In the September 2010 issue, the opinion piece titled “Voting Against Slots at Arundel Mills is a Vote Against Racing” caused quite a stir. Unfortunately, most of those responding to the opinion piece by Steuart Pittman preferred not to submit their own written opinion piece, but Bobby Lillis, who advocates on behalf of backstretch workers, posted the following comments to The Equiery.

Please Vote Against Question A

Personally, I still think slots should be at Laurel Park for a ton of reasons, but the #1 reason is that a casino just 10 minutes away from the racetrack would mean the grandstand would be empty on a daily basis, would be devastating to the Maryland horse industry. Track management will then not be able to raise enough funds for matching improvements to the track, and eventually the track will close. Then, there will be no need for 7% purse supplements from slots revenue because there will be no track to run at. Remember that 33% goes to the operator. If the operator is not Laurel Park, there will be no money for improvements and the track will not be able to afford the millions of dollars to get any matching funds. Breeders and farm guys can continue to run everywhere but Maryland but Maryland backstretch and racetrack employees will be unemployed. So, YES it is worth the effort to support the November referendum to Stop Slots at Arundel Mills.  I would rather have racing around for ten more years, then to have slots at a shopping mall and be out of business in two years.

What do you think?

If you have an opinion on the Question A debate that you would be willing to share with equiery.com readers, please use the comment section below or send your thoughts to editor@equiery.com.

November 2 Elections – Who are the candidates that best understand the issues facing our industry?

Which candidates do you think best understand the horse industry, and why do you think they understand the our industry?

Perhaps you have been part of a town hall meeting or a meet & greet social with a candidate and would be willing to share your experience with other Maryland horse people.

Post your thoughts below using the comments feature, or send them to editor@equiery.com.

Where will you be this weekend?

Couldn’t make it to the World Equestrian Games this year? You can still check out top notch international talent at the Fair Hill International (this weekend) and the Washington International Horse Show at the end of the month, visit equiery.com for more information!