he Massachusetts House of Representatives voted April 5 to defeat a proposal adding 8,000 slot machines to the state's four racetracks, one of which is Suffolk Downs, the historic Thoroughbred facility in East Boston.
By vote of 110-55, the House killed a bill that met approval in the Senate (26-9) last fall. Any measure of the kind was facing a veto stamp from likely 2008 presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney if it were to gain passage in both bodies.
6 April 2006
US INTERNET BILL QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF INTERSTATE BETTING
'As Congress continues to haggle over the scope and objective of the proposed Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, the racing industry again finds itself in disagreement with the Department of Justice over whether interstate simulcasts are legal under the federal law.
During an April 5 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., questions often turned to the racing industry and whether it has a carve-out in the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, which would target use of credit cards for Internet gambling but not expressly ban it. Lawmakers said they are somewhat confused by the legislation, in part because pari-mutuel wagering is governed by other laws.'.............
'Bruce Ohr, chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, said the views existing criminal statutes as "prohibiting the interstate transmission of bets or wagers, including wagers on horse races." He said the department is "currently undertaking a civil investigation relating to a potential violation of law regarding this activity," but offered no details.'
More from Drf:
Officials for the Justice Department have argued over the past six years that interstate wagering on horse races is illegal, but the department has never acknowledged an investigation into the horse racing industry's practices. Ohr also said during his remarks that the Justice Department is concerned about the potential for fraud, money laundering, and the involvement of organized crime in Internet wagering, citing specifically a recent indictment of 17 individuals for operating an illegal gambling ring that bet $200 million on horse races over four years through five rebate shops.
During an April 5 hearing before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., questions often turned to the racing industry and whether it has a carve-out in the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, which would target use of credit cards for Internet gambling but not expressly ban it. Lawmakers said they are somewhat confused by the legislation, in part because pari-mutuel wagering is governed by other laws.'.............
'Bruce Ohr, chief of the Organized Crime and Racketeering Section in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, said the views existing criminal statutes as "prohibiting the interstate transmission of bets or wagers, including wagers on horse races." He said the department is "currently undertaking a civil investigation relating to a potential violation of law regarding this activity," but offered no details.'
More from Drf:
Officials for the Justice Department have argued over the past six years that interstate wagering on horse races is illegal, but the department has never acknowledged an investigation into the horse racing industry's practices. Ohr also said during his remarks that the Justice Department is concerned about the potential for fraud, money laundering, and the involvement of organized crime in Internet wagering, citing specifically a recent indictment of 17 individuals for operating an illegal gambling ring that bet $200 million on horse races over four years through five rebate shops.
Shareholder complaining about GCG deal
A U.S. shareholder has complained that Great Canadian Gaming Corp., Canada's largest casino operator, issued stock at steeply discounted prices to chief executive officer Ross McLeod.
In a letter to the Toronto Stock Exchange, Highfields Capital Management said the proposed sale of units in a recent private placement amounted to what it said is "one of the most extraordinary transfers of wealth to a public company insider that we have ever seen."
Boston-based Highfields Capital is referring to Great Canadian's recent move to avoid a breach of its debt covenants by raising $80-million in a private equity placement that included a $50-million contribution from Mr. McLeod.
Under the terms of the placement, Great Canadian said last week it was going to sell 6.2 million units comprising one share and one warrant for $12.89 each.
Of that amount, 3.8 million units went to Mr. McLeod, who made the purchase through a newly formed corporation.
"We believe that this self-dealing transaction is being undertaken in violation of TSX rules regarding pricing and authorization of private placements and may raise questions regarding TSX rules on related party transactions," Highfields said the letter to the TSX.
In a letter to the Toronto Stock Exchange, Highfields Capital Management said the proposed sale of units in a recent private placement amounted to what it said is "one of the most extraordinary transfers of wealth to a public company insider that we have ever seen."
Boston-based Highfields Capital is referring to Great Canadian's recent move to avoid a breach of its debt covenants by raising $80-million in a private equity placement that included a $50-million contribution from Mr. McLeod.
Under the terms of the placement, Great Canadian said last week it was going to sell 6.2 million units comprising one share and one warrant for $12.89 each.
Of that amount, 3.8 million units went to Mr. McLeod, who made the purchase through a newly formed corporation.
