News In Brief 2003-04

FLORIDA: Derby Lane in St. Petersburg began its 79th live racing season on Monday, Dec. 8, three weeks ahead of schedule. Due to legislation that eliminated the $10 pot limit, the track's card room has been expanded to 25 tables. Kennel operators receive 4 percent of the card room revenue. The season ends June 19.

Source: St. Petersburg Times: Bob Putnam

KANSAS: State Sen. Nancey Harrington, R-Goddard, resigned from the Legislature Dec. 6. For the last three years Harrington has served as chairwoman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which considers gambling legislation. Harrington, 50, who cited health reasons for her resignation, opposed the expansion of gambling.

Source: The Kansas City Star:
Associated Press

NEW MEXICO: A van towing a trailer with 23 racing dogs aboard hit a patch of ice on Interstate 40, east of Gallup, at about 7:00 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. The trailer flipped over and one dog escaped into the countryside. The van's driver and passing motorists helped round up the 22 dogs; none were injured. The search for the missing dog was called off at 2:00 a.m. The next day Gallup radio station KGAK aired news about the dog and a call came within 15 minutes that the dog had been spotted on a mesa. The dog was rescued, uninjured, and spent the night at the station manager's office. He was picked up the following day by his Phoenix owner.

Source: Gallup Independent: Joe Kolb

OREGON: Magna Entertainment, owner of Multnomah Greyhound Park and the Portland Meadows thoroughbred track, pulled the plug on 20 video gambling machines that the company installed six months ago. The terminals allow bettors to wager on replays of old horse races. Magna offered no explanation for pulling the machines.

Source: The Oregonian: Jeff Mapes

TEXAS: Valley Race Park began its fourth live racing season Nov. 28; the season runs through April 4. The Harlingen track opened in 1990, closed in 1995 and reopened in 2000.

Source: Valley Morning Star: Buddy Green