The MSOA has released an updated letter, dated May 10, for all of its members to use to contact their legislators.

CLICK HERE for the updated letter.

PA Equine Coalition releases video

The Pennsylvania Equine Coalition has released a new video related to the fight to Save Pennsylvania Horse Racing:

CLICK HERE to watch.

Sweet Lou Qualifies at The Meadows in 1:50.4

Sweet Lou, the World Champion 2-year-old from last season, made his 3YO debut on Friday, April 20 in a qualifying race at The Meadows.  To watch video, CLICK HERE.  The Yankee Cruiser colt was timed in 1:54.1.

Sweet Lou, owned by the Burke Racing Stable, Weaver-Bruscemi LLC, Phillip Collura and Lawrence Karr, then returned on May 4 with a blazing 1:50.4 qualifier.  CLICK HERE to watch.

Horse Approval Guidelines Updated - April 1, 2012

The Meadows Race Office has released an updated Horse Approval Guidelines list. CLICK HERE for the latest update.

MSOA Congratulates Dave Palone on Win #15,000

WATCH VIDEO - COURTESY OF THE MEADOWS/MEADOWS LIVE

Hall of Famer Dave Palone became only the second driver in North American harness racing history with 15,000 career wins on March 27 when he piloted Boo’s Boy to victory in the 10th race at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.

“This really is special, knowing that only one other guy has reached 15,000,” said Palone, who began the day with 14,996 wins. “It’s a nice number to reach, and it happened a little quicker than I thought it would. Now that it’s out of the way, the next thing is to go for the record, I guess.”

Palone was congratulated in the winners’ circle by the very man who holds that North American record of 15,180 wins, the man who has been No. 1 since 1971. In a display of graciousness and class, Herve Filion said he’s pulling for Palone to get 15,181.

“Regardless of what you do in life, you can’t do it by yourself. You need your competition,” Filion said. “Dave’s always been a strong competitor. Drivers are like a family, and only two have won 15,000. That’s not something you see every year. Dave deserves all the attention he gets because it’s not easy, believe me. I’ve been there. You have to drive a lot of horses, and you need Lady Luck on your side.

“I wanted to be here today because promotion means a lot to harness racing. If Dave breaks my record, and I hope he does, I hope someone comes along and beats his record. That would mean the industry is good and strong.”

In a tribute to Filion, Palone stood on the sulky when bringing Boo’s Boy to the winners’ circle, just as Filion did with Hot Hitter after capturing the 1979 Adios. Palone said Filion’s support means “everything” to him.

“Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Herve is an accomplishment right there,” Palone said. “He’s a legend, the epitome of a winner. He’s the first guy who drove double-headers, knocking out six or eight wins a day. And I loved the way he raced horses; he never seemed to abuse them. He would get the job done and save horse for next week.”

A native of Waynesburg, PA who has called The Meadows his home track throughout his career, Palone, 50, was inducted to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2011. He was the North American dash champion in 1999, 2000, and 2004, and he has collected at least 532 wins every year since 1992. He was won or shared the Harness Tracks of America’s Driver of the Year Award six times.

His 15,000th win triggers Palone’s final assault on Filion’s mark. If he keeps winning at his current clip, he’ll be poised to break the record in July. Palone says he won’t be focusing on the quest — for now.

“I don’t think I’ll drive any differently until the count gets down to around 10,” he said. “It always seems to be tougher when you start getting close. I don’t know whether you put extra pressure on yourself, or overdrive, or your competition tightens the screws. We’ll worry about it when we get a little closer.”

As for his goals beyond 15,181, Palone indicated those are the same as they’ve always been.

“I don’t want to change anything,” he said. “I just enjoy winning races, and I enjoy winning stakes races more than I ever did. If I weren’t racing, what would I do? Hang out with Dickie Stillings and hit bad golf shots?

"Racing a lot of horses keeps you young. Racing horses and being competitive is something I’ll do as long as I’m good at it.”

STORY BY EVAN PATTAK, for The Meadows.  PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRIS GOODEN PHOTOS

Legislative Update and Call to Action from the MSOA

It is very important to continue to contact your legislators until the budget is passed in late May or early June. We have seen results from our effort of the last few weeks. Keep it going! If you need your legislators‘ contact info, CLICK HERE, or call the MSOA office at 724-228-3644.

