Due to economic conditions and increased competition, purses were cut a minimum of 10 percent effective Saturday, August 14. Purses for bottom claiming races dropped from $8,200 to $7,400.

A general meeting for all Mountaineer Park HBPA members will be held Saturday, November 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the track kitchen. Individual invitations will be mailed out to each owner or trainer who has had at least one horse start at Mountaineer Park in 2010.

Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort announced effective May 11, 2010 that all trainers are to provide a worker’s compensation ”certificate of coverage” in West Virginia or a notarized affidavit stating that a trainer has no employees and is exempt from carrying coverage. Entries will not be accepted from trainers who do not have proper documentation on file.

The West Virginia Racing Commission has appointed an eight-member committee to review and make recommendations to the commission to update the West Virginia Rules of Thoroughbred Racing. Pari-mutuel wagering rules are also under review.

The eight-member panel is comprised of the Director of Racing, Chief Steward, and HBPA Executive Director from both Mountaineer and Charles Town. A member of the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders and the Jockey’s Guild are also on the committee.

Proposed recommendations will be completed and presented to the Commission in May. The recommendations will be posted for public comment in June and will be under governmental review in the 2011 West Virginia Legislative Session.

Due to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CAFO requirements imposed on Mountaineer, horsemen are adapting to temporary training hours now through August 2, 2010. Training hours are 6:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There is no training Wednesdays and Thursdays during this time period.

The EPA defines an AFO as “agricultural operations where animals are kept and raised in confined situations. AFOs congregate animals, feed, manure and urine, dead animals, and production operations on a small land area. Feed is brought to the animals rather than the animals grazing or otherwise seeking feed in pastures, fields, or on rangeland. An operation is an AFO if animals are confined for at least 45 days in a 12-month period, and there’s no grass or other vegetation in the confinement area during the normal growing season.”

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are AFOs that meet certain EPA criteria. CAFOs make up approximately 15 percent of total AFOs.

Mountaineer Park has scheduled 210 race days from March 1 through December 21 for its 2010 race meeting. First post on all race days is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., except for a 1:00 p.m. post for the West Virginia Derby.

The track will program ten races per night from March through August, and nine races per night from September through December.

Owners will be paid back through tenth place. The owner of each horse starting in a race will be charged a start fee of $15.00 per horse per start in any race having a total purse of less than $19,499.00, and $25.00 per horse per start in any race having a total purse of $19,500.00 or more.

In West Virginia legislative action, we have joined forces with the Charles Town HBPA and the West Virginia Greyhound Breeders. We are lobbying for the protection of the seven percent of net terminal revenue directed to our purse account.

In 2001, the State of West Virginia took that seven percent of our net terminal revenue fund in order to rescue the state’s worker’s compensation debt. It appears the State Revenue Department has its eyes on keeping those funds once the debt is paid off.

In addition, we are seeking a revenue source to finance the underfunded uncashed pari-mutuel tickets account, which is a source of revenue for horsemen who participate in the West Virginia Development Program.

Date Posted: 2/26/2010 11:20:19 AM Last Updated: 2/26/2010 11:38:11 AM

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort will begin its 10-month racing season March 1 with a condensed stakes schedule and new wagering options.

Mountaineer has traditionally raced almost year-round, but under a new agreement with the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the West Virginia track will race its customary 210 days over 10 months instead of 12.

The stakes schedule begins May 18 rather than the first Saturday in May, and extends through Nov. 16 rather than the end of December. A nine-stakes package headed by the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) remains intact and is scheduled for Aug. 7 with a special post time of 2 p.m. EDT.

All other programs, held Fridays through Tuesdays, will have first post of 7 p.m. The meet concludes Dec. 21.

Mountaineer has added a pick six on the last six races each night, as well as a 50-cent superfecta in the final race on each program.

“We’re excited to offer additional wagering options for our customers beginning March 1,” Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in a statement. “The introduction of the carryover on the pick six will add excitement with the potential to grow into a huge payout.”

The meet will begin with a purse schedule similar to that of last year: $37,400 for an open allowance race, $19,600 for a maiden special weight event, and a bottom purse of $8,200 for $5,000 maiden claimers.

Date Posted: 12/30/2009 11:47:14 PM Last Updated: 1/1/2010 7:08:52 AM

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort and the local horsemen’s group signed a three-year contract Dec. 29 with just two days to spare.

The contract between the track and Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association was signed at 4 p.m. EST, officials said. The deal averted suspension of full-card simulcasts and implementation of daily stall rent at the West Virginia track.

Details weren’t immediately available, but the track and horsemen’s group said verbal agreement had been reached on key issues such as the amount of money that goes to stakes purses and charging horsemen a per-start fee rather than stall rent. The Mountaineer HBPA had expressed concerns over contracts governing export of the Mountaineer signal.

The old contract expires Jan. 1.

“Mountaineer is pleased to have come to agreement with the HBPA,” Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in a statement. “Live Thoroughbred racing has been an integral part of Mountaineer’s history since it opened its doors as Waterford Park in 1953, and continuing to provide a quality racing product is an important part of our mission.”

Said Mountaineer HBPA president Rembrandt Wright: “The HBPA looks forward to working together with Mountaineer to promote racing in the future.”

The West Virginia Racing Commission earlier in December approved 2010 racing dates for Mountaineer. The track will be dark January and February, then open March 1 for a 210-day racing season. The number of days is the statutory minimum.

As part of the new agreement, Mountaineer will keep the racing surface open for training four days a week during the two-month dark period.

A request by Mountaineer to also shut down in November and December but still run its 210 days over eight months was rejected by the WVRC and opposed by horsemen and local lawmakers. Members of the Hancock County Commission issued a joint statement saying the county “has a history of both workers and management coming together for the good of the economy.”

The 2009 live racing season at Mountaineer ended prematurely closing night, Dec. 29, when the program was ended after only two races. The $75,000 New Year’s Eve Stakes was among the casualties.

Date Posted: 12/27/2009 9:48:45 AM Last Updated: 12/27/2009 11:27:59 AM

A contract dispute threatens full-card simulcasts and could lead to daily stall rent and payments to keep the racetrack open for training effective Jan. 1 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia.

Mountaineer and the local Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are in the process of negotiating a three-year contract that would cover 2010-12. As of Dec. 27, they had five days to strike a deal.

The track and horsemen reached verbal agreement on several key issues, including payment of purses to all starters, a reduction in the maximum allocation of purses to stakes from 8% to 6%, implementing a “start fee” that would be much lower than daily stall rent, and a commitment from management to keep the barn area and year-round training available at no cost to horsemen.

The provisions were confirmed by horsemen earlier and listed in a Dec. 22 letter from management to the Mountaineer HBPA.

Mountaineer received West Virginia Racing Commission approval to shut down for live racing in January and February 2010 and instead run its statute-mandated 210 days over 10 months. But the contract between the track and horsemen must be in place by Dec. 31 for normal operations to continue, track officials said.

The horsemen’s group has said export of the Mountaineer signal is a sticking point. It would like more transparency in regard to the process, officials said. Under the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, an agreement with horsemen is required for a signal to be exported.

In the letter to horsemen, Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in the absence of simulcast approval, the track and horsemen “will suffer a significant negative financial impact representing approximately $10 million” a year. She said if an agreement isn’t in place by Dec. 31, “this funding source will no longer be available for purses or for the track to offset operational costs from operations.”

In previous contract disputes at Mountaineer, simulcasts have been suspended but gaming operations have continued. Horsemen get a cut of revenue from about 3,000 video lottery terminals and a smaller share from table games, which were authorized in 2007.

Williams said with no deal in place, horsemen would be charged $15 a day per stall; the Mountaineer HBPA would have to pay $10,000 a day to keep the track open for training; and the horsemen’s group would have to enter into a formal lease for its office space, which is located between the barn area and the racetrack.

“At this point, we are unsure as to when an agreement may be reached, so these policies are required in an effort to minimize the financial impacts relating to the uncertain future,” Williams said in the letter.

The final live racing program for 2009 at Mountaineer is scheduled for Dec. 29. The meet-ending feature is the $75,000 New Year's Eve Stakes.

Posted 12/22/2009, 1:24 pm

On Oct. 22, Flavor ran for a claiming tag in a race restricted to nonwinners of two lifetime. Two days later, Ravalo missed by a half-length in a Grade 1 stakes.

Saturday night, both horses show up in the $75,000 Christmas Stakes at Mountaineer Racetrack. But it might not be as much of a mismatch as it appears on paper.

The 3-year-old gelding Flavor comes into the six-furlong Christmas riding a four-race winning streak while rising in class from a $30,000 conditioned claimer to a $50,000 optional claimer. He switches from Polytrack to dirt, a move that last time produced an eight-length romp in his first appearance on Mountaineer's main track.

Flavor's trainer, Joe Woodard, shows a 10-for-20 record with winners switching from synthetic surfaces to dirt, according to DRF's Formulator.

Ravalo, the 3-5 choice on the track's morning line, won last year's Christmas by 6 1/4 lengths, earning a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. He has been freshened by Maryland-based trainer Donald Barr since rallying to finish second in the Grade 1 De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel Park two months ago.

The last time Ravalo returned from a similar break, he won the $108,000 Harvey Arneault locally in August.

Overall, Ravalo, the 124-pound highweight in a field of 10 sprinters, is 4 for 5 at Mountaineer.

The other sharp horse-for-the-course is Harlan Street. He's 3 for 3 locally, including a nearly four-length score in mid-October which launched a three-race winning streak. Harlan Street shortens up in distance after winning back-to-back one-mile stakes at Delta Downs.

The 3-year-old Nay's Tap is a neck shy of owning a four-race winning streak. Winner of the Sophomore Sprint Championship two starts ago, Nay's Tap missed by a neck facing older horses in a two-turn second-level optional claimer at Charles Town last time out.

The Kentucky-based Golden Country has hit the board in all three of his stakes tries within the past 12 months. His best recent race was a two-length score against second-level allowance company at Churchill Downs in early November.

Posted: 12/1/2009

CHARLESTON - West Virginia Delegate Pat McGeehan announced Monday that he has sent a letter to the West Virginia Racing Commission (WVRC) about an ongoing issue.

The letter voices McGeehan's opposition of the potential four-month cancellation of live horse racing in 2010 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort.

McGeehan stated that he would like to raise public awareness of the issue, and that he hopes his letter to the commission will help.

McGeehan's letter centers around his belief that the WVRC should rule against the schedule change when it discusses Mountaineer's 2010 live horse racing schedule at a meeting Dec. 7.

"I think it is very important the public knows about this meeting prior to Dec. 7, as public awareness could only affect the situation in a more positive manner," he said.

"Mountaineer Park exists today because of year-round horse racing, and this cannot be forgotten," McGeehan added. "Mountaineer is a horse racing track first, and it was horse racing which allowed the current video lottery and table game operations to exist."

McGeehan stated in the letter that state legislators granted Mountaineer table game rights as a legal feature to its horse racing facility in 2006, and that "the manipulation of these understood conditions after this election is nothing more than fraud."

"Mountaineer Casino was granted these gambling perks as a 'special privilege' from local elected officials in our state government," McGeehan stated in the letter. "Hurting the very jobs it claimed to help would be of further insult to our people and our neighbors."

McGeehan concluded his letter by stating that the WVRC has never had such an opportunity to set a precedent in the state.

"Many families are resting on the outcome of this situation," he stated.

Mountaineer previously submitted a request to the WVRC asking for permission to rearrange next year's live horse racing schedule, which could result in no live horse racing in January, February, November and December.

The resort's request was met with dissension by the Mountaineer Park HBPA because horsemen in the area who have depended on year-round racing at Mountaineer would be out of work for four months if the request is approved.

The Hancock County resort is currently in private contract negotiations with the Mountaineer Park Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), and it is unknown whether the resort's original request to close live horse racing for four months remains unaltered.

Currently, Mountaineer conducts live horse racing year-round with the exception of Super Bowl Sunday, Easter and Christmas. Races are held Saturday-Tuesday from January to March, and Friday-Tuesday from March to December. Live horse racing is only canceled if weather or track conditions are not appropriate for a race.

Date Posted: 10/28/2009 9:55:19 AM Last Updated: 10/28/2009 11:47:36 AM

A plan by Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort to offer the statutory minimum of 210 racing dates but race only eight months instead of year-round has met with opposition from horsemen and others in the community.

Mountaineer asked the West Virginia Racing Commission Oct. 26 for 2010 racing dates that would begin in March and end in October. January, February, November, and December would be dark. The WVRC requested more information from the track and postponed making a decision on dates until November.

Racing dates for Charles Town Races & Slots and two Greyhound tracks were approved. All four tracks in the state currently race year-round.

Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association representatives said they fear if the schedule is approved, it could mean no live racing for four consecutive months from November 2010 through February 2011 if the same plan is approved by the WVRC a year from now.

“Mountaineer built its business on year-round racing,” Mountaineer HBPA executive director Maria Catignani said Oct. 28. “This would have a negative impact not only on horsemen, but the community as well. The frustrating thing is horsemen have tried to maintain a partnership with the track. We supported video lottery terminals, table games, and earlier this year, (VLT) promotional credits.

“We were absolutely blindsided by the request. I think something could have been worked out if we had known about it.”

The horsemen's group also said a major question is whether the barn area would remain open during the down time.

Mountaineer and its horsemen’s group must negotiate a new contract. The current one expires at the end of 2009.

Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams confirmed Oct. 27 the track is seeking to condense its meet but not cut dates. On Oct. 28, she said the track submitted a request for the number of dates required by law.

As for the proposal to not race for four months in the fall and winter, Williams said: "It's economics. (The racing business) is down nationally. It's about economics and trying to remain viable."

Historically, Mountaineer has raced only the second half of January, and deals with winter weather and track condition-related cancellations early in its meet.

Mountaineer probably would have to run six days a week to meet its requirement in an eight-month period. Catignani said horsemen fear that could be a “step toward cutting dates” if six-day weeks are unsuccessful.

Representatives of horsemen at Charles Town Races & Slots and West Virginia Greyhound owners and breeders told the WVRC Oct. 27 they are concerned it “could be a sign of things to come” and happen elsewhere, Catignani said.

A petition signed by horsemen, businessmen, and others in Hancock County, W.Va., is circulating. It states “closing the racetrack over an extended period of time” will negatively impact the local economy” and “welfare of individuals at the racetrack.”

Mountaineer attracts its share of Kentucky-based horses, which will have fewer opportunities in their home state this winter. Turfway Park was approved to race only three days a week instead of five in January and February.

From Jan. 19-Feb. 28 of this year, Mountaineer raced only 18 days and paid average daily purses of $100,978 for the period, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems.

If the Mountaineer request is approved, the bulk of Thoroughbred racing in the three-state region would take place at Beulah Park, the Ohio track whose purses are among the lowest in the country. However, officials at Beulah Park, which opened earlier in October, have said there is a waiting list for stalls.

Date Posted: 10/6/2009 2:25:08 PM Last Updated: 10/7/2009 8:55:55 AM

A West Virginia racetrack has settled a lawsuit by a jockey who was paralyzed from the chest down during a racing accident in 2004.

Gary Birzer sued MTR Gaming Group and its Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort claiming they failed to repair soft spots and holes in the racing surface and allowed an unhealthy horse to run.

Birzer, who lives near Cincinnati, Ohio, was riding Lil Bit of Rouge in July 2004 when the horse went down. He was thrown headfirst into the dirt at 40 mph.

Birzer and his wife, Amy, sued for more than $12 million in damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. In a filing with federal regulators Oct. 6, MTR Gaming said it settled Aug. 29 with its insurer paying an unspecified amount.

Birzer's Michigan attorney, Dane Lupo, declined to comment on the case.

Posted 9/1/2009, 5:49 pm

Eight-year-old Lord of the Game was claimed twice during his improbable career. He was taken for $10,000 out of his debut at Hawthorne on Dec. 31, 2004, and he was claimed for $5,000 on Aug. 29 at Mountaineer Park, a race that will mark his career finale.

Maggi Moss is listed as Lord of the Game's new owner, Chris Englehart the new trainer, but Lord of the Game has raced for the last time, Moss said Tuesday. While he is still at Mountaineer, Lord of the Game is bound for Kentucky and retirement at WinStar Farm, the operation that bred the horse and lost him first time out at the claim box.

Moss recently claimed an old class horse named Tour of the Cat at Presque Isle Downs under similar circumstances, simply to take the horse off the track and put him out to pasture.

"I don't make a habit of it, but I do have the ability to claim horses that other people would like to retire," Moss said. "Name horses, famous horses, and horses that aren't so famous. My goal is to keep bringing attention to this and have other breeders and owners step up. You can't save them all, but if one or two people step up, it makes all the difference. WinStar really stepped up to the plate on this horse. I wish more horses were as wanted as him."

Lord of the Game retires with eight wins and $543,730 in career earnings. He was the best horse ever trained by longtime Chicagoan Tom Tomillo, and he put owner Bill Slevin firmly into the racing game. Lord of the Game won his debut by more than 22 lengths and won his first five races. After a defeat, Lord of the Game won the Grade 3 Hanshin Handicap and the Grade 2 Corhusker Handicap and lost by a head in the 2005 Hawthorne Gold Cup.

But that, basically, was his last hurrah as a chronically bothersome tendon forced him to miss three years of racing. Lord of the Game came back this year at Fair Grounds for a new trainer but lost all five of his starts in 2009. He finished second in the Mountaineer race, only a shadow of his former self.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA sponsored its annual summer trip to the Pittsburgh amusement park, Kennywood Park, on August 19, where friends and family picnic and ride all day. At the amusement park, children and adults enjoyed Kenny the Kangaroo, Kiddieland, roller coasters, water rides, and arcade games. For those who chose not to drive to the park, transportation was provided via chartered bus. Approximately 175 members of the Mountaineer Park horsemen’s racing community joined us for this all-day event.

The Children’s Ministry Committee of the Mountaineer Park Chaplaincy continued its “Back to School” program. Members of the committee purchased school supplies and packed backpacks for children, pre-school aged through ninth grade. This year, the committee will supply over 40 children with backpacks.

The chaplaincy recently formed a Women’s Bereavement Committee, chaired by Chaplain Jim’s wife, Kit Smith. The group will be responsible for counseling and transportation needs, as well as providing meals for families dealing with family illness and loss of life.

by Bill Mooney

As easy as horse races sometimes seem to figure out on paper, they can offer a dose of astonishment when they are actually run. That was the case on August 1 as Soul Warrior registered a stunning upset in the 40th running of the Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.

Ridden by Dale V. Beckner (who was a late substitute for the originally-named jockey, Miguel Mena), Soul Warrior surged by Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in midstretch, and then out-gamed the weary pacesetter Big Drama to prevail by a neck.

Big Drama, sent off as the somewhat surprising favorite at odds of 4-5, drew off to a ten-length lead through the opening half-mile, but had only fumes in the tank as the wire approached. Mine That Bird, second in the wagering at odds of 9-10, failed to find the strong closing foot that had served him so well at Churchill Downs, and finished third.

Soul Warrior’s final time for the 1 1/8-mile event was 1:51.46 – not particularly fast in comparison to other recent editions of the West Virginia Derby, but good enough to gain a $450,000 winner’s share of the purse. The son of Lion Heart returned $48, $8 and $2.60 across the board. It was the fourth highest return for a two-dollar win wager in West Virginia Derby history.

“This is the greatest win in my (16) years of riding,” said Beckner, who currently ranks fourth in the jockey standings at Mountaineer’s sister track, Presque Isle Downs. To beat horses of this caliber – wow!”

Awesome Rhythm, a multiple stakes winner from Canada, finished fourth. Sunday Sunrise, coupled in the wagering with stablemate Soul Warrior, was fifth. Monty’s Best finished sixth. It was the smallest West Virginia Derby field since Chargertown prevailed in a field of five in 1968.

Soul Warrior, who was purchased for $250,000 at a Florida auction at age two, campaigns for the beverage magnate Ahmed Zayat, a native of Egypt. Asmussen’s assistant, Darren Fleming, handled saddling chores for Soul Warrior, as he did for the trainer’s prior West Virginia Derby winners, Real Dandy in 2005 and Zanjero in 2007.

“I was concerned with how far (Big Drama) was in front by himself,” said Fleming of the early stages of the race. “But I don’t think the track has been that speed-favoring. At the eighth-pole, I didn’t think we’d get by him. But at the sixteenth-pole, I thought there was a chance. With about two jumps left, (Soul Warrior) was in front, so I was happy.”

“When my horse was leaving the gate, he got bothered, bumped on both sides, and that really made him take off,” said Eibar Coa, who rode Big Drama. "It was the game plan to go to the front, but not that fast.”

Hall of Famer Mike Smith, aboard Mine That Bird, was highly critical of his own effort, and suggested strongly that he moved the gelding too early.

“It was just total rider error,” said Smith. “I thought I had to give myself a chance going down the backside when I saw how far in front the other horse was. Mine That Bird just needs that one short run, and I used too much of him too soon.”

Bennie L. “Chip” Woolley, Mine That Bird’s trainer, agreed. “My horse did kind of the same thing he did in the Belmont Stakes,” said Woolley, the disappointment written powerfully on his face. “When he’s got daylight to run, he tries to run. What worked so well for us in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness was getting him behind horses, which prevents him from moving too soon. Until we do that again, I think we’re going to have problems.”

Soul Warrior came to the West Virginia Derby having made only a half-dozen prior career starts. He broke his maiden at second asking at Fair Grounds in New Orleans last December, failed to place in a pair of graded events, then won in allowance company at Churchill Downs in June. A good second-place effort in the $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows on June 26 earned him a trip to Mountaineer.

Mine That Bird made history by being the first Kentucky Derby winner to ever race in the Mountaineer State. But, now, Soul Warrior has earned a permanent niche in the history books as well, by defeating a Kentucky Derby winner. Strength to them both.

West Virginia Derby Notes: Mountaineer announced a crowd of 21,218. Wagering from all sources on the nine-stakes West Virginia Derby card totaled $3,600,116, an all-time Mountaineer record.

Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2009

In an impromptu interview with two Kentucky reporters right before the West Virginia Derby, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III recalled a conversation he had with his Kentucky counterpart Steve Beshear.

"He said, 'You're taking all our good horses up there.' And he wasn't kidding," Manchin said. "He said a lot of our horses are running West Virginia because of the purses. I said, 'Well, we've been very proud of what we've been able to accomplish in a short period of time. And it's been done right."

Asked about horse-interest fears that track owners will come to feel they don't need racing anymore, he said: "We have built the racinos around the sport of racing, and we have mandatory in the law 225 days-plus racing. When any racing operator or owner believe they can do it strictly for the money and not for the sport, we will shut them down.

“If it wasn't for the horses, we wouldn't have what you see today. And I'll be darned is we're going to allow that to be jeopardized for the sake of someone and the all-mighty dollar. Whether it's the state that needs the money or the investors who like to have a bigger return, it's around racing. It will stay around racing."

Manchin said he thinks it is a matter of time before slots come to Ohio and Kentucky.

"The bottom line is competition is good," he said. "It gives the consumer a choice. We've got a 10-15 year jump in experience. We know what works and what we need to fix to make it better. If we can't compete, then shame on us.

"... We've got to be very competitive and be sure, whatever we do we have in our law mandatory reinvestment. It's the best thing we ever did. We have a very generous handle for our horses, trainers and breeders, which keep bringing our horses back. If the states get greedy and need all the money themselves because they're having hard economic times, they won't be able to develop and the people won't come.

"...You've got to make sure there's money being spent and money being reinvested and money toward the capital improvement account and an advertising and promotional accounts - all those things are very important."

Some horsemen find Manchin's comments curious, given that he championed taking the money from a surplus in purse accounts to pay off the workers' compensation debt in 2005. As it stands, $11 million a year is taken combined out of the two horse tracks and two greyhound tracks' purse accounts -- funded by taking half of the 14-percent rate of slots procedures to purses at each pari-mutuel facility until the threshold is met.

The debt is scheduled to be paid off in 2012.

"It's our job to aggressively go back and insure our 7 percent is going to back to the horsemen, (not) to pay off some other debt," said HBPA executive director Maria Catignani.

Posted: August 19, 2009

When Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird ran in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby this month, it illustrated how far Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort has come from decades of bottom-level racing when it was cynically referred to as the last stop for horses before the slaughterhouse.

Mountaineer in 1994 became the first thoroughbred track in the country to permanently add electronic slot machines. Legislation that allowed slots to preserve the state's pari-mutuel industry put it on the cutting edge of the industry's shift to “racinos.” The slot-machine revenue funded heftier purses, which lured owners and trainers from far more prominent tracks in Kentucky and elsewhere.

But the success of the track in Chester has been waning, due in part to the ongoing recession, the state taking a bigger piece of the slots revenue and competition from tracks and casinos in other states that have legalized gaming. While its purses and racing still tower over its once bottom-rung status, the track has started a backslide that some suggest is inevitable.

With Mine That Bird's run, Mountaineer can claim the first Kentucky Derby winner to race in West Virginia, but its corporate parent has had to resort to layoffs and purse cuts, as surrounding states offer more gambling options.

Through Aug. 11, Mountaineer has been paying an average of $134,429 a day in purses — an average of $13,772 per race. Those levels are at their lowest since 2000, and average daily handle, the overwhelming majority of it coming from out-of-state betting, has decreased since its 2006 high.

Profit decline

And its parent company — MTR Gaming Group, which earlier in the decade was touted by Forbes, Fortune and Business Week as one of the top small businesses in the country — lost $17.7 million in 2008 and $11.4 million the year before. In the first half of this year, it made a $1.1 million profit mostly due to cost savings as revenues fell 3 percent.

In the spring of 2007, its stock was trading above $15 per share. On Wednesday, MTR closed at $3.16.

MTR had to borrow $250 million last week so it could pay off $130 million in bonds by a January deadline.

MTR Gaming's president, Robert Griffin, declined through a spokeswoman to be interviewed for this story.

Horsemen in West Virginia and Kentucky, where slots proponents continue to try to get legislation passed to allow alternative gaming at tracks, say Mountaineer offers some cautionary tales.

Tim Capps, executive in residence at the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program, said Mountaineer is “kind of a microcosm for the industry of what is and will happen.

“When you introduce something into the marketplace that is going to be real popular, you go through a period of high growth. Then the growth eventually bubbles out,” said Capps, who has worked for track management and for horsemen in Maryland.

“I think Mountaineer has had its run. Now the question is, can it settle into an environment where it's still a functional operating company and the horsemen there are still going to be able to access a pretty decent level of purses?”

When slots legislation was approved in West Virginia in 1994, Mountaineer was at the lowest levels of American thoroughbred racing, with $1,500 claimers competing for $1,800 purses.

Jump in purses

As slot machines were added, average race purses jumped almost tenfold to a high of $18,284 in 2002. And a track that had been virtually ignored by out-of-state betting outlets was being simulcast around the country, sending its daily handle to well over $1 million.

At the same time, Mountaineer opened its upscale 258-room Grande Hotel — which would become the cornerstone of its casino — on the other side of the track from the grandstand.

But at that point, the legislature began tightening the amount of money that could go to purses.

While the original law required 14 percent of slots revenue to go to purses, that rate was capped at the 2001 funding level — which had produced an average race purse of $16,100. The rate decreased to 8 percent for all slots revenue exceeding the 2001 threshold. The difference largely went to funding other state programs.

The state intervened again four years ago, to make up for a worker's compensation fund debt. A total of $11 million a year was taken from purses at West Virginia's two thoroughbred and two greyhound tracks.

A study by Richard Thalheimer, whose Thalheimer Research Associates of Lexington specializes in the economics of horse racing and casino gambling, said changes to the West Virginia statute resulted in a 43 percent reduction in potential purse revenue.

Meanwhile, regional competition for horses and gamblers was starting to increase. Pennsylvania and Indiana have passed legislation in recent years allowing slot machines at racetracks. Delaware added slots in 1995 and is working to implement sports betting and table games. Ohio is expected to launch racinos as early as next year, and Maryland has passed legislation but has not awarded licenses. So no longer is Mountaineer the only substantial destination in the region to play slots. The Rivers Casino opened in nearby Pittsburgh this month. The Meadows harness track south of Pittsburgh launched its permanent slots facility in the spring.

And MTR itself brought racing and casino gambling to Presque Isle Downs, a two-hour drive away in Erie Pa., three years ago.

