Chuck Swings Free at Legislator Conclave
 

More than 100 people who make their living in the Kentucky horse industry made their case to three Northern Kentucky legislators Feb. 16, and the message was clear: The economics must change or the state will lose a valuable asset.

The focus of the meeting was legislation to authorize video lottery terminals at Kentucky tracks. The bill cleared the House Committee on Licensing and Occupations Feb. 12, and could be heard by the House Committee on Appropriations and Revenue during the current General Assembly session, which ends in late March.

KY Horsemen Make Case to Legislators
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/49247.htm

Trainer Chuck Simon, who owns a farm in Central Kentucky, said racing at Turfway has “deteriorated rapidly” in the past 10 years. Simon moved to Kentucky in 1999 and has more than 25 employees.

“I’m the type of person you need to attract to this state,” Simon told the legislators. “Nobody is coming here anymore. I have owners leaving the state because the money isn’t there. It’s unbelievable the state of Kentucky has to beg politicians to save horse racing.”

Simon noted the growing divide between racing at Churchill Downs and Keeneland, and racing at Turfway and Ellis Park. Churchill and Keeneland purses average $400,000-$600,000 a day; at Turfway and Ellis Park, the average is $130,000-$140,000.

Of horsemen who ship to Kentucky for the lucrative meets, Simon said: “After the first Saturday in May, they hightail it out of here and don’t come back.”

go chuck go!!

Unless Chuck walked in with a bag of money in one hand a bible in the other....

i can see hitting them in the head with the bible, but what's the money for? :D

They didnt use some of the better quotes like the one where I told them if they wanted to be known as being part of the group of legislators that put the final nail in the coffin of KY racing then keep doing what you are doing.

The woman and Senator may support the legislation. The Sal guy is already making excuses why he wont.

The use of "hightail" was impressive.

how much longer will chuck be our trainer? i see a future in politics instead of horses from the distinguished gentleman from ky:D YES WE CAN CHUCK!!!!!!!

very underrated word

I couldnt stand being in a room with more than 3 of them.

My influence I think..

I can see that.... Hightailed it outta there didya?

I feel another horse name commin' on.....

great to see someone stand up for what's right... not what someone else wants. Good job Chuck!

Chuck for Governor!!

The "Chuckanator"!!!!!

Chuck VLT aren't going to do anything to help KY racing long term. Sure you won't need to go chase the 82K MSW races at PID but after everybody loses all there money it will be back to basics.