The Start of 2010 Racing Season Is Closing In
4/3/10 by Aaron J. Young for KyHarnessRacing.com

    April is here and we are less than a month away from the call to post. The excitement of Kentucky
    harness racing begins April 29 at Bluegrass Downs. Stall applications for the upcoming meet are due by
    April 10, as horsemen can begin arriving on April 17 with stall confirmation. Other information can be
    found on the Bluegrass Downs new website, www.bluegrassdowns.com.

    Well 2010, again is not our year, as legislators in Frankfort continue to deny Kentucky’s signature
    industry of much needed support. Legislation to allow Instant Racing Machines, which appeared to
    have a lot of early support, has been abandoned.

    A bill to tax Advanced Deposit Wagering was left hanging out to dry after some changes were made to
    the original proposal.

    Both measures would have put some money back into purses and incentives to boost competition. And
    with only a couple short weeks left in the General Assembly session, we again have to look towards
    next year for relief -- if there is a next year.

    The plan for development of the Red Mile barn area keeps moving forward. The word on the street is,
    according to a couple of locals that like to talk to anyone who’ll listen, The Red Mile will cease racing
    operations at the end of the 2010 meet.  

    This year (2010) is the final year of the current horsemen’s contract. Red Mile CEO Joe Costa has
    reportedly been dodging questions from KHHA President Bobby Stewart about the upcoming
    negotiations.  

    The KHHA is looking for an Executive Secretary to fill the position left open by the passing of Bill Napier.
    Anyone interested should contact KHHA President Bobby Stewart. I am told resumes are to be
    accepted until April 5.

    Dr. Andy Roberts is looking to become the Republican nominee for the 12th district seat in the Kentucky
    State Senate. Dr. Roberts will have to defeat incumbent Alice Forgy Kerr in the May 18th primary to gain
    the nomination for November’s election. For information on how you can show your support for Dr.
    Roberts you can visit his campaign website www.roberts4ky.com.

    And finally, don’t forget to get those sustaining Kentucky fair payments in by April 15. Good luck to
    everyone, let’s be safe, have some fun and make a little money.