Kentucky horsemen

Even though daily purses at Churchill Downs averaged more than three times that of Mountaineer this spring, those numbers are skewed by major stakes races such as the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Because Mountaineer's purses were competitive with Churchill at lower levels of racing and superior to those at Turfway Park and Ellis Park, some Kentucky horsemen used to haul horses to Mountaineer in search of good purses for easier competition. Now those horsemen are more likely to go to Presque Isle or stay closer to home and run at Indiana Downs or Hoosier Park.

Wynn Jolley, a third-generation Mountaineer trainer who is based on a farm in Ocala, Fla., describes expanded gambling as a double-edged sword.

Slots can save tracks from closure by generating money for purses, he said, but as operators see increasing revenue from slots, they have less interest in racing.

While Jolley praised the early West Virginia legislation creating slots for elevating Mountaineer's racing product, he decries what has developed since — including what he sees as a lack of interest in maintaining the racetrack.

“What happened is they whittled away at the original (legislation) to where it's hard to see it in today's language,” Jolley said. “…I stand in the (Mountaineer) barn area, and I look at the casino on the hill, and I feel like I'm standing in the ghetto. All costs being cut are at the horsemen's expense, not the casino.”

Mountaineer added table games in 2007, but horsemen complain that they get a far smaller cut for purses (2.5 percent) and that the card games cannibalize not only the more profitable slots but take players away from betting horses.

“Slots came in everywhere on the coattails, in my opinion, of pari-mutuel wagering,” said Matt Kintz, another third-generation Mountaineer trainer. “And now we're becoming almost a casualty, because there's a lot more wagering on slots or table games.”

Horsemen said that future legislation dealing with gambling and racetracks — including in Kentucky — should spell out exactly what goes to purses and to other areas such as breeding, marketing and track maintenance.

“What the horsemen get has got to be written into the bill, or they'll never get it,” said Churchill trainer Michael Lauer, who has won 71 times in 362 starts at Mountaineer since the advent of slots. “… Once the tracks get the slots, the horsemen become secondary citizens.”

Date Posted: 8/18/2009 9:21:15 AM

DeShawn Parker, the winningest African-American jockey in Thoroughbred history, reached a career milestone the night of Aug. 17 when he scored the 3,000th victory of his career. Parker won the first race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, rallying Wildcat Cat to a narrow victory in a 4 1/2-furlong dash on the turf.

Parker is just the 150th jockey to win 3,000 races. The feat was celebrated in Mountaineer's winner circle with the track's jockey colony and valets surrounding Parker for a photo.

"I'm on top of the world," said Parker. "It's a load off my chest. I thought I would get my 3,000th Sunday night, but as hard as I tried, I just couldn't get to the winner's circle."

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio Parker, 38, is the son of veteran racing official Daryl Parker, currently a steward at Pinnacle Race Course in New Boston, Mich.

In 1998 the elder Parker, the first African-American steward in racing history when appointed to the stand at Thistledown in 1986, put down his binoculars and left his post at the suburban Cleveland track. The occasion was a race in which his son would register his first victory.

Parker, 38, currently ranks fifth in North America this year with 185 victories. He was second among all riders in 2008, winning 333 races.

"I've been around horse racing for 30 years and I've never seen a person with as much class as DeShawn," said Billy Johnson, Parker's agent for the last eight years. "He's very disciplined in his preparation. His family and racing means everything to him."

Parker, one of the tallest jockeys at 5’ 10”, weighs just 113 pounds.

It's believed that Parker has been the leading African-American rider since he notched his 2,000th victory in the summer of 2005. Until then, the top black rider was Marlon St. Julien who is currently closing in on his 2,000th triumph.

Parker lives in East Liverpool, Ohio with wife Maria and sons DeShawn Jr. and Justus.

Date Posted: 8/3/2009 3:14:45 PM Last Updated: 8/3/2009 3:19:55 PM

The governor of West Virginia, on hand for the Aug. 1 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort, said gaming at tracks was built around racing, and the sport won’t be allowed to suffer in exchange for company profits.

Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin III, who presented trophies in the winner’s circle after the Derby and West Virginia Governor’s Stakes, arrived at Mountaineer July 31 for a private reception. On Derby Day, he was one of more than 30 lawmakers and state officials at the track.

In between races, Manchin spoke to a couple of reporters about the state of racing in West Virginia. Mountaineer is a sort of “ground zero” for racetrack gaming, having installed the first video lottery terminals in 1990.

The state has two Thoroughbred tracks—the other is Charles Town Races & Slots—and two Greyhound tracks. All of them have VLTs; Charles Town is the only one without table games, which like VLTs require a county vote.

“In our law, there is mandatory reinvestment,” Manchin said. “There is generous (revenue) for owners and breeders. If the state gets greedy, the industry won’t be able to develop. There has to be some money being spent and reinvested (on racing stock and facility capital improvements), and I think we do it as well or better than other states.”

In the original VLT law, Mountaineer and Charles Town got 15.5% for purses and breed development. Earlier in this decade, state government began taking money from purse accounts to fund a workers’ compensation program. The percentage varies depending on the time of the year; purses on average now get about 10%.

Barring a change in the law, tracks must offer racing to have VLTs.

“We built our racinos around the sport of racing,” Manchin said. “When any racino operator does it strictly for the money and not the sport, we will shut them down. It’s a blend; we look for a balance. If not, the horses wouldn’t be here, and what we see today wouldn’t be here.

“I’m happy we’re able to do what we’re doing (with racing). But things are happening in Ohio and Kentucky. The bottom line is competition is good.”

Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland has authorized the Ohio Lottery to implement racetrack VLTs, and in Kentucky, the push for racetrack gaming is expected to continue. Both states border West Virginia, and racing and breeding officials noted that horses are leaving their states to race in West Virginia.

Manchin said he’s friends with Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky.

“I was talking to Steve Beshear, and he said, ‘You’re taking all of our good horses,’ " Manchin said. "I said that we’ve been very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. We’ve got to be very competitive.

"I said, ‘Steve, we just want to share with you; you have so many good horses in Kentucky. We don’t want to take (your horse industry); we just want you to share a little bit.”

Manchin was asked about the ongoing strain between the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and management at Charles Town, the most lucrative track in the state in terms of VLT revenue. Horsemen and management have been at odds for years.

“It’s about personalities there, and we can’t have that in a state that depends on that revenue,” Manchin said. “We've been able to expand services for our seniors. To allow personalities to make that much of a disturbance is absolutely wrong, and I’m going to do everything I can to change that.”

This year marked the first West Virginia Derby held under a new regime at Mountaineer. Edson “Ted” Arneault, the former president and chief executive officer, left MTR Gaming Group last October and was replaced by Robert Griffin.

Arneault, a promoter who served as the “face” and "voice" of Mountaineer in all promotional materials, enjoys horse racing and advocated live television coverage of the West Virginia Derby, which this year was broadcast on FOX Sports Net and in previous years on ESPN. Arneault was on hand for this year’s $750,000 Derby.

Griffin, during a champagne toast after the Derby, indicated the tradition of Mountaineer’s premier race would continue.

“We’re thrilled to host you,” Griffin said. “We look forward to seeing a lot of you folks here next year.”

Posted 8/3/2009, 9:12 am

CHESTER, W.Va. - Soul Warrior pulled a stunning upset Saturday in the 40th running of the Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park, surging past a weary Big Drama while outfinishing Mine That Bird in the final furlong.

With Dale Beckner picking up the mount from an absent Miguel Mena, who missed his flight from Saratoga earlier in the day, Soul Warrior returned $48 after finishing a neck before Big Drama. Mine That Bird, the Kentucky Derby winner, was another 1 1/2 lengths back in a field of six 3-year-olds.

The West Virginia Derby victory was the third in the last five years for the reigning Eclipse Award-winning trainer, Steve Asmussen, who was at Saratoga, winning the Jim Dandy with Kensei only minutes afterward.

Speed horses dominated throughout the afternoon at Mountaineer, and Big Drama, with Eibar Coa riding, opened a huge lead and appeared all set to go wire-to-wire. But on the far turn of the 1 1/8-mile race, Mine That Bird and Soul Warrior began drawing closer, and it was the latter who pulled out the victory in the desperate final yards.

"The way the racetrack played all day, whoever made the lead was winning," said Mike Smith, the rider of Mine That Bird. Smith said he felt compelled to keep the late-running gelding closer to the pace than he might have otherwise.

"Mine That Bird doesn't want to run that way," said Smith. "I used too much of him on the backside."

Soul Warrior, eligible for second-level allowances, is owned by the Zayat Stables LLC. The Lion Heart colt has won 3 of 7 starts and earned $457,500 after finishing 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.46 over a fast track.

After the top three, the order of finish was Awesome Rhythm, Sunday Sunrise, and Monty's Best.

Big Drama was a narrow favorite at 4-5 over Mine That Bird (9-10). The pair both will go next in Grade 1 races on Aug. 29 at Saratoga, with Mine That Bird pointing to the $1 million Shadwell Travers at 1 1/4 miles and Big Drama going in the $300,000 King's Bishop at seven furlongs.

Beckner, who rides primarily at Pennsylvania tracks, said the victory was easily the biggest of his 16-year riding career.

Date Posted: 7/24/2009 9:17:53 AM Last Updated: 7/24/2009 9:34:12 AM

A trailer carrying Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Serte Equine’s Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), departed Churchill Downs the morning of July 24 on an approximately seven-hour journey to West Virginia’s Mountaineer Racetrack Casino and Resort.

Mine That Bird is scheduled to return to competition for the first time since a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), the final jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) on Aug. 1. Churchill Downs had been home to Mine That Bird and trainer Chip Woolley since the 3-year-old gelding’s arrival a few days before his 50-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby, and Woolley was at the wheel of the pick-up truck that was connected to Mine That Bird’s trailer when the team pulled away from Barn 42 just before 7:10 a.m. (EDT) on Friday, July 24.

"We’re ready to go," said Woolley. "You get to looking forward to going to run again and it gets kind of drab after you’ve been a while not running. I’m kind of excited about going and being to a new place we hadn’t been. So I think it’ll be a lot of fun. As much as I hate leaving Louisville and Churchill, it’s going to be fun to move on down the road."

Mine That Bird had an active morning before he stepped onto Woolley’s van. He spent about 20 minutes in a hydrotherapy treatment that has been part of his local routine over the past several weeks, then the Derby winner walked under the shedrow until just before it was time to leave. Several well-wishers dropped by bid farewell to Woolley and Mine That Bird, and a few offered a peppermint as a farewell gift to the Derby winner.

"Even from day one, before we won the Derby, the people here were great," Woolley said of his extended stay in Louisville. "Everybody here has just treated us so well and made every door open to us. So leaving is kind of a hard thing. You like staying here – I’d like to stay here. But you’ve got to move to where the races are at. But we’ve really enjoyed it and it’ll be an experience a man will never forget."

The West Virginia Derby is the first step on a summer-fall campaign for Mine That Bird that is also expected to include a bid for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (gr. I) at Saratoga on Aug. 29 and the ultimate goal of a run in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) on Nov. 7 over the synthetic Pro-Ride surface at Oak Tree at Santa Anita.

Woolley liked what his saw from Mine That Bird on Friday as the son of Birdstone bucked and played as he walked under the shedrow minutes before his departure.

"He’s doing great," Woolley said. "He’s really climbing that peak that we’re looking for and really doing good. So I’m glad I trained him here and the horse stayed healthy and sound over this racetrack, so we’re ready to roll on, I guess."

Mine That Bird is scheduled to work on Monday at Mountaineer, a move that Woolley said would be a "soft half-mile or five-eighths."

The Kentucky Derby winner embarks on the second-half of his 2009 campaign with a record of 5-2-1 in 11 races and earnings of $2,121,581.

Governor Joe Manchin made a legislative effort to abolish the West Virginia Racing Commission and place the regulatory power of racing under the jurisdiction of a gaming commission. Through the combined efforts of the West Virginia Thoroughbred horsemen and dog owners and breeders, we were able to defeat any legislative action for this year. However, we are certain that this issue will reappear on the 2010 legislative docket.

Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort cut overnight purses 10% effective April 20. The 10% reduction means the bottom purse, previously $9,100 for $5,000 maiden claimers, fell to about $8,100. Maiden special weight events dropped from $21,800 to about $19,600. Open allowance events, previously $41,600, are now worth about $37,400.

Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort is preparing for the 40th running of the West Virginia Derby (Gr. II), scheduled for Saturday, August 1st. Special first race post time for the race card is 2:00 p.m. The $750,000 race is scheduled for live FOX coverage, with a probable post time of 5:30 p.m.

Our most recent series of language classes began April 30 and are being held in the chapel. Classroom instruction is presented by a local high school foreign language teacher.

Over 100 horsemen shared in food and fellowship on Easter Sunday as the Mountaineer Park HBPA sponsored dinner in the trackside kitchen. Earlier in the week, with the help of the chaplain and some dedicated volunteers, the Easter bunny visited with over 35 children of horsemen. The children participated in arts and crafts, coloring eggs, story time, refreshments, and the always popular egg hunt.

POSTED: June 9, 2009

NEW CUMBERLAND - T. Gail Morrow, 71, of New Cumberland, passed away, Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Trinity West in Steubenville.

She was born June 22, 1937, in Phoenix, Ariz., a daughter of the late Tony Barrett and Nadine (Johnson) Barnett Downing. She is also preceded in death by her step-father, Donovan D. Downing, and her aunt, Nina O. Lansing.

Gail was a thoroughbred horse trainer and owner. She raced at numerous race tracks in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico before re-locating to West Virginia. Because of year-round racing at Waterford Park/Mountaineer, this area became her permanent home. She then raced in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania on a "race-n-go basis" and also raced three seasons at The Fairgrounds Race Track in New Orleans, La.

From 1985 though 1991, she co-owned and operated Horsey Stuff Gift Shop in the grandstand at Waterford Park. She also originated, produced and occasionally emceed the popular and successful Saturday morning Railbirds Club as a joint venture with management.

Gail served three terms on the Mountaineer HBPA Board of Directors and was first Vice President for five years. She was chair of the Finance, Grievance and Scholarship Committees; was named to the National HBPA Education Committee after coordinating and presenting Groom Elite 101 classes at Mountaineer in 2003.

In 2004 she presented Groom Elite 201, certifying 15 students of the 25 which had graduated from the Groom Elite 101 class. In 2005 she persevered until they acquired and put in place the popular video replay terminal at Mountaineer. She also assisted in creating the Benevolent Trust and has been on the Trust's Board of Trustees since its inception.

Surviving are her sister, Nada Sue Moyer of Tucson, Ariz.; nephews, Robert Lee (Amy) Howell of Scottsdale, Ariz., Vernon Gail Howell of Phoenix, Ariz.; cousins, Mary Pat Lansing, St. David, Ariz., Ramah Rains Shaw and her husband Johnnie of Fort Mohave, Ariz., Dr. Paul Lansing of Camp Verde, Ariz., and Dr. Pearl Lansing of Camp Verde, Ariz.

A celebration of Gail's life will be held at noon on Monday, June 22, 2009, at Mountaineer Race Track at the race track turn with Chaplain Jim Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Barn Cats c/o HBPA, P.O. Box 486 Newell, W.Va., 26050. Turley Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Date Posted: 4/1/2009 10:19:04 AM

The president and two members of the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association who were suspended March 17 have been reinstated pending an April 8 court hearing.

Mountaineer HBPA board members during a meeting voted to suspend the organization’s president, Jami Poole; second vice president John Baird; and board member Wynn Jolley. The three men weren’t told why they were suspended and subsequently took legal action.

Hearings on the suspensions were scheduled by the Mountaineer HBPA board for March 30, but they weren’t held, Poole said April 1. Poole said a judge issued a stay.

Poole, elected president in 2008, confirmed he was reinstated and currently serving as president.

More information will be forthcoming after the hearing, Poole said. Baird, who earlier said he was taken by surprise when he was suspended, didn’t comment further.

A message left at the Mountaineer HBPA office wasn’t immediately returned. The organization represents horsemen at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia.

Date Posted: 3/18/2009 12:39:27 PM Last Updated: 3/19/2009 10:53:45 AM

The president and two members of the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association board of directors have been suspended in what some members are calling a “hostile takeover” of the organization.

Board members held a meeting March 17 and voted to suspend the organization’s president, Jami Poole; second vice president John Baird; and board member Wynn Jolley. The three men claim they were told the meeting was scheduled to discuss the status of executive director Maria Catignani and had no idea what was to come.

In addition, an attorney hired by Poole to handle Mountaineer HBPA legal matters was fired by the board at the St. Patrick's Day meeting.

The Mountaineer HBPA represents owners and trainers at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia. Horsemen there race for more than $30 million a year in purses because of revenue from video lottery terminals, and have access to solid pension and health insurance plans.

“I was unaware of what was going to take place,” said Baird, who attended the March 17 meeting. “We held a vote on the lawyer, and I voted not to remove him, but I didn’t know what was coming next. I asked for reasons for the suspensions, and was told we’d get them at our hearing. How can you vote to suspend anyone without giving reasons?”

Hearings for Poole, Baird, and Jolley are scheduled for March 30. First vice president Rembrant Wright is serving as interim president.

Poole, elected president of the Mountaineer HBPA in 2008, couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. A protest by former board member Loren Cox was filed alleging Poole wasn’t eligible to run for office because he was working on the gate crew at Turfway Park in Kentucky in violation of the organization’s bylaws, and continued to do so after the election.

Poole, a trainer, has horses at Mountaineer. He protested the group’s previous election, the results of which eventually were nullified by the Mountaineer HBPA board of directors after a lengthy legal battle. Poole lost the 2007 election by eight votes and alleged, along with others, that the ballot box was stuffed. The legal wrangling ended when the board, which admitted no wrongdoing, agreed to vacate the previous election.

Baird and his wife, Pat, footed much of the costs for the investigation that led to a new election. John Baird is the brother of the late Dale Baird, Thoroughbred racing’s all-time leading trainer who was based at Mountaineer for most of his career.

“(At the March 17 meeting), Rembrant Wright asked me, ‘What have you done to be suspended?’ ” Baird said. “I said if I’ve done something I should be suspended for, tell me.”

Cox’s protest over the 2008 election was heard in late February by the Mountaineer HBPA board, which decided a vote on Poole’s status would require a two-thirds majority. The measure was defeated; six members voted to oust Poole, but seven votes were needed. Four members voted to disallow the protest.

Poole is said to have been trying to replace Catignani, the executive director. Catignani, hired by the previous board whose president, Charles “Chuck” Bailey, died Jan. 3 after a long illness, couldn’t be immediately reached for comment, nor could current Mountaineer HBPA board member Mike Pappada, a trainer based at Mountaineer. Catagnini and Pappada attended the March 17 meeting.

Bailey's wife, Lora, the former executive director of the Mountaineer HBPA, remains administrator of the group's pension and insurance programs. She and Poole don't see eye to eye on many issues concerning the horsemen's group.

The National HBPA, which has assisted Mountaineer horsemen with previous elections, is keeping the latest developments at arms’ length.

“We told them it’s up to you guys to sort out who is going to be your leader,” National HBPA chief executive officer Remi Bellocq said March 18. “Just let us know who we need to work with. There are much bigger issues in racing we need to deal with.”

Date Posted: 3/16/2009 12:48:55 PM Last Updated: 3/16/2009 1:14:00 PM

The economy continues to take its toll on racetracks, including those with alternative gaming.

Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia said it will cut overnight purses 10% effective April 20. This year through March 15, purses have averaged $108,989 per program.

Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said March 13 revenue from video lottery terminals, the primary driver of purses at the track, declined this winter because of “economic and weather conditions” that impacted business.

In its most recent earnings report, parent company MTR Gaming Group noted VLT revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008 was down $6.6 million from the same period in 2007. Net revenue at the facility, however, increased about 6%, officials said.

The 10% reduction means the bottom purse, currently $9,100 for $5,000 maiden claimers, will fall to about $8,100. Maiden special weight events will drop from $21,800 to about $19,600. Open allowance events, now $41,600, will be worth about $37,400.

Purses at Mountaineer began to increase dramatically along with the number of VLTs more than 10 years ago, but they have leveled off, as has revenue, in recent years.

In 1995, purses averaged $25,635 per night for 226 racing days, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems. In 2000, purses average $111,797 for 221 days, and by 2005 had increased to $151,642 per night for 216 programs. In 2008, however, purses averaged $143,546 for 215 programs.

The 2009 stakes schedule—28 events worth almost $3 million--remains intact and begins May 2. It’s highlighted by the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) and eight other stakes scheduled for an afternoon program Aug. 1.

Charles “Chuck” Bailey, 65, of New Cumberland, WV passed away Saturday, January 3, 2009. He was born December 7, 1943 in East Liverpool, OH, a son of the late Roy and Maxine Burdick Bailey.

Chuck retired after 26 years driving trucks at the Beaver Valley Power Station for Teamsters Union Local 341. Chuck was also a Thoroughbred horse owner and trainer at Mountaineer Race Track for more than 35 years, where he served as president of the Mountaineer Park HBPA for eleven years prior to retiring in June of 2008.

During his tenure as president of the Mountaineer Park HBPA, Chuck and his wife, Lora, worked to establish the Mountaineer Park HBPA Trust Fund that has provided millions of dollars in medical, dental, and benevolence to horsemen and their children. In addition, under Chuck’s leadership, the HBPA succeeded in passing legislation establishing the HBPA Horsemen’s Pension to provide horsemen the opportunity for retirement income.

In July of 2008 the National HBPA, on behalf of its more than 30,000 members, adopted a formal resolution honoring Chuck for his lifelong contributions to the sport of horse racing and expressed its gratitude for his commitment to horsemen and their families.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Lora Rowley Bailey, at home; a son, Charles D. Bailey (Joanna) of New Cumberland; a daughter, Michelle L. D’Amico (Michael) of Weirton; six grandchildren, Allison, Mackenzie, Christopher, Justin, Mikey, and Nicholas; three brothers, James Bailey (Joyce) of Rogers, Donald Bailey (Ellen) of Beaver, and Richard Bailey (Coreena) of Beaver Falls; a sister; Carol Cable and companion Tom of Beaver Falls.

Funeral services were held in the Newell Chapel of the Nixon Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 6. Chaplain Jim Smith officiated. Interment followed at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery in Hookstown, PA.

Memorial contributions in honor of Chuck may be made to the Mountaineer Race Track Chaplaincy c/o Mountaineer HBPA, P.O. Box 486, Newell, WV 26050.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA recently held elections for its President and Board of Directors. Members began their three-year term in December of 2008.

The new President and Board Members are:

President – Jami Poole

Owner Directors – Rembrandt Wright (1st Vice President), Robert T. Bedner, Rebecca Demczyk, T. Wynn Jolley, and Theresia Mahan

Owner/Trainer Directors – John W. Baird (2nd Vice President), Philip Heidenreich, S. Matt Kintz, Michael C. Pappada, and Gary Welsh

Horsemen are reminded that April 20 is the deadline for completing applications for the pension. Forms may be obtained by going to our website at www.mphbpa.com and using the link to “Pensions”, or stopping by the HBPA office.

Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23 in the track kitchen.

Released: January 4, 2009

Contact: Maria Catignani at Mountaineer HBPA office

Charles “Chuck” Bailey, 65, of New Cumberland passed away Saturday, January 3, 2009.

He was born December 7, 1943 in East Liverpool, OH, a son of the late Roy and Maxine Burdick Bailey.

Chuck retired after 26 years driving truck at the Beaver Valley Power Station for Teamsters Union Local 341. Chuck was also a thoroughbred horse owner and trainer at Mountaineer Race Track for more than 35 years where he served as President of the Horsemen’s Association for eleven years prior to retiring in June, 2008. During his tenure as President, he and his wife Lora worked to establish the Mountaineer Park HBPA Trust Fund that has provided millions of dollars in medical, dental, and benevolence to horsemen and their children. In addition, under Chuck’s leadership, the HBPA succeeded in passing legislation establishing the HBPA Horsemen’s Pension to provide horsemen the opportunity for retirement income. In July, 2008 the National HBPA, on behalf of its more than 30,000 members, adopted a formal resolution honoring Chuck for his lifelong contributions to the sport of horse racing and expressed its gratitude for his commitment to horsemen and their families.

He is survived by his loving wife Lora Rowley Bailey at home; a son Charles D. Bailey (Joanna) of New Cumberland; a daughter Michelle L. D’Amico (Michael) of Weirton; six grandchildren, Allison, Mackenzie, Christopher, Justin, Mikey, and Nicholas; three brothers James Bailey (Joyce) of Rogers, Donald Bailey (Ellen) of Beaver and Richard Bailey (Coreena) of Beaver Falls; a sister; Carol Cable and companion Tom of Beaver Falls.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Monday at the Newell Chapel of the Nixon Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 11:00am, with Chaplain Jim Smith officiating.

Interment will follow at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery in Hookstown, PA.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to the Mountaineer Race Track Chaplaincy c/o Mountaineer HBPA, PO Box 486, Newell, WV 26050.

Kids at the Mountaineer Casino and Race Track enjoyed a lively mix of games, food, and thanksgiving at the second annual Harvest party on November 6. They painted pumpkins, raced to find the “needle in the haystack” (candy corn buried in whipped cream), and shared with each other about the things for which they were thankful every day. Thankful parents left their children in the caring hands of volunteers as they took a rare opportunity to relax together (and, of course, feed the horses).

In conjunction with the Racetrack Chaplaincy, the Mountaineer HBPA has been putting on successful events promoting fellowship and education for the children of backside employees. In addition to its Harvest party, the schedule of events has included Christmas and Easter holiday celebrations and a Summer Bible School and Fun Day. Volunteers include both parents and older youth from the stable area, demonstrating the cordial fellowship of this small community.

In accordance with the national trend, Mountaineer has announced that beginning on December 1, 2008, toe grabs in excess of two (2) mm will no longer be permitted on the dirt track. In addition, the ARCI model rule on androgenic anabolic steroids will take effect on January 1, 2009. These measures were implemented out concern for the safety and welfare of the horses, as well as the ability for the racetrack to maintain eligibility for its graded stakes program.

Mountaineer’s 2009 live racing dates have been announced. Racing begins on January 17. A total of 232 days are scheduled. Of those days, 230 have the standard 7:00 p.m. post time. A special post time of 2:00 p.m. has been announced for July 4 and August 1 (West Virginia Derby Day).

In response to the outcry to protect horses, Mountaineer Casino and Race Track’s management has announced the following statement: “Any horsemen whose horses end up at the Sugarcreek Auction shall incur the loss of stalls and may be a management exclusion.”

CANTER will be offering its free horse sale listing service to owners and trainers looking to sell their racers who are either too slow to run or are at the end of their racing career. Mountaineer horses available for sale or placement will now be available to the general public at www.canterusa.org.

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. has announced that Robert F. Griffin replaced Edson R. (Ted) Arneault as Mountaineer’s President and Chief Executive Office, effective November 1, 2008. Mr. Griffin, formerly employed by the Isle Of Capri, was responsible for operations of 16 casinos and racing facilities in the United States, Grand Bahamas, and United Kingdom.

In addition, Jeffrey P. Jacobs was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the company elected three new members to its Board. Steven M. Billick and Raymond K. Lee will fill the two new seats newly created by the Board’s amendment to by-laws on October 30, 2008. Stanley R. Gorom, III will fill the Board seat vacated by Mr. Arneault’s resignation from the Board on October 31, 2008.

Date Posted: 11/18/2008 12:37:49 PM Last Updated: 11/18/2008 12:37:49 PM

CANTER, which stands for the communication alliance to network Thoroughbred ex-racehorses, announced a new chapter at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. The program offers a free listing service to trainers and owners looking to find new homes for their horses after their racing careers have ended.

“We are pleased to offer this free program to our owners and trainers who are looking to place their race horses in new careers,” said Rose Mary Williams, director of racing at Mountaineer. “CANTER has a proven track record helping trainers to sell and place their ex-race horses.”

Nancy Koch, executive director of CANTER, explained how the program’s volunteers are the driving force behind its success.

“Our volunteer organization is dedicated to helping these horses find new homes, and we are pleased that Mountaineer is offering this free program to its horsemen,” said Koch.

When the racing career of Cedar Top, a Thoroughbred based at Mountaineer ended, he embarked on a new phase of his life. Thanks to his owner, Don Blankenship of New Cumberland, and Rachel Paris, who works with the Exceller Fund, as well as CANTER to find homes for retired race horses, Cedar Top has been placed with junior rider Claire Powell. It’s proven to be an arrangement that is working well for both horse and owner.

