Conference noted::equitation

    
    
    Hi Linda,
    
    I didn't know you were into standardbreds.  I used to be.  Had
    my horse up at Lenny LeBlanc's place in Gardner at the track.
    You might try calling him at 632-7537.  Is this a race for
    standardbreds because if it isn't, he might not know the info.
    you are looking for.  If it is, he would probably have the
    names and numbers of someone you could call.
    
    Linda
    
    

	Hi Linda..
	My parents are thinking on taking one of their horses
	up there also....  Do you have a driver?  My
	dad drives...
	Anyways, As I remember it, and if its like most fairs,
	its first come, first gets stall.  Alot of the truck-ins
	just work along side their trailers if their only there
	for the day.
	Did you know Hopkinton fair in Contookcook N.H. has
	races sept 1 - 5 also?  

	/Robin

    Standardbred people, please correct me if anything I say is wrong.
    The great governer of Massachusetts has done it again.  Every year,
    certain amounts of money has been available to the offspring of
    Mass bred stallions which is used as prize money in what is called
    the Mass Sire Stakes.  The races are held once a year at a private
    track for 2 year olds so they can get a chance to race against
    some good competetion, and rookie drivers get a chance to drive.
    Its been held in Groton several times in the past years, and is
    actually a fun day.  It has also encouraged breeders of standardbreds
    to keep doing so in the state of Massachusetts.  Well, our great
    governer this year vetoed the money that would have been used for
    this race, so now all the people with 2 year olds will have to
    take their horses straight to the regular tracks.  If anyone else
    has any more info, can you add it here?
    
    Thanks
    

	My mom is on the board of directors for this.

	From what I over heard Bob Bennett telling her:

	3 year old payments will be refunded soon.  2nd
	2year old payments will be refunded.  First payment
	keeps them eligable for next year.  Bob hopes
	to get a supplmental budget approved and sire
	stakes to start in Oct (doesn't look to promising
	though).

	I'll get the full scoop from her if you wish..

	/Robin

    I just spoke to a friend who is doing an internship in the
    House of Representatives, and he said that the money for the
    races was reduced from $200,000 to $0, reason being that
    the funds were being provided by another source, what that
    is, he didn't know.  There is also the chance that when the
    Senate goes back to session next week, they can override
    any vetoes made this week.  So it doesn't sound as hopeless
    as origionally stated!!
    
    

    At the risk of causing a small riot on the notes file, I'd like
    to say that I support the reduction of state revenue to specialty
    programs like this.  I am certainly NOT a Duke supporter but I don't
    think that the people in general should have to bear the burden
    of additional taxes, even if it is to bring revenue (in the form
    of breedings) back to the state.  My guess is that we will not have
    created an additional $200K in revenue for what was paid out.  In
    the Arabian industry, we have been paying out lots of award money,
    but it is being raised through breeders programs and individual
    entries to sweepstakes programs.  I didn't mean to step on any toes,
    just to put in my two cents.
    
    Bob
    

    I can agree with the point you are making Bob, and I agree
    that money should not have to come out of the taxpayers 
    pockets, but you also have to remember what kind of revenue
    a racetrack brings into the state.  Granted there isn't a
    track in Massachusetts for harness horses to race at the
    moment, and we travel to Scarborough Downs in Maine, but
    Foxboro is scheduled to open sometime in September.  The
    sum of $200,000 may seem like a lot right now, but if and
    when (fingers crossed) Foxboro does open, it will seem like
    a drop in the bucket.

    Well my standardbred made his first appearance at the races yesterday.
    This horse is 4 years old, had never been away from home and had
    ridden in a trailer once when we took him to Plymouth Fair yesterday.
    Aside from a giving the ferris wheel and the screaming kids strange looks
    he wasn't too nervous.  Since it was his first time out all we really
    wanted him to do was stay flat and make it around the track.  Not
    only did he do that, but he won his race by 4 lengths, and set a
    lifetime record for himself!!  Talk about a proud Mom, I was beside
    myself!  We will be racing again at Hopkinton Fair over Labor day
    and then will hopefully go up to Rochester in mid-September. 

    Congratulations Linda!  That's great!
    
    I've always said that nothing beats winning!
    
    Gwen