USTA donates $10,000 to Florida decoupling effort
February 28, 2016,from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — At Sunday’s (Feb. 28) Board of Directors Annual Meeting, USTA President Phil Langley presented a $10,000 check to Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association President Joe Pennacchio to aid in the effort to oppose decoupling in Florida.
Pennacchio, who is a USTA director, made a presentation to explain the status of the pending legislation and the fight against decoupling that threatens to end racing at Pompano Park.
USTA/Mark Hall photos
USTA President Phil Langley (right) presented a $10,000 check to Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association President Joe Pennacchio to aid in the effort to oppose decoupling in Florida.
He explained that there are separate bills in the Florida House and Senate and that the House bill allows for suspension of racing by casinos for a year. After the first year, the casinos will be able suspend racing for a second year. At the end of 24 months of suspended racing, the license permanently expires.
“There is only one harness racing permit in Florida,” said Pennacchio. “If it expires, there will never be harness racing south of the States of Maryland and Kentucky again.”
To make a donation to the GoFundMe campaign created by Florida harness horsemen, click here.
The current legislation, which is a larger gaming bill involving an agreement with the Seminole Indian Tribe in Florida, has already been passed by both a Senate and House Committee and has the support of the Governor.
Within the bill is a provision that would allow Florida casinos that currently operate racetracks to separate those two entities and no longer be required to run the racetracks. While there are exceptions in the legislation for two Thoroughbred tracks, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, passage of this into law would lead to the closing of Pompano Park.
To read an informative story on the issue written by Bill Finley, click here.
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