"We believe that this self-dealing transaction is being undertaken in violation of TSX rules regarding pricing and authorization of private placements and may raise questions regarding TSX rules on related party transactions," Highfields said the letter to the TSX.
Ammendment to Border Crossing Requirments
04/05/2006
Amendment lessens need for passports to cross border
Schumer's proposal would maintain some spontaneous travel
By DAN HEATH, Staff Writer
PLATTSBURGH -- An amendment introduced in the Senate would require the Department of Homeland Security to create a free day pass for U.S. citizens to cross the Canadian border and return within 24 hours without a passport.
The legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, would amend the Securing America's Borders Act. One section of that act calls for the use of biometric data, secure cross-border documents and other security enhancements.
"Nothing is more important than securing our borders. But, we must also protect cross-border commerce and tourism," Schumer said in a press release.
"This day pass would allow for spontaneous travel, so people in western and northern New York can continue to take advantage of services, shops and work on the other side of the border."
The passport requirement stems from the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, proposed by the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security. Slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2008, it would require passports or other department-approved documentation, such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, for all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda, including U.S. citizens.
One alternative document being discussed is being called the PASS card. As proposed, it would still cost almost $50 and take a similar amount of time to obtain -- four to six weeks -- as a passport, the press release stated.
The Senate amendment would allow children under the age of 18 to travel to Canada and return without a passport if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Schumer said the amendment would allow school groups and families with large numbers of children to continue crossing the border for educational or recreational purposes without spending the money for passports.
In addition, the amendment mandates that any passport-alternative border-crossing documents cost no more than $20.
Applications for the day pass would be filled out at any U.S. Port of Entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. The applicant would be required to certify there was not enough time to apply for a passport before the trip.
The amendment was sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and co-sponsored by Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) and Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), all representing border states.
Amendment lessens need for passports to cross border
Schumer's proposal would maintain some spontaneous travel
By DAN HEATH, Staff Writer
PLATTSBURGH -- An amendment introduced in the Senate would require the Department of Homeland Security to create a free day pass for U.S. citizens to cross the Canadian border and return within 24 hours without a passport.
The legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, would amend the Securing America's Borders Act. One section of that act calls for the use of biometric data, secure cross-border documents and other security enhancements.
"Nothing is more important than securing our borders. But, we must also protect cross-border commerce and tourism," Schumer said in a press release.
"This day pass would allow for spontaneous travel, so people in western and northern New York can continue to take advantage of services, shops and work on the other side of the border."
The passport requirement stems from the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, proposed by the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security. Slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2008, it would require passports or other department-approved documentation, such as NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, for all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda, including U.S. citizens.
One alternative document being discussed is being called the PASS card. As proposed, it would still cost almost $50 and take a similar amount of time to obtain -- four to six weeks -- as a passport, the press release stated.
The Senate amendment would allow children under the age of 18 to travel to Canada and return without a passport if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Schumer said the amendment would allow school groups and families with large numbers of children to continue crossing the border for educational or recreational purposes without spending the money for passports.
In addition, the amendment mandates that any passport-alternative border-crossing documents cost no more than $20.
Applications for the day pass would be filled out at any U.S. Port of Entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. The applicant would be required to certify there was not enough time to apply for a passport before the trip.
The amendment was sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and co-sponsored by Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) and Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.), all representing border states.
5 April 2006
Headlines for April 5th
Immigration law might affect horse racing in US.
Magna loses $51 million land sale, at least for now.
Gateway Casinos Buys Casino
4 April 2006
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – As reported by the Canadian Press: "Gateway Casinos Income Fund (TSX:GCI.UN) has signed a deal to buy a hotel and casino in suburban Vancouver for $106.3 million in cash and units.
"The Vancouver-based casino fund said Monday it will buy the Cascades Langley Casino and Hotel for $32.6 million in cash and 4.7 million units of the fund.
"Gateway also said it planned to increase its monthly distribution to unitholders by 0.45 cents per unit to 11.95 cents per unit per month after the deal closes.
"…The fund said the cash portion of the deal would be funded by a $35-million offering of 5.35 per cent extendible convertible debentures.
"…The casino, which opened in May 2005, includes 530 slot machines, 24 table games and an eight-table poker room as well as a 420-seat theatre. The hotel and convention centre has 77 rooms and a 25,000-square-foot convention centre…"
ONE WINNER LAST NIGHT FOR WOODBINES PICK 7: $383,154.90 PAYOFF.
