New legislation solidifies Iowa racing’s future

June 3, 2011 - What is your opinion of the state of the Thoroughbred industry in Iowa?
Deb Leech, president of the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association: We have a very promising future for the Thoroughbred industry in Iowa. The governor just signed the gambling bill on May 26, 2011.

Leroy Gessmann, president of the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolence & Protective Association: Horse racing in Iowa was stabilized with the passage of current legislation which insures the future of our racing program. We have created a Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Remington Park, and Oaklawn Park circuit that horsemen can count on to be there in the future and promises purses that draw horsemen to our state.

What impact will the Iowa Legislature’s recently approved gambling bill have on the state’s Thoroughbred industry in the short- and long-term?
Leech: The recent legislation gives us certainty and stability, both short term and long term. The new law guarantees a minimum number of 67 live racing days for Thoroughbreds and this comes after years of seeing reduction of live race days. The way the new law is written we could even see more live racing days but the minimum days are 67. The new legislation eliminates the referendum votes that were required every eight years to keep Prairie Meadows open for horse racing as well the casino. Our purse structure is also permanent and will not expire in 2021.

Gessmann: The passage of the 2011 legislation gives the Iowa Thoroughbred industry a very solid future. Although there are several good points to this bill, the elimination of the sunset clause (a clause previously in the law could have ended racing in Iowa as of 2021) was the most important part of this bill. We can now plan the future of Iowa racing without the sunset clause hanging over our heads. This not only helps in the Iowa Breeders and Owners, but Prairie Meadows management as well; we can all now make long range business plans.

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