“CT is my best friend and the love of my life,” said Powell. “He is handsome, smart, and very athletic. The first day I had him on the trail, I fell in love with him.”

Placing retired racehorses has been the passion of Paris for the past four years. During that time, she said, there has only one horse she has not been able to place. That horse is still residing on her farm.

Trainer/owner Don Blankenship, who has been based at Mountaineer since the 1960’s, estimated that he has placed more than 50 of his horses during the past three years working with Paris.

Blankenship said many people might have the misperception that race horses are too high strung to adapt to a life as pleasure horses.

“Actually, they’re very good with riders,” he said. “Nothing spooks them.”

Paris, who will serve as director of volunteers for the Mountaineer CANTER chapter, will also soon be working with the Ohio chapter of the organization.

Paris said CANTER volunteers will be contacting trainers in person at Mountaineer to list and photograph horses for sale. She may be contacted at (304) 564-5958. Mountaineer horses available for sale or placement is available to the general public at www.canterusa.org.

Posted: Monday, November 03, 2008 3:52 PM

Mountaineer Race Track in Chester, West Virginia, enacted a new policy on October 31 concerning the sale of horses at the Sugarcreek Livestock Auction in Sugarcreek, Ohio.

The auction is known as a place where horses are sold to people who in turn sell the equines to slaughterhouses in Canada and other foreign nations for human consumption.

Horsemen found to have sent horses to Sugarcreek will lose their stalls and may be subject to management exclusion.

“What we found out was that some of the horses ended up at the Sugarcreek auction,” Mountaineer Director of Racing Rose Mary Williams said. “What we decided to do was take measures to prevent that from happening.”

Williams said that she informed the West Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of the policy on October 31.

With this step, Mountaineer joined other tracks trying to end the practice horsemen of selling horses to killer buyers—those who purchase horses for the sole purpose of sending them to a slaughterhouse.

Suffolk Downs in East Boston, Massachusetts, in June became the first track to enact a zero-tolerance policy toward the sale of racehorses for slaughter.

In August, Magna Entertainment Corp. enacted a similar policy at all of its Thoroughbred and harness racing tracks.

While Williams said she was aware of Suffolk and Magna’s policies, they did not influence her decision.

“We’re trying to start locally,” Williams said. “We’re right in the process of starting that.”

Sugarcreek recently was the subject of an investigative piece on the program “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO in May. The piece showed how horses, some of whom raced at Mountaineer, were sold at Sugarcreek and then subsequently shipped to foreign slaughterhouses.

Posted: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:14 PM

MTR Gaming and its board of directors tabbed Robert Griffin as its next president and chief executive officer on Tuesday.

Griffin replaces Edson R. “Ted” Arneault, who decided in April to step down as president. Arneault's employment agreement official expires on December 31.

“I think Bob’s operational expertise is a great strategic fit with the current management team and will provide MTR with the best management team to maximize its unique position in gaming markets,” Arneault said of Griffin.

MTR Gaming owns and operates both Mountaineer Racetrack, Presque Isle Downs, and Scioto Downs.

Griffin was most recently senior vice President of operations-corporate for Isle of Capri Casinos where he was in charge of 16 casinos and racing facilities in the United States.

Griffin will start at MTR Gaming on January 2, 2009, or earlier if both parties agree.

“Ted [Arneault] and his staff have done an excellent job building a regional market gaming company, driving revenue growth, and developing a strategic direction for the future,” Griffin said. “I thank the board of directors for their confidence and look forward to leading MTR Gaming Group as we optimize operational excellence, focus on service strategies, and improve shareholder value."

Mountaineer Casino Racetrack showcased its biggest annual day of racing, West Virginia Derby Day, on Saturday, August 2, with a card featuring nine stakes races worth a total of $1,520,000. The 17,298 patrons in attendance enjoyed a spectacular day of racing, topped by a nail-biting finish in the featured $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III), which Ready Set narrowly took after surviving a claim of foul.

In the Derby, Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables’ Ready Set settled off the pace early, while Recapturetheglory, Acting Zippy and Stolen Chevy battled it out on the front end. Jockey Julien Leparoux asked Ready Set for run in the far turn, and the son of Touch Gold and the Alleged mare Party Cited quickly started making ground on the leaders along the inside. He passed Cherokee Artist by upper stretch to take the lead.

Web Gem also came running on the turn, but he did not really manage to break free until the final eighth of a mile, when he came flying to just miss Ready Set by a head at the wire. His jockey, Jorge Chavez, believed that Web Gem would have won with a cleaner trip around the far turn – something he believed was the fault of the winner.

According to Chavez, “I was in good position (nearing the far turn), and then the winner moved over on me and made me lose my action,” he said. “By the time we recovered, it was too late. Otherwise, I would have won easy.” As a result, Chavez lodged a claim of foul for interference against the winner. The stewards disagreed, however, and the results were allowed to stand.

Leparoux said of the winning effort, “I was expecting a lot of pace, which we got. It wasn’t my plan to make a move so early. But a hole opened up for us nearing the stretch, and Ready Set went for it. He’s a young horse, and still learning how to race. He could have won by a whole lot more.”

Ready Set crossed the wire in the 1 1/8-mile race for three-year-olds in 1:52.03 over a fast track to earn the $450,000 winner’s share of the purse. Web Gem, trained by Nick Zito, crossed the finish line three lengths clear of third place finisher Real Appeal, a 39-to-1 longshot. It was another half-length back to lukewarm favorite Cherokee Artist in fourth place, and he was followed past the wire by My Pal Charlie, Proud Kentuckian, I’ve Hear It All, Z Fortune, Recapturetheglory, Stolen Chevy, and Acting Zippy.

Recapturetheglory, winner of the Illinois Derby (Gr. II) at Hawthorne in April, was the West Virginia Derby morning line favorite and second choice in the wagering at post time. He broke through the starting gate just before the race was to begin and had to be reloaded. According to trainer and co-owner Louis Rouseel, III, “Once that happened, I knew he had no chance.”

“Ready Set’s a maturing horse, and Julien’s a patient rider,” said winning trainer Michael R. Matz. “He’s got a good feel for Ready Set, and now he knows him even a little bit better.”

Matz added, “The ($1 million) Pennsylvania Derby’s an option for Ready Set’s next start. It’s run on Labor Day, and the timing will be right.”

The West Virginia Derby victory was Ready Set’s fourth in 11 career starts, and the triumph increased his career earnings to $596,040.

West Virginia Derby Day commenced with the running of the six furlong $85,000-guaranteed Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes for two year olds. Third choice Terrain stalked to the early pace under jockey Jamie Theriot before challenging Retap and Wynning Pursuit for the lead at the head of the stretch.

Those three battled fiercely, but Terrain began to slowly pull away from his foes by midstretch, eventually crossing the wire 1 ¾ lengths in front of Retap in 1:11.13. Wynning Pursuit was another 2 ¾ lengths back in third place, followed past the post by favored Screen Your Friend, Prowl On, and Need a Name.

Terrain, a gelded son of Sky Mesa and the Forty Niner mare Minery, is owned and was bred by Adele B. Dilschneider and is trained by Albert Stall, Jr.

In the 4 ½-furlong $85,000-guaranteed West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup Stakes for three-year-olds and upward, The Elkstone Group’s Lacewell won a prolonged stretch battle with favored Pete’s Wonder to notch a neck victory over that foe in :51.59. Ridden by Sylvester Carmouche, III, the five-year-old gelded son of Souvenir Copy and the General Meeting mare Aerial Meeting is trained by Micheal Beck. Bernie Blue finished third, 1 ¼ lengths behind Pete’s Wonder and two lengths to the good of Peace Warrior. Dolphin’s Tale, Head Master D, Bettin on M J, Quick Carson, and Valid Velocity completed the order of finish.

Fillies and mares, three years old and upward, competed going six furlongs in the $85,000-guaranteed West Virginia Secretary of State Stakes, and it was the Ian Wilkes-trained four-year-old filly Awsugahnow that prevailed by a length over Pola’s Place in 1:11.10. Ridden by Calvin Borel, the daughter of Forestry and the Quiet American mare American Jewel rallied on the outside down the stretch to run down Pola’s Place for the victory. She is owned by Randall Bloch, Phil Milner, Keith Basso, and John Seiler. A Little Wild finished 1 ½ lengths behind Pola’s Place in third, and she was trailed past the wire by Pretty Jenny, Quota, Thor’s Daughter, Sweet Ambition, and High Heritage.

Favored Corlett, that experienced various traffic problems when she finished fourth in the Debutante Stakes (Gr. II) at Churchill Downs, had much better luck in the $85,000-guaranteed Mountaineer Juvenile Filly Stakes for two-year-old fillies going six furlongs. Under Jamie Theriot, Silverton Hill, LLC’s Corlett won easily by 2 1/4 lengths over Lola B. in a time of 1:12.32. Shining Moment finished two more lengths back in third place, six lengths clear of Girls Image. Legendary Ride and Z What U Got trailed past the wire. Corlett is trained by Darrin Miller.

It took every ounce of strength she had and every inch of ground in the race for Avalon Farms, Inc.’s five-year-old mare Shytoe Lafeet to put her nose in front of favored pacesetter Si Si Mon Amie and win the $110,000-guaranteed West Virginia Senate President’s Stakes for fillies and mares, three year olds and upward, going one mile and seventy yards on the grass in 1:39.53. Under jockey Gabriel Saez, Shytoe Lafeet put her nose in front on the final turn, but Si Si Mon Amie dug back in and retook a narrow lead and battled the winner the length of the stretch. Beautiful Venue finished 1 ¾ lengths behind the top pair in third place, followed past the line by New Edition, Tell It as It Is, Coffee Can, and Easy Tee. Shytoe Lafeet is trained by J. Jones.

Heavily favored Are You Serious overcame a wide trip and held off a determined Vicarian by three-quarters of a length to win the six furlong $110,000-guaranteed Harvey Arneault Memorial Stakes for three-year-olds and upward in 1:09.99. The six-year-old bay gelding, co-owned by Charles W. Everett and trainer Todd Beattie, was ridden to victory by Dana Whitney. P. Kerney finished third, 1 ¼ lengths behind Vicarian and three-quarters of a length in front of Reigning Court. Magnus One, Cowboy Hardware, and De Brandon Boy completed the order of finish.

Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC’s Zanjero, winner of the 2007 West Virginia Derby, cruised to a 4 3/4-length triumph in the $125,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes for three-year-olds and upward. Under Shaun Bridgmohan, even-money favorite Zanjero ran the 1 1/16-mile distance of 1:44.65. Second choice Better Than Bonds checked in second, three lengths in front of third place finisher Barbican. M B Sea was fourth, followed under the wire by Bawdens and Alezzandro. Zanjero, a four-year-old colt by Cherokee Run out of the A. P. Indy mare Checkered Flag, is trained by Steve Asmussen.

The final stakes on the West Virginia Derby Day card was the $85,000-guaranteed West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup Stakes for three-year-olds and upward going one mile and seventy yards on the turf. Slight favorite Salinja rewarded his backers with a determined three-quarters of a length triumph over close second choice Jungle Fighter in 1:38.00 over a firm grass course. Priscilla Graham’s six-year-old gelded son of Boundary out of the Rahy mare Lasha is trained by H. Graham Motion. Jungle Fighter crossed the wire 2 ¾ lengths in front of Buckeye Buddy, who was a distant 10 ½ lengths ahead of Medigating (FR) at the line. Bairds Village, Yes He’s Best, and A. P. Excellent completed the order of finish. The total handle from all sources for the West Virginia Derby card was $2,521,558.

At the Board of Directors meeting held on June 5, 2008, Charles E. Bailey, president of the Mountaineer Park HBPA for the last 11-plus years, announced his resignation due to health issues. Chuck thanked all past and present Board members for their support. The Board of Directors of the Mountaineer Park HBPA unanimously approved and adopted the following resolution honoring Charles E. Bailey:

A Resolution Honoring Charles E. Bailey

WE, the Board of Directors of the Mountaineer Park Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, do hereby honor CHARLES E. BAILEY for his many years of meritorious service to this Board and the HBPA.

WHEREAS, in 1997, Charles Bailey became President of the Mountaineer Park HBPA with a sense of purpose and direction for our organization;

WHEREAS, during his ten-year tenure as President, Chuck, as he is more commonly known, has been the catalyst for growth within our HBPA, and his successes have far exceeded those than even he could have originally intended;

WHEREAS, he will forever be remembered for the leadership and vision he exhibited in establishing the Mountaineer Park HBPA Trust Fund. Since the Trust was started in 1998, the Mountaineer Park HBPA has paid over $4.7 million in medical, dental, and other benefits to horsemen and their children, and with the assets of the Trust ever growing, the Fund will continue to provide necessary and important benefits to qualifying horsemen and their children for many years to come;

WHEREAS, Chuck’s fortitude and fiscal responsibility also brought passage, approval, and commencement of the HBPA Horsemen’s Pension in 2003, which will allow those horsemen who devote their life to racing an opportunity to have an income when they retire;

WHEREAS, in only three terms as President, Chuck has been able to obtain a remodeling of the groom’s quarters, including new lighting and wiring in the barns, as well as the construction of two new barns, and a new building to house the Track Kitchen, Chapel for the Chaplaincy, tack shops and HPBA offices. He has also overseen the creation of a Race Track Chaplaincy program, a West Virginia Breeders program, and a simulcast agreement that has allowed for numerous facility upgrades and construction projects during his tenure;

WHEREAS, on a more personal level, Chuck quickly becomes a trusted friend to all that meet him, and his deeds and acts have always been the reflection of our motto: Horsemen Helping Horsemen;

WHEREAS, he is a man of integrity who has devoted his life to racing and always strived to be a voice for those who are often forgotten, and an ear to those who seek to be heard, and;

WHEREAS, his tenure of President of the Mountaineer Park HBPA will be long remembered as one of steadfast leadership, fidelity to principle, and overriding sense of purpose and direction, and his presence on this Board will be missed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Mountaineer Park HBPA do hereby honor and recognize Charles E. Bailey for his ten years of guidance and tireless work as President, and bestow upon him our sincere gratitude and thanks for his tireless service and devotion to the Mountaineer Park HBPA;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that his Resolution be placed into the minutes of the HBPA, a copy delivered to the National HBPA, a copy sent to all Horsemen at Mountaineer Park, and a copy delivered to Charles E. Bailey as evidence of our deepest appreciation.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED JUNE 5, 2008.

Mountaineer Park HPBA Board of Directors

On Thursday, July 24, the Mountaineer Park HBPA offices were relocated to the newly constructed “rec hall” in the stable area. The move requires many adjustments in both the office and horsemen’s routine and environment, but as the Mountaineer Park horsemen always do, we are adjusting to the changes.

If you have not seen the new office yet, stop by and say hello. We are located on the first floor of the building, between Burkle’s and S & C Tack Shop, as well as the chapel. The track kitchen is on the second floor.

Mountaineer Park HBPA announces its schedule for the upcoming election of the President and Board of Directors for the 2009-2011 term:

Aug. 18, 2008 - Notice of General Nominating Meeting mailed to members.

Sep. 13, 2008 - General Nominating Meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the track kitchen. Nominations remain open for 15 days thereafter.

Oct. 1, 2008 - List of members eligible to vote finalized.

Oct. 14, 2008 - All biographies, ballots, and master list of eligible votes sent to auditor.

Oct. 29 – Nov. 13, 2008 - Ballots mailed out by Auditor.

Dec. 13, 2008 - Election Deadline-All ballots must be received by this date.

Dec. 14, 2008 - Election Committee meets and tabulates results.

If you are interested in running for a position on the Board, please advise a member of the Nominating Committee. Those members are Penny Welsh - Chair, Jack Allen, and Mark Powers. Election Committee members are Landers Bonenberger - Chair, Johnnie Booker, and Steve Ford.

***(Please note: Eligibility to vote and/or run for office is based on 2007 licensing.)

Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008

This is what kind of man thoroughbred trainer Joseph J. "Joe" Andelmo of Wilmerding was: He picked up a hitchhiker and, upon learning the man was just out of jail and in need of a job, took him to the racetrack and got him one.

That man still works at a track, Mr. Andelmo's assistant trainer, Stephen Goydich, said.

"He'd help anybody no matter who he was," said Mr. Goydich, who handled Mr. Andelmo's stable at Mountaineer Race Track and Resort in recent years so his boss could stay in Florida. "He'd give him his last dollar to make sure he had something to eat."

Mr. Andelmo, 83, of Wilmerding, a trainer for some 45 years, died Thursday of lung cancer.

"The whole family loved horses," said Mr. Andelmo's brother, Louis. When Joseph was about 16, he and several of his six brothers owned a riding stable in Monroeville, Louis Andelmo said.

Joseph then went on to get his first thoroughbred trainer's license at old Commodore Downs in Erie about 45 years ago, according to Mountaineer racing secretary Joseph Narcavish.

Mr. Andelmo raced all over the Eastern United States, Louis Andelmo said, including New England, Pennsylvania and Florida, as well as Mountaineer in Chester, W.Va., which was his stable's home base.

His stable was small -- about 12 horses most of the time, Louis Andelmo said -- and he never won any training titles, but Mr. Goydich said he was known for his horsemanship. "He was real good with their legs and real good with them [overall]," Mr. Goydich said. "He knew a lot to help a horse. He knew immediately when a horse was sick ... [and] how to treat it."

Between 1976, the first year for which the racing statistical service Equibase LLC has records, and 2007 Mr. Andelmo won 226 of 3,123 races and purses totaling $673,316.

His best horse, arguably, was Army Boots, which won 23 races back when Mountaineer was called Waterford Park, Louis Andelmo said. Another standout was Festivities, who ran fourth in a stake race called the Golden Sylvia. That race, coincidentally, was named after a horse trained by the late James Andelmo, another brother of Joseph and Louis.

In addition to his brother Louis, of Wilmerding, he is survived by his daughter Raeann Miller, of Clarion; his son Michael, of Wilmerding; and his sister Marian Alexander, also of Wilmerding.

His funeral and burial were yesterday.

Dec. 6, 1924 - June 12, 2008

by Chaplain Jim Smith

Greetings from Mountaineer Casino and Race Track! It is so good to talk to you again. As I sit here at my desk penning this article, the sun is shining brightly, and there’s promise of temperatures in the 70s.

It has indeed been a very unusual spring here at Mountaineer, with all kinds of weather. Our spring programs have come and gone, but all were very successful. Once again, the Chaplain’s Easter Egg Hunt had a great turnout, with about 53 children on hand to enjoy the activities. We were indeed fortunate that the weather was on our side. We had a wonderful staff that planned many games, the traditional “egg hunt”, and also provided a free picture of any child with the Easter bunny. I would like to take this time to thank my children’s coordinator and her staff of volunteers for their time, the wonderful baked goods and candy provided, and their willingness to serve Him. Also, special thanks to Angelo Daria, owner of the Trackside Kitchen, for allowing us to use his kitchen for this event. Angelo is very kind to this chaplain and chaplaincy.

Although many summer activities are planned, the one we are looking forward to the most is no doubt our relocation of the chaplain’s office and our brand new chapel. Mountaineer management has almost completed (by the time you read this we should be in the new facility) the new building that will house the chapel, chaplain’s office, HBPA offices, tack shops, and new kitchen and recreation hall. Many, many thanks to Mountaineer management for its kindness in allowing the chaplaincy space for our own chapel and offices. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with both management and HBPA through the years. We are indeed blessed.

Once we are in our new offices, many classes and activities are planned for our people here at Mountaineer. And, of course, along with that will be many “fun things”, such as “Wednesday Nights at the Movies”.

Exciting things are ahead! Speaking of exciting things ... this chaplain received a rather large donation for chapel chairs, tables, and whatever we needed for the chapel from an ex-horseman that is in charge of a very prosperous organization in town. I spoke to him about the amount, and he stated that he and his people had a heart for what we were doing at the track and didn’t know any other way of helping other than “just being there”.

As I share this with you and prepare to close, this reminds me of a story of a little boy with that same kind of heart! The little boy’s neighbor was an elderly man whose wife had just died. The old man spent most of his time sitting on his front porch swing, mostly crying each day. The boy went over one day and climbed up on the old man’s lap and sat there for hours. Later that day, the mother asked her son what he had said to the grieving old man.

“Nothing” said the little boy, “I just helped him cry, my heart was hurting too.”

Sometimes our words can’t help, and sometimes our actions can’t help. But if we allow our heart to speak to others with compassion and understanding, God will do the rest! When was the last time you helped someone cry?

This chaplain wishes all that are reading this a wonderful summer meet filled with success, safety, and God’s presence and love. Talk to you soon.

Posted: 6/6/2008

From The Mountaineer Park HBPA:

At the Board of Directors meeting held June 5, 2008, Charles E. Bailey, President of the Mountaineer Park HBPA, for the last 11+ years, announced his resignation due to health issues. Chuck thanked all past and present Board members for their support.

Mr. Loren Cox will be the acting President, he was the VP.

A new Election will be held before the 2008 year is over.

Date Posted: 3/31/2008 4:39:31 PM Last Updated: 4/1/2008 10:44:07 AM

About 200 union workers walked off the job at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort the weekend of March 29, and they remained on strike March 31.

Members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 23 went on strike at 12:01 a.m. EDT March 29. Union spokesman Kevin Kilroy said between 50 and 60 people are now picketing in front of the casino in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle region.

Mountaineer spokeswoman Tamara Pettit said the casino, racetrack, and resort are operating smoothly despite the loss of about 9% of the work force. Pettit said management and supervisors are filling in for striking slot-machine attendants, accounting people, and cashiers.

Negotiations between the union and Mountaineer broke down March 28. At issue are wages and health care benefits.

Date Posted: 3/26/2008 2:34:56 PM Last Updated: 3/26/2008 3:00:43 PM

Some 200 cashiers, slot technicians, and money room employees are set to strike at midnight March 29 at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, W. Va. in protest of "poverty wages" that make health care and other basic needs unaffordable.

If a strike takes place, the track's attorney says supervisors, managers and other employees will cover for the missing employees.

The contract with Local 23 of the United Food & Commercial Workers expired March 1, and employees had continued working under an extension. But on March 25, members rejected the latest offer from Mountaineer, owned by MTR Gaming Group.

Mountaineer lags behind competitors in wages and benefits, paying the unit an average wage of just $9.34 an hour, Secretary Treasurer Tony Helfer said Wednesday.

"The cashiers start at $6.50 an hour," he said. "If they want family health care, it costs them $109 a week."

Mountaineer had proposed wage increases of 65 cents and 85 cents an hour for the lowest-paid employees in its final offer. The federal minimum wage is set to increase from $5.85 an hour to $6.55 in July, and to $7.25 an hour in July 2009.

When West Virginia legislators approved both slot machines and table games, "the intent was to put money into the coffers of the state of West Virginia," Helfer said. But many Mountaineer workers are turning to the state for help, relying on the Children's Health Insurance Program, food stamps, and other public assistance.

"The state of West Virginia is subsidizing Mountaineer," he charged.

Track spokeswoman Tamara Pettit referred all questions to labor lawyer Marshall Berman, who said Mountaineer's offer is fair. The union came to the table with 20 major demands and has not relented on one, he said.

Among them was a $4-per-hour raise over three years for jobs that pay $7 or $8, "which is a 50% increase," Berman said. The union also demanded bonus pay for anyone working a shift other than Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Berman said the union also demanded Mountaineer: add 19 paid holidays; fund a Local 23 health plan in addition to the company health plan; and help fund a Local 23 pension plan in addition to the state-run program that MTR pays into.

"When they accuse us of not bargaining, they're basically accusing us of not granting that giant list of demands. ... These were all enormously costly items, and they wouldn't prioritize anything," he said.

Helfer said workers at nearby Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, which his union also represents, earn an average of $2 more per hour. That track, owned by Delaware North Companies, also pays 100% of those workers' health care.

Berman said MTR, like other gambling companies, faces ever-growing competition, including from a slots-only casino set to open in downtown Pittsburgh.

Local 23 is willing to return to the table immediately, but Helfer said he's not hopeful that will occur before Saturday.

Berman, meanwhile, said it's up to a federal mediator, who has been involved in negotiations from the start, to schedule the next meeting.

Lora Bailey, outgoing executive director of the Mountaineer Park HBPA, has been training the organization’s new executive director, Maria A. Catignani. Following attendance at the 2008 National HBPA Winter Convention and a well deserved vacation, Lora will continue to be the administrator of the Mountaineer HBPA Benevolent Trust.

Mountaineer horsemen were well represented at the convention, with a majority of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance. Many thanks to the Louisiana HBPA for hosting such an informative and enjoyable event.

With the advent of table games came a name change to the property. Customers now travel to Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort to play poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots, take advantage of the numerous hotel and dining amenities and, of course, enjoy live racing and simulcasting.

With only one month of table games revenue reported as of January 31, all indications point to an additional $1 million for our purse account this year.

Construction has begun on a new building that will be the location of the Mountaineer HBPA office. Progress is going well, and the project is targeted for completion in the spring. In addition to the HBPA, the building will house the office for the chaplain, the Chapel, and the horsemen’s recreation hall.

by Chaplain Jim Smith

It’s so good to talk with you again. As I write this article, we are just getting over an ice storm here at Mountaineer. And, by the way, I heard the tragic news that Punxsutawney Phil once again saw his shadow! Gee, what a surprise! This chaplain is willing to throw in a few bucks if there’s a groundhog assassin out there.

All kidding aside, we here at Mountaineer have really been blessed with a fairly mild winter thus far. Of course, the first 19 days of January, we were “dark” with no racing, thus bringing a high demand, once again, on our food and clothing banks.

Our Chaplaincy was blessed with a very generous and unexpected outside donation to help replenish our food bank, as well as to help us provide a wonderful Christmas day buffet at our recreation hall/kitchen. Special thanks to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of New Cumberland and to Father Douglas for their kindness and involvement in our ministry.

I also had the privilege of assisting Father Douglas in the celebration of Christmas Mass for our stable area. Father Douglas is also a member of our Chaplaincy Council and is very much appreciated by the chaplain. Again, thank you, Father.

As we speak, our annual bowling league is in full swing, with each team itching to claim the best record. Competition is hot and fierce, but most of all, everyone is enjoying Thursday afternoons, with fellowship and friendly jabs and jawing.

Although spring is still a couple months away, anticipation is higher than normal for us here at Mountaineer. Construction of our new chapel, recreation hall, and HBPA offices are well underway and are expected to be complete in April, barring any unusual storms or complications. Thanks so much to Mountaineer management for their generosity and support in the building of our chapel and new chaplain’s office.

As I mentioned earlier, even though spring is still far away, the concept of spring and a new beginning is mostly in our hearts and heads. Let me share with you an incident that reminded me of what I will call “Staying in the Ballgame”.

As I was walking to my office one morning, I passed a groom that I will call Keith. Keith always greets me with his usual, “Morning, Chap!” This particular morning was a little different; rather than the usual greeting, I heard Keith humming and singing a familiar tune we all know, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

About an hour-and-a half later, when I was walking by his shedrow again, he was still singing the summertime standard. I asked him why he was so enthusiastic about baseball in January. Keith simply replied that he was really looking forward to the first game and wasn’t going to let the cold, or anything else, “bring him down” from the good times ahead! I went back to my office and began to think.

Too many of us go around negative and discouraged because of problems and circumstances in our lives. We live stressed out, dragging through each day, and we lose all of the excitement of life. However, the book of Ephesians reveals to us a tremendous secret. We can be filled with excitement and joy by making a melody in our hearts and expecting good things to happen. In other words, one way to keep excited about life and overcoming daily pressures is to simply keep a song in our hearts and be positive.

We must not only believe, but expect that “Opening Day” is closer than our circumstances dictate to us. Keith also told me that for “Opening Day” to happen, spring training must occur.

Our “spring training” is simply preparing (as the major leaguers do) for the excitement of spring and a new beginning. It all starts in our heart. Once we believe in our heart, it goes to our head, and eventually comes out of our mouths. That’s when we affect others.

So even though it is still winter, we can still look forward to “being in the ballgame” now. How do we do that? Just like Keith does:

• Keep singing and being positive!
• Believe and expect good things!
• Stay passionate about your dreams!

Until next time, keep singing and, most of all, be blessed! And remember, “Play ball!”