Candadian Horse Racing Marketing Workshop starts today.
Magna loses $51 million land sale, at least for now.
Gateway Casinos Buys Casino
4 April 2006
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – As reported by the Canadian Press: "Gateway Casinos Income Fund (TSX:GCI.UN) has signed a deal to buy a hotel and casino in suburban Vancouver for $106.3 million in cash and units.
"The Vancouver-based casino fund said Monday it will buy the Cascades Langley Casino and Hotel for $32.6 million in cash and 4.7 million units of the fund.
"Gateway also said it planned to increase its monthly distribution to unitholders by 0.45 cents per unit to 11.95 cents per unit per month after the deal closes.
"…The fund said the cash portion of the deal would be funded by a $35-million offering of 5.35 per cent extendible convertible debentures.
"…The casino, which opened in May 2005, includes 530 slot machines, 24 table games and an eight-table poker room as well as a 420-seat theatre. The hotel and convention centre has 77 rooms and a 25,000-square-foot convention centre…"
ONE WINNER LAST NIGHT FOR WOODBINES PICK 7: $383,154.90 PAYOFF.
Candadian Horse Racing Marketing Workshop starts today.
4 April 2006
New Jersey Arrests Update
The New Jersey State Police has announced further details about a raid on the Seldon Ledford Stable and other locations, and the arrest of driver Eric Ledford and several other persons this past Friday, in connection with the execution of one dozen search warrants.
The Police, in a news release, said that unspecified quantities of drugs, including EPO (Erythropoietin), were seized during the search of the home of Ryan and Ardena Dailey, employees of trainer Seldon Ledford.
Aranesp, a potent, long-lasting form of Erythropoietin (EPO) and other schedule II and III narcotics were among the items seized. EPO helps red blood cells carry more oxygen to the muscles. Aranesp, the release said, does not produce antibodies in the horse’s bloodstream, and is said to be undetectable with current post-race antibody tests. The use of all forms of EPO is currently banned in horseracing.
The Police also froze the assets of a veterinarian John R. Witmer, 68, of Freehold, N.J., who was among those arrested on Friday and charged with conspiracy to rig a publicly exhibited contest.
Witmer’s bank accounts and assets, the release said, were valued at approximately $1 million, and the value of pharmaceutical items seized from Witmer was estimated to be in excess of $150,000.
Chris McErlean, vice president of racing operations at the Meadowlands, was quoted as saying “the Meadowlands is extremely concerned with the integrity of our races and the entire horse racing industry. The expectation of fairness in our racing and its results is our lifeblood.
“The New Jersey racetracks and horsemen pay over $2.7 million per year to the New Jersey Racing Commission to conduct drug testing, the Meadowlands is the largest contributor to a private investigative arm that works in the Standardbred industry (Standardbred Investigative Services), and we have been a leading proponent of detention barns -- requiring horses to be in a secured barn area, supervised by the Meadowlands, 24 hours prior to a race.
The Police, in a news release, said that unspecified quantities of drugs, including EPO (Erythropoietin), were seized during the search of the home of Ryan and Ardena Dailey, employees of trainer Seldon Ledford.
Aranesp, a potent, long-lasting form of Erythropoietin (EPO) and other schedule II and III narcotics were among the items seized. EPO helps red blood cells carry more oxygen to the muscles. Aranesp, the release said, does not produce antibodies in the horse’s bloodstream, and is said to be undetectable with current post-race antibody tests. The use of all forms of EPO is currently banned in horseracing.
The Police also froze the assets of a veterinarian John R. Witmer, 68, of Freehold, N.J., who was among those arrested on Friday and charged with conspiracy to rig a publicly exhibited contest.
Witmer’s bank accounts and assets, the release said, were valued at approximately $1 million, and the value of pharmaceutical items seized from Witmer was estimated to be in excess of $150,000.
Chris McErlean, vice president of racing operations at the Meadowlands, was quoted as saying “the Meadowlands is extremely concerned with the integrity of our races and the entire horse racing industry. The expectation of fairness in our racing and its results is our lifeblood.
