H. Robb Levinsky

Gulfstream Park's likely end as a Thoroughbred facility (TDN Jan. 16) makes clear that our industry as presently structured is simply no longer viable. In a relatively short time, major tracks have closed in New England, Northern California, Illinois and many other formerly vibrant racing venues. Racing is on life support in Southern California, Florida, Delaware, Pennsylvania, etc. and exists almost everywhere else only with the support of non-racing revenues from slots, casinos and state supplements. Instead of embracing innovative ideas to make the sport more attractive to a new...

At a time when there's so much negative news in the Thoroughbred industry (and sadly, the entire world it seems) some of the good people in the game merit a few words. On August 29th, veteran rider Jose Ferrer celebrated his 4500th career victory on our filly Tracy Ann's Legacy (Shackleford) at Monmouth Park. The video from that win is priceless; you can hear Jose's wife, Steffi and their two kids screaming and cheering as she comes down the stretch seven lengths in front. Seeing Jose's face as he brings...

Thoroughbred Idea Foundation Pat Cummings's comment on Pa. Governor Tom Wolf's plan to divert the bulk of funding from the Race Horse Development fund (representing about 90% of all purse monies in the state) was both courageous and spot on. For too long Pennsylvania racetracks and horsemen's organizations alike have focused their efforts almost exclusively on procuring annual revenues from slot machine proceeds, while doing little or nothing to build the racing business or promote the sport. In the long run, no state is going to prop up a dying...