Race to opportunity / Finding the best bid for a new horse track

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Tuesday, February 11, 2003 | editorial

[Willie Green]

It's not every day that a racetrack, complete with lights, crowds, traffic and slot machines, is proposed for Pittsburgh. But among the five bids on a new thoroughbred racing license in Pennsylvania is an ambitious plan for a 635-acre hilltop in Hays.

[Dust in the Wind]

Well, the track will have to have bettors [ha ha] to make a go of it. That was not meant to be an endorsment of any investment group.

I was just having a conversation with a quarter horse trainer the other evening about a track near Kansas City. He said they don't take horses there because the purses aren't worth it to them. He said the folks there seem to like betting on dogs much better.

[Willie Green]

I have no moral opposition to racetrack or casino gambling like I do with other "vice" activities such as prostitution and illicit drugs.
But I find it dismally depressing that major urban areas perpetually hype these proposals for "economic development" and "jobs". It is really scraping the bottom of the barrel, IMHO.

[Dust in the Wind]

It is definitely seasonal work and about the only non-administrative type jobs would be grounds keepers and gate guards/watchmen. The rest, trainers along with most of their help, feed and bedding and other equipment will come and go with the tracks run. Groceries and truck fuel will give a huge (not) boost.