“The New Jersey racetracks and horsemen pay over $2.7 million per year to the New Jersey Racing Commission to conduct drug testing, the Meadowlands is the largest contributor to a private investigative arm that works in the Standardbred industry (Standardbred Investigative Services), and we have been a leading proponent of detention barns -- requiring horses to be in a secured barn area, supervised by the Meadowlands, 24 hours prior to a race.
3 April 2006
SUPER SEVEN POOL COULD REACH HALF A MILLION WOODBINE ON TUESDAY
WOODBINE PICK 7 CARRYOVER AT $274,699.82
The carryover for Woodbine's Pick 7 wager sits at $274,699.82 heading into the Tuesday, April 4 programme at the Toronto oval.
On Monday evening, bettors who correctly selected six of the seven winners from races three through nine were rewarded with a $1,484.55 payoff, but no one swept the wager, which could approach $500,000 on Tuesday.
A total of $161,387 was bet into the Pick 7 pool on Monday.
The carryover for Woodbine's Pick 7 wager sits at $274,699.82 heading into the Tuesday, April 4 programme at the Toronto oval.
On Monday evening, bettors who correctly selected six of the seven winners from races three through nine were rewarded with a $1,484.55 payoff, but no one swept the wager, which could approach $500,000 on Tuesday.
A total of $161,387 was bet into the Pick 7 pool on Monday.
2 April 2006
WOODBINE HARNESS PICK 7 POOL OVER $175,000 FOR MONDAY
Here are some picks for todays card of thoroughbreds at Woodbine in the meantime:
In race 2, Everblazing should have an easy time of it.
In the 6th race, the exactor of Abounding Truth and Search the Church has a good shot of coming in.
In the 9th race Fleet Storm should hit the board fresh off a second in Tampa Bay.
In race 2, Everblazing should have an easy time of it.
In the 6th race, the exactor of Abounding Truth and Search the Church has a good shot of coming in.
In the 9th race Fleet Storm should hit the board fresh off a second in Tampa Bay.
Blood Doping, Improve Times by 2 seconds?
One blogger brought up Sheldon Ledford's unually high winning percentage back in early February suspecting something was fishy.
Now with the sweep a couple of days ago, more is coming out:
'The State Police's horse racing squad leveled charges yesterday that something more sinister was behind the rise: illegal blood doping that improved the horses' times by two seconds or more.
State troopers arrested Ledford's son, Eric, a top driver at the Meadowlands who won the famed Hambletonian in 2002. Eric Ledford was arrested in the drivers' room at the Meadowlands before last night's races, Detective Sgt. William Shurts said.
Earlier in the day, State Police arrested a veterinarian and a trainer who work for Ledford, along with the trainer's wife, on charges they rigged races by giving horses endurance-enhancing drugs that made them run faster.
No charges have been filed against Seldon Ledford although the investigation is continuing, said Lt. John Zulawski, who is in charge of the horse racing squad.
Troopers seized significant quantities of the banned drug Aranesp from the homes of veterinarian John Witmer and trainer Ryan Dailey, said state Deputy Attorney General Christine D'Elia. She said they also confiscated suspicious liquids and syringes from Showplace Farms in Englishtown, where Ledford Racing rents stable space.
"They were doping horses with a foreign substance to make them win races," Zulawski said. "It's a detriment to the horse racing industry."'
***I'm suspect of any trainer who wins over 22% of his races in either harness or thoroughbred racing. Whenever money is involved, there is always someone out to beat the system.
Now with the sweep a couple of days ago, more is coming out:
'The State Police's horse racing squad leveled charges yesterday that something more sinister was behind the rise: illegal blood doping that improved the horses' times by two seconds or more.
State troopers arrested Ledford's son, Eric, a top driver at the Meadowlands who won the famed Hambletonian in 2002. Eric Ledford was arrested in the drivers' room at the Meadowlands before last night's races, Detective Sgt. William Shurts said.
Earlier in the day, State Police arrested a veterinarian and a trainer who work for Ledford, along with the trainer's wife, on charges they rigged races by giving horses endurance-enhancing drugs that made them run faster.
No charges have been filed against Seldon Ledford although the investigation is continuing, said Lt. John Zulawski, who is in charge of the horse racing squad.
