ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 1, 1996 TAG: 9608010042
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
WHEN COLONIAL Downs was licensed to become Virginia's first horse-racing track, its promoters promised a "world-class track." That was the premise on which it was approved. But, since the licensing two years ago, concerns have been raised - notably by some of Virginia's horse owners, trainers and breeders - that the track may end up being little more than a gamblers' den.
The Virginia Racing Commission, which issued the license, has a responsibility not only to the state's proud horse industry but to all Virginians to see that this doesn't happen.
A video casino presumably was not what voters had in mind when they approved parimutuel betting on horse racing in 1988. Sure, betting on the ponies was what interested many. But the proposition was sold as a means to enhance the state's horse industry - with parimutuel racetracks serving as a showcase for a long line of Virginia thoroughbreds like the great Secretariat.
Colonial Downs, to be built in New Kent County near Richmond, may still provide that showcase. But Stansley Management Corp., licensed to operate it, has scaled back the original commitment for live thoroughbred racing from 102 days a year to 30 days a year, at least in the first two seasons. It also has backed off plans for an outer-turf track to evoke Virginia's steeplechase tradition.
Instead, the heart of the operation is now expected to be full-card simulcast - horse races at other states' tracks filling a bank of video monitors.
The state's horse industry is right to question whether Colonial Downs' raison d'etre - live horse racing - is being shoved aside for bigger gambling profits. Waging on the simulcasts, at Colonial Downs and at six off-track betting parlors authorized by the Virginia Racing Commission, is now expected to provide about 80 percent of the track's revenue.
There are also rumors that Stansley will push for more off-track betting parlors, and maybe even slot machines, to enhance Colonial Downs' take. This would further diminish live horse races as the track's draw, and would lead Virginia deeper into the gambling rut.
Cynics among us might suggest this project was about gambling from the start. But voters weren't told in 1988 - as best we can recall - that off-track betting in storefronts throughout the state might be required to make a major racetrack financially feasible. Nor were they told that a "yes" vote for parimutuel betting at a horse track might become a vote for slots.
The Virginia Racing Commission has an interest in promoting horse racing, and thus in helping the race track succeed. But it also has an oversight role. In this case, its primary concern should be to ensure that Colonial Downs abides by the standards, terms and understanding under which its license was granted.
If the appointed commission can't or won't, then the General Assembly should step in. Colonial Downs should not be permitted to serve as the back door for more extensive gambling to enter the commonwealth.
LENGTH: Medium: 57 linesby CNB