On January 14, over 200 people attended a memorial celebration to honor Thoroughbred trainer/owner Dale Baird. Remi Bellocq, chief executive officer of the National HBPA, was in attendance to present the Baird family with a plaque celebrating Dale’s lifetime achievements.

Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:33 AM

More than 250 family members, friends, and fellow horsemen packed a salon in Mountaineer Park's convention center on Monday to give Dale Baird, the world's winningest trainer, a final sendoff.

Baird, 72, who saddled 9,445 winners, died in a multi-vehicle collision in Greenfield, Indiana on December 23. He had been based at the West Virginia panhandle track for more than 40 years.

"He was a legend in blue jeans," said Mark Patterson, Mountaineer Park's assistant racing secretary and closed-circuit television race analyst. "Dale was a quiet man, never boastful; a man with special gifts. He said he wanted to be remembered as a man who worked hard and won the most races."

Ted Arneault, president and chief executive officer of Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort, also addressed the gathering, which included men in suits as well as those in baseball caps and cowboy hats.

"Dale was instrumental in what we've accomplished," said Arneault. "He and others stuck it out during horrible economic times. He made sure we put on the races. He then worked hand-in-hand with us to bring in the first [video] lottery machine."

Members of Baird's family that were in attendance received a plaque from Remi Bellocq, CEO of the national Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

"It's an award of merit," Bellocq said.

A slide show tribute to Baird played on a huge screen behind the speakers' podium. There were also tables and easels displaying photos of Baird's accomplishments. Postcards for sharing personal memories of Baird that will be mailed to his family also were available.

“If another trainer won a race a day [seven days a week] for 25 years, he still wouldn't equal Baird's win total," Patterson said.

Date Posted: 12/26/2007 3:04:55 PM Last Updated: 12/26/2007 3:04:55 PM

Services for trainer Dale Baird, who died in a motor vehicle accident in Indiana Dec. 23, have been scheduled.

Visitation will be Dec. 28 from 3-8 p.m. CDT at Greenwell Funeral Home in Martinsville, Ill., which is Baird’s hometown. The funeral is set for Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. The funeral home is located at 30 N. Washington St.

At the time of his death, Baird was the all-time leading trainer in Thoroughbred racing with 9,445 wins, according to Daily Racing Form. He was the first trainer to reach 7,000 wins (in 1996), the first to reach 8,000 wins (in 1999), and the first to hit 9,000 wins (in 2004).

Baird, who was 72, won his first race in 1961 at Ellis Park in Kentucky. He has been based at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in West Virginia for most of his career.

Date Posted: 12/24/2007 3:05:23 PM Last Updated: 12/24/2007 3:05:23 PM

Dale Baird wears a new hat after his horse, Frazee's Folly, won a race at Mountaineer in 2004 to give him 9,000 career wins.

Dale Baird, the all-time leading trainer by wins, died in an automobile accident Dec. 23, a spokesman for Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort confirmed. He was 72.

A story in the Greenfield, Indiana Daily Reporter said three persons were killed in the accident that involved five vehicles. Baird was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 hauling an empty horse trailer when he lost control of his sport utility vehicle. Baird crossed the median into eastbound traffic about about 5 p.m., the paper said, and broadsided a car driven by two teenage cousins, both of whom were also killed instantly.

Baird was thrown from his vehicle but a passenger in his automobile, Shelby Bartholomew, who was also thrown, survived the accident, the newspaper reported.

A semi collided with the back of the teens' car, and a fourth car then hit the back of the semi. A fifth car hit the median avoiding the accident. None of the passengers in those vehicles was injured. The accident was not far from Indianapolis, on the border of the Indiana counties of Hancock and Henry.

Baird became the first trainer in history to reach 7,000 wins in 1996, became the first to reach 8,000 in 1999, and in 2004, became the first to reach 9,000.

When Jerry Hollendorfer became the fourth trainer to reach 5,000 victories Dec. 22, Daily Racing Form credited Baird with 9,445 wins. The others to have reached 5,000 wins are Jack Van Berg and King Leatherbury, but the other three are all way behind Baird.

After he reached his 9,000th win, Baird was honored with a Special Eclipse Award in January 2005. He is not a member of racing's Hall of Fame.

Baird called Mountaineer in West Virginia home for more than 35 years. There he was just called "Dale," a trainer who saddled mostly claimers. But he met them in the winner's circle more than anyone else in the game ever has.

"He is Mountaineer racing," Rose Mary Williams, director of racing at the West Virginia track, said Dec. 24. "I don't even know what to say. He has been here since day one. I don't think people quite understand the impact he had on racing."

A modest, reserved man with a sense of humor, Baird was at home on the backside wearing jeans. That modest man, in 1973, became the first trainer to win more than 300 races in a year. He passed that mark in seven other years. Baird, who has been active in the Mountaineer Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, also has been the leading trainer by wins and leading owner by wins numerous times.

A native of Martinsville, Ill., he won his first race in the summer of 1961 with a horse named New York. Through the years, perhaps the most amazing thing about Baird's winners is that besides training them, he has owned nearly all of them as well. He also owns a farm not far from Mountaineer in West Virginia's panhandle region.

During many of the years in his heyday, Baird would buy and sell more than 200 horses each year. He had said in recent years he planned to cut back, but again this year is the leading trainer at Mountaineer.

Baird's father, John "J.I." Baird, was also a trainer, as is Dale's brother, John. Dale's son, Bart, and John's son, J.M., both train at Mountaineer. Baird's wife, Diane, is an integral part of the Baird stable.

Posted: 12/5/07

The Mountaineer Park HBPA is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. An understanding of the racing industry, public relations, contract negotiations, lobbying skills, accounting, computer and electronic communications proficiency a must.

Send resume to: Email: hbpa@raex.com OR mail to P.O. Box 486,Newell, WV 26050

I notified our Board of Directors that I would be retiring effective December 31, 2007. I do, however, intend to continue my role as administrator of the Mountaineer HBPA Benevolent Trust.

In preparation for my departure on December 31, 2007, I will recruit and present replacement candidates for executive director to the president and Board of Directors for a hiring decision. After a new executive director is hired by the president and Board, I will train the new executive director.

This was a hard decision for me because I have been wearing several hats since 1998, when my husband Chuck was first elected president of the Mountaineer Park HBPA. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing Mountaineer horsemen, and I am extremely proud of the accomplishments we have achieved.

Even though Chuck has been put on temporary stall rest, he will continue in his role as president. We have a very competent vice president and Board of Directors to help him address any problems that may arise. I would like to thank the Board and the horsemen for their help and support during Chuck’s illness.

Lora Bailey
Executive Director

After a 20 percent cut in purses this summer, Mountaineer increased our purses ten percent effective November 4, 2007. We will be monitoring the underpayment to determine if and when the remaining ten percent can be added to our purses.

Poker card games are up and running at Mountaineer. So far, we have 35 poker tables trackside. The other table games should be operating in January, if not sooner. Hopefully, this will help our purse account, but we will again have to pay Governor Manchin’s $3 million worker’s compensation bailout starting on July 1, 2008.

Approximately 225 horsemen and their families enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at the Mountaineer Grand Ballroom. We would like to thank Mountaineer for helping with the cost of the dinner.

Chaplain Jim Smith

It’s so good to talk with you once again. Wow, can you believe another year is coming to an end already? As we await 2008, I guess we all can look back on 2007, a year that probably had many “ups and downs” for all of us. But, of course, that’s pretty common in our industry, as well as life in general, isn’t it?

The chaplaincy at Mountaineer has enjoyed an extremely busy but very rewarding fall. Our Angel Food Ministries program, under the direction of Kit Kuiken, has continued to be not only a huge success in numbers, but has proven to be a blessing for so many, both on the backside and front side.

The Harvest Party that we held for our kids on the backside proved to be one of our fall highlights. Approximately 75 children were in attendance, and all enjoyed the games, free pumpkins, face painting and, of course, all the candy treats. After the party, all the kids and parents enjoyed a great meal and time of fellowship at the recreation hall. Special thanks to Gaylean Eckleberry (our newest chaplaincy council member), our other council members, and the many volunteers that all put in time to make this party such an enjoyable event.

Once again, I send special thanks to Tamara Cronin and Mountaineer management for their generous gift of turkeys for the “Chaplain’s Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway” on the backside. What a tremendous blessing to our families. We were also able to once again provide our dorm residents with Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings. Extra thanks go to all those who gave valuable holiday time to cook and serve this wonderful dinner.

As I write this article, we are in the midst of planning our annual children’s Christmas party. Gifts, food, games and, of course, a special visit from the “chubby one in the red suit” are in the planning for our kids. Also, our annual gift packages and Christmas dinner for dorm residents are being completed as you read this article.

When we speak of the holiday season, cold weather has usually reared its ugly head and presents the normal problems for our backside families. Canceled races usually mean smaller checks, and it’s often difficult to balance the old checkbook. We have been blessed to once again have a well stocked food and clothing bank for anyone in need. I thank everyone who gave so freely to help us stock our banks. Your generosity will help so many, and we could have never done it without you!

As we enter into the holiday season, I realize that it puts a lot of pressure on a lot of people. Thoughts occur like, “What gift can I get that special person?” Or even more common, “How can I get the money to buy that special gift”? I think we have all asked ourselves those questions many times.

I read a story many years ago (that I have taken the liberty of changing, just a little) that may answer those questions for all of us.

This is the story of Bob and Bonnie, old “racetrackers”. Bob and Bonnie were fixtures on the backside for as many years as anyone can remember. They held “seniority rights” and could remember every horse, trainer, and jockey that ever set foot on that small racetrack in West Virginia.

Bob started out at an early age walking hots and, eventually, after a few years, bought his first racehorse after earning his trainer license. Bob was soon to meet Bonnie, a cook at the track recreation hall.

It was “love at first sight” for both Bob and Bonnie. After several months of hamburgers and coffee, Bob finally got up the nerve to ask the inevitable question. Bonnie, of course, said yes. Bob and Bonnie were married in the winner’s circle and started a new and exciting life as owners/trainers and husband and wife.

Over the years, Bob and Bonnie had many successes, but never quite enough to make the “elite” leaders list. Oh, they made enough to always pay the bills (an accomplishment on which they prided themselves) and they never starved, but it seemed like there was never enough for the extras or the special things that they wanted (sound familiar?). The abundance that we all strive for just never happened for Bob and Bonnie.

Oh, there were spurts that allowed Bonnie to start her hobby of collecting her Breyer miniatures, but they were always the common ones that everyone seemed to have. Over the years, Bonnie had actually amassed quite a collection but was never able to acquire that special “Decorator Tour Model” she so wanted. It was so beautiful, all gold with the white tail and mane. Bonnie had even made a special place in her curio cabinet for it, along with all her other miniatures – the very top shelf, with the light shining on it, was reserved. However, down deep Bonnie knew it was just too expensive for them to afford. After all, $900 was hard to come by, much less to waste on a “dumb old model”, as Bob often told her.

So Bonnie wished and dreamed, but never really believed (like so many of us).

Bob’s racing days were over, and he was simply training a couple of old “nickel claimers” for an old friend. The only physical remembrance of the “good old days” that Bob had enjoyed was his last race horse, Boron. After several months of re-training, “horse whispering”, and mostly praying, Boron actually turned into a pretty decent trial horse. That old 13-year-old was Bob’s medicine, so to speak. Boron seemed to understand Bob’s frustrations and hurts and even seemed to share them with him.

Every Sunday, Bob and Boron would hit the same trails in the same woods. It was like clockwork and something to which both of them looked forward. Finally, in the barn, they talked to one another as Bob took off the old beat up, cracked leather saddle and retired it until the next week’s session.

Bob couldn’t help but remember that gorgeous handmade saddle that would look so good on Boron every time he stepped into that barn. He had seen it every day at the tack shop for the last three years and was convinced that it was meant to be his. However, of course, there were about 900 reasons that kept Bob from really believing it!

So, once again, Bob and Bonnie, wishing for different things, simply realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. Another “maybe next year”.

Once Bob had Boron fed and bedded him down, he joined Bonnie in the kitchen for coffee. They talked, shared their day together, held hands, and started discussing Christmas. Of course, the same old story popped up – no money! So, once again, as many other times, they agreed to just buy something small for each other. However, after all these years, both Bob and Bonnie were tired of not being able to give each other a “real present”.

Bob knew exactly what Bonnie had wanted for years – that “dumb old gold horse”. Bob ached inside to be able to buy it for her. But how could he ever afford $900? The money just wasn’t there, and there wasn’t any extra work at the track at this time of the year.

Of course, Bonnie was in the same boat as Bob. There was only one thing Bob wanted – that special saddle for Boron. But how in the world could she come up with $900?

Both realized it would take a small miracle for them to be able to afford the gifts they so desperately wanted to buy for each other. But isn’t that what Christmas is all about? After all, a miracle started it all. And miracles happen all the time, don’t they?

It seemed to hit them at the same time, but at very different places. Bonnie was at a horse show, and Bob was trail riding. There comes a time for everyone, at one point or another in life, that something happens inside that tells us that giving to someone you love, that pleasing someone you love, that touching someone’s heart is more important than yourself. Hard decisions are sometimes necessary in life to show love to people in our lives. Both Bob and Bonnie were about to make a hard decision that would show the kind of love that you read about.

For years, old Fred at the track had been trying to talk Bob into selling Boron to him. But how could he even consider such a thing after all he and Boron had been through? However, maybe Bob could buy Boron back in the spring when things got better.

After careful negotiations with Fred, Bob was assured that Fred would never sell Boron to anyone else. So as hard as it was, as much as his heart was breaking, Bob was $900 richer and was now able to get his bride that “dumb old gold horse”. Boy, would Bonnie ever be surprised!

Almost at the same time, Bonnie had gathered up all her collection and was hurrying to the show she went to so many times. Edna, a regular dealer at the show, had asked Bonnie to sell her the collection many times over the last few years. The time had finally come. Bob’s saddle was more important than those old “dust collectors” anyway! So Bonnie, with tears in her eyes, put the $900 in her purse and headed to the tack shop. Bob would certainly be thrilled, she thought.

Two days later, Christmas arrived. Bob finished feeding at the track and returned home to clean up. Bonnie had just finished wrapping Bob’s saddle and was putting on the coffee.

As Bob came into the kitchen, he placed the small wrapped present for Bonnie on the table. Bonnie looked up and saw the brightly wrapped present and smiled. What on earth could it be? “Open it up woman,” Bob teased. He could hardly wait to see her face.

Tearing apart the paper, Bonnie suddenly stopped. It couldn’t be. It was impossible, but it was there right in front of her! The gold “Decorator Tour Model” she had desired for so long.

“Bob, how did you ever afford this?” she asked.

“It’s not important, Bonnie. I love you, and you have wanted it for so long, I just had to get it for you. Let’s put it with the others.”

“No, not yet Bob,” Bonnie replied. “Here, please open your present. It’s on the couch.”

As Bob went into the living room, he saw the giant present awaiting him. What on earth has that woman done now?

Bob started ripping the paper to tiny pieces, and suddenly tears filled his eyes as he saw the saddle he yearned for so long.

“Let’s go to the barn and see how it fits Boron,” Bonnie screamed. Bob’s expression gave it away.

After a half an hour, both Bob and Bonnie had told each other how they had afforded the gifts they had exchanged. Looking at each other, both with tears in their eyes, a different kind of love was experienced after all those years of being together. The real gift that was received that Christmas was the gift of giving. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

It is the sincere prayer of this chaplain that each of you reading this article experiences the greatest gift of all, God’s love in your life. Have a wonderful and blessed holiday. See you next year.

Date Posted: 10/31/2007 1:24:18 PM Last Updated: 11/1/2007 4:40:44 PM

A new poker room and simulcast facility are open in the grandstand at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort, which earlier this year received state and county approval to add table games to its thousands of video lottery terminals.

Meanwhile, the track announced purses have increased 10%. They were reduced 20% this summer because of a shrinking underpayment in the purse account brought about in part by VLT revenue payments that must be made to support a West Virginia workers’ compensation program.

Mountaineer management opted to put the “River Poker Room” on the first floor of the grandstand because it is believed card players would be more likely to wager on horse races. The grandstand apron is accessible from the poker area and the new simulcast area, which replaced a glass-enclosed room used for pari-mutuel wagering.

The poker room and simulcast facility opened Oct. 19. The 3,000-square-foot betting parlor has 120 television-equipped carrels, betting clerks, and self-service machines. It’s located adjacent the poker room. Concession stands also were renovated.

“The recent enhancements to our racing program have been very favorably received and are indicative of Mountaineer’s continued commitment to both our racing product and our racing fans,” Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in a statement.

The poker room, with 37 tables, is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. A $2 to $4 minimum bet limit will be in place in an 8,000-square-foot main poker room, while a separate 1,900-square-foot high-roller room will have a bet limit based on demand.

Total renovation on the first floor of the grandstand cost about $1.2 million, officials said.

Early in 2008, the West Virginia racetrack will add roulette, craps, blackjack, and specialty card games such as Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud. Four areas for table games will be located in the main VLT casino, which is connected to a hotel. Another pit will be constructed on the second floor of the grandstand.

MTR Gaming, parent company of Mountaineer, portrayed the referendum on table games as a jobs issue for Hancock County. The measure passed by an 18% margin. Mountaineer officials project about 700 or more new jobs when all the table games are operating.

by Chaplain Jim Smith

I’m so glad to be able to talk to you once again! Hopefully, all that are reading this article experienced a good summer meet. As we see summer slowly making its exit from us, we realize that fall, and yes, that ugly word, winter, is well on the way.

Our summer here at Mountaineer was extremely busy. Our Chaplain’s Mixed Softball League was once again a huge success, even though our rainouts almost equaled our play dates. The camaraderie and unity in the league was unbelievable and very refreshing. Our industry, of course, stresses winning, and even though our teams did, indeed, strive to win each week, it was the time together just “playing ball” that seemed to dominate this past season.

Summertime usually means a decline in attendance and help in many programs. However, we were blessed to see consistent growth in all of our programs this past summer. From our Angel Food Ministry to chapel services, our people have been very faithful.

One of our main fundraisers for the chaplaincy at Mountaineer is the West Virginia Derby, held each August. Once again, Mountaineer management was very gracious and generous to us in allowing the chaplaincy to use the Derby logo and sell T-shirts, hats, and coffee mugs. Additionally, an unexpected blessing occurred when Mountaineer management allowed us to do the T-shirts and caps for the premier meet at Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania. The track opened on Labor Day weekend to huge crowds. Many thanks to Rosemary Williams and Mountaineer management for their kindness to the chaplaincy program.

The end of summer also means back to school (great for parents)! Once again, the chaplaincy passed out school supplies for all of our stable area kids. Have a great year, guys.

Now the great news! This past summer, we had a huge response from the stable area people in helping us re-stock our clothing and food banks for the upcoming winter months. Both banks are well stocked and ready to go for all of those in need. Many thanks to all of you who donated items and time. You are very much appreciated, and you help more people than you will ever realize.

The fall promises to be busy with the repeat of many programs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, Spanish for Gringos, GED classes, and maybe a couple of new programs for our stable area people. We are truly blessed here at Mountaineer. We not only have a wonderful union between track management and our HBPA, but I’ve seen something different this past year. We’ve had a great response from the stable area that truly reflects, “horsemen helping horsemen”.

I remember talking with a very successful owner/trainer in the paddock area one evening this past summer. He was telling me that regardless of the “success runs” or the “down times”, he has never forgotten two things: (1) how truly blessed he was, and (2) where he came from and the people that helped him. He also told me that there are times he feels ashamed when he complains and “wants” more.

As we were talking, I explained to him that we really don’t realize that prosperity and adversity are equal opportunity destroyers.

How? I’m so glad you asked! Anything to the extreme in our lives is usually very hazardous to us. Let me explain, as I did to our owner/trainer friend.

Someone with too much adversity or too many problems in life is always wanting. This isn’t always bad, but very common. On the flip side, someone with too much prosperity usually wants more. They are rarely happy with their success.

A perfect example of this is the story of the young newspaper reporter that finally nailed down an interview with Donald Trump. After several moments of hearing of Trump’s successes, the young lady finally gained the courage to ask the one question she really wanted to ask, “Mr. Trump, with all your money, how much money is really enough?” The reply she received, according to the story, was simply this, “One more dollar than what I have.”

Mark Twain once said, “The one thing that needs fixed more than anything in humans is the ‘wanter’ in us.” We want this, want that, want more! Like everything in life, a balance needs to occur. Those who “need” should be helped by those who “have”. This is what I am seeing in our stable area this past year.

Those who “have” should be thankful they don’t “need”!

A wonderful piece of advice is given to us from Proverbs 30: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with what has been allotted to me. Otherwise I fear I may have too much and disown you.”

That, my friends, is the one thing we cannot afford to do – forget the one who gives us so much!

It is the sincere hope and prayer of this chaplain that this fall meet is the best you have ever had. May you be blessed with prosperity, health, and His presence. Be good to each other and, most important, be good to yourself.

Because of a combination of decreased play on the video lottery terminals (VLTs) and a temporary decrease in the horsemen’s share in VLT income from July 1 through the first week in September in order to pay West Virginia Workers Compensation debt (our share is approximately $3 million per year), purses at Mountaineer Park have temporarily been cut 20% across the board.

The Mountaineer HBPA recently launched a website, www.mphbpa.com. The site provides horsemen with an abundance of information about the Mountaineer HBPA and its programs, as well as downloadable forms for our scholarship program, pension program, and trust applications. It also contains useful general forms such as W-9 tax forms, a bill of sale, a lease agreement, a trainer transfer form, and wire transfer instructions.

From the site, users can also link to Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort’s website to get overnights, results, entries, etc. Moreover, users can link directly into the sites of other important racing organizations such as the National HBPA and The Jockey Club.

We encourage you to visit www.mphbpa.com to learn about your association and to find the most current news and information.

Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC’s Zanjero topped Mountaineer Race Track’s most lucrative day of the year when the son of Cherokee Run and the A. P. Indy mare Checkered Flag survived a prolonged stretch duel with Bwana Bull to post a nose victory in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. II) for 3-year-olds on August 4. The Derby was on of nine stakes races run at Mountaineer that day, which combined for total purses of just over $1.5 million in front of an on-track crowd of 14,812.

The Steve Asmussen-trained Zanjero’s triumph in the West Virginia Derby marked the colt’s long overdue first graded stakes win. Previously, he had placed in five graded races, including a close third place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. I), losing by just a head to Dominican and Kentucky Derby (Gr. I) winner Street Sense. The victory also snapped a six-race losing streak for Zanjero that dated back to November of 2006.

In the West Virginia Derby, Zanjero and Bwana Bull tracked early leaders Norjac and Slew’s Tizzy side-by-side in the middle of the track before moving in unison around the far turn and grabbing the lead. Never separated by even a length from early in the race, Zanjero and Bwana Bull battled down the stretch, with none of the others able to seriously challenge their duel. Zanjero edged about a half-length clear in midstretch, only for Bwana Bull to battle back and just miss catching Zanjero by a nose on the wire. Their time for the 1 1/8-mile contest was 1:53.04 over a fast track.

Moyer’s Pond rallied from last place to finish third, six lengths behind the top pair and one length in front of Sam P. Ohio Derby (Gr. II ) winner Delightful Kiss checked in fifth, trailed past the post by Domincan, Slew’s Tizzy, and Norjac. Song of Navarone and Dr. Googles Boogles were scratched.

Ridden by Shawn Bridgmohan, Zanjero was winning for the third time in eleven starts and increased his lifetime earnings to $772,016.

Just one race earlier, the Dale Romans-trained classy favorite M B Sea made much easier work of the field in the $125,000 West Virginia Governors Cup going 1 1/16 miles. Michael J. Bruder’s M B Sea was in no hurry early in the race, but he split rivals at the three-eighths pole and took an inside track on his way to a dominating 7 1/4 length victory over narrow second choice Mr. Pursuit in 1:46.96. Come On Chas finished another head back in third place.

Gus Goldsmith’s five-year-old gelding Cowboy Hardware rallied from last place to take the $123,950 Harvey Arneault Memorial Breeders’ Cup by a convincing 2 1/4 lengths over longshot Bairds Valley. The Jeff Talley trainee was clocked going the six furlong distance in 1:11.71. Forest Park held on for third place, a neck behind Bairds Village and a nose and neck to the good of De Brandon Boy and favored The Student (Arg), respectively.

On a firm grass course, Fred J. Miller III ’s three-year-old filly Beautiful Venue bested her elders in the $119,000 West Virginia Senate Presidents Breeders’ Cup for fillies and mares. The only three-year-old in the race, the Barbara Beagle-trained daughter of Came Home pressed Chacana early and then took over and held Afleet Angel at bay by 1 1/4 lengths. She traveled the one mile and 70 yards in 1:38.14. Water Gap rallied for third, a length behind Afleet Angel.

Heiligbrodt Racing Stable’s Crackalackin justified his strong favoritism in the $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile, taking the six-furlong race by an easy 4 1/2 lengths over Preachin Man in 1:12.54 under jockey Shawn Bridgmohan. The son of Tiger Ridge is trained by Steve Asmussen. Robbing the Bank finished in third place, 2 1/2 lengths behind Preachin Man.

Odds-on Bernie Blue proved to be an equally deserving favorite as he dominated the $85,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup for three-year-olds and upward. Pyrite Stable’s five-year-old son of Bernstein drew off for a facile six length tally over second choice He’s Got Grit in :52.40 for the 4 1/2 furlongs. Lucky Express was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third place. Bernie Blue is trained by Miguel A. Feliciano.

In a race much like the West Virginia Derby, Country Diva and Excellerant hooked up and battled the length of the stretch in the $85,000 West Virginia Secretary of State Stakes for fillies and mares, with Marablue Farm’s Michael Trivigno-trained Country Diva emerging a neck victress in 1:11.89 for six furlongs. Quelle Surprise finished another 5 1/4 lengths back in third place.

It was all Elocution in the $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies, as the Heiligbrodt Racing Stable-owned lass justified her 1-to-2 favoritism by strolling to a five length triumph in 1:12.78 for six furlongs. The coupled entry of La Wildcat and Hurricane Bertie finished second and third, respectively. Like West Virginia Derby (Gr. II ) winner Zanjero and Mountaineer Juvenile winner Crackalackin, Elocution is trained by Steve Asmussen.

Finally, John M. Tucker’s five-year-old gelding Buckeye Buddy battled Guardianofthenorth down the lane to emerge victorious by a neck going one mile and 70 yards on a firm turf course in 1:38.24 in the $85,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup. Dynareign almost reeled the top pair in late, making up a couple of lengths in the stretch to finish just a nose behind Guardianofthenorth in third place. Buckeye Buddy is trained by William R. Connelly.

Date Posted: 8/9/2007 10:00:23 AM Last Updated: 8/9/2007 10:00:23 AM

MTR Gaming Group Inc. reported Aug. 9 it swung to a loss in the second quarter due to costs related to the launch of its new slots parlor at Presque Isle Downs racetrack in Pennsylvania.

The company, which owns and operates racetrack, gaming, and hotel properties in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota, posted a loss of $502,000, or 2 cents per share, compared to a year-ago profit of $472,000, or 2 cents per share.

In the latest quarter, the company incurred higher net interest expense of $4.7 million associated with increased borrowings for the development of Presque Isle Downs.

President and CEO Ted Arneault said he is pleased with both attendance levels and early operating results at Presque Isle, which may see a jump in business when the racetrack reopens in September. The property near Erie, Pa., opened Feb. 28 and has generated revenue of nearly $44 million so far, he said.

MTR's net revenues for the quarter surged 40 percent to $132.8 million from $94.9 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, were expecting earnings of 11 cents per share on revenue of $133.6 million. Wall Street estimates typically exclude one-time items.

But the company's flagship property, Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort, struggled in the second quarter. Revenue fell to $68 million from $74 million, reflecting the impact of Pennsylvania's new casinos, which have cut into Mountaineer's traditional market base, Arneault said.

Profitability was also hurt by the $400,000 cost of promoting table games for the track, he said. But that investment paid off; Hancock County voters gave MTR permission to install blackjack, poker and other types of table games in a June 30 election.

Mountaineer expects to add 37 poker tables and 13 other table games during the fourth quarter, Arneault said. Although he had been aiming for a third-quarter debut, the state needs more time to develop regulations and train enforcement staff.

"We believe that table games will enhance the property's competitive position by drawing new customers and driving increased play from our existing customers," Arneault said.

