Meetings & Information




*****************************
****************************************************
MUST READ:
GET THE FACTS!






Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Iowa: Prairie Meadows: Supporting a dead industry

Prairie Meadows, like all tracks around the country is dead or dying, yet some continue to believe we should 'save the tracks.' Maybe it's time to let them die a peaceful death.

Some business and community leaders, however, have questioned Prairie Meadows' continued financial losses due to horse racing, suggesting the money could be better used for community programs.

Palmer said the nonprofit Altoona track is losing about $32 million annually on horse racing, which is offset by income from casino games. State law requires the track to offer a minimum of 60 days of live racing per year. This year's schedule includes 67 days of Thoroughbred racing, 26 days of quarterhorse racing and a 10-day harness meet for Standardbred horses.

Last year Prairie Meadows spent about $2.5 million on harness racing, including subsidies for county fair racing, but it took in just $42,000 in wagering on harness races, Palmer said.

No comments: