Commission reverses stand on quarter horse races

Friday, September 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on Thursday reversed itself and rejected a plan to end quarter horse racing at Remington Park during a packed, and at times emotional meeting.

Hundreds of horsemen in cowboy hats, blue jeans and boots reiterated their opposition to Remington's plan, saying the $2 billion horse racing industry and its 57,000 jobs would be jeopardized if the track only offered live thoroughbred racing and simulcasts next year.

``Racing causes people to breed horses, not simulcasting,'' said Butch Wise, manager of the Lazy E Ranch in Guthrie.

State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Howard, who also attended the meeting, called the horse industry is a ``bright, shining star in our agricultural picture.''

``We just ask that you do no harm,'' Howard said.

Edward C. Hannah, vice president and general counsel of Remington's Canadian owner, Magna Entertainment Corp., told the commission the Oklahoma City track would close if it was required to schedule quarter horse races next year.

Remington's proposed eliminating quarter horse racing and reducing its thoroughbred schedule from 76 to 65 days to cut costs. The track lost $4.7 million last year, officials said.

After the commission's decision, Hannah declined comment on what Remington's next step would be.

The commission, which last month granted preliminary approval of Remington's proposal, met behind closed doors for almost 90 minutes before voting to reverse its earlier decision. By then, many of the horsemen had left.

Commissioners then voted to approve Remington's original application for a racing schedule in 2003, which includes a 34-day meet for quarter horses, Appaloosas and Paints as well as a 96-day thoroughbred meet. Only commission member Ray Bayliff voted no.

Bayliff, vice chairman of the commission, suggested a plan to create a racing circuit among Oklahoma's three race tracks. It would include quarter horse and thoroughbred races in an 11-month schedule that would not overlap between tracks.

Besides Remington, Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw and Fair Meadows in Tulsa offer live races.

The commission did not take up Bayliff's suggestion.

Bayliff's proposal sparked an angry exchange with Blaine Story, president of the Oklahoma Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association. Story said the plan would dramatically reduce the number of thoroughbred races at Remington.

``Now you're making it a breed issue,'' Story said, pointing his finger at Bayliff. ``I knew this was going to come from you.'' Story walked out of the meeting.

Financial records subpoenaed from Remington indicate it handled nearly $134 million in wages last year but only $14.6 million came from on-track wagering on live races.

``It's not a breed issue. It's an economic issue,'' said Remington general manager Frank Deal. ``You gotta do what you gotta do to survive.''

Terry Tippens, attorney for the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, questioned Remington's financial statement and offered figures indicating that quarter horse races were the most popular and profitable races at the track.

``So why do they pick on us?'' Tippens asked.

Dr. Joe Carter, a veterinarian from Washington, Okla., accused Remington of traditionally trying to drive a wedge between breeders of quarter horses and thoroughbreds.

``The horsemen have got to unite,'' Carter said.