Running Aces Harness Park must remain shuttered for a second straight weekend. The state budget dispute between Democratic Governor Mark Dayton and leaders of the Republican-controlled House and Senate continues with no signs of any progress although it is nine days after the legislated deadline
for agreeing on a two-year budget.
A government shutdown of all “non-essential services” began July 1, including the Minnesota Racing Commission, which regulates the industry and thus must be operating for any racing or card room casino play to occur. In addition to all MRC employees, over 22,000 other state workers are laid off.
Between Running Aces and its thoroughbred counterpart Canterbury Park over 1,500 full-time employees are on furlough and at least $250,000 in daily revenue is being lost due to the state’s shutdown of the Minnesota Racing Commission. Approximately 10 per cent of the daily revenues derived at Minnesota’s two tracks fuels the racing purse accounts.
The industry was hoping for a ruling Friday on a “motion for reconsideration” filed Wednesday with Ramsey District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin, but word was received late Friday that no ruling would be issued until at least Monday, allowing the Governor’s staff adequate time to review it and file a brief with the court.
Thus both the Saturday and Sunday night programs have been postponed. The Saturday card will be carried over and offered “as is” on Tuesday night, if the MRC is reopened in time. The card originally drawn for Sunday will be rescheduled as the Wednesday card. All trainers were alerted to this possibility when entering their horses and willingly agreed to the plan.
Running Aces thanks its horsemen for their patience and loyalty during this trying time and pledges to keep them informed of any new developments immediately. However, barring a governmental or judicial miracle, no further word is expected to be forthcoming until Monday.
(Running Aces)
I shutter to think if this
I shutter to think if this would happen in every state, or country. Devastating is the word that comes to mind. I feel for the horseman in MN. Dealing with the government is never easy!