In Las Vegas, MTR's Binion's reported $15.5 million in net revenues for the quarter, up slightly from $15.1 million in the same period last year.

Its Speedway Casino in North Las Vegas reported net revenues of $2.8 million, compared to $3 million in the same period last year.

MTR has agreements to sell both Nevada properties.

Date Posted: 8/4/2007 10:32:44 PM Last Updated: 8/5/2007 1:14:41 PM

Zanjero carried a six-race losing streak into the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. III) (VIDEO), having last been to the winners circle in an allowance at Belmont Park in November. But a pair of narrow losses in the past few months gave the son of Cherokee Run all the seasoning he needed to finally break through, as the 3-year-old colt outfought Bwana Bull in a heart-pounding finish to take the feature at Mountaineer Park Aug. 4.

The Steve Asmussen-trained Zanjero had lost by a head to both Dominican and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense in April during the Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), then came within a neck of winning the Northern Dancer Stakes (gr. III) last month. This time, with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan’s urging, the Kentucky-bred colt was not to be denied. Longshot Bwana Bull, who like Zanjero was well-beaten in the Kentucky Derby, fell a nose short in a photo finish.

Moyer’s Pond, ridden by Mark Guidry, finished six lengths back in third, just ahead of Sam P.

Zanjero, who has hit the board in nine of 11 career efforts, paid $8, $4.60, $2.80. The 9-10 exacta was worth $128.00, while the 9-10-3 trifecta netted $914.40. The winner covered the 1 1/8-mile in 1:53.04. It was the third victory of the day for the team of Bridgmohan and Asmussen, this one for Winchell Thoroughbreds.

Longshot sprinter Norjac set the pace through the early stages, covering the half-mile in a modest 48.41 seconds. At that point neither Zanjero nor Bwana Bull were in the top three, but as they neared the final turn both made bold moves. The two moved together through the length of the stretch, but Zanjero gained the edge and gamely held on at the wire.

Delightful Kiss, who was bet down as the 9-5 favorite, briefly joined the leaders around the final turn before tiring and finishing fifth.

Date Posted: 6/28/2007 11:56:37 AM Last Updated: 6/28/2007 12:10:33 PM

MTR Gaming Group, which on June 27 announced it has an agreement to sell a Nevada casino for $32 million, will find out June 30 whether it will be able to add table games at its Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in West Virginia.

MTR Gaming plans to sell Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas to TLC Casino Enterprises. The deal, which could close within six months, would allow MTR Gaming to focus on its core holdings in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, company chief executive officer Edson “Ted” Arneault said in a statement.

The company launched slot-machine gaming at Presque Isle Downs, a new racetrack near Erie, Pa., earlier this year and plans to begin live Thoroughbred racing there Sept. 1. Mountaineer, in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle region, has had video lottery terminals since the early 1990s and hopes to add games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette.

Voters in Hancock County, where Mountaineer is located, will decide the fate of table games in a June 30 referendum. The state legislature earlier this year passed a bill legalizing such games if the counties in which racetracks are located approve.

On June 9, voters in Ohio County approved the gambling expansion for Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center, a Greyhound track located about 45 minutes south of Mountaineer. That same day, however, voters in Jefferson County in the state’s Eastern Panhandle region rejected table games at Charles Town Races & Slots.

There are indications Hancock County voters will respond in a manner similar to their Ohio County counterparts. Both counties are located in a depressed region where jobs and economic development are major issues. The area surrounding Charles Town, on the other hand, is a growth area with an influx of residents who commute to nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Also, the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association supports the addition of table games at the track. The Charles Town HBPA was neutral on the issue in Jefferson County.

Under the legislation, horse and dog purses would earn 2.5% of gross revenue from table games, and breed development programs another 2%. Horsemen at Thoroughbred tracks in the state get 14%-15.5% of gross VLT revenue for purses and breed development.

In mid-June, Mountaineer officials released plans for an expanded hotel and other development at the property should table games pass. The track owns about 2 1/2 miles of unused property that fronts the Ohio River, something Arneault believes could be utilized to the facility’s advantage.

The expansion concept is nothing new. Last year, Arneault told The Blood-Horse he hoped to develop a “destination resort” with shops, residential units, and a new golf course. He also said 80% of the play at table games would come from the 50-and-under crowd; 80% of slots play comes from those 50 and over at Mountaineer.

“We’re looking to have a product that’s attractive to a whole new demographic, and I think it would help racing,” Arneault said at the time.

Officials have said some table games could be placed in underutilized space in the Mountaineer grandstand. There is a belief those who play cards would be more likely to cross over and wager on horse races.

Should Hancock County approve the table games measure, there would be two West Virginia tracks on the Ohio border with full casino gambling. Ohio tracks have been unsuccessful in their bids to win approval for expanded gambling.

On Aug. 11, Kanawha County, W.Va., voters will go to the polls to decide the fate of table games at Tri-State Racetrack & Entertainment Center near Charleston. That facility, which offers Greyhound racing and video gaming, is located about 45 minutes from the Kentucky border.

As in Ohio, the Kentucky horse industry has failed to win approval for expanded gambling at tracks, though the issue figures prominently in this year’s gubernatorial election in the Bluegrass State. Democratic candidate Steve Beshear has made casino gambling a key part of his campaign platform; Republican Gov. Ernie on June 27 told the media he now opposes an effort to get a constitutional amendment on expanded gambling on the 2008 ballot.

On April 30, MTR Gaming Group launched an account wagering service, www.RacelineBet.com, which is a marketing affiliate of AmericaTab Ltd. The national account wagering service is a subsidiary of MTR Gaming Group’s Scioto Downs Inc. The site offers races from more than 100 Standardbred and Thoroughbred tracks worldwide.

MTR Gaming Group Chief Executive Officer Ted Arneault said the Internet site will be promoted at its tracks throughout North America, which include flagship Mountaineer Race Track.

“Importantly, in addition to RacelineBet representing a new source of revenue for MTR, we expect it to increase awareness and handle for races at MTR tracks,” Arneault commented. “We believe it is beneficial for our existing track properties and the horsemen that race at our facilities to market our tracks through AmericaTab, which handled over $234-million in 2006. We will also be offering live wireless streaming video, which could reach a new generation of horseplayers.”

The $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. II ), Mountaineer’s marquee race, will be run this year on August 4. 2007 will mark the 38th running of the prestigious 1 1/8 mile race for 3-year-olds, and Mountaineer’s card that day will feature eight other stakes races that have combined purses of $800,000. There will be a special first post time for the day of 2:00 p.m.

Posted 5/16/2007, 7:02 pm

MTR Gaming Group Inc., the owner of Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort and developer of a new Thoroughbred racetrack and casino in Pennsylvania, had net income of $600,000 in the first quarter of 2007, down sharply from the $3.4 million the company earned in the first quarter last year, according to financial statements released late Tuesday.

In a release accompanying the statements, MTR said that higher interest expense on its debt along with lower revenue from Mountaineer accounted for the decline in net income. The company has financed the construction of Presque Isle Downs near Erie, Pa., with debt. Presque Isle opened its casino in February, and its first race meet is scheduled for this September.

Total revenue in the quarter was up 15.2 percent, from $93 million to $107.1 million, largely because of $21.1 million in additional revenue from the new Presque Isle casino, where the average win per machine per day was $311. Revenue from Mountaineer was down $5.3 million in the quarter, according to the statements, or 8 percent.

Interest payments on the company's debt, which was $353 million at the end of the quarter, compared with $272 million at the end of the quarter last year, was $6.3 million, compared with $3.5 million last year.

Parimutuel revenue at the company's racetracks, which include Scioto Downs in Ohio, was down from $3.2 million to $2.8 million.

Posted 5/16/2007, 6:15 pm

Kentucky-based trainer Bernie Flint improved his already impressive record in stakes at Mountaineer Racetrack when his 4-year-old filly High Heritage returned from a five-month layoff to capture Tuesday night's $75,000 Hancock County Handicap.

Since January 2005, Flint is 7 for 23 with runners shipped into the Chester, W.Va., track for stakes.

His 30 percent win mark is nearly double his 2007 overall winning percentage of 17.

Ridden by Dana Whitney, High Heritage ($11.20) took the lead in the five-furlong race for fillies and mares at the quarter pole, was challenged by 9-5 favorite Country Diva with a furlong remaining, but responded when Whitney switched his stick to his right hand, and held on by a neck.

Country Diva was clearly second-best, finishing 2 1/4 lengths clear of the Scott Lake-trained Rupert's Prospect.

High Heritage, owned by William Carl, covered the distance on a fast track in 58.59 seconds for her sixth win in 20 starts. She's now 3 for 4 at Mountaineer.

Andrews switching careers

Longtime Mountaineer regular Maureen Andrews closed out her riding career Tuesday but will still work at the track in her new job as a state steward.

Andrews, who turns 43 next month, rode the bulk of her 889 winners at Mountaineer in a career that began in 1986 and included a two-year absence following the birth of her son, Peter, in 1987. By Andrews's count, she won races at 16 difference racetracks, including Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Finger Lakes.

Six of her eight stakes wins came at Mountaineer, including two in 1997 with the mare Star Promotion.

Andrews said she's glad for the chance to remain involved in the game as a steward.

"This opportunity came up very quickly," she said. "I applied and was chosen. It's an opportunity I just can't pass up."

Had Hollywood written the script, Andrews would have gone out in a blaze of glory. But with her son, studying to be a priest, in attendance, she went 0 for 6 on Tuesday, capped by a second-place finish on 2-1 favorite Kanu in the seventh race.

She has no regrets. "I'm going out healthy and happy," she said.

Posted: Monday, April 30, 2007 2:52 PM

MTR Gaming Group launched www.RacelineBet.com, a marketing affiliate of AmericaTab Ltd. on Monday.

The national account wagering service is a subsidiary of MTR Gaming Group’s Scioto Downs Inc. The site will offer races from more than 100 Standardbred and Thoroughbred tracks worldwide.

MTR Gaming Group Chief Executive Officer Ted Arneault said the Internet site will be promoted at its tracks throughout North America, which include flagship Mountaineer Race Track.

“Importantly, in addition to RacelineBet representing a new source of revenue for MTR, we expect it to increase awareness and handle for races at MTR tracks,” Arneault said. “We believe it is beneficial for our existing track properties and the horsemen that race at our facilities to market our tracks through AmericaTab, which handled over $234-million in 2006. We will also be offering live wireless streaming video which could reach a new generation of horse players.”

By Chaplain Jim Smith

It’s so good to talk to all of you once again. As I pen this article, it is about three degrees above zero with wind chill of -20 degrees. This “arctic freeze” we are experiencing at Mountaineer has, of course, caused canceled races and even morning training. Frozen water buckets, broken water lines in the dorm, and just plain difficult working conditions plague us all right now.

However, there is one place where the cold weather isn’t a factor. As a matter of fact, the heat is permeating from Friendly Bowling Lanes. Our winter bowling league is flaring up with the “fires of competition.”

It is still too soon to declare the winning team, but one thing you can bank on is the desire of all our teams aiming for that coveted “bragging rights” position. Fun and good fellowship are being enjoyed by all, and rumors of spring sports are widespread.

Of course, this kind of weather brings many needs, and the Chaplain’s office has been extremely busy with our food and clothing banks. Thanks once again to all of those who gave so generously to “stock us” this past fall. You have blessed many! The month of January saw many changes and ministry opportunities for us at Mountaineer. Unfortunately, we lost a tremendous couple to Turfway Racetrack. Will Hall, a well respected owner/trainer, and his wife, Heather, have relocated their racing stables to “bluegrass country.”

Heather was also our chaplaincy council treasurer and a very strong supporter of our chaplaincy at Mountaineer. She would often “pinch hit” for this Chaplain at chapel services when emergencies took me away on Thursdays. Both Will’s and Heather’s witnesses on the backside planted many seeds, and they will be greatly missed. Blessings on both of you, with prayers of health, prosperity, success and, especially, God’s presence.

Taking Heather’s place on our chaplaincy council will be Kit Kuiken. Kit has graciously taken on the new position of treasurer/secretary for our local Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) division at Mountaineer. Kit is currently our “Angel Food Ministry” coordinator (which is thriving beyond our original expectations) and brings with her an air of excitement and constant encouragement for all those around her.

The first 20 days of January saw a scheduled “no racing” at Mountaineer. During that time, the track kitchen was open for breakfast and lunch only. The chaplain’s office was blessed with the opportunity to bring in evening meals to all the dorm residents. Through what some would call a “chance meeting” (but we know better), a young lady with many years of restaurant experience offered us her time, talents, and wonderful meals each evening. Special thanks to Penny Jenks for her dedication to this project and its huge success.

At this time of the year, the ultimate sporting event occurs – the Super Bowl. Once again, the chaplain’s office was blessed by being able to provide a Super Bowl buffet to our dorm residents. Of course, all the Colt fans (Scotty, you are finally happy, aren’t you) are basking in glory.

Although spring seems like a far away promise (in spite of recent groundhog predictions), plans are underway for many spring and summer programs at Mountaineer.

We all realize that this kind of weather is rough on our industry and its people. Canceled training and races means little excess money and often times laid off workers. I could lay on you some “Chaplain talk” about faith and hope. But let’s be honest with each other – that is hard to do at times, isn’t it?

I know because there have been times when my faith has been shaken and reduced to very low, if not nonexistent, levels. However, the one thing I have learned and held close over the years is this truth, even though faith and hope are often hard to maintain and find, the one thing that I have always maintained to hold onto is trust in God.

Let me end this column by sharing with you how that trust came about in my life, in such an unexpected way. God often times uses such unlikely sources to teach us lifelong lessons.

My lesson of trust was taught by a beautiful four year old girl names Andi. Andi is now a junior at Ohio University and still one of the loves of my life, and she is my youngest daughter. The relationship of daughter/daddy is unlike any other.

Andi and I had an almost nightly ritual at bedtime prior to our “butterfly kiss” and tuck-in time, and that was Andi’s nightly jump. Positioned on her bed, she would crouch like a little kitten. She was going to jump, but not quite ready, she would yell, “back up Daddy.” I would step back two giant steps and wait for her approval. “Is this far enough?” “Oh yes,” she would say and giggle as she was bouncing up and down on the well broken in mattress.

“Are you ready for me, Daddy?” Then a little body with newly washed hair would come flying through the air to my extended arms. Andi, at that brief moment in time, was a skydiver without a chute; a trapeze artist without a net. Only her heart and trust in her father was higher than her little body.

In those two or three seconds, her trust was in me alone. If I proved weak, Andi would hit the floor. If I proved unfaithful, Andi would crash. If I proved forgetful, Andi would suffer. But that type of fear and mistrust never entered Andi’s mind or spirit. The only thing she knew was her daddy had always been there before, always came through for her, and had always caught her “free falls.”

Was it that I was Superman? Not at all; just a father that loved. Was it that I was given super spiritual strength and wisdom? Not hardly; just a father that loved. So Andi would jump, and I would catch her. Then we would celebrate our victories, laugh together, roll on the bed and finally tuck in.

That simple trust that Andi displayed taught me a lesson that has carried me through many, many difficult times in life. If a little girl can trust her daddy who is very limited in his abilities so much, how can I not trust a God who is all powerful in everything?

You and I both have a “Father or Daddy” that will always catch us. Why? Because He loves us as His “kids.”

Start with the small “jumps” and watch Him with His extended arms catch you. He will never drop you. Trust will eventually produce faith and hope in your life.

I pray blessings on your “jumps” and rejoice with you on your future catches. Until next time, have a great spring meet, and remember … Jeremiah 29:11.

The Mountaineer HBPA extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers for the recent losses of the following members:

John Semer – John was a longtime owner and trainer at Mountaineer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Tammy, and all of his family members. John will be greatly missed at Mountaineer.

Vic Demczyk – The husband and father, respectively, of Rebecca and Ginger Demczyk (owner and trainer) recently passed away. Rebecca also serves as a Mountaineer HBPA Director. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you both and all of your family members.

The Mountaineer HBPA and its Board members wish all those reading this article a very successful and prosperous spring meet wherever you may be. May your wins be many and your losses few.

In the fall of 2006, Elizabeth Allison and Katelyn Antus, both daughters of local trainers, were recipients of the Mountaineer HBPA’s first educational scholarships awarded under a program modeled after the national non-profit Race for Education’s scholarship program.

We intend to continue and possibly expand our program in 2007.

Hopefully when this article is printed, table games legislation will have passed. Pressure on West Virginia politicians has been at an all time high on these very crucial issues. At the time of writing this article, table games are moving favorably for horsemen through the legislation. Hopefully, all parties will unite with clear heads, eliminate personal agendas, and work together for the benefit of all involved and consider the many jobs that could be created.

The Mountaineer HBPA recently conducted its Board of Directors election, and below are the results:

• President – Chuck Bailey

• Owner Board – Robert Bedner*, Rebecca Demczyk, Theresa Mahan*, Richard Thomaselli*, and Rembrandt Wright

• Trainer Board – Loren Cox, Doug Johnson, Matt Kintz, Gail Morrow, and Mike Pappada

*New Board member

Date Posted: 3/12/2007 7:21:56 AM Last Updated: 3/12/2007 7:21:56 AM

The West Virginia Senate and House of Delegates legislation authorizing table games at the state’s four racetracks March 9, and Gov. Joe Manchin has indicated he would sign the bill.

If approved by Manchin, the four counties in which the tracks are located would schedule local-option referendums to authorize blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette. Similar votes were held in the counties on video lottery terminals, which each track now operates.

The two Thoroughbred facilities are Charles Town Races & Slots and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort; the two Greyhound tracks are Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center and Wheeling Island Gaming. A spokeswoman for Wheeling Island, like Mountaineer located in the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia between Ohio and Pennsylvania, said table games would bring in an estimated $10 million a year in revenue for Wheeling Island alone.

The state will get 35% of table games revenue and will charge each track a $2.5-million license fee to operate the games. Of the state's share of gaming revenue, purses for Thoroughbred and Greyhound racing will get 2.5%, while 2% will go to the respective breed development funds. Meanwhile, pension plans for racetrack employees will get 4%.

Racetracks lobbied for the legislation by touting the jobs table games would create, and they also said the games would help them better compete with slot-machine casinos in neighboring Pennsylvania.

Date Posted: 3/7/2007 8:12:04 AM Last Updated: 3/7/2007 8:12:04 AM

The West Virginia Senate voted 20–13 March 6 to legalize table games at the state’s horse and dog racing tracks. The bill, which had passed the House of Delegates, was amended in the Senate and now must return to the House for concurrence or rejection of the amendments.

Following the House action, the bill will probably go to conference committee to iron out the differences between the two chambers. It would then be returned for votes in both the Senate and the House, and if passed, would go to Gov. Joe Manchin for his signature or veto.

One of the Senate amendments calls for a local-option vote by residents of the counties in which the tracks are located. If approved by local voters, the tracks would be allowed to set offer blackjack poker, craps, and roulette.

The four tracks in the state already have video lottery terminals. The two Thoroughbred facilities are Charles Town Races & Slots and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort; the two Greyhound tracks are Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center and Wheeling Island Gaming.

A spokeswoman for Wheeling Island, like Mountaineer located in the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia between Ohio and Pennsylvania, said table games would bring in an estimated $10 million a year in revenue for Wheeling Island alone.

Resident of Ohio County, where Wheeling Island is located, and further north in Hancock County, where Mountaineer is located, are expected to pass any referendum on expanded gambling. The Wheeling Island spokeswoman said if the bill becomes law, the track would begin construction of space for table games including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps.

The legislation has changed since its introduction earlier in the session. According to the bill, the tracks would keep 65% of gross receipts and 35% would go to the state. Of the 35%, purses would get 6%, and Thoroughbred and Greyhound breed development each would get 2%. The state would get 79% for debt reduction; local governments up to 10%; and racetrack employees 1% for pension plans.

Date Posted: 3/5/2007 3:49:34 PM Last Updated: 3/5/2007 3:49:34 PM

The West Virginia Senate is scheduled to vote March 6 on legislation authorizing table games at the state’s horse and dog racing tracks. If the Senate passes the legislation, which already passed the House, and amends in any way, it will have to go back to the House for concurrence on the amendments.

If the bill is passed by both houses, it would have to go to the counties where the racetracks are located for a vote by the people before it can be enacted.

The four tracks in the state already have video lottery terminals. The two Thoroughbred facilities are Charles Town Races & Slots and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort; the two Greyhound tracks are Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center and Wheeling Island Gaming.

A spokeswoman for Wheeling Island, like Mountaineer located in the Northern Panhandle region of West Virginia between Ohio and Pennsylvania, said table games would bring in an estimated $10 million a year in revenue for Wheeling Island alone.

Resident of Ohio County, where Wheeling Island is located, and further north in Hancock County, where Mountaineer is located, are expected to pass any referendum on expanded gambling. The Wheeling Island spokeswoman said if the bill becomes law, the track would begin construction of space for table games including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps.

The legislation has changed since its introduction earlier in the session. According to the bill, the tracks would keep 65% of gross receipts and 35% would go to the state. Of the 35%, purses would get 6%, and Thoroughbred and Greyhound breed development each would get 2%. The state would get 79% for debt reduction; local governments up to 10%, and racetrack employees 1% for pension plans.

Date Posted: 1/16/2007 1:15:28 PM Last Updated: 1/16/2007 1:23:20 PM

Trainer Jami Poole, who lost the race for president of the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association by only eight votes, has officially protested the organization’s recent election.

The election, results of which were made official Jan. 5, was hotly contested and controversial. At least one individual offered a reward for information related to a flyer that was critical of the leadership of the horsemen’s group.

Trainer Chuck Bailey, the incumbent president, won re-election. Bailey’s wife, Lora, is the executive director of the group that represents horsemen at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in West Virginia.

Poole, who comes from a family of trainers who have raced mostly in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio, said he tried to get the names of the about 2,800 people eligible to vote to ensure they received ballots. He alleged Lora Bailey kept the election committee in the dark.

“She was running the election,” Poole said. “She had the phone numbers and wouldn’t let me have them. They also hired a telemarketer to make calls for them. Under the bylaws, when you pay someone to make calls, that’s campaigning. You are allowed to personally call people.”

Poole also said Cheryl Walker, who has served as secretary of the Mountaineer HBPA, could be out of a job because she is friends with him. “She hasn’t done anything for me she wouldn’t do for anybody else on the backstretch,” he said.

Lora Bailey said Poole would be notified of a hearing date for his protest. “I really can’t comment on any of (the allegations) at this time,” she said. “We have to give them a hearing.”

In an earlier interview, she said: “We tried to make sure (the election) was done right.”

Poole said he hired an attorney who was scheduled to talk with National HBPA officials about the election. The Mountaineer HBPA asked the National HBPA to count the ballots rather than hiring an auditor.

“It was a pretty tough campaign on both sides,” National HBPA executive director Remi Bellocq said. “Our role, if we are invited by both parties, is to serve as a hearing officer. The appeal must go through local bylaws and be copied to the National HBPA. If they want to bring in the National HBPA, we’d be happy to do so and review procedures.”

Last year, the National HBPA was asked to step in to review affiliate elections in Alabama and Indiana.

The controversial flyer blasted Mountaineer HBPA leadership and, for example, blamed it for the situation in which Gov. Joe Manchin took about $3 million from local horsemen’s video lottery terminal revenue to support a state workers’ compensation program. (All tracks in the state were impacted by the move.) A few Mountaineer HBPA board members indicated use of National HBPA letterhead on the flyer could have led voters to believe the National HBPA was suggesting local HBPA leaders weren’t properly serving the membership.

Because of on-track VLT gaming, racing at Mountaineer has become a lucrative business for owners, trainers, and jockeys. Purses totaled $37.6 million over 229 days of racing in 2006 at a track where four to five $5,000 claiming races are offered many nights.

Aside from the president, Bailey, the new board of directors from the protested election is as follows: Robert Bedner, Rebecca Demczyk, Theresia Mahan, Richard Tomaselli, and Rembrant Wright (owner directors); and Loren Cox, Douglas Johnson, S. Matthew Kintz, T. Gail Morrow, and Michael Pappada (owner/trainer directors).

Posted: 1/5/2007

President:
Charles Bailey

Owner-Directors:
Robert T. Bedner
Rebeca Demczyk
Theresia Mahan
Richard Tomaselli
Rembrant Wright

Owner/Trainer Directors:
Loren Cox
Doughlas L. Johnson
S. Mathew Kintz
T. Gail Morrow
Michael Pappada

Congratulations to all.

Posted: 12/20/2006

Mountaineer Park HBPA has lost a good friend.

Mr. John Semer on New Cumberland, West Virginia passed away yesterday.

A long-time supporter of the Mountaineer HBPA, he will be sorely missed according to Lora Bailey.

A short service will be held at Nixon’s Funeral Home and then John will be returning home to Ohio.

Cards can be sent to:
Semer Family
203 Arroyo Village Rd.
New Cumberland, WV 26047

Please contact Mountaineer Park Executive Director Lora Bailey for more information at (304) 387-9772.

By Chaplain Jim Smith

It seems as if each time I pen this column, time has passed us by so fast that it’s hard to believe. As 2006 quickly comes to an end and we await 2007, we can all look back at a year that undoubtedly had many ups and downs, as is common with our industry, as well as life in general.

The chaplaincy at Mountaineer has had an extremely busy but very rewarding fourth quarter in 2006. Our “Angel Food Ministries” program, under the direction of Kit Kuiken, has seen tremendous growth and has blessed many families with the wonderful prices they make available for these great food packages. An interesting byproduct of this ministry has been a Wednesday night bible study that I started in October. It’s a very low key study of the book of John in a very casual setting in homes, followed by food and fellowship, and just “getting to know each other” time.

For our sports fans, we have started our fall/winter bowling leagues once again. The same competitiveness that we saw on the softball field this past summer seems to have continued on the lanes. We hope to form a pool league if we can work out the facilities close enough to the track.

The cold weather ushered in the need for our well stocked clothing bank early this season. Many thanks to all those who so generously gave to this cause this past summer and fall. We are stocked with everything from Italian suits, winter coats, jeans, and shirts to children and baby clothes.

Our food bank is also well supplied and ready with plenty of soups, canned goods, and other non-perishables. Thanks again to the chaplaincy council for its generous budget in this area.

Once again, thanks go to Tamara Cronin and Mountaineer Race Track management for their wonderful gift of turkeys for our “Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway” on the backside. What a tremendous blessing to our families. We were also able to provide our dorm residents with Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

Extra thanks go out to Jodi Smith and Kit Kuiken for taking valuable holiday time to cook and serve this wonderful dinner.

As I write, we are in the midst of planning our annual Children’s Christmas Party. Gifts, food, and a special visit from the “old, chubby man in the red suit” for all our backside kids will be supplied by the chaplain’s office. Also, of course, our annual gift packages and Christmas dinner for our dorm is also being planned out by our wonderful council.

We have many exciting plans and programs in mind for the upcoming months, but instead of elaborating on those, allow me to share something with you from my heart as we close this column for 2006.

I realize that for many people, the holiday season is also a time of loneliness and a feeling of “no one being there.” I, myself, have been there before, as well. I read a story many years ago that comes to mind each year at this time. I hope it blesses and encourages you as it does me:

The story is of Susan and Mark, two young people deeply in love and in the planning stages of a wonderful life together. Mark only has a short time left in the military and is eagerly awaiting the Spring.

Susan is very successful in her career and is “feeling on top of the world.” Then, all of the sudden, a tragic accident occurs to Susan, and her eyesight is lost. Countless medical opinions all confirm the inevitable conclusion – she will be blind the rest of her life.

Susan is suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, self-pity, and loneliness. Even though Mark is there with love and encouragement, Susan can’t regroup from her sense of being alone.

At the same time, Mark is at a loss of what to do for the woman he so deeply loves. He realizes that he has to do something quickly to save their relationship, and also to help Susan regain her selfconfidence and belief system. He has to get her to return to work and settle back into a daily routine.

Susan, of course, could no longer drive to work and was frightened and unsure what she was to do. Mark suggested that perhaps she could take the bus to the very building at which she worked.

Susan was scared to death at the idea, saying, “I’m blind, Mark. I can’t do this!” However, Mark reassured her that she could do this and that he would help her.

For the first three weeks, Mark would walk to the bus stop, ride the bus, and get off at the office building with Susan each day. Suddenly, on a Monday, Mark announced to Susan that it was time for her to do it alone.

