from the Minnesota Racing Commission

St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Racing Commission, which regulates horse racing and card clubs at race tracks in the state, issued the 2011 annual report.

The report noted that card club operations at both tracks continue to perform well, but showed a continued decline in the number of Minnesota bred Thoroughbreds and quarter horses.

Despite the continued card club growth, purses at the tracks continue to trend downward. This decline has resulted in breeders favoring venues outside Minnesota that allow other revenue generating opportunities that increase purses, leading to a substantial reduction in the number of horses being bred and raced in Minnesota.

“Many Minnesota horse breeders are being forced out of business or they are moving their horses to race in states that allow more revenue sources to increase the purses,” stated Jesse Overton, Chair of the Minnesota Racing Commission. “The horse racing industry is in serious danger with an all-time low in the number of Thoroughbred foals being bred in the state. This will harm the many small businesses that support the horse racing industry, putting many thousands of jobs at stake.”

Budget and regulatory activities were well managed. The number of medication violations for each racetrack was significantly less than in 2010. Additionally, several grants were made to the equine industry including nearly $19,000 to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and approximately $6,000 for a training program for racetrack grooms.

“The MRC staff did an outstanding job assuring a well-run racing season,” continued Overton. “We have a well-earned reputation for racing integrity.”