Value Tech Blog

Definitely NOT the kind of publicity the thoroughbred industry need now…

Horse racing drama “Luck” under scrutiny due to equine deaths during filming – HorseChannel.com
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2012/02/09/luck-horse-deaths.aspx

Thoroughbred racing has been pulled into the mainstream again, this time by the HBO series “Luck.” The drama features an all-star cast including Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, and has received rave reviews since its debut last month. However, news of two horse deaths that occurred during filming is casting a shadow over the series.

According to the American Humane Association (AHA), which supervises animal action in films and television, the two incidents occurred months apart. One occurred during the filming of the pilot in April 2010 and the other happened during the filming of the seventh episode. Those two episodes do not carry the AHA’s “No animals were harmed” certification.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Calling all horseplayer/actors!

‘Luck’ to Hold Casting Call for Extras | BloodHorse.com
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67369/luck-to-hold-casting-call-for-extras

HBO’s horse racing themed television series “Luck,” which was recently picked up for a second season by the cable network, is encouraging racetrack goers and employees to participate in an open casting call at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., Feb. 12.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Delaware Gets 100 Days; No Deal With Horsemen | BloodHorse.com
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67362/delaware-gets-100-days-no-deal-with-horsemen

Delaware Park was awarded 100 days of live Thoroughbred racing for 2012, but the track has no contract with the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association for the meet.

The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission Feb. 8 approved the application from Delaware Park for 100 days, down from 106 in 2011 and 113 in 2010. The meet is scheduled for May 12-Nov. 3, with racing four days a week.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Im more concerned here with the off track handle also declining.  The Fair Grounds produces a great racing product for the bettor. posttimedaily.com

Through January, average daily betting was down at the Fair Grounds | NOLA.com
http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2012/02/through_january_average_daily.html

The Fair Grounds showed declines in average daily betting through January, both on-track and from all sources, according to statistics supplied by the Louisiana State Racing Commission.

The statistics through January cover the first 47 days of the meet. On-track handle averaged $136,263 per day, down 5.7 percent from the daily average of $144,558 through January of the previous meet.

Average daily handle from all sources through January was $2,822,468, down 9.2 percent from the average of $3,109,036 at the same stage of the previous meet.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Schools instead of the racetrack? What are you thinking, Maryland?

Racing Revenue Targeted in Maryland, Indiana | BloodHorse.com
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67335/racing-revenue-targeted-in-maryland-indiana

Legislation that would divert gaming revenue for horse racing to other sources has been introduced in Maryland and Indiana.

In Maryland, legislation introduced in the House Ways and Means Committee Feb. 1 would shift money from video lottery terminals at casinos to a new school construction fund. Under the VLT law, horse racing currently receives 7% of VLT revenue for purses and breed development and 2.5% for racetrack capital improvements.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Good luck with the legislature! 

New York group looks to protect racing interests – Thoroughbred Times
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/02/07/new-york-group-looks-to-protect-racing-interests.aspx

A new industry alliance in New York hopes to assure that if gambling is expanded in the state that any new players will continue to contribute to the state’s horse racing and breeding.

The New York Horse Racing and Agriculture Industry alliance said on Tuesday in a release that its mission is to secure support and protection for racing and agriculture in any amendment to New York’s constitution to allow for full-scale casinos. The group said it is the first time that horsemen, breeders, farmers, and agricultural industry representatives have been brought together in the state.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Almost 400 early nominees for the Triple Crown this year. 

Hansen, Union Rags lead list of 397 early Triple Crown nominees – Thoroughbred Times
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2012/02/04/triple-crown-early-nominees.aspx

For a list of all early 2012 Triple Crown nominees, click here.

Champion two-year-old male Hansen and Grade 1 winner Union Rags lead a list of 397 three-year-olds nominated to the Triple Crown series.

The Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) will take place on May 5 at Churchill Downs, followed by the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 19 at Pimlico Race Course, and the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 9 at Belmont Park.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

TVG, Prairie Meadows, Horsemen in ADW Deal | BloodHorse.com
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67266/tvg-prairie-meadows-horsemen-in-adw-deal

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association have selected TVG as the provider for the state’s advance deposit wagering system.

The ADW partnership between the horsemen and the racetrack was announced last year, but a service provider wasn’t announced at the time.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Exchange wagering is moving ahead in California. This could add a new dimension to wagering, especially for ValueCappers, those who focus on the value of the investment. 

California Horse Racing Board to debate exchange wagering – Thoroughbred Times
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/01/31/california-horse-racing-board-to-debate-exchange-wagering.aspx

A discussion on exchange wagering will be on the agenda for the February 9 meeting of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB).

The topic will focus on exchange wagering and proposed rules regulating the new wagering system. Among those expected to talk and present are representatives from BetFair/TVG, TwinSpires, Stronach Group, Del Mar, the California Thoroughbred Trainers, California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Global Betting Exchange, CHRIMS, Jockeys’ Guild, and the Horseplayers Association of North American (HANA).

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Good news from Illinois. Bigger purses, more competition, more competition, larger fields leading to good betting races, leading to more handle, leading to…bigger purses!

 Park Purses to Jump 20% in 2012
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67180/fairmount-park-purses-to-jump-20-in-2012

Fairmount Park and the Illinois Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association have agreed upon an increased purse structure for 2012 thanks to the racetrack’s share of casino impact funding it received last year.

According to a purse guide from the track, purses will increase roughly 20%. The bottom purse of $4,000 for $3,200 claimers in 2011 will increase to $5,000 in 2012. Maiden special weight races, worth $6,000 last year, will go for $8,000.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology