia does have the state lottery, lawmakers are hoping to legalize horse racing, casinos, and sports betting. A proposal to legalize horse racing stalled in the state Senate earlier this year, but Senator Brandon Beach is still interested in pursuing the issue due to a recent Supreme Court decision allowing sports betting. The current state lottery is used to fund Georgia's Pre-K program as well as the HOPE Scholarship. Beach sees this as an opportunity to help drive revenue to fund these programs as well and sees potential revenue leaving the state as residents cross state lines to gamble. He believes that the voters would pass any constitutional amendment on gaming by 70% of the vote. Currently, the governor does not support casinos, but a constitutional amendment legalizing horse racing and casinos doesn't require his signature.
Preservationist in Number 3 Spot for Breeders' Cup Classic Rankings
After winning the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga, PRESERVATIONIST moved up to number 3 in the BC Classic rankings, where MCKINZIE still holds the top spot.
Knicks Go to Louisiana Downs for Super Derby
Despite not having a win in 5 starts this year, KNICKS GO, winner of the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1) and second-place finisher in the BC Juvenile has shipped to Louisiana Downs for Saturday's $300,000 Super Derby.
Del Mar's 80th Season Injury Free
Del Mar concluded its 80th summer meet with no equine casualties for the second consecutive year. The track credits this success to introducing a series of comprehensive safety programs they implemented in 2017. This included pre-race veterinary observation and an independent panel of veterinarians and racing officials, which reviewed all horses prior to racing. There was not a single serious injury during the summer meet. The Jockey Club's Equine Injury Database ranked Del Mar number one as the safest track in the United States.
Have a great week!
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