Members of Ohio’s horse racing and related equine businesses are raving about the government’s decision to bolster the state’s racing industry via revenue streams from video lottery terminals located at tracks.

A report by Rick Armon in the Akron Beacon Journal has quoted many associated with the state’s industry as saying that the positive ripple effect from government’s dedication to racing is already showing.

“It’s going to have a huge effect for the agriculture community in Ohio, which in turn will help the economy,” Dr. Michael Latessa, DVM, a veterinarian with Cleveland Equine Clinic, has been quoted as saying. “As far as our business, we’ll be busier as vets obviously because there will be more horses coming in.”

“It’s put a hope in the business,” Jay Mossbarger, co-owner of Bloomington’s Midland Acres, was quoted as saying. “Now everybody wants to come to Ohio. Canada is running to Ohio. Indiana is running to Ohio. Illinois is coming to Ohio. You’re going to have an influx of a lot of out-of-state money coming to Ohio.”

The article has also quoted Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association General Manager Jerry Knappenberger. In his comments, Knappenberger has said that people perceive horse racing as ‘The Sport of Kings,’ yet it is an economic structure which helps directly employ the everyday person.

“They (those that think horse racing only benefits the elite) don’t look at the jobs,” said Knappenberger. “Trainers. Drivers. The caretakers who groom. Veterinarians. Blacksmiths. Tack dealers. The race secretary. ... Horse racing isn’t just the sport of kings, so to speak. It is a very big contributor to Ohio agriculture.”

(With files from the Akron Beacon Journal)