The Lone Star State: Texas Racing in Limbo as the HISA Question Lingers
Horse racing in Texas is a study in contrasts: in a state whose culture is intertwined with the horse, its relationship with racing, both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred, is a portrait of the ongoing struggle between practicality and morality. The state has historically supported breeding, development, and even racing, along with the ancillary industries that bolster them, but gambling has a complicated relationship with its populace and governance.
That has led the Lone Star State to a crossroads.
As the constitutionality of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority remains unresolved, Texas racing laws and regulatory uncertainties directly influence the sport's future growth prospects. This prevents its live racing signal from reaching racetracks and wagering services across the continent, leaving the state as a virtual racing island.
While racing and breeding Thoroughbreds in Texas remains a viable business, unresolved issues around HISA and the lack of off-site gaming opportunities mean the state remains a well of untapped potential.
How does the cost of a day at the races compare to other sports?
Compared to other sports’ major events, the cost of tickets to the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland seems mighty reasonable, offering great value for two days of world-class championship races on the final two days of October. But how about racing’s other marquee days, say the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes? How about the cost of getting in at racetracks around the country on ordinary days? How do they compare?
Let’s start with the Breeders’ Cup on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st. There are 14 championship races of world-caliber horses over the two days, five on Friday for two-year-olds and nine on Saturday besides additional races both days.
The highlight of the weekend is Saturday’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. General admission costs $85 Friday and $159 on Saturday. Clubhouse general admission is $212 for Friday and $477 for Saturday. Two-day packages start at $244 for general admission and $689 for clubhouse. Reserved seating begins at $186. Corporations and groups begin at $315. Dining is $398. Grandstand loge box seats, which are expanded open-air boxes along the stretch run and finish line, are offered in a two-day package for $1,590 per seat. Travel packages begin at $1,299.
States of Good Hope
Racing to return to Kansas and a new track coming to Wyoming this year - what's behind the renewed enthusiasm for thoroughbred racing in both states?
MIKE WEISS TAKES THE REINS AT EUREKA DOWNS
Mike Weiss, general manager at the latest iteration of Eureka Downs in the Kansas town of the same name, may have the same response.
The first Eureka Downs was built in 1872 before moving to its present address in 1902. To put that in perspective, baseball’s Wrigley Field didn’t open until 1914.
Re-openings are not new for Weiss, who managed reopenings at Prescott Downs and Rillito in Arizona along with the North Dakota Horse Park. Weiss is equally experienced in racing and racetrack management either. He was racing manager and then general manager of Buelah Park in Ohio for 22 years.