More than 16,000 Ohioans owe
their jobs to horse racing in the state, which also contributes more than $770
million annually to the Ohio economy.
But the track winnings that
make raising and training horses financially possible in Ohio are on the decline
and can’t compare with purse prizes in other states.
Daily average purse paid in 2006
|
|
Ohio |
Indiana |
Pennsylvania |
West Virginia |
|
Thoroughbred |
$62,613 |
$131,140 |
$106,848 |
$182,900 |
|
Harness |
$42,737 |
$101,217 |
$77,974 |
N/A |
Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia
all pay extra money into purses from slots gaming. Pennsylvania slots play
started in fall 2006 and purses are already up as much as 142 percent. Indiana
tracks supported by casino slots play have been approved to add slots of their
own.
Meanwhile, total wagering – or “handle”
– that funds purses paid to race winners in Ohio is down 14.4 percent. From Jan.
1 to May 26, Ohio's handle dropped from $178.8 million to $153.1 million, a
difference of $25.8 million. Tax on handle supports home-based care for Ohio
seniors, Ohio fairs and Ohio horse breeders.
As Ohio horse racing has declined so has
foal production.
-
Ohio registered 292 Thoroughbred foals in 2006, down from 611 in 1997.
-
Ohio produced
1,468 Standardbred foals in 2006, down from 1,940 in 1995.
Every four horses stabled at a track,
and every eight horses stabled at a farm, generate a job. Feed, forage and veterinary costs each contribute
$100 a month to local economies. Mare allocation for foal breeding generates
$2,000, and stallion breeding fees generate up to $2,500.
Ohio foal production decline