Bleak chances of horse racing in Idaho
Idaho's chances of hosting a horse racing event look bleak, as Idaho Entertainment decided to end its lease agreement with the Ada County.
Idaho Entertainment were negotiating with the Idaho Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association in a bid to revive horse racing in a state. However, both the groups could not reach a mutual agreement because the parties involved could not form a consensus of opinion concerning the number of live horse racing and the distribution of revenue earned from live as well as simulcast racing.
As a result, Idaho Entertainment failed to get a license from the Idaho State Racing Commission to operate race tracks. The commission requires that the issue between the two parties be resolved first, only then Idaho Entertainment will be eligible for the license.
"It is extremely disappointing that these two parties did not reach an agreement," said Ada County Commission Chairman Rick Yzaguirre. "We had high hopes that horse racing would have returned to Ada County by now. Unfortunately, it appears its return will again be delayed."
The last time Ada County locals witnessed live horse racing was in 2008. There were high hopes that horse racing would come to town in May of this year; the month in which the racing season begins in Ada County.
Officials are still hopeful that Idaho will be able to host horse racing, even if it’s not done by Idaho Entertainment. According to Sharon Ullman Ada County Commissioner, there are plans to let other interested parties operate horse racing at Idaho Expo.
Kenneth Elison, the president of Idaho Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is among interested parties. The Association is a not for profit organization that works on behalf of the horse owners and trainers of Idaho State. Elison, along with 40 other people have contributed their resources - both human and financial - so they could initiate horse racing in Idaho this year.
Elison had the following comments to make: “Ada County loses $40 million dollars every summer that racetrack isn’t open — feed stores, veterinarians, gas stations, motels, restaurants — everybody has been hurt by this track not being open.”
Tags: