by Bill Ellis, New England Harness Writers’ Assn.

Salem, NH — The Western New England Harness Horsemen’s Association and Rockingham Park came to terms on a contract that will assist the horsemen’s group in its effort to bring about a return of live harness racing to Rockingham and pursue an expanded gambling bill that would benefit the state of New Hampshire and Rockingham Park and calls for the preservation of open lands through live racing.

Photo courtesy of Bill Ellis

WNEHHA Director Ralph Andersen, WNEHHA President Hubert Barker and Rockingham President Ed Callahan took part in the contract agreement.

The agreement will provide needed revenue for the horsemen’s group as they plan an all out media blitz to educate the public about the need to preserve open lands in the state of New Hampshire and how this, along with live racing, is an important part of the economy. The state of New Hampshire recently defeated an expanded gambling bill that would have included money to be used for live racing.

Rockingham Park has been the site of harness racing since 2003. The New Hampshire legislature passed legislation during the 2009 session that eliminated funding for the New Hampshire Racing and Charitable Gaming Commission for 2010. The loss of funding meant the commission couldn’t provide regulation and oversight or allow dates to be issued to Rockingham or any other track in the state. The loss of live racing has meant that approximately 1,000 people who were either employed at the track or licensed horsemen had to find new jobs or different racing venues.

Rockingham Park generated over $2.5 million per year directly to the State of New Hampshire in the form of fees and taxes from racing, food sales, charitable gaming, and lottery sales. Live horse racing has shown to generate an economic impact of almost $12 million per year in New Hampshire, with Rockingham’s racing and simulcasting impact combined to be over $30 million per year. Since 1933 when wagering on horse races was legalized, Rockingham has contributed over $300 million to the state of New Hampshire.