The first week of being alone, Susan was not only unsure of herself, but also unsure of Mark. How could he abandon her at this time in her life?

That Friday was to be a day of divine revelation for Susan. As she exited the bus for the last time of a very long and lonely week, the bus driver said to Susan, “Boy, I sure envy you lady.”

Susan was curious about the bus driver’s statement and had to ask him why he would say such a strange thing. The driver responded, “It must make you feel good to be so well taken care of and being protected like you are.”

Once again, Susan was bewildered with the bus driver’s answer. She asked him, “What are you talking about?”

The bus driver looked at Susan and answered, “You do realize that every morning for the past week, a young man in uniform has been standing across the street watching you get off the bus. He watches you go into your building, then blows you a kiss, salutes you, and walks away. You are a lucky lady.”

Tears came from Susan’s eyes. She suddenly realized she had received a gift more important than sight itself – more powerful than any gift she had ever received in her life. A gift she didn’t need to see to believe … Susan received the same gift available to each of us – the gift of love and a presence in our lives that can bring light where there had been darkness and loneliness.

It is my prayer and sincere wish that your darkness diminish and the light increases more than ever in 2007 in your lives and businesses.

Have a blessed and wonderful holiday season!

The Mountaineer Park HBPA would like to extend its thanks to Mountaineer Race Track for helping with the cost of our Thanksgiving dinner for approximately 225 horsemen and their families. The dinner was held at the Mountaineer Hotel Grande Ballroom.

Mountaineer Race Track applied to the West Virginia Racing Commission for 233 days in 2007. We will be dark from January 1 through January 19, 2007.

by Chaplain Jim Smith

What a pleasure to speak to you once again.

Whew! Summer has left us, and realizing its end means different things to all of us. Among them are back to school (I can hear parents rejoicing already), cooler weather, and possibly even moving to another fall meet somewhere. It has also meant the completion of a very busy, but extremely successful, program for the chaplaincy at Mountaineer.

Our second season of the “Chaplain’s Mixed Softball League” was once again a huge success, not only in the number of teams participating, but in unity and camaraderie. Although competition was indeed fierce, with each team “out for blood,” the pattern I witnessed throughout the season was quite different than our first season. The industry we come from certainly stresses winning, and our teams did, indeed, strive for that each week. However, the sportsmanship, encouragement, and good fun in “ragging” each other were constant and refreshing. I truly thank all those who participated for making this season a great one (and this umpire also thanks you for your mercy on the “possible” missed calls).

A huge thanks goes to our local HBPA at Mountaineer for its generous help in the purchase of our new “pro mesh” jerseys this year for each team. You helped us look better than we played! Also, thank you, HBPA, for joining the chaplaincy in our season-ending barbecue for our team members and their families. What great food and a great time we had together.

Summertime usually means a decline in chapel and church attendance. Not at Mountaineer! Our chapel services saw growth not only in attendance and offerings, but also in individual lives.

Many chapel services were held outside “on the turn,” with fellowship and food afterwards in the Rec Hall. Special thanks to Lorenzo and Chris for the excellent food and generous prices to the chaplaincy. We pray blessings on your business. Also, much gratitude goes out to Heather Hall for “pinch hitting” for me, sometimes without much notice. You always do a great job, Heather!

We also welcome a new Chaplaincy Council member to our already excellent council – Kit Kuiken. She will be chairperson of our “Angel Food Ministry” outreach.

For those who are not familiar with this organization, Angel Food Ministries is an outreach that distributes food packages at tremendous discounts. Main menus each month consist of frozen meats, eggs, dry goods, canned goods, and desserts. Usual retail would be somewhere between $100-$125. We are blessed to offer the package for $25, along with “specials” at even greater discounts.

Our chaplaincy office has been able to participate in the Angel Food Ministries program for the past four months, and we have seen steady increases each month. For those who seek more information, please feel free to call my office or simply inquire on a search engine on the internet for “Angel Food Ministries.”

We were also privileged and blessed to participate in a tremendously successful fundraiser for the chaplaincy at the 37th West Virginia Derby in August. Mountaineer management graciously gave us permission to use their West Virginia Derby logo for our own ball caps and sweatshirts. All proceeds from the sales went to backside programs. Thanks again to Rosemary Williams and Mountaineer management for their part in our success.

The end of summer means back to school – great for parents, but not so good for the kids! Our giant barbecue, however, helped ease the pain with good food, music, face painting, and “ back-toschool” supply packages for all of our kids. Once again, our local HBPA aided greatly in this event.

We also had the honor of implementing for the first time this year a “Chaplain’s Scholarship.” Among those eligible were college bound students of employees working on both the front and backsides. Consideration was based on need and past volunteer work for the chaplaincy. We hope that this scholarship will become an integral part of the chaplaincy program. Congratulations to our three recipients. Remember God’s promise to you in Jer. 29:11.

The fall promises to be a busy season here at Mountaineer. New ESL classes, Spanish for gringos, and possibly a computer class are in the plans. We have also just started some budgeting and monthly planning classes for the backsiders.

Our clothing bank is full for the upcoming winter months, as well as our food pantry. Thanks to all who have donated items and helped arrange our rooms. You are very much appreciated.

Although it sounds as if this chaplain is very busy, I would like to acknowledge all those who help so much every day to make me look good. I am truly blessed to have such a great union between track management and local HBPA to support this chaplaincy. Thanks also go to my council, chapel members, and many others. You are truly appreciated.

As we all look forward to our fall meets, allow me to leave you with his thought: I mentioned earlier in this article for our soon to-be college freshmen to read a certain scripture verse usually earmarked for high school graduates. It is also appropriate for all of us in an industry that sees so many peaks and valleys, which sometimes puts doubts in our lives.

In the book of Jeremiah, God speaks to His people with these words of encouragement that I would love to pass on to you: “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised … I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you; plans to give you the future you hope for.” - Jer. 29:11 (The Message)

It is the sincere hope of the chaplaincy at Mountaineer that you take those words to heart in the upcoming fall season! Have a great fall meet, and may you be blessed with prosperity, health, and His presence. Be good to each other and, especially, to yourself.

Until next time,
Chaplain Jim

A general nominating meeting will be held for the Mountaineer HBPA Board of Directors election on October 14, 2006 at 12 p.m. in the track kitchen. If you have changed your address since you were licensed at Mountaineer in 2006, please make sure the HBPA has your new address.

The Nominating Committee consists of: Norm Allison, chairman; Pat Greelish-Baird; and Virginia Demczyk.

The Mountaineer HBPA 2006/2007 election schedule is as follows:

September 15, 2006 – Notice of General Nominating Meeting
October 14, 2006 – General Nominating Meeting
October 20, 2006 – Notice of Candidacy & Affidavits mailed
November 4, 2006 – Deadline for return of candidate
November 28, 2006 – Ballots mailed to all members
January 5, 2007 – Election/counting of ballots
January 12, 2007 – President and Directors to assume office

The annual Mountaineer HBPA horsemen’s summer outing was held at Geauga Lake Amusement and Water Park in Aurora, Ohio. Approximately 280 horsemen and their families were treated to a day of fun. A buffet was also served at the park. The Mountaineer HBPA furnished two tour buses for this event.

At its last meeting, the Mountaineer HBPA Board of Directors approved giving two $1,000 scholarships per year to children of Mountaineer horsemen, effective 2006. Contact the Mountaineer HBPA at (304) 387-9772 for an application and eligibility requirements.

Mountaineer HBPA Board of Directors and horsemen extend their condolences to the family of Charles Bosco Sr. Mr. Bosco served on the Mountaineer HBPA Board for 18 years and, most recently, as 1st Vice President and chairman of the Finance Committee. His dedication and loyalty not only to the HBPA, but also to fellow horsemen, will be greatly missed.

On August 6, Carolyn Sue Bruder and Delmar Daubs’ Bright One outran his relative inexperience to take the 37th running of the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III) at Mountaineer Park by 5 3/4 lengths under Mark Guidry. The chestnut colt grabbed the lead from his rail post and was never headed through splits of :23 3/5, :47, 1:11 3/5, and 1:37 2/5 on his way to a final time of 1:50 for the 1 1/8 miles. Trained by Dale Romans, Bright One was sent off as the even-money favorite and collected his third win in just four lifetime starts to increase his earnings to $535,554.

Cielo Gold put in a solid rally to take second place, 3 1/4 lengths in front of More Than Regal. It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Ah Day in fourth, who was followed past the post by Luxembourg, Wanna Runner, Circle the World, Regent Spirit, High Blues and Crocodile Tears. Flashy Bull and High Finance were scratched.

Highlighting the West Virginia Derby Day undercard was the $125,000 West Virginia Governor’s S., which featured a match-up of last year’s West Virginia Derby winner, Real Dandy; the 2005 Indiana Derby (Gr. II) hero, Don’t Get Mad; and Salvatore Mile Handicap (Gr. III) victor Cherokee’s Boy. The latter controlled the race, leading wire-to-wire for a one length victory over Halos Sailing Sain in 1:44 3/5 for 1 1/16 miles. It’s No Joke was a nose further back in third, followed by Real Dandy, Malibu Moonshine, and Don’t Get Mad. Owned by ZWP Stable Inc. and trained by Gary Capuano, six-year old Cherokee’s Boy was ridden to victory by Travis Dunkelberger.

Gilbert and Peter Simon’s Yucatan triumphed by three lengths in the $125,000 Harvey Arneault Memorial Breeders’ Cup Handicap. The Sherman Mitchell-trained five-year-old completed the six furlongs in 1:10 1/5 under Dana Whitney, defeating favored P. Kerney.

Everest Stables’ homebred Island Escape captured the $113,000 West Virginia Senate President’s Breeders’ Cup Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over favored Stella Blue (Fr). The Nick Canani trainee, ridden by Jesus Castanon, stopped the clock in 1:34 1/5 for the mile on a firm turf course. Robert A. Adams’ multiple stakes-winning Hot Storm annexed the $85,000 West Virginia Secretary of State S. by 2 1/2 lengths over Miss Macy Sue in 1:10 for six furlongs. Trained by Dallas Stewart and ridden by Mark Guidry, Hot Storm was continuing a banner campaign that included a victory in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint earlier in the year and a third in the Princess Rooney H. (Gr. I) in her last start.

Richard, Bertram and Elaine Klein’s homebred Change Up earned her first stakes win in the $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies S. going six furlongs. With Jesus Castanon aboard, the Steve Flint-trained filly crossed the wire 4 1/2 lengths in front of Appealing Zophie in a time of 1:10.

Stonerside Stable’s homebred Speedway took three tries to break his maiden, but needed only one chance to take his first stakes. The Bernie Flint charge, with Jeremy Rose up, rallied from near the back of the field in $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile S. for the 1 1/2-length win over Datrick, completing six furlongs in 1:11 4/5.

Fitzhugh LLC’s Legal Control just got up by a nose at the wire in the $85,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup S. The Richard Small-trained four-year-old, ridden by Dana Whitney, ran a mile on the turf in 1:34 1/5 to take his third stakes.

Robert L. Cole Jr.’s Outcashem successfully defended his crown in the $85,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup S. by two lengths over Bernie Blue with a pacesetting run under Dunkelberger. The 7-to-10 favorite posted a time of :51 4/5 for 4 1/2 furlongs on the dirt for trainer Scott Lake and extended his current win streak to seven straight. Five-year-old Outcashem has won 15 of his last 16 races now and shows a record of 29-18-3-1, with $486,631 in lifetime earnings.

Date Posted: 8/10/2006 6:37:01 PM Last Updated: 8/10/2006 6:37:01 PM

A jockey paralyzed two years ago in a fall at Mountaineer Racetrack is suing the track's parent company for negligence, arguing they failed to repair soft spots and holes, and allowed an unhealthy horse to race.

Gary Birzer was riding Lil Bit of Rouge in the seventh race on July 20, 2004, when the Thoroughbred went down. The 110-pound jockey was thrown headfirst into the dirt at 40 mph, his neck broken, his body paralyzed from the chest down.

In the complaint filed recently with Hancock County Circuit Court, Birzer says MTR Gaming Group Inc. failed to maintain the track in safe racing condition and knew or should have known that jockeys could be seriously injured by its "state of disrepair."

Mountaineer spokeswoman Tamara Cronin did not comment on the case Thursday.

The lawsuit, which seeks more than $12 million in damages, also names horse owners-trainers Danny Bird and Kelly Wiseman, and Ohio veterinarian Howard Weir.

Birzer contends Bird and Wiseman knew Lil Bit of Rouge was "injured and/or unsound" and not fit to race at Mountaineer, and that its health presented a serious risk when combined with poor track conditions.

Weir was working for Wiseman at the time and should have removed the horse from the race for its poor health, Birzer contends.

Neither Bird nor Wiseman immediately responded to telephone messages, and Weir could not immediately be reached for comment.

Last week, Birzer settled a lawsuit against the California-based Jockeys' Guild and two former officials who had allowed his health insurance to lapse.

Birzer, 30, expected the Guild to pay for his medical care and ongoing therapy, but learned too late that the $1 million policy he'd bought for $10 per race was inexplicably allowed to lapse.

The financial terms of the Guild settlement are protected by a confidentiality agreement, but the deal includes five years of health insurance for Birzer's wife, Amy, and the couple's young daughter, as well as payment of more than $500,000 in outstanding medical bills.

Posted: 8/3/2006 6:28:16 PM

MTR Gaming Group reported net income of $472,000 for the second quarter, a 70.5% decrease from the same period in 2005.

The company's second-quarter income was $1,600,000 in 2005. MTR Gaming cited a decline in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), from $12.1-million to $11.2-million, an increase in the company's income tax rate, and higher interest expenses associated with the issuance of $125-million in senior subordinated notes in May.

MTR Gaming's net revenues declined less than 1%, from $95,423,000 to 94,928,000.

Over the first six months of 2006, MTR Gaming's net income declined 14.8% to $3,825,000 compared with $4,485 in the first half of 2005.

Net revenue increased 9.3% in the first half, from $171,919,000 to $187,919,000.

Net revenue at MTR Gaming's flagship property, Mountaineer Race Track, declined 3.2% during the second quarter, from $76,454,000 to $74,015,000. Mountaineer's net revenue for the first half of the year increased 0.7%, from $144,824,000 to $145,844,000.

Date Posted: 8/3/2006 3:15:31 PM Last Updated: 8/3/2006 10:17:55 PM

Twelve 3-year-olds will square off Sunday afternoon in what appears to be a wide-open renewal of the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. III) at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort.

The 1 1/8-mile test lured 13 entries, but one is on the also-eligible list. The Derby is the eighth race on an all-stakes nine-race program that gets under way at 2 p.m. Purses total about $1.5 million.

Mountaineer limits fields for overnight races to 10 horses, but up to 12 are permitted in stakes. Here's the field, in post-position order with jockeys:
Bright One (Mark Guidry)
Flashy Bull (Jose Santos)
Circle the World (Chris DeCarlo)
Regent Spirit (Jeremy Rose)
Ah Day (Jonathan Joyce)
Cielo Gold (Brian Hernandez Jr.)
Wanna Runner (Mike Smith)
High Blues (Eusebio Razo Jr.)
High Finance (Dana Whitney)
Crocodile Tears (Rex Stokes III)
Luxembourg (Robby Albarado)
More Than Regal (Shaun Bridgmohan)
Like an Eagle (Carlos Marquez Jr.) is also eligible.

Flashy Bull, owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, is cross-entered in the $1-million Haskell Invitational Handicap at Monmouth Park the same day and is expected to race there. His trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin, attended the Haskell post-position draw Thursday.

High Finance, winner of back-to-back races before a 10th-place finish in the Belmont Stakes for trainer Rick Violette, also is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds.

Much attention in the West Virginia Derby field could be given to Carolyn Sue Bruder and Delmar Daubs' Bright One, a Dale Romans trainee who impressively won the Forestry Handicap at Churchill Downs in his third career start. In his second start, he crushed a maiden field at Churchill by 9 1/2 lengths in one of the most talked-about maiden races in Kentucky.

Bright One will make his first start around two turns. In the one-mile Forestry around one turn, Bright One's natural speed carried him into contention from the rail. Guidry pulled him back a bit and the Dance Brightly colt surrendered the lead, only to move off the rail, retake the lead on the far turn, and run away to a 7 1/4-length win.

Another colt making his first start around two turns is Will Farish's Luxembourg. The Wild Rush colt finished third in the Withers Stakes (gr. III) behind victorious Bernardini, currently the hottest 3-year-old in training. Richard Dutrow Jr. trains Luxembourg.

Hillcrest Farms Racing's Cielo Gold, trained by Hal Wiggins, is a regular around two turns, though he'll make his first start beyond 1 1/16 miles. By Conquistador Cielo, Cielo Gold won a Churchill allowance event in his last start in early July and appears to be one that could benefit from a hot early pace.

Trainer Bob Baffert entered Mike Pegram's Wanna Runner, who won the Lone Star Derby (gr. III) and WinStar Derby with ease this spring. In his last start, the son of El Corredor finished a well-beaten 10th in an uncharacteristic performance in the restricted Queen's Plate at Woodbine in Canada.

Other stakes on the Mountaineer card, in program order, are the $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies Stakes at six furlongs; the $85,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman's Cup Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at 4 1/2 furlongs; the $85,000 West Virginia Secretary of State Stakes for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, at six furlongs; the $85,000 Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes at six furlongs; the $125,000 West Virginia Senate President's Breeders' Cup Stakes for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, at one mile on the turf; the $125,000 Harvey Arneault Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs; the $125,000 West Virginia Governor's Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles; and the $85,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker's Cup Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at one mile on the turf.

Nine-year-old Caller One, a multi-millionaire who last raced July 22 in the two-furlong Rocket Man Stakes on "Extreme Day" at Calder Race Course, is among those entered in the Chairman's Cup.

The Derby will be telecast live on ESPN along with the Haskell beginning at 5 p.m. EDT.

Date Posted: 7/28/2006 7:51:14 AM Last Updated: 7/30/2006 12:05:53 PM

Deputy Glitters, High Cotton, and Flashy Bull, the top three finishers, respectively, in the Ohio Derby (gr. II) at Thistledown, and the lightly raced but impressive Bright One are among the 59 nominees for the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. III) at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort on Aug. 6.

The Derby headlines an all-stakes program of nine races with a special first post of 2 p.m. EDT. The Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN during a Thoroughbred racing show that begins at 5 p.m. EDT.

Other top 3-year-olds are on the list of nominees, but many are scheduled for other engagements. Bluegrass Cat and Strong Contender are expected to race in the Aug. 6 Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Monmouth Park. Strong Contender is trained by John Ward Jr., who said his two other West Virginia Derby nominees--Dr. Pleasure and Minister's Bid--would compete in the July 29 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) at Saratoga.

Bright One, trained by Dale Romans, created a buzz during the recent meet at Churchill Downs after a 9 1/2-length maiden victory and 7 1/4-length win in an overnight stakes. Co-owner Mike Bruder indicated Bright One, by Dance Brightly, would be pointed to the West Virginia Derby, which at 1 1/8 miles would be his first race around two turns.

There will be three $125,000 stakes and five $85,000 stakes on the Derby program at Mountaineer.

Posted: 6/8/06

The old-timer Ask the Lord will attempt to turn back the clock when he ships in from Kentucky for the $75,000 Slipton Fell Handicap at Mountaineer.

Now 9, Ask the Lord won the 2004 edition of the mile and 70-yard Slipton Fell by a length with a 100 Beyer Speed Figure. He has lost 11 stakes races since then, however, and his Beyers have declined by roughly 20 points in two starts since he finished a close second in the Tejano Run at Turfway Park in March.

Summer Book, third at 26-1 in the Grade 3 National Jockey Club Handicap at Hawthorne two starts ago, and Seek Gold, one of two horses in the field previously trained by Nick Zito, both fit well in this spot.

Summer Book, trained by Niall O'Callaghan, most recently raced up close until the late stages of the 1 1/8-mile Schaefer Handicap, a Grade 3 race at Pimlico.

Seek Gold and stablemate Go Now will be making their first start since they were sold and transferred to the barn of Ron Moquett.

The 6-year-old Seek Gold won the Grade 3 Fred Hooper Handicap at Calder last December. In March, he finished second, 11 1/4 lengths in front of Summer Book, in the Challenger at Tampa Bay.

By Chaplain Jim Smith

Spring and the beginning of summer has been not only a time of sunshine and warm breezes upon which we all patiently waited, but also a very busy time with packed schedules at Mountaineer’s chaplaincy office.

As you read this column, we will be celebrating with our first graduating class from our GED program. Congratulations go to our young men and women for their dedication and commitment to reach their goals despite their busy work schedules. Congratulations on a job well done.

Of course, each spring brings us that familiar call, “Play ball,” all across our wonderful country, and Mountaineer Race Track is no exception.

Once again, the chaplain’s softball league is in full force, as all are anxious and eager to dethrone last year’s champions. Fierce competition is promised as the jockeys and valets prepare to make a statement this season.

Our first “School’s Out & Pray for the Parents” barbeque is soon to take place, along with games, prizes and a good time for all. Plans are also in place for our first “Back to School Backpack” for our kids (sorry kids, it will be here before we know it).

Another first at Mountaineer this summer is the chaplaincy working with local churches to sponsor vacation bible school programs for all of our kids in grades K-6. A special, week-long “wilderness camp” is also planned for junior high and high school ages.

The chaplaincy was recently blessed when Father Douglas came on board to join our chaplain’s council. He has also volunteered to provide Holy Mass bimonthly for our Catholic population on the backside. Many thanks to Father Douglas and also Mountaineer management for providing a special room at our dorm for Mass.

We are also preparing for the annual West Virginia Derby in August at Mountaineer. The chaplaincy has been blessed with being able to sell a special collector’s edition Derby ball cap as a fundraiser. There is also the possibility of a couple more surprises for all those Derby collectors out there.

I was honored to be asked to speak and give the opening invocations at our local “Special Olympics” in May. I’ve had the privilege of seeing this event in past years and have come to realize that it isn’t the games and races that are “special,” but the young men and women who are competing.

Although the athletes were competitive and a strong desire to win was evident, I also saw a gracious and humble attitude in winning, as well as optimism in defeat. Above all, the athletes encouraged one another throughout each event until everyone had “finished” the race. One could hear encouraging words all around, such as “keep going,” “you can do it,” and “don’t quit, you’re almost there.”

A lesson for all of us in our daily race of life. It’s not always about finishing in first place, but about helping everyone to excel in the race. The great apostle Paul made a bold statement that we can only hope to echo:

“This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish and have believed all the way.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Keep running your race, keep the faith, and finish so you may hear the applause of God.

Have a great summer meet, and may you be blessed with prosperity, health, and His presence.

The racing community at Mountaineer has suffered the loss of several loved ones thus far this year. The Mountaineer Park HBPA would like to extend condolences to their families:

• Trainer Randy Kuiken
• Starter Bobby McGaffic and exercise rider Anna Lybert on the loss of their son, Eric
• Trainer Don Blankenship for this loss of his mother
• Pony rider Hope Higgins for the loss of her son, Sgt. Charles W. Higgins
• Racing secretary Joe Narcavish for the loss of his grandson, Caleb

Posted: 5/30/06

Lady Grace reaffirmed her status as the top older female turf runner at Mountaineer Race Track when she returned from a nearly nine-month layoff to capture the $75,000 Decoration Day Handicap.

Racing for the first time since Sept. 5, the 8-year-old Lady Grace ($7.60) edged clear entering the turn for home in the one-mile race, opened up by two lengths, and held off Solid Platinum by a half-length for her 12th win in 28 starts on grass. Nine of those victories have come at Mountaineer.

Ridden by Rex Stokes III for owner-trainer Loren Cox, Lady Grace was timed in 1:35.37.

* In the co-featured $75,000 Memorial Day Handicap, Solo Cat ($13.60) overtook Touched by Madness in deep stretch en route to a 1 3/4-length victory.

Winning for only the second time in 16 starts on grass, the 6-year-old Solo Cat, ridden by Oswald Pereira for trainer Byron Hughes, covered the mile in 1:33.46.

Posted: 5/13/06

Buoyed by marketing campaigns and mild weather at Mountaineer Race Track, parent company MTR Gaming Group Inc. reported first-quarter profits increased 16% to $3,353,000 from $2,883,000 during the same period last year.

Net revenues at Mountaineer were $71,829,000, up 5% from $68,370,000 in the first quarter of 2005, primarily due to increased gaming revenues.

Mountaineer's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased 12% to $17,190,000 from $15,377,000 in the first quarter last year.

MTR Gaming's hotel and casino operation in Las Vegas, Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, which it took over in March 2005, posted a significant gain in net revenue during the first quarter, to $16,524,000 from $4,814,000 in the corresponding period last year.

MTR Gaming has begun construction of the clubhouse facility at Presque Isle Downs, an $80-million racino in Erie, Pennsylvania. The racino will commence operation with 1,600 slot machines this fall, subject to licensing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The company expects to begin live racing there by December 2007.

Posted: 4/18/2006 3:22:00 PM

The MTR Gaming Group, owner of Mountaineer Race Track in Chester, West Virginia, plans to sell $125-million in senior subordinated notes through a private placement.

The company will use the net proceeds to complete construction of the Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pennsylvania, to pay a $50-million slots licensing fee for Presque Isle Downs, to repay outstanding loans, and for general purposes for the corporation.

MTR Gaming expects the proposed private placement, which is subject to shareholders' consentl, to be completed in May. The senior subordinated notes will mature in 2012 and will have a fixed interest rate.

The company, whose profits fell more than 46% in 2005, is in the process of building Presque Isle Downs and plans to commence slot machine operations there this fall, subject to regulatory approvals in the state. Live racing is planned to commence in December 2007.

Posted: 3/30/06

Net income for MTR Gaming Group Inc., parent company of Mountaineer Race Track in West Virginia, reported a net income of $7,769,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, a 46.3% drop from the $14,455,000 it earned in '04.

The company reported a 2.5% dip in net revenues of $284,187,000 compared with $291,515,000 and blamed general economic conditions, including high gasoline prices that affected travel to Mountaineer and rising health care costs for company employees.

MTR Gaming's strongest asset, Mountaineer in Chester, posted a 6% decrease in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $61,795,000 last year compared with $65,801,000 in 2004. Net revenues slid 3.68% in the fourth quarter to $63,221,000 from $65,642,000, which the company also attributed to competition from video poker bars in its target market.

Overall, the company, which also owns Binion's Gambling Hall and Las Vegas Speedway casino Las Vegas and Scioto Downs harness track in Columbus, reported a 13% rise in net revenues to $349,915,000 for 2005 compared with $309,939,000.

MTR Gaming is in the process of constructing Presque Isle Downs, a racino with 1,600 slot machines in Erie, Pennsylvania, and plans to commence slot machine operation this fall, subject to regulatory approvals in the state. Live racing is planned to commence in December 2007.

MTR Gaming Chief Executive Officer Ted Arneault and MTR Executive Vice President Robert Blatt spearheaded a buyout offer last year that valued the company at approximately $258-million. Their offer, which would have purchased the 27.2-million outstanding shares for approximately $9.50 in cash per share, was rejected earlier this year by a board of director's special committee.

By Chaplain Jim Smith

I hope that all had a blessed holiday season and that 2006 has been kind to you so far.

The chaplaincy at Mountaineer hosted the annual Children’s Christmas Party. Approximately 75 children, in addition to their parents and family members, enjoyed gifts, food and entertainment. A surprise visit by an “older” couple dressed in red highlighted the party for many of the children. Special thanks to Mountaineer management for providing the clubhouse facility, as well as special thanks to the HBPA for its assistance and support.

December was also a time during which the chaplaincy was able to share blessings with the dorm residents on the backside. A gift bag, along with a Christmas Day dinner, was provided at the dorm.

Several families and individuals received help from the chaplain’s food and clothing banks. Both Mountaineer management and the HBPA were instrumental in helping this vital program get started.

The new year came in as mild as December was wild. The chaplaincy provided a special New Year’s Day buffet for the dorm residents. Also, several programs kicked in with the start of 2006. Both GED and ESL classes began, with a “Workplace Ethics” class presently in the making.

During the Super Bowl frenzy, the chaplain decided to have some fun with the daily devotion time on the backside. The week of Super Bowl XL, I included a Super Bowl trivia question following the devotions each morning on the public announcement system. The winner of the question received a “Chaplain’s Lunch” coupon worth $5.00 at our backside horsemen’s kitchen. Needless to say, the response was overwhelming, as many made a path to my office or called me each morning.

