The Idaho Racing Commission, whose three members are appointed by the Governor, is the regulatory body for Idaho’s horse racing industry. In a meeting of the I.R.C. Board on May 5, it was noted that the Racing Commission will run out of operating funds in October of 2010 if horse racing does not resume at Idaho Downs (formerly Les Bois Park) this year since this location provides the lion’s share of the Commission’s revenue.
The Idaho Racing Commission does not receive any state funding. At the May 5 meeting, there was an acknowledgement that , especially given the current economic climate, it is unlikely the Idaho Legislature would provide any tax dollars for the Commission to stay in business and that without a regulatory body, horse racing in Idaho would most likely cease altogether.
Unfortunately, to date, the Racing Commission seems to be reluctant to step up to facilitate communication between Idaho Downs operator Idaho Entertainment, and the Idaho Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association, the one organization empowered by the Racing Commission to negotiate on behalf of the horsemen. When I suggested that the members of the Racing Commission sit down after the meeting with representatives from both sides, my suggestion was summarily dismissed by I.R. C. Chair Mike Bosen saying, “I don’t tell you how to run the county.”
Commissioner Ted Howell responded to the suggestion of the Racing Commission’s involvement in negotiations by indicating that in Idaho, we don’t like government telling us what to do in our private business. That was an odd statement for a man in his position to be making, given that the Racing Commission’s regulatory role consists of doing just that: making and enforcing rules under which horse racing must be operated. In other words, telling horsemen and operators — and the county that owns the facility — how to conduct business.
Perhaps Commissioner Howell’s statement is an indication that he would support overturning the Racing Commission’s rule that a contract has to be signed with – specifically – the IHBPA before live and then simulcast licenses will be issued. Perhaps it also means he would support removing, or reducing, the legal requirement for a certain minimum number of days of live racing.
At the very least, I would hope that Commissioner Howell and newly appointed Commissioner Paul J. Schneider will mediate or facilitate the conversation between Idaho Entertainment and the IHBPA so a written agreement can be reached and we can get horse racing back on track, once again, in Ada County.
did you hear that a drug smuggler was caught betting against his own horse. I didn’t know that was against the rules but there you go! Still they only made £500!