Dear NEHBPA Members:
I trust that you are all enjoying the winter months. We have been quite active at the NEHBPA as we prepare for the start of the 2008 racing season at Suffolk Downs. Along with our Board of Directors and staff, we have been staying on top of several issues that will have an impact on our horsemen. I will address several of those issues in this letter.
Meetings
I continue to have ongoing meetings with Suffolk’s primary owner Richard Fields, Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle, and their management team. I remain impressed with their strong commitment to continue to improve live thoroughbred racing with or without the benefit of expanded gaming.
Racing Schedule
The 2008 meet will begin on Saturday, May 3. We will race a minimum of 103 days through Saturday, November 8. Subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Racing Commission, once the four day per week racing schedule begins on June 1, it is anticipated that racing will conducted on Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, through August. From September 1 through November 8, it is expected that Monday will take the place of Sunday. Post time will be at 12:45 PM with the exception of Fridays, when a 3:00 PM post is planned. The later than usual post time on Fridays will be in conjunction with some concerts and shows in an effort to boost attendance at the track. Once the Racing Commission approves a finalized schedule, we will post it on our website.
Stable Area and Track Opening
In response to many inquires from horsemen, the stable area will begin to accept horses on Friday, March 28. The track will be available for training on Tuesday, April 1. These dates are assuming that the weather cooperates. We have indicated to the Suffolk management team that we feel it is imperative that the stable area open as early as possible. This will allow horses that have been laid up to get ready for opening day as well as result in some savings by horsemen with farm boarding bills. I would advise all horsemen to contact the NEHBPA or the Racing Office or check our website to confirm these dates as they get closer.
2008 Purses
I am very pleased to announce that we will be receiving another purse increase in 2008. This is the second year in a row that purses will be going up. The current increase calls for a $300 raise per race from the 2007 structure. Depending on a few factors, including the simulcasting handle over the next couple of months, there is a possibility that purses could go up a little further as the meet progresses. The latest increase has been approved despite the fact that the simulcasting handle during the winter has been somewhat disappointing.
Stakes Program
In addition to the purse increase, we have agreed to the establishment of an enhanced overnight stakes program. These new stakes will go along with the featured Massachusetts Handicap, which is now part of the Breeders Cup Challenge, and the Moseley Stakes that are both scheduled to be contested on September 20. The new overnight stakes program will include six to eight $50,000 stakes that will be offered in a variety of categories. These will be in addition to the stakes that are annually offered for Mass breds. With a purse of $50,000, it is my hope that much of this overnight stakes money will be won by horsemen stabled at Suffolk. As we did in 2007, we plan to once again supplement purses on MassCap day as a bonus for our local horsemen.
Purse Revenue
The latest purse raise, along with the newly added overnight stakes program, should result in purse revenue receiving close to 7% of the incoming simulcasting handle. This percentage would approach the maximum allowed by Massachusetts law. As most of you are aware, we split all revenue from outgoing simulcasting signals on a 50%-50% basis with Suffolk.
Stable Area Improvements
With regard to stable area improvements, Suffolk Downs management is in the process of formulating a “project list” that they will submit to us for our input and approval. We will have the opportunity to discuss this project list with our Backstretch Committee and Board of Directors when the racing meet begins. Horsemen will return to find that several improvements have already been made. Six barns have been completely re-wired. The restrooms on the backside have been renovated with new fixtures and stalls. The dormitories have been thoroughly cleaned and repainted and new linens have been purchased. Looking ahead to the future, new feed rooms are planned and will be ready for the start of the 2009 racing season.
Equiciser
In an effort to help with the training of horses, Suffolk Downs and the NEHBPA are in the process of bringing the Equiciser machine to the stable area. It is anticipated that it will be ready for use when the stable area opens. Many horsemen have indicated that they have used the Equiciser at other tracks like Tampa Bay Downs or at training farms and have found it to be a very helpful training tool. We have done our research and hopefully the Equiciser will benefit our horses. For those who may not be familiar with the machine, I have included a photograph below.
Track Surface
We are working very closely with management in our mutual goal to provide the safest and best track surface possible. Arrangements have been made to have the surface independently tested by qualified laboratories on a frequent basis and make those results available to horsemen.
Turf Course
We are also discussing plans to possibly construct a new turf course at the conclusion of the 2008 meet. Suffolk has stated their long term goal is to offer world class turf racing in the future. They realize that in order to accomplish that goal the present turf course would have to be replaced.
The Quarter Pole Gap
After lengthy discussions, Track Superintendent Steve Pini will have a new configuration in place at the gap that will help in stopping loose horses from running into the stable area at full speed. This was a major area of concern over the last few years and hopefully we can prevent some horses from being injured.
Steroids
I remain in constant contact with the National HBPA and have stayed up to date on the steroid issue that has recently surfaced in our industry. As National develops its position and strategy, we will keep you updated.
Simulcasting
We have had conversations with the newly formed Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group, LLC, organized by some HBPA’s to facilitate the individual and collaborative simulcasting activities of horsemen’s groups. Officers include Ohio HBPA Director Bob Reeves and National HBPA President Joe Santana.
Legislation
We remain optimistic that some action will be taken on Governor Deval Patrick’s casino plan this year. Be assured that any such plan continues to include thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs. I invite those who have not as yet done so to go towww.newenglandhbpa.com and click on Suffolk’s Vision. It is quite interesting and reaffirms their commitment to thoroughbred racing. We also update the site with important legislative news on a frequent basis.
Changes in Suffolk’s Management Team
The last issue I would like to address is the recent restructuring announced by Suffolk Downs in their management team. As most of you are aware Jimmy Pambianchi will move up to the position of Senior Director of Operations, Sam Elliott will be coming on board as Vice President of Racing and Tommy Creel will be the new Racing Secretary.
I have had a number of conversations with Richard Fields and Chip Tuttle regarding the management changes. Our Board of Directors had several phone conferences to discuss the impacts of the management changes. After having met with Jimmy, Sam, Tommy and Chip, I now feel that we can look forward to a smooth transition within the Racing Secretary’s Office as we continue to focus on our objectives to improve purses, racing facilities and the overall quality of our product.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jimmy Pambianchi for his many years of service to the horsemen as our Racing Secretary and wish him the best of luck in his new position. We also look forward to working with Sam and Tommy in their new positions.
Over the next few weeks we will be having many meetings with the racing team and will keep you advised of any important issues on our website.
I look forward to seeing you when you return to Suffolk Downs. You can always reach me through the NEHBPA Office at (617) 568-3333. Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed.