Trivia mania also found its way to the jockey’s room each night. Just before our nightly time of prayer, three questions were given with the same reward. Jockeys and valets competed fiercely, but this was one race that the valets mostly won.

During Sunday’s game, a special buffet was supplied to the dorm residents for all the Steelers fans and that one lone Seahawk fan.

Many plans and events are scheduled for this spring. Among them will be a special Easter service. This service will be not just for the “track,” but we also hope to be able to invite the community.

Once again, thanks go out to the Chaplaincy Council, Mountaineer management, and the HPBA for their prayers, support, and faith in the RTCA. Because of these individuals, many others are being blessed.

Until next time, let me close with a special Irish blessing to all of you:

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields

May you live as long as you want
And never want as long as you live
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past

And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Have a blessed and wonderful spring.

The concept of “table games” has once again been introduced in West Virginia 2006 legislation. The horsemen cannot support this bill as introduced. Hopefully, all parties involved can work out a fair distribution of funds.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA would like to extend our condolences to the family of trainer Don Blankenship for the passing of his mother.

Effective January 28, the purses at Mountaineer Park have been raised another 10%.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA sends out special thanks to the Tampa Bay HBPA for hosting a very enjoyable National HBPA convention in Tampa this January.

Posted: 3/1/06

Mountaineer Race Track is bringing back last year's stakes schedule in its entirety.

All 28 stakes will be run again in the same order as in 2005.

Nearly one-third of the stakes will be held on Aug. 6, when nine stakes, highlighted by the Grade 3, $750,000 West Virginia Derby, are conducted on a special afternoon card that will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern.

Two of the races on that program, the Harvey Arneault Memorial and the West Virginia Senate President's Cup, have gotten an additional $40,000 apiece in funding from the Breeders' Cup Fund and will be worth $125,000 apiece.

Aside from West Virginia Derby Day, the only stakes worth more than the standard $75,000 is the Mountaineer Mile, a $125,000 race for 3-year-olds and up on Nov. 11.

In contrast to most tracks, which conduct their stakes only on weekends and holidays, Mountaineer will again run seven of its stakes on Tuesdays.

Date Posted: 3/1/2006 11:36:46 AM Last Updated: 3/1/2006 11:36:46 AM

Legislation that would expand the West Virginia Racing Commission from three to five members and create the oversight position of a governor-appointed director of racing has been introduced in the House of Delegates and sent to the House Committee on Government Organization.

The bill, sponsored by Delegates John Doyle and Joe DeLong, requires one commission member to have at least five years of law enforcement and one to have at least five years experience as an accountant. In addition, the measure says no less than one member shall reside in each county in which a pari-mutuel facility is located, or in an adjacent county.

The bill would abolish the statutory state offices of racing secretary, assistant racing secretary, chief clerk, director of security, director of audits, and chief chemist. A new director of racing would oversee a state racing office that would be located in the state capital of Charleston.

Doyle and DeLong have been advocates for the horse racing industry in West Virginia. Doyle's district includes Charles Town Races & Slots, while DeLong's district includes Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort. The racing commission also oversees Greyhound racing at two racinos in the state.

During a previous legislative session, there was an attempt to eliminate the racing commission and create a gaming commission to oversee racing and video lottery terminal operations at the four tracks. Horsemen's groups were among those that fought the proposal.

The proposed reorganization of the racing commission is attached to state code that governs the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund. Charles Town has long offered West Virginia-bred races, but beginning this year, Mountaineer will offer races for state-breds. To help kick-start the program, there are award provisions for "raisers" -- owners of yearlings (regardless of where they were foaled) at the time they finish 12 consecutive months of verifiable residence in the state.

The bill sponsored by Doyle and DeLong specifies that the new director of racing would sit on a breed development committee along with one member who represents a majority of owners and trainers at a racetrack, and one member appointed by the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.

Copyright © 2006 The Blood-Horse, Inc.

Date Posted: 2/2/2006 12:11:21 PM Last Updated: 2/2/2006 12:11:21 PM

West Virginia lawmakers are considering two bills--one that would prohibit account wagering, and another that would authorize county referendums on the addition of casino-style games at Thoroughbred and Greyhound racetracks.

The legislation on account wagering and electronic betting, which was introduced in the House of Delegates Jan. 11 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee, would prohibit a gaming licensee--including racetracks, which now have video lottery terminals--from providing or maintaining "any service or device which, in effect, constitutes a financial account or line of credit for the purpose of account wagering." The bill also says licensees can't "provide, maintain, or possess any service or equipment intended for use, in whole or part, for electronic betting."

The bill would amend the code of West Virginia. "Account wagering," the bill says, includes any games of chance.

As for the table games bill, supporters have taken an approach similar to that in Kentucky, where the Kentucky Equine Education Project advocates a "let the people decide" approach to racetrack casino gambling. The West Virginia legislation would authorize referendums on table games in the four counties with pari-mutuel racetracks.

The state has two Thoroughbred tracks--Charles Town Races & Slots and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort--and two Greyhound tracks--Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center and Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center.

Racing industry representatives were in the state capital of Charleston the week of Jan. 30 to lobby for table games. Track officials, horsemen, and kennel owners believe games such as blackjack and craps would help West Virginia racinos maintain and perhaps increase business in the face of competition from slot-machine parlors scheduled to open in Pennsylvania later this year.

The bill was introduced in the House of Delegates Feb. 1 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee.

The table games bill sets the state tax rate at 12% of adjusted gross receipts. The bill says 8% of revenue would go to purses. Under the VLT law, horsemen at Thoroughbred tracks get 15.5% of the revenue. (At Charles Town, regular purses get 14%, and breed development 1.5%).

Copyright © 2006 The Blood-Horse, Inc.

Posted: 1/26/06

A special committee of the board of directors of MTR Gaming Group Inc. established to consider a management-led buyout offer has decided to reject the offer that valued the company at approximately $258-million.

MTR Gaming Chief Executive Officer Ted Arneault and MTR Executive Vice President Robert Blatt spearheaded the offer as controllers of TBR Acquisition Group LLC. Arneault already owns 3.8-million shares in MTR while Blatt owns 944,000 shares. Their offer would have purchased the 27.2-million outstanding shares for approximately $9.50 in cash per share.

However, the special committee rejected the proposal saying that it would not sufficiently enhance stockholder value enough to justify ceasing the exploration of strategic alternatives available to the company. The committee encouraged TBR to submit an improved offer.

In trading on the NASDAQ at noon on Thursday, MTR Gaming shares were selling for $10.12 per share.

MTR's properties include Mountaineer Race Track in Chester, West Virginia, Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas, and a planned racetrack in Erie, Pennsylvania, that is to include slot machines pending license application approval from Pennsylvania regulators later this year.

Posted: 1/28/06

Mountaineer Race Track has removed its prohibition on Kentucky shippers, in force for several weeks due to the outbreak of equine herpesvirus at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky.

The West Virginia Racing Commission granted the track permission to remove the ban, effective with Monday's racing program.

Strict criteria has been placed on Kentucky shippers, including a current herpesvirus vaccination within a time period of ten-to-90 days, Director of Racing Rose Mary Williams told the Daily Racing Form.

Due to the virus, Mountaineer is still not allowing shippers from Penn National Race Course and Philadelphia Park, and from anywhere in Maryland. Charles Town Races is still not accepting shippers.

Posted: 12/30/2005 12:57:00 PM ET

Mountaineer Race Track officials told legislators and business representatives at an economic summit on Thursday night that table games would help West Virginia’s four pari-mutuel facilities compete with the 61,000 slot machines about to be installed in neighboring Pennsylvania.

A bill allowing several counties to vote on table games, including Hancock County where Mountaineer is located and Jefferson County where Charles Town races is located, died at the end of the last legislative session. Ted Arneault, chief executive office of MTR Gaming Group Inc., which owns Mountaineer, said he is hoping the West Virginia House will pass a bill early next year supporting a local option, WTOV-TV reports.

Mountaineer played host to Thursday’s summit. Track officials told attendees that the addition of table games such as poker and blackjack could lead to a $1-billion new investment in the facility while the state could add 2,000 more jobs, the Associated Press reports.

"Twelve years ago where you are sitting was a three-hole golf course," Arneault said at the summit. "There was nothing here but a dirt racing track. We’ve been able to take that dirt track, a restaurant, and a Holiday Inn and make it into this destination place. If we’ve accomplished this much in the last ten years, imagine what we could accomplish in the next ten years."

The ten-year plan includes improvement to the racetrack and gaming facility, including a new hotel and casino expansion, a new golf course, and a park for recreational vehicles, according to WTOV.

West Virginia’s four pari-mutuel operations currently employ 4,700 workers, but Arneault said that number could dip to 3,500 without a further expansion of gaming in the state. The state's two other pari-mutuel operations race greyhounds.

Date Posted: 12/22/2005 1:08:38 PM Last Updated: 12/22/2005 1:08:38 PM

Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort has increased its on-track catastrophic injury coverage for jockeys from $100,000 to $1 million through Dec. 17, 2006.

Mountaineer said it acted immediately on the expanded coverage after it received a quote from American International Group, the nation's largest underwriter of commercial and industrial insurance.

A Dec. 22 release said the West Virginia track, owned by publicly traded MTR Gaming, voluntarily increased coverage "in response to the plight of jockeys who believed they had $1 million in catastrophic insurance coverage through the Jockeys' Guild, only to discover the coverage had been allowed to lapse."

That situation came to forefront in 2004, when jockey Gary Birzer was paralyzed in a racing accident at Mountaineer. Since that time, other racing associations have increased the amount of on-track accident insurance from $100,000 to $500,000 or $1 million.

In November, the Guild underwent a management shake-up. A Congressional subcommittee has questioned Guild and racetrack officials about health and welfare issues such as insurance coverage.

"We recognize that jockeys are involved in a perilous sport and that injuries are a possibility each time they ride," Mountaineer director of racing Rose Mary Williams said in the release. "We are concerned about the lack of coverage provided by the Jockeys' Guild and want to make every effort to ensure the jockeys and their families have disability protection in the event of catastrophic injury."

Mountaineer president and chief executive officer Edson "Ted" Arneault said even though the company recognizes that jockeys are independent contractors, "we believe this is the right thing to do, and acted in an expedient manner to provide them with additional protection."

Mountaineer offers about 220 live racing programs under its year-round schedule. The facility has thousands of video lottery terminals that provide revenue for government, the company, and horsemen in the form of purses.

Copyright © 2005 The Blood-Horse, Inc.

West Virginia Day 2005 was a smashing success,highlighted by Cathy and Bob Zollars’ Real Dandy’s victory over Magna Graduate in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III). Several local horsemen had horses that competed admirably on the August 14 West Virginia Derby Day card.

J. Michael Baird’s Cobra Lady defeated Margaret Grimm’s No Affair in the $85,000 West Virginia Secretary of State Stakes. Jami C. Poole’s Debere ran fifth.

Louis V. Roberto’s Hasseledontheborder finished third in the $85,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup, while Walter F. Bish’s The Frac finished sixth.

Loren G. Cox’s Lady Grace emerged victorious in the $125,000 West Virginia Senate President’s Breeders’ Cup.

Chris J. Englehart’s Super Fuse ran a respectable fifth in the $125,000 Harvey Arneault Breeders’ Cup Memorial Stakes.

Michael Pappada’s Immediate Reaction triumphed in the $85,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup.

The day saw on-track attendance of 19,020 and total handle of $3,447,914.

by Chaplain Jim Smith

After a very blessed and successful spring and summer program, Hurricane Katrina and her destructive path shocked the chaplaincy at Mountaineer Race Track, like thousands of others. Realizing that fellow horsemen were among those adversely affected by the storm, we wanted to help in any way we could.

After talking to national Racetrack Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) officials and our local HBPA leadership, we put the wheels in motion for a special auction on the backside. All items were donated for this worthy cause by trainers, hot walkers, and even people from outside the track. Items ranged from VCRs, bicycles, and horse memorabilia, to even saddle towels from a past West Virginia Derby and Kentucky Derby starter.

The auction, cash donations, and a generous cash gift from the jockeys at Mountaineer gave us $3,000 to send to the National HBPA Hurricane Relief Fund. Thanks to all who helped in so many ways. Mountaineer, you did a tremendous job.

In November, we honored our summer softball champions with an award at the HBPA Dinner Dance. We also auctioned an exercise saddle, with all the proceeds going towards the children’s Christmas party. The month also gave us an opportunity to sell some “Smarty Jones” posters for our backside “Barn Cats” program that provides neutering and spaying for our cat population.

Through the generosity of Mountaineer management, the chaplaincy was able to distribute turkeys on the backside for Thanksgiving. The chaplaincy was also able to provide a Thanksgiving evening “TV munch” meal to the residents of the backside dormitory.

The food and clothing bank is active and ready for the upcoming winter months, and other programs such as “Spanish for Gringos, Part 2,” ESL, and a GED class are scheduled.

Until next time, for all who read this, may you have a blessed holiday and prosperous New Year (Numbers 6:24-26).

Mountaineer has agreed to a 10% across the board purse increase effective December 2, 2005.

A Thanksgiving Dinner buffet was served to approximately 140 horsemen at the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort Grande Hotel Ballroom. Once again, Mountaineer provided the HBPA with discounted tickets for Thanksgiving dinner.

On November 2, approximately 275 horsemen attended the 2005 Dinner Dance and Awards at the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort Grande Hotel Ballroom. Awards were presented to the following:

Leading Owner/Trainer- Dale Baird

2nd Leading Owner – (Dead heat) Jack Boggs and Loren Cox

2nd Leading Trainer – J. Michael Baird

3rd Leading Trainer – Jami C. Poole

Leading Jockey – Dana Whitney

2nd leading Jockey- DeShawn Parker

3rd leading Jockey – Rex A Stokes III

2005 Horse of the Year – Lady Grace – owner/trainer Loren G. Cox

An appreciation award was presented to West Virginia Delegate Joe Delong for his support in establishing a pension and breeders program for the Mountaineer horsemen.

Tickets were available for a $10.00 donation to attend the function. Donations were made to the “Gary Birzer” Fund, the National HBPA Hurricane Fund, and the Mountaineer Children’s Christmas Fund.

As in the past, Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort shared in the cost of the event.

Beginning July 1, 2006, under the provisions of House Bill 411, Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort began offering races exclusively for West Virginia accredited horses, as well as providing supplemental breeder awards for the West Virginia accredited horses that have winnings in all races. In order for a horse to qualify under the so-called “Raiser” provision as a two-year-old in 2007, the horse must be registered as a weanling stabled within the borders of West Virginia before January 1, 2006. Specifically, “Raiser of an accredited West Virginia horse is the owner of the yearling at the time it finished 12 consecutive months of verifiable residence in this state.”

Horsemen desiring to register a so-called “raiser” in order to participate in the “MP-WVTDF” must complete forms and return them to the license clerk’s office at Mountaineer before January 1, 2006 to qualify a 2005 “weanling” under the “raiser” provision.

This “raiser” provision was also used when Charles Town started its breeder’s program in 1984. This provision is to help get the Mountaineer breeder’s program started. It will be discontinued, as it was in Charles Town, after a few years.

To learn more about the “MP-WVTDF” breeding program, contact the Mountaineer HBPA.

Posted: 12/2/2005 4:39:00 PM ET

MTR Gaming Group Inc., owner of Mountaineer Race Track in Chester, West Virginia, has received a buyout offer from TBR Acquisition Group LLL, a newly formed entity controlled by two of MTR Gaming’s top executives.

Edson Arneault, MTR Gaming’s chief executive officer, and Robert Blatt, the company’s executive vice president, control TBR Acquisition Group and have put together a buyout plan that, if approved, would allow them to acquire all outstanding shares of MTR for $9.50 per share, which would value the company at approximately $258.4-million. MTR Gaming has about 27.2 million shares outstanding, the Associated Press reports. Arneault owns 3.8-million shares and Blatt, 944,000.

The takeover is subject to a number of conditions, including financing, the company’s receipt of a fairness opinion, and regulatory approval. MTR Gaming's board of directors established a special committee to evaluate the offer.

MTR’s last two quarters of financial results have shown drops in net revenue of 44.7% and 46.7%.

MTR’s properties also include Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas. The company is planning to open Presque Isle Downs, a planned $80-million racino in Erie, Pennsylvania, although Pennsylvania regulators have been delayed in awarding slots licenses until the middle or later part of next year due to disagreements over how to approve slot machine suppliers.

Posted: 10/10/2005 3:51:00 PM ET

MTR Gaming Group Inc., owner of Mountaineer Race Track, anticipates a 50% drop in its third quarter net income of 2005 compared to last year’s third quarter.

Despite an anticipated increase in revenues of about 16.8% to about $97.75-million based on preliminary financial estimates for the third quarter ended September 30, MTR Gaming also expects a drop in net income of about 50.5% to about $2.9-million for the quarter. A company press release attributed the lower net revenue to lower than expected traffic and revenue at Mountaineer, located in Chester, West Virginia, and also at its Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas.

For last year’s third quarter, MTR Gaming reported net income of $5,862,000 and revenues of $83,861,000. Preliminary figures for this year project net income between $2.8-million and $3-million and revenues between $97.5-million and $98-million.

The estimates almost mirrored second quarter results for 2005, which saw net income decline 46.7% while total revenue improved 16.9%.

Mountaineer is MTR’s primary source of revenue. The facility includes a Thoroughbred track, off-track betting, 3,220 slot machines, 359 hotel rooms, a golf course, and other amenities.

The company recently started its initial phase of construction of its Presque Isle Downs racetrack, slot machine, and entertainment complex in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Official third quarter financial data will be announced on November 7.

The HBPA Awards and Dinner Dance will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Mountaineer Grande Hotel on Wednesday, November 2. Please contact the Mountaineer HBPA office at (304) 387-9772 to purchase your tickets.

As the spring and summer seasons slowly fade and give way to the upcoming fall, the chaplaincy at Mountaineer Race Track catches its breath and prepares for a full slate of programs for the remainder of 2005.

Spring and summer saw an array of activities and programs for the horse racing community at Mountaineer. It began with a bowling league, followed by a banquet that was enjoyed by the six teams that had fiercely competed for trophies and bragging rights.

During the Easter season, we held an egg hunt for the children, as well as an Easter banquet for the backside. A special communion service was held at the weekly chapel service. We also started a special Mass twice a month for our Catholic community.

The “Beach Volleyball League,” as well as the “Chaplain’s Softball League,” was extremely popular, with more than 120 men and women participating. Chaplain Smith would like to express special thanks to the Mountaineer HBPA and to the Board of Directors for their generous gift of T-shirts for both leagues.

Other programs sponsored by the chaplain’s office include ESL classes and “Spanish for Gringos.” Both were well attended and very beneficial for backside working relationships.

The upcoming fall slate programs promise to be very busy. Among planned activities are GED classes, ESL and Spanish continued, “Workplace Ethics,” and a few more surprises.

A food and clothing bank are also being put in place for those in need.

Chaplain Jim wishes to thank the HBPA of Mountaineer, as well as Mountaineer management, for their continued support and extreme generosity in making the Mountaineer chaplain’s program a huge success in helping the people of the racing industry.

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” - Romans 12:10

Mountaineer management notified the horsemen on July 15 that, due to the payment to worker’s compensation and the West Virginia Breeders program, purses would be cut 20% across the board effective July 22 to prevent the possibility of an overpayment.

In our last article in The Horsemen’s Journal, we reported that a breeders program had just passed the West Virginia House and Senate and was on Governor Joe Manchin’s desk to be signed. Mountaineer is the only one of four tracks in the state not part of the breeders program. Instead of approving the bill, the Governor vetoed it because of an amendment in the bill that could cost the state money. However, the funding mechanism for the program was included in a separate employee pension bill that passed the legislature and became law.

As a result of this new law, 1.5% of revenue from video lottery terminals at Mountaineer began going to the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund and the West Virginia Greyhound Breeders’ Development Fund beginning on July 8. Half of the money goes to the Thoroughbred incentive fund at Charles Town Races, while the other half goes to the dog breeding industry at Tri-State Racetrack and Wheeling Island Gaming.

The purse account has been taking a double hit since July 8. Not only are we losing approximately $70,000 per week to a breeders program in which we cannot participate, but also the Governor’s workers compensation bill took approximately $3 million from our purses in July and August.

We have been assured that the Mountaineer horsemen’s breeders bill will be addressed in the September special session of the West Virginia legislature.

Our prayers and sympathy go out to the families of the following: trainer Ron “Gregg” Carnes, trainer Ron Jaros, owner Cliff Lyons, and groom Anthony Gallek.

By Chaplain Jim Smith

The new chaplain’s program at Mountaineer Race Track is “out of the gate” and off to a great start. I have begun a variety of different programs and social activities for the horsemen of the backside at Mountaineer.

Recently put in place have been the GED, ESL and Spanish classes. Working in conjunction with the stewards and track management, a substance abuse program is also headed by the chaplain’s office.

Other activities include pool tournaments, weekly trips to Wal-Mart, and trips for doctor appointments and other such needs. A weekly chapel service has seen tremendous growth, and Smith also conducts morning devotion over the public address system each day. A jockey room “prayer time” occurs each night before races for protection over the riders, as well as the horses.

Future plans include various children’ programs, such as sport activities, picnics, and a food and clothing bank.

I credit the HBPA of Mountaineer and Mountaineer Race Track’s management for being very instrumental in the formation and support of the chaplaincy program at Mountaineer. Both parties have a sincere desire to see the people of the racing industry at Mountaineer prosper in every way. I am thankful and blessed to work with and be involved with these people.

The stakes program at Mountaineer Park will run from May 7 through December 27, 2005. We will have 18 stakes with purses of $75,000 each and one for $125,000. On West Virginia Derby Day – August 14 – we will have seven $85,000 stakes, one $125,000 stakes, and the West Virginia Derby will be worth $750,000 this year.

A total of 28 stakes for 2005 will be worth $2,945,000. The West Virginia Derby purse of $750,000 is not paid from the general purses fund. It is funded from state money.

During its 2005 session, the West Virginia Legislature passed a breeder’s bill for the Northern Panhandle at Mountaineer Race Track. The bill has been sent to the Governor for his consideration. Charles Town has had a breeder’s program since 1984, when Waterford Park opted to get a tax break instead of a breeder’s program.

The breeder’s program will begin receiving money (instead of the money going to the purse fund) in October of 2005. The first restricted race is expected to run on July 1, 2006.

The difference between the Charles Town and Mountaineer breeder’s bills is that if 75% of the restricted races fail to receive enough entries to race, the West Virginia Racing Commission shall, on a quarterly basis, dedicate funds back to the general purses fund. No monies may be dedicated back to the purse fund if it would leave less than $250,000 in the breeder’s fund. Also, Mountaineer Park restricted races will not be 20% larger than regular purses for that same condition.

In a special legislative meeting earlier this year, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin proposed that each of West Virginia’s four racetracks (two Thoroughbred and two greyhound) contribute $5 million each from their purse accounts to help alleviate, in part, a $3 billion debt in the state workers’ compensation program.

Hancock County (home of Mountaineer Park) House Delegate Joseph DeLong helped devise legislation that, in this case, would lower the horsemen’s burden. A compromise bill, brokered by DeLong, was passed that lowered the purse contribution from $20 million to $11 million. The amended bill figured to save $3.2 million in purses alone for Mountaineer horsemen.

Neither Mountaineer or Charles Town, nor either greyhound track in West Virginia, was asked to contribute a share of their VLT revenue for funding Manchin’s proposal. The funds were proposed to come strictly from the horsemen’s part of the slot revenue.

Dale Baird, Mountaineer Park’s leading trainer for many years, received the Special Eclipse Award at the 34th annual Eclipse Awards on Monday, January 24 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California. The Special Eclipse Award is presented to honor outstanding individual achievements in or contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

The 69-year-old Baird, who has trained a record over 9,000 winners, is a Martinsville, Illinois native whose father was a horse trader. Baird learned the business on the country fair circuit, but did not get into training full-time until 1960, following a two-year stint in the Army.

Baird saddled his first winner at Ellis Park in 1961. He transferred his business to Waterford Park (now Mountaineer Park) in Chester, West Virginia on the Ohio River, where he has been based for the last 44 years, setting multiple training records, including leading the nation in wins 15 times between 1971 to 1999; becoming the first trainer to win 300 races in a year, when he won 305 in 1973; and becoming the first trainer to win 300 races in three consecutive years, which he did from 1979-1981. He also won the training title at Mountaineer 20 consecutive years until the streak was broken in 2001.

On November 5, 2004 Baird won his 9,000th race. Baird’s closest rival is his close friend, Jack Van Berg, who has 6,343 victories. Baird has also been the nation’s leading owner, by wins, 17 times.

Our pension is finally a reality. In January of 2005, 137 horsemen at Mountaineer received earning statements for 2001, 2002, and 2003.

The deadline to sign up for 2004 is April 20, 2005.

Mountaineer Park HBPA President Chuck Bailey and his family would like to thank everyone for all the cards and phone calls during his recent hospitalization for lung cancer. They have meant a great deal to the Baileys.

The doctors believe that they removed all of the cancer, and Chuck’s prognosis is excellent for a full recovery. Lora reported that Chuck is feeling good and getting stronger every day.

On Friday, November 5 at Mountaineer Race Track in West Virginia, trainer Dale Baird hit another unprecedented milestone as he continues to set the bar higher than any other trainer in history by saddling his 9,000th career winner. Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg is second on the all-time list of trainers by number of wins, and he is over 2,500 wins behind Baird. Baird’s newest milestone was accomplished when his 7-year-old gelding Frazee’s Folly took the eighth race at Mountaineer Race Track on November 5.

At 69, Baird has been training for 44 years, and he has been dominating racing at Mountaineer Race Track for over 20 of them. Baird led the nation in wins 15 times between 1971 and 1999 and finished as the nation’s leading owner 17 times. In 1973, he became the first trainer to win more than 300 races in a single season. He won every meet title at Mountaineer for 20 consecutive years, a streak that Gary Johnson ended in 2001.

Overall, Baird has a career record of 9,000 wins, 7,759 places, 7,152 thirds, and almost $29 million in earnings. He saddled his first winner at Ellis Park in New York on August 18, 1961. His 5,000th career win came at Mountaineer Park on August 5, 1988, with Stuffed Johnnie, and his 8,000th career victory was on July 22, 1999, when Midsummer Scene took the sixth race at Mountaineer Race Track.

Baird owns nearly all the horses he races, most of them claiming-caliber stock acquired via private purchase. Baird looks for horses that fit the condition book at Mountaineer - with a preference for maidens and lightly raced horses still eligible for non-winners-of-two or three races lifetime. He usually makes his decision to buy without seeing the actual horse.

Baird has about 50 horses stabled at Mountaineer and another 45 at his farm. Several family members are also involved in racing. His brother, John; son, Bart; and nephew, Mike, are all trainers based at Mountaineer. Another son, Perry, and a daughter, Janet Wood, each owns one horse their father has in training.

Baird grew up in Martinsville, Illinois as the second oldest of 12 children. His father, John "J.I." Baird, was a horse trader and small-time farmer who trained horses on the Illinois fair circuit. Dale Baird briefly rode for his father until he grew too large to remain a jockey, at which time he switched to training. He won his first race in 1961 at Ellis Park, only to see the horse disqualified.

Baird eventually gravitated to West Virginia, racing first at Wheeling Downs and then at what was known as Waterford Park, the predecessor to Mountaineer Race Track.

Baird, who still does much of his own work, including driving the horse van and mucking stalls, enjoyed the biggest day of his career on Memorial Day 2001, when his horses ran one-two in a pair of $58,000 stakes at Mountaineer. The winners, the mare Chelsie's House and the older male Nature, were the most expensive horses Baird has ever bought. He paid $90,000 for Chelsie's House and $70,000 for Nature - and turned a profit on both of them.

According to Mountaineer Park HBPA President Chuck Bailey, “Dale really deserves any recognition he gets for this great accomplishment. Nobody works any harder at racing than he does, and we are proud that he races at our racetrack.”

According to Baird, "I just hope I’m remembered as a guy who worked hard and who won the most races."

