Potential historical racing repeal could impact Sandy Downs

A recent resolution could prove to be moot for the city of Idaho Falls if the Senate State Affairs Committee repeals the 2013 law that allows for historical horse racing.

Monday, the council approved a resolution to provide the city with a percentage of historical racing proceeds to improve Sandy Downs. The resolution stated that any monies the city receives from the Eastern Idaho Horseman’s association and Intermountain Racing and Entertainment would be used toward the Sandy Downs master plan.

The association and entertainment company have had a long-time relationship with the city and has been working toward this agreement for years, even before the Coeur d’Alene tribe presented legislation that calls for lawmakers to abolish instant racing in Idaho. Idaho Falls Mayor Rebeca Casper said the city is not backing historical racing and is not attempting to sway lawmakers, as the committee holds its hearing this week.

“We took no position on the issue in the Senate, we made no recommendation. We just wanted to make sure that everyone who is making decisions on this understands that this particular relationship we have will be impacted,” said Casper.

Intermountain Racing and Entertainment’s general manager Jim Bernard was one of many proponents of historical horse racing who testified Monday. They argued that the state racetracks will go out of business if lawmakers outlaw betting machines. They also explained these machines generate thousands in tax revenue.

Opponents of Historical Horse Racing say instant horse racing looks too much like slot machines, but Bernard and other experts said the machines do not rely on random number generators to determine the winner, but on past races. There was also expert testimony from the Oakland Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau. They presented information to prove why historical racing terminals are considered pari-mutuel and not casino gaming.

The Senate State Affairs Committee will continue its hearing Wednesday as testimonies continue. If the committee repeals this law, race tracks and other activities hosted by the facilities could be impacted drastically.

“On top of all of the horse racing events we have at Sandy Downs, we have a lot of festivals and concerts and a lot of large scale special events,” said Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director Greg A. Weitzel. “We really see this (resolution) as a great opportunity. The facility was originally built in the 1960s so it needs some love and care and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to have some funds for that benefit.”