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On March 13 and 14, representatives of the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition, of which the MSOA is a member, visited the offices of House of Representatives and Senate leadership and staff to educate the legislators as to why the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to the Race Horse Development Fund would be devastating to the horse racing and breeding industry and the Commonwealth. T

The Coalition held a press conference on Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda featuring over a dozen legislators from both parties that stated opposition of the Governor’s budget proposal.

For a press release from the PA Equine Coalition, CLICK HERE.

Members urged to contact Governor, legislators

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association hosted a crucial meeting on March 1 related to Governor Tom Corbett's proposed budget. The standing-room-only crowd was urged to contact their local legislators as well as the Governor to express their concerns for the plan. For those that were unable to attend the meeting, here is a recap:

- Executive Director Kim Hankins opened the meeting with a general overview of the Governor's proposed budget. Hankins also recognized two legislators, State Senator Tim Solobay and State Representative Brandon Newman, both of whom were in attendance, as well as lobbyists Rob Vescio, Paula Vitz and Jay Layman.

- Vescio then took the floor and explained the particulars of the bill and the potential effect on Pennsylvania racing. He explained how the bill came into focus and what the Governor is attempting to do as far as putting money into other funds.

- State Senator Solobay and State Represenative Newman then spoke in support of horsemen. Both are fighting to have this removed from the budget, as well as fighting against other attempts in Harrisburg to take money from the fund. There are currently other bills under consideration that would affect racing in addition to the Governor's proposed budget.

- Layman spoke on the need for action, as well as the need to funnel the anger that horsemen feel regarding the budget and the political process, and use that energy toward changing minds - using the energy toward a positive result.

- MSOA President Rich Gillock then spoke about the creation of the MSOA PAC (Political Action Committee) Fund. The goal of the effort is to generate monies to support legislators that are supportive of racing.

A general discussion followed, including questions from the general membership.

According to Hankins, "It was a great opportunity for horsemen to learn about what is taking place, and most importantly now we are encouraging people to contact their legislators. They need to find out who their legislators are and send them letters, call them, and even visit them in their office. This grassroots effort is our best weapon at this point."

The MSOA office is ready to help direct people's efforts to affect their legislators. Call the office at 724-228-3644 or follow the links below for more information.

FIND YOUR LOCAL LEGISLATOR

SAMPLE LETTER FOR THE GOVERNOR

SAMPLE LETTER FOR LEGISLATORS (Please send one copy of the legislator letter to your State Senator and one to State Representative)

TALKING POINTS FROM THE MARCH 1 MEETING

Governor proposes major cut to racing funds

Dear Valued Members,

On Tuesday, January 7, Governor Corbett gave his annual budget speech and released his specific budget. Without any prior discussions with any racing industry entities, the Governor’s budget included a re-assignment of funds from the PA Race Horse Development Fund (PRHDF) (slot income) to other Commonwealth Agriculture funds in the amount of $72,000,000. As a member of the Pennsylvania Equine Coalition (a six member group of harness and thoroughbred horsemen’s and breeders associations), the MSOA participated in an immediate response in the form of a press release and a negative position statement to the Governor’s budget regarding the cuts to PRHDF. As you may have seen in local and regional publications, our pushback has been well documented.

MSOA is currently working with our lobbyists and the PA Racing Coalition to fight this impact to the PRHDF.

As we move forward in this process, we will need the help of all members and everyone that the members financially benefit (feed suppliers, vets, farriers, etc.) to come together to further a grassroots campaign to contact each and every legislator personally.

AT THIS LINK is the PA Equine Coalition response press release. Please take the time to read it.

I cannot stress enough to you the gravity of this situation! We must all pull together to fight this impounding of our purses, sire stakes, breeders awards and health and retirement funds.

Kim Hankins

Executive Director

2012 Meadows Racing Application

CLICK HERE for a 2012 Meadows Racing Application form.

Renew your membership to continue benefits

The MSOA would like to remind its members that you must renew your membership prior to March 1, 2012 in order to maintain benefits.

This includes Driver/Trainer Health Insurance, Grooms Health Insurance, Sulky Insurance, Third Party Liability Insurance and Fire/Disaster Insurance.

Don't allow these important coverages to lapse! Click on the appropriate link below to download application forms:

2012 MEMBERSHIP