Sports Wagering legislation (SB176/HB29) – Urgent Call for Action!

Attention all Horsepeople: Please read the letter below regarding the Legislation that is soon to be voted on in Columbus. In no uncertain terms – our industry/business MUST be a part of this bill! Please read the letter below and contact your local representatives to show your support of our inclusion in this revenue stream. Your/our very future may depend on it. Thank you.

Please accept this letter on behalf of the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (OTBO). Our organization was founded in 1958 and represents the hard-working Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners. Our membership ranges from multi-generational families with decades of experience to new members who have come to Ohio or made investments recently in support of our racing industry. Many rural communities in Ohio are heavily supported by the jobs, investments, and taxes our members pay every year.

Ohio horse racing is a multi billion-dollar industry. In 2018, the industry generated an economic impact of $2.8 billion and 21,000 direct jobs, for $900 million in income.

During the deliberation of Sports Wagering legislation (SB176/HB29), our Association is respectfully requesting the following two (2) be included in the final version of any gaming legislation:

• 3% of the “Sports Gaming Revenue Fund” to be transferred to the Ohio State Racing Commission Fund as occurs now from the Gross Casino Revenue, and which was authorized by the Ohio Constitution for the casino gaming expansion. The grant was put in place to benefit the breeding and horse racing

• 9-11% of the Ohio Lottery Agent’s Commission as a Sports Gaming Agent from Sports Wagering and as a Lottery Agent from the Sports Gaming

The above amendment request on revenue distribution provides consistency with Ohio’s current gaming expansion structure under both the Revised Code and Ohio Constitution. First, the Ohio Constitution and VLT expansion both require a revenue share for horse racing from Casino and VLT Agents due to the recognized economic harm that would occur to the horsemen’s industry upon expansion. Second is the consequence, or “dilution” of the gaming market, which spreads finite entertainment dollars from potential customers more thinly, by moving them to the newer offerings following expansion. Revenue Dilution in Ohio has occurred with horse racing wagers since the expansion on casino and VLT wagering in Ohio.

The requested amendment will help ensure that the horse racing industry in Ohio has the best chance to remain competitive within our state and in relation to the surrounding states. This traditional industry has long been an important part of the fabric that makes Ohio the unique and appealing state it is. If this is lost, the damage will be devastating to the many communities, supporting businesses, livelihoods, and tax base that Horse Racing – and specifically our Breeding Programs – represent.

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the OTBO, we respectfully ask that you accept our proposed amendment for the good of not only the racing industry but the entire State of Ohio as well.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Annechino, Executive Director of the OTBO and Board Member – Wooster

Individually and for:

OTBO Board of Directors

John Royer, President – Columbus

James Fraser Vice-President – Cincinnati

Diane Tieman, Secretary – Centerville

Tod Beckett, DVM – Dublin

Steven Chumney – East Sparta

Daryl Duncan – Warsaw

Tony Fischbach – Avon Lake

Bobby McMichael – Wilmington

Robin Murphy – Bethel

Craig Powell – Fresno

Chris Rosell – Lebanon

James Yaegel – Maineville

Sun Shines for Three Stake Winners at Belterra Friday!

Mother Nature cooperated this Friday and Grizabella, Corner Office, and Danefield used the firm turf and fast track to their advantage taking down the three Ohio Bred Stake Races at Belterra Park on July 23rd. All photos are courtesy of Coady Photography.

Reigning Ohio Champion Accredited Mare Grizabella captured the Vivacious Handicap to start off the 3 stakes program. The 7 year old mare trained by Jeff Radosevich, ridden by Luis Rivera, and owned by Michael Annechino saved ground, was blocked on the rail, moved to the outside and scored a neck victory over a very game and gritty Distinctive Flower. Cali Dream was another 1 1/4 lengths back in 3rd. The race was run in a very sharp 1:41:65.

Grizabella was bred by Mapleton Thoroughbred Farms.  She is by Lunar Pal out of the Tiger Ridge mare Chic Cat.

Several races later, Tim Hamm’s Corner Office outdueled stablemate Condemnation by 2 lengths to win the Hoover Stakes in 1:05:26. The Dayofthegrey was third and another Hamm trainee Tantrum rallied to be fourth.

Corner Office is owned and bred by Winblaze, LLC. Jose Bracho piloted the winner. He stalked Condemnation from the start, pounced turning for home, and pulled away down the lane. The winner is by Bal a Bali out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Elated.

Immediately after that race Jose Bracho completed his hat trick for the day by guiding Danefield to a wire to wire score in the Buckeye Native. He broke on top and “widened from there” scoring a convincing 2 1/2 length victory over Authentic Cowtown in a quick 1:41:14. Direct Deceit at 29-1 was up for 3rd with Sammy Da Bull at 53-1 4th.

Danefield was bred and owned by trainer John Bourke, Jeff Barbee, and Jeff Kerins. Jose Bracho nailed back to back stakes and, combined with his 5th win in her last 6 tries on Dancin’ Rosie earlier in the card, gave him a natural hat trick for the day!

What a great overall day for Ohio Racing! Perfect weather, nice attendance, and tremendous and exciting racing by some of the state’s best performers!

Next up…The Horizon Stakes at Belterra on August 13th and the Best of Ohio Day at Thistledown on August 14th which features 5 more Ohio Bred Stakes! Please come out and join us at both venues for more high quality exciting racing.

Congratulations to all the winners!

6 Ohio Breds in Fasig Tipton Select Sale July 13th

There will be 6 Ohio Breds selling in the FT Select Sale this July 13th.

Here is how FT describes this sale from their web site:

North America’s yearling sales season kicks off annually with The July Sale, a selected yearling sale that showcases precocious yearlings with superior physical conformation.

The July Sale has a longstanding tradition of producing athletes and was #1 among major North American yearling sales in 2018 by percentage of two-year-old winners sold and repeat winners sold. It is also a top-ranked sale by percentage of winners sold, percentage of Grade 1 winners sold, percentage of graded stakes winners sold, percentage of stakes winners sold, and average earners per starter.

Yearlings catalogued in The July Sale have been selected on pedigree and physical conformation by Fasig-Tipton’s respected inspection team.

Please see below the pedigrees for the Ohio breds entered in the sale:

FT 7-13 OH breds

Good Luck to all Consignors/Breeders!