My latest conspiracy theory

[richiebee]

Eugene Melnyk resigned from NYRA\'s Board of Trustees this past week; Barry K. Schwartz resigned his position