Headlines for January 19th

Wagering down, purses up in 2007. With all that technology going for them, the racing industry should hang their head in shame. Racing execs have failed to attract new bettors, and that is because they are stuck in the stone ages when it comes to track takeouts. Slots are the only thing that is saving the industry, and it might just be a quick fix.

Baymount to maintain Belleville track in 2008 for training. Racing is expected to resume in 2009 at a brand new Racino.

HPBA and Woodbine extend contract three years.
The HBPA of Ontario represents more than 2,500 owners and trainers in the province. It also holds the contract at Fort Erie Race Track & Slots.

'Woodbine’s 2008 meet of 167 days runs from April 5-Dec. 7. Fort Erie is scheduled to race 80 days from May 3-Oct. 28.

Woodbine and the horsemen’s group, like others in North America, are attempting to generate more revenue from pari-mutuel handle. Woodbine and the HBPA of Ontario split 20% of revenue from province-authorized slot machines.

In 2007, Woodbine raced 169 days and offered $85.6 million in purses, an average of $506,482 per day, according to The Jockey Club Information Services. In 2006, for 162 days of Thoroughbred racing, the Toronto-area track paid $75.2 million in purses, an average of $464,327 per program.

Fort Erie last year raced 84 days. Total purses were $8.7 million and the daily average $104,419. In 2006, the border track raced 101 days with total purses of $12 million (a daily average of $119,601).'

0 for 123, harness mare JR Phoenix is due for a victory.

Former Magna Exec, Frank Orr, wins judgment against Magna

NTRA organizing Horseplayers' Coalition
The first thing they need to do in America is cut the withholding tax. The second thing is to force a much lower track takeout.

FOOTBALL PICKS

I like Green Bay to crunch the Giants and New England should blow out San Diego.