Posted by Let Texans Decide
Mar 26, 2013
Texas’ racing industry has been hit hard by the surrounding racetracks and casinos in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico. The horse racing industry is expanding in these states but declining in Texas. Breeders, jockeys, veterinarians, and horsemen are traveling to greener pastures where the purses and audiences are greater.
The latest Jockey Club numbers show that Texas has had a 57 percent drop in the number of Thoroughbred stallions, 68 percent drop in the number of mares bred, and a 59 percent drop in the number of registered foals since 2001. In the same timeframe, Louisiana has had a 32 percent increase in mares bred and 63 percent increase in registered foals. If you look at the top 10 stats with mares bred nationwide, Louisiana ranks 3rd, a position held by Texas in 2001, and Oklahoma and New Mexico rank 8th and 9th. Texas isn’t even on the list!
A report by Blood Horse dated March 23, 2013 shows the drastic difference between Thoroughbred purses at Louisiana tracks compared to Texas. Each of the Louisiana tracks had 84 race days in 2012 while the most one Texas track had was 53. Louisiana tracks’ 2012 daily averaged purses was $231,651.50 for all four tracks. In a sad comparison, Texas’ three class I tracks only averaged $133,578.66 in 2012. That’s almost a $90,000 difference in purses – per day! Daily average Thoroughbred purses in Louisiana ($926,000) more than DOUBLED those of Texas ($415,700) in 2012. No wonder Texas horse industry employees are moving their business across state borders. The story is no different in Oklahoma, where Remington Park in Oklahoma City now offers Thoroughbred purses in excess of $228,514 per day for 2012.
Recent legislation in the Texas legislature would level the playing field for Texas racetracks by giving Texans the right to vote on expanded gaming. Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico all allow slots at tracks or casinos, which help them attract larger crowds and many Texans. We encourage you to support Sen. Hinojosa (SJR 36), Sen. Carona (SJR 64), and Rep. Raymond’s (HJR 121) legislation to let Texans decide.
Tell your legislator today that you support the chance to vote at the ballot on expanded gaming by sending a letter!