The Mountaineer Park HBPA would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of the following people who have recently passed away:

Trainer Robert Delong’s mother
Trainer Chuck Wright, Sr.
Trainer James Fair
Ex-jockey Bill Sollars, son of Mary Ann Sollars
Julia Crago, mother of trainers Alan Crago, Kitty Crago, and Terry Crago

Gary Birzer, a leading jockey at Mountaineer Race Track, was paralyzed from the waist down after severing his spinal cord when his mount broke her leg in the seventh race on Tuesday, July 19, 2004.

Donations can be made to the Gary Birzer Fund through the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper at Mountaineer Race Track.

The following is a general summary of the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Pension Plan. It does not cover every specific in the Plan. A booklet will be printed as soon as possible for a more detailed explanation.

Trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, pony people and exercise riders who were licensed in 2001, 2002 and 2003 will receive a letter requesting information to be presented to the HBPA.

The West Virginia Racing Commission (the “Commission”, a governmental agency of the State of West Virginia), has adopted a retirement program, to be known as the West Virginia Race Track (“Retirement Program”), effective April 23, 2001.

The Administrator of the Pension Plan is the HBPA, who will hire a third party administrator to run the plan.

United Bank, Inc. shall serve as Trustee for the Pension Program.

Normal retirement age is 60 years of age.

An assistant trainer is an individual who works as an assistant trainer for an eligible trainer Backstretch worker shall mean any groom, stable foreperson, hot walker, pony person, exercise rider (not including licensed jockeys) employed by a West Virginia-licensed individual.

A trainer is a trainer of Thoroughbred racehorses who has been issued a valid occupational permit by the West Virginia Racing Commission and who stables the horses that he or she trains at Mountaineer Race Track or at an approved West Virginia training facility and/or farm associated with racing at Mountaineer Race Track and who makes at least 75% of his or her total racing starts in any Program Year (including starts at any racetrack, whether located within West Virginia or elsewhere) at Mountaineer Race Track, but not less than 25 starts at Mountaineer Race Track during the applicable Program Year.

An individual shall be eligible to become a Member of the Program provided the individual meets the following requirements:

• Is at least 21 years of age as of the first day of the program year,
• Was not a participant in any other retirement program at any other racetrack during the program year,
• Is an Assistant Trainer or Backstretch Worker who has been issued an occupational permit by the West Virginia Racing Commission for the current program year and has earnings paid by a West Virginia employer in an amount not less than $10,000 from a West Virginia employer for work performed at Mountaineer Race Track and/or approved West Virginia training facilities and/or farms associated with racing at Mountaineer as evidenced by a Form W-2 and/or a Form 1099 for the current program year and/or evidenced by such information and/or documentation as the Administrator shall require from time to time.
• Is an Eligible Trainer as described above.

Vesting: The vested portion of a member’s account is a percentage of such account determined on the basis of consecutive service years according to the following schedule:

Consecutive Service Years - Vested % of Account
Less than 5 consecutive years - 0%
5 consecutive years or more - 100%

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a member who was 60 years of age on or before the effective date of the Program (April 23, 2001) shall be fully vested in his/her account immediately.

(a) In the event of retirement on or after attaining Normal Retirement Age or in the event of a member’s termination of employment after fully vesting, payment of the member’s vested benefits will begin as soon as administratively feasible after the close of the program year in which the member retires or otherwise terminates employment.

(b) In the event of death or Total and Permanent Disability of a member, payment of the member’s vested benefit will begin as soon as administratively feasible after the member’s death or disability.

4.02 Manner of Payment of Retirement Benefits: Distribution of a member’s benefits will be made to the member as follows:

(a) Account Balance Not Exceeding $5,000:
(i) Lump sum payment

(b) Account Balance Exceeding $5,000, but less than $20,000:
(i) Lump sum payment
(ii) Joint & Survivor Annuity (monthly benefit)
(iii) Single Life Annuity (monthly benefit)

(c) Account Balance Exceeding $20,000:
(i) Joint & Survivor Annuity (monthly benefit)
(ii) Single Life Annuity (monthly benefit)

August 7 was West Virginia Derby Day at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort, and the card boasted seven stakes races and total purses for the day exceeding $1.2 million. Topping the card was the $600,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III).

Owner/breeder Tracy Farmer’s Derby Trial Stakes (Gr. III) winner Sir Shackleton was sent off as a slight favorite in the 1 1/8-mile contest for three-year-olds over Illinois Derby (Gr. II) winner Pollard’s Vision, with Britt’s Jules sent off as a distant third choice. The betting public was correct, with those horses finishing in that order to fill the first three places of Mountaineer Race Track’s marquee race.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, the nation’s leading rider by number of wins so far this year, Sir Shackleton showed a new dimension in the West Virginia Derby. The son of Miswaki out of the Star de Naskra mare Naskra Colors had set the pace in all of his previous races, but he rated kindly in midpack for Bejarano this time. Meanwhile, Britt’s Jules was winging it alone on the lead through solid fractions of :23.28, :47.14 and 1:10.68. He was chased by Avid Skier, with Mister Fotis in third, while Pollard’s Vision and Sir Shackleton were next.

Bejarano urged Sir Shackleton to make his more around the far turn, and the response was strong. Sir Shackleton burst through a hole to the inside of Britt’s Jules and powered away from the field for a convincing three length win in 1:49.16.

Pollard’s Vision rallied late on the outside to take second place by a half-length over Britt’s Jules, who crossed the wire five lengths in front of Avid Skier. Fantasticat was another nose back, trailed past the post by Mister Fotis. Ecclesiastic was eased.

Trained by Nick Zito, Sir Shackleton has now won four races in seven starts and earned $505,427. He came into the race off a third place finish behind Medallist in the Dwyer Stakes (Gr. II), and his only off-the-board finish came when he ran sixth behind Smarty Jones in the Preakness Stakes (Gr. I), beaten 14 3/4 lengths.

In the $100,000 West Virginia Governor’s Handicap for three-year-olds and upward, William Pacella, Joseph Rizza, and Ronald Schwed’s Wiggins justified his favoritism with a powerful four length tally over Ask the Lord. The four-year-old gelded son of Cartwright negotiated the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:43.37 under Rafael Bejarano. He is trained by Anthony Granitz.

The track record for 4 1/2 furlongs fell with the running of the $85,000 West Virginia Legislature Chairman’s Cup Handicap for three-year-olds and upward. Elaine C. Bassford’s 5-year-old gelding Ameri Brilliance captured his first stakes victory in impressive fashion as he powered to a 1 1/2-length tally over 1-to-2 favorite Danieltown in :50.16. The time eclipsed the previous track record of :50.28 for the distance set in the same race last year by Baby Shark. Ameri Brilliance is trained by Benjamin Feliciano and was ridden to victory by Eibar Coa.

Robert C. Heleringer’s 4-year-old filly Put Me In was sent off as the 7-to-10 favorite in the $85,000 West Virginia Secretary of State Handicap for fillies and mares, and she did nothing wrong as she rolled to a facile 4 3/4-length triumph over Banished Lover in the six-furlong contest. Ridden by Eibar Coa, the daughter of Take Me Out was timed in 1:09.62. She is trained by Merrill Scherer.

In the $85,000 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup Handicap for three-year-olds and upward going one mile on a firm turf course, Rafael Bejarano took his first of what would be three stakes on the card when he piloted Silverton Hill, LLC’s 4-year-old gelding Gin and Sin to a one length victory over Spruce run in 1:34.97. The son of Kentucky Derby winner Go For Gin is trained by Darrin Miller. Lukewarm favorite Banned in Boston could do no better than sixth place, beaten 5 1/2 lengths.

Max H. Pearson’s 6-year-old mare Lady of the Future rallied wide and just got up in the last stride to nip favored Chance Dance by a nose at the wire and capture the $85,000 West Virginia Senate “President’s Cup” Handicap for fillies and mares on the turf. Trained by Thomas Greene, the daughter of Eastern Echo and the Theatrical (Ire) mare Future Starlet negotiated the one mile distance in 1:35.62 on a firm turf course.

The most well-bred horses on the card - and one of the most well-bred horses racing in the country - took the $85,000 Harvey Arneault Memorial Handicap when Dean DeRenzo and Randall Hartley’s 4-year-old colt Eavesdropper (Kingmambo-Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat) won. A half-brother to Horse of the Year and leading sire A. P. Indy and Preakness Stakes winner Summer Squall, Eavesdropper notched his first stakes win by a neck after dueling down the stretch with longshot Frankie R’s Winner. Favored Crossing Point was three lengths behind the top two in third place at the wire, which Eavesdropper reached in 1:09.57 for six furlongs. Herb Castillo, Jr. was the winning rider, and Kiaran McLaughlin was the winning trainer.

Attendance for West Virginia Derby Day was 16,256. Total handle for the card was $2,582,601.

The long awaited opening of the new groom’s quarters finally happened in February. Mountaineer agreed to build a new grooms quarters in our 2000-2003 contract, and the track provided the funding for the new building. There was no cost to horsemen.

Only grooms are permitted to live in the new housing. There are 48 rooms with double occupancy. The rent is $200.00 per month per groom. The deposit, which the trainer has to pay, is $150.00 per groom. Approximately 25 grooms are now living in the new building.

There is a common area with vending machines and small kitchen area. Grooms are permitted to have microwaves and small refrigerators in the rooms. Cable TV is in each room, and coin operated laundry facilities are provided. An added bonus is a 24-hour security guard located in the building.

Effective July 1, 2004, the bottom claiming price will be $5,000. The bottom purse will be $10,500. Open claiming purses and starter allowance purses will be lowered, and allowance races (lifetime, etc.) will be raised.

The eligibility rule reflecting the $5,000 bottom will not go into effect until January 1, 2005.

The horsemen’s pension should be approved by the West Virginia Racing Commission by the end of May. As soon as we get approval, we will start the process of determining eligibility.

Legislation was passed in the 2004 session of the West Virginia Legislature changing Rules of Racing to include three race day adjunct bleeder medications (Aminocaproic acid, Tranexamic acid and Carbazocrome). The rule provides that adjunct medications may be administered in conjunction with or without Lasix/Salix. If a horse is to receive one or more adjunct medications, the trainer shall declare the use of each adjunct medication at the time of entry, and the veterinarian who administers an adjunct medication shall report each medication in the same form used to report Lasix/Salix.

The new rule also provides an expansive ban on experimental drugs, as well as blood-doping agents such as Epogen, Procrit and Aranesp. Not only does the rule ban the use of such drugs, but it also prohibits the possession thereof by any permit holder or the presence of such drugs at any approved stabling grounds.

These changes became effective on May 31, 2004.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA recently held a Board of Directors election, and following is the result:

President: Charles Bailey

Owner Directors: Martin Adams, Charles Bosco, Alan Crago, Rebecca Demczyk, and Julie Knepper.

Trainer Directors: Loren Cox, Douglas Johnson, S. Matthew Kintz, T. Gail Morrow, and Michael Pappada.

The new Board elected Charles Bosco as 1st vice president and Loren Cox as 2nd vice president.

Mountaineer HBPA and Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort agreed to a new three year racing and simulcast agreement on January 12, 2004.

The new agreement provides a commitment by Mountaineer Race Track to use its best efforts to conduct 232 racing days per year and schedule no less than 10 races per day for eight months of the year and no less than nine races per day the remainder of the year. In addition, a new Track Surface Committee (consisting of horsemen, jockeys, the state veterinarian, stewards and representatives from the racing commission, and track management) will provide direction to Mountaineer Race Track on racing surface maintenance.

A key issue for track management was bringing bottom claiming prices in line with the current purse structure and having flexibility in scheduling stakes races in order to create a better racing product to sell to the public. In an effort to work with track management while taking the guess work out of future bottom claiming levels, the new agreement provides for bottom claiming to remain at $4,000 through June 30, 2004 and then increase to $5,000 from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Thereafter, based on market conditions and type of horses available, Mountaineer Race Track may choose to raise bottom claiming in 2006, but to no higher than $6,000.

With the rapid growth in simulcasting and increased revenues from the casino, Thoroughbred racing at Mountaineer Park is changing. While some horsemen may not agree on every aspect of this new agreement, we are very happy that it provides all of our horsemen with the opportunity to share in all the new money flowing into horse racing while affording us a clear plan of what the condition book will look like over the next three years.

The new contract supercedes the stall agreements signed by many Mountaineer horsemen during the past several weeks. In a spirit of cooperation and good faith, Mountaineer Race Track management agreed to return all money collected for stall rent.

After the contract was agreed upon, Mountaineer submitted a new calendar that was approved by the West Virginia Racing Commission. We will run five days per week from March through November and 13 days in December. There will be ten races per day April through December.

Board of Director Alan Crago’s mother passed away in February. Also, longtime owner John Abrams passed away in January. The Mountaineer Park HBPA Board of Directors and staff would like to pass along our sincerest condolences to these families.

Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort and the Horseman's Benevolent Protective Association announced they signed a three-year contract Saturday evening.

Mountaineer officials, in a released statement, said the agreement includes "an effort to conduct 232 racing days in 2004." It acknowledges, however, that "due to the cancellation of racing thus far, a maximum of 228 racing days are anticipated in 2004." Mountaineer and the HPBA have been without a contract since Jan. 1.

Under terms of the new contract, Mountaineer will card 10 races for eight months, and no fewer than nine races for the remainder of the year.

Mountaineer was to resume the import simulcast of races Sunday. The 2004 live racing is to begin as scheduled on Jan. 19.

Copyright © 2004 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Mountaineer Park recently concluded the Groom Elite 101 course, which was jointly sponsored by the Mountaineer Park HBPA and Mountaineer Race Track. Twenty-seven students were certified after completing the intensive training. Mountaineer’s class attained the highest accumulative score of any HBPA affiliate that has offered this program.

Groom Elite was founded in Texas by Susan O’Hara, the national director of this unique program. Others involved in designing the program include Dr. Doug Householder, retired extension specialist from Texas A&M University, and C. Reid McLellan, former professor and director of Louisiana Tech’s award-winning equine program.

Susan Gracie, a horsewoman and educator from New Manchester, West Virginia, acted as the lead instructor for the course, while Mountaineer Park HBPA Vice President Gail Morrow acted as the coordinator. Kathy Watson photographed every session and prepared a Power Point presentation to be shown at our annual dinner dance, showing an overview of the topics studied.

The coordinator’s team consisted of Christy France, Donna Zook, Heather Hall, and Karen Graves, an owner who commuted from North Carolina each week to attend the school. In addition to her studies, Karen took on the responsibility of seeing that the horses were brought from the barn area to the paddock for the hands-on portion of the lessons.

Groom Elite is designed to maximize the use of visual aids and hands-on exercises covering 30 topics in ten sessions, including a review and final assessment. The materials are excellent and up to date. It would behoove every affiliate to implement this program.

Sources of funding for Groom Elite advanced programs are desperately needed. Anyone having ideas or suggestions regarding potential funding, please contact Susan O’Hara at (936) 825-6984 or Gail Morrow at (304) 387-9772.

Ballots will be mailed to all owners and trainers on December 2, 2003 for the upcoming election. We urge all who receive a ballot to vote. You cannot help make changes if you do not vote.

Thanksgiving dinner was served at the Mountaineer Grand Ballroom to approximately 200 horsemen. Mountaineer once again shared the cost with the Mountaineer Park HBPA.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA Awards and Dinner/Dance was held on Thursday, October 30 at the Mountaineer Race Track Grand Ballroom. Approximately 575 horsemen attended the event. Mountaineer very graciously shared in the cost of the dinner.

Hats, tote bags, and flowers were distributed to the horsemen. There was also a 50/50 drawing and tickets sold for a new saddle. All proceeds will be used for the children’s Christmas Party that will be held on December 13.

Nineteen awards were presented to owners, trainers, jockeys, jockey agents, and Horse of the Year for 2003. Jockey Tony Dlugopolski presented the awards to the jockeys. The jockeys also presented an outstanding achievement award to Tony for his dedication to racing since 1977.

Chuck Bailey acted as Master of Ceremonies, and Heather Hall offered the invocation. Awards were as follows:

Dale Baird – Leading owner/trainer, 2003
Scooter Davis – Leading trainer, Spring meet, and 2nd Leading trainer, 2003
Doug Shanyfelt – 3rd Leading trainer, 2003
J. Michael Baird – 3rd Leading trainer, Summer meet
Mike Pappada – 3rd Leading trainer, Winter meet
Joann Davis – 2nd Leading owner, Spring meet
Richard Englander – 2nd Leading owner, 2003
Dave Walters – 2nd Leading owner, Winter meet
Larry Carlton – 3rd Leading owner, Winter meet
Loren Cox – 3rd Leading owner, Spring meet
DeShawn Parker – Leading jockey, 2003
Maureen Andrews – Leading female jockey
Kevin Mangold – Leading apprentice jockey
Dana Whitney – 2nd Leading jockey, 2003
Oswald Pereira – 3rd Leading jockey, 2003
Billy Johnson – Leading agent, 2003
Horse of the Year – Pleasant Company (owner – Donna Mencer, trainer – W. Bret Smith)

If you’ve ever been to Mountaineer Park, chances are that you’ve seen or heard Wayne Stake. The longtime white-haired paddock judge passed away on July 19, 2003.

Stake was born on September 5, 1938 to Norris and Mae Stake. He attended high school, where he was awarded a letter in 1956-57 for soccer, baseball and wrestling. Stake then went on to become a jockey.

Stake recorded his first career win on May 23, 1959, aboard Polly’s Ace for trainer Steve Rowan. He rode at many tracks, such as Aqueduct, Monmouth Park, Charles Town, Hagerstown, Shenandoah Downs, Sunshine Park, Thistledown, Waterford Park, Wheeling Downs, Pitt Park, Finger Lakes and Delaware Park.

Stake’s last win was aboard Osage Star in 1977 for trainer Layman Eddy.

Stake married Gerri Degore in 1970. He had one daughter, Lynn Ann, and two granddaughters, Amber Lynn and Emily Mae.

Stake started working in Waterford Park’s racing office in September of 1977. He performed such duties as clerk of scales, identifier, clocker and paddock judge.

Stake will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The Mountaineer Park HBPA Dinner Dance & Awards Banquet will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2003 at Mountaineer Convention Center. You must get your tickets from the HBPA office. RSVP by phone to (304) 387-9772 or e-mail hbpa@raex.com.

For further information, contact the Mountaineer Park HBPA office.

The following is the schedule for the Mountaineer Park HBPA 2003 election.

Horsemen are urged to attend the General Nominating Meeting at Mountaineer Race Track on October 14, 2003 for the purpose of receiving nominations for president and members of the board of directors. Schedule:

Appointment of Nominating & Election Committees – August 12, 2003
Notice of General Nominating Meeting – September 25, 2003
General Nominating Meeting, Mountaineer Race Track – October 14, 2003
Notice of Candidacy & Affidavits mailed – October 17, 2003
Deadline for return of candidate – November 1, 2003
Ballots mailed to all members – December 2, 2003
Election/Counting of ballots – January 6, 2004
President & Directors to assume office – January 13, 2004

On August 9, the West Virginia Derby Day race card at Mountaineer Park was comprised of five $85,000 handicap/stakes races, one $100,000 stakes race, an open $45,000 allowance race, and a non-winners of three lifetime $30,000 allowance race. But those were just the warm-ups on a day when total purses reached $1.2 million, include the richest race in West Virginia history, the $600,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III), which was televised live on ESPN.

Michael Hund’s 3-year-old filly Cobra Lady beat the boys in a $45,000 allowance race by 1 1/2 lengths going six furlongs in 1:09.54 to start the day. She is trained by Mike Baird.

In the $85,000 West Virginia “Secretary of State” Handicap for fillies and mares, three years old and up, Rosendo Parra’s Born to Dance rallied and then held off a late surge by even-money favorite Miss Lodi to emerge victorious by a half-length. The 4-year-old filly covered the six furlongs in 1:09.14 for trainer James Jackson.

On a wet turf course labeled good, Glorious Grace stalked the early pace before assuming command in the stretch to take the $85,000 West Virginia “President’s Cup” Handicap for fillies and mares, three and up, convincingly. She crossed the wire in the one-mile event 2 1/4 lengths before favored Born Something (Ire) in 1:34.40. Glorious Grace, a five-year-old mare, is owned by Francis Genter Williams and trained by Mike Tomlinson.

Robert Kaufman’s Proud Man ran like a 4-to-5 favorite is supposed to in the $85,000 West Virginia “Speakers Cup” Handicap for three-year-olds and up, relaxing early and blowing by the field at the top of the stretch before coasting home an easy 2 1/4-length winner over second choice Buenos Dias. The 5-year-old son of Manlove covered the one-mile distance over a good turf course in 1:33.99. He is trained by Christophe Clement.

Five-year-old Baby Shark jumped out to an early lead in the $85,000 West Virginia “Chairman’s Cup” Handicap for three and up and never looked back in the 4 1/2-furlong sprint as he sped to a one length victory over Ran South in :50.28. Trained by Benny Feliciano, Jr., Baby Shark is owned by Edward Turner.

Continuing the run on victories by five year olds, the $85,000 Harvey Arneault Memorial Handicap at six furlongs for three-year-olds and up went to AAC Stable (Anthony Catanacci)’s Secret Romeo. Rallying from next-to-last place under co-highweight of 116 pounds, the son of Service Stripe rallied wide past Cargi in the stretch on his way to a 2 1/4-length triumph in 1:09.39. Secret Romeo is trained by Gerald S. Bennett.

G Three Stable’s 4-year-old colt Be Like Mike flexed his speed in the $100,000 West Virginia “Governor’s Handicap” for three year olds and up at 1 1/16 miles, winning in wire-to-wire fashion by 1 1/4 lengths over M B Sea in a new track record 1:41.15. The son of Unbridled’s Song is trained by Niall O’Callaghan.

Another record-setting performance was on tap in the afternoon’s feature race, the $600,000 West Virginia Derby (Gr. III) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. Undefeated graded stakes winner Soto (Dehere-Subtle Fragrance, by Crafty Prospector) stepped up for a class test against a field that included Lone Star Derby (Gr. III) winner and fourth-place Belmont Stakes (Gr. I) finisher Dynever, and that foe proved to be his biggest obstacle.

Trained by Michael Dickinson and ridden by Ramon Dominquez, Soto pressed the early pace set by Cat Singer until taking command of the race with a half-mile to run. By the top of the stretch, Dynever and jockey Edgar Prado had moved alongside Soto, and those two waged a fierce battle to the wire. While pulling well clear of the rest of the field, Dynever collared Soto in the stretch. Soto dug deeper, though, and he battled back to emerge with a neck victory over Dynever in a new track record time of 1:46.29. Soto is owned by Gallop, LLC (Baron George Von Ullman).

Dynever, owned by Catherine Wills and Peter Karches and trained by Christophe Clement, crossed the wire 5 1/4 lengths clear of third place finisher Colita, who is owned by Team Valor Stables. Colita is trained by Todd Pletcher and was ridden by Jose Santos.

The final race on the West Virginia Derby Day card was a six-furlong allowance race for non-winners of three lifetime. Patricia Brunstetter’s favored 4-year-old gelding Warren Avenue raced to a 1 1/2-length win in 1:10.19 for trainer John Zimmerman.

Total live on-track handle at Mountaineer Park on West Virginia Derby Day was $307,000, and total export handle was $2,207,310. Attendance for the event was 17,000.

Our prayers go out for the family of Lisa Brant Jackson, who was killed by a loose horse in a tragic accident at Mountaineer Race Track on March 27, 2003. Lisa had worked on the backside at Mountaineer for several years. Her family, as well as all her friends at Mountaineer, will miss her.

The contract between Mountaineer Race Track and the Mountaineer Park HBPA that expires on December 31, 2003, has provisions covering new groom quarters and electrical upgrades for all the barns. These upgrades are to be completed by the end of the contract.

Construction is underway for a 55-room, two-story grooms quarters on the backside. Underground wiring is being installed, and all barns are being rewired. Construction costs for both projects totals approximately $3 million dollars.

Mountaineer Race Track and the Mountaineer Park HBPA have reached an agreement on a revised racing calendar for 2003. Effective May 2, we began racing five (5) days per week, ten (10) races per day through December 16. We will be dark December 17 through 25, and then resume racing from December 26 through December 30. The extra races and days will give the horsemen 145 more races in 2003 than we had in 2002.

The stakes schedule will be the same as 2002: twenty (20) stakes at $75,000. August 9 will feature the $600,000 West Virginia Derby plus six (6) stakes totaling $525,000. Total stakes for West Virginia Derby Day will be $1,125,000. Derby Day will be day racing because of live ESPN television coverage.

Mountaineer’s first Groom Elite classes, in affiliation with the Groom Elite Program founded by Susan O’Hara, will begin in April of 2003. Gail Morrow will be the course coordinator, assisted by many enthusiastic volunteers.

Construction will begin on our new groom dormitories as soon as the track kitchen building is razed. The kitchen will be relocated to the present Recreation Hall building. Target completion for this, plus long overdue electrical upgrades in the barns, is early summer of 2003.

Legislation was introduced in the 2003 West Virginia Legislature, at the request of Governor Bob Wise, which seeks to abolish the West Virginia Racing Commission. The Governor’s proposal is to place the racing industry under a “Gaming Commission.”

Racing would have no representation on a gaming board. We are treating this as a “red alert,” taking the position that racing would become a stepchild and eventually be eliminated altogether if they succeed with this legislation.

We are currently working on an economic impact study to demonstrate to our legislators the very substantial direct and indirect impact of racing on the state’s economy. We are also helping collect data for an equine impact study implemented by the West Virginia University Extension Service being funded by a grant from the state legislature. They must be convinced that anything working to the detriment of racing will drastically affect the economy of West Virginia. We are going to the media and plan to go in person to the Capitol with our concerns. All horsemen are being encouraged to become proactive in this fight since their rights will not be protected in any fashion if the Racing Commission is eliminated.

A voter registration drive is also underway. A significant increase in registrations has a way of making the politicians pick up their heads!

The United States District Court in the Northern District of West Virginia has ruled in favor of Mountaineer Race Track by denying the Mountaineer Park Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have forced the Chester racetrack to cease its simulcast operations.

The HBPA sought to deny Mountaineer the right to simulcast because the track did not satisfy the HBPA’s request to conduct 250 live race dates.

West Virginia law requires Mountaineer to conduct 210 days of live racing, and the track had run 230 in 2002, but it will return to 211 dates this year.

The court writes in its March 6 decision, "…because the [simulcast] agreement had nothing to do with the number of live racing days and because there was in fact a separate agreement dealing with the number of live racing days, the HBPA had no right to unilaterally amend the simulcast agreement by requesting 250 live racing dates at Mountaineer."

The court denied Mountaineer’s request for a summary judgment in the case until at least after the discovery period.

A ruling in the dispute between West Virginia horsemen and Mountaineer Race Track over simulcasting issues and live racing days was put on hold by a federal judge on Thursday in United States District Court in Wheeling.

The delay came after testimony from track officials and representatives of the Mountaineer Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association when Judge Frederick P. Stamp Jr. gave attorneys until noon on February 21 to submit further support of their respective positions.

The HBPA filed a suit on February 3 contending that its contract with Mountaineer expired on February 1 and that the track had not agreed to guarantee at least 250 days of live racing. Mountaineer must have the horsemen’s permission to export its live racing signal, which generates significant handle from around the nation. The suit seeks an injunction against Mountaineer prohibiting it "from engaging in interstate off-track wagering until such time as it obtains the authorization of the HBPA and other necessary parties." The track, which suspended racing on February 3 in response to the suit, said that it has such an agreement.

Racing was suspended on February 3 when the HPBA filed suit. Mountaineer could lose up to $10-million a year and as many as 50 employees would be laid off if the local HBPA wins its preliminary injunction to halt simulcast racing at the Hancock County track, according to testimony from Joseph Cuomo, director of racing and audits for the West Virginia Racing Commission, during Thursday’s hearing.

Cuomo stated the state racing commission had already approved Mountaineer’s request for 210 live racing dates this year, even though it falls 10 dates short of the West Virginia Lottery Commission statute for facilities operating video lottery machines.

HPBA President Charles Bailey testified the horsemen needed additional live racing dates in order to create more opportunities for the larger number of horses stabled at Mountaineer, according to West Virginia’s The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register newspaper.

In other Mountaineer news, the MTR Gaming Group, which owns and operates the track, said that the harsh winter has led to a reduction in slot revenue in the amount of $1.8-million down from last season during January through the first week of February. Mountaineer’s revenue for the week of February 8 was $4.6-million, or $222.32 per machine per day.