Troopers seized significant quantities of the banned drug Aranesp from the homes of veterinarian John Witmer and trainer Ryan Dailey, said state Deputy Attorney General Christine D'Elia. She said they also confiscated suspicious liquids and syringes from Showplace Farms in Englishtown, where Ledford Racing rents stable space.
"They were doping horses with a foreign substance to make them win races," Zulawski said. "It's a detriment to the horse racing industry."'
***I'm suspect of any trainer who wins over 22% of his races in either harness or thoroughbred racing. Whenever money is involved, there is always someone out to beat the system.
1 April 2006
WOODBINE THOROUGHBED SEASON OPENS TODAY
Race horses have a universal birthdate of January 1st, for horseplayers it is April Ist.
Woodbine has introduced wireless betting:
'Originally scheduled to launch last summer but delayed while Woodbine fine-tuned its wireless network, the new technology was approved by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency late last year.
"We tested it with a group of customers for the past four months, wagering with real dollars," said Andrew Macdonald, who spent roughly two years on the wireless wagering project and recently was promoted to vice president, marketing and customer communications, for Woodbine.'
Two new officials appointed
The ORC has hired a new Thoroughbred steward in Fenton Platts, who was Woodbine's paddock judge last year. Platts, brother of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame jockey Robin Platts, replaces Ivan McHutchion, who retired last fall.
Harold Fortune, the head valet in the jockeys' room and the backup paddock judge at Fort Erie, replaces Platts as paddock judge.
And now for a few picks for opening day:
I'm A Kipper might just upset in Race 1.
Easy exactor in the 9th: Judiths Wild Rush and Danieltown. It won't pay much though.
And Carabineer should win the finale.
Woodbine has introduced wireless betting:
'Originally scheduled to launch last summer but delayed while Woodbine fine-tuned its wireless network, the new technology was approved by the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency late last year.
"We tested it with a group of customers for the past four months, wagering with real dollars," said Andrew Macdonald, who spent roughly two years on the wireless wagering project and recently was promoted to vice president, marketing and customer communications, for Woodbine.'
Two new officials appointed
The ORC has hired a new Thoroughbred steward in Fenton Platts, who was Woodbine's paddock judge last year. Platts, brother of Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame jockey Robin Platts, replaces Ivan McHutchion, who retired last fall.
Harold Fortune, the head valet in the jockeys' room and the backup paddock judge at Fort Erie, replaces Platts as paddock judge.
And now for a few picks for opening day:
I'm A Kipper might just upset in Race 1.
Easy exactor in the 9th: Judiths Wild Rush and Danieltown. It won't pay much though.
And Carabineer should win the finale.
Meadowlands Leading Trainer Forced to Scratch Horses after Raid
Leading trainer's horses scratched at Meadowlands after state raid
Associated Press
Horse Racing News Wire
TRENTON, N.J. -- Horses trained by the Meadowlands Racetrack's leading trainer were ordered scratched from all races this weekend after state police executed three search warrants at a farm in Monmouth County on Friday.
The New Jersey Racing Commission ordered the scratches based on "investigative activities" at trainer Seldon Ledford's stable at Showplace Farms in Englishtown. The directive affects 12 horses scheduled to race in various races at the East Rutherford oval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ledford leads all trainers at the Meadowlands with 48 wins during the current meet.
Sgt. Stephen Jones, a state police spokesman, confirmed search warrants were executed at the barn on Friday morning as part of an ongoing investigation, but he declined to discuss why they were sought or what, if anything, was seized at the site.
There is no published phone listing for Ledford and he could not be reached for comment Friday night.
Associated Press
Horse Racing News Wire
TRENTON, N.J. -- Horses trained by the Meadowlands Racetrack's leading trainer were ordered scratched from all races this weekend after state police executed three search warrants at a farm in Monmouth County on Friday.
The New Jersey Racing Commission ordered the scratches based on "investigative activities" at trainer Seldon Ledford's stable at Showplace Farms in Englishtown. The directive affects 12 horses scheduled to race in various races at the East Rutherford oval on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ledford leads all trainers at the Meadowlands with 48 wins during the current meet.
Sgt. Stephen Jones, a state police spokesman, confirmed search warrants were executed at the barn on Friday morning as part of an ongoing investigation, but he declined to discuss why they were sought or what, if anything, was seized at the site.
There is no published phone listing for Ledford and he could not be reached for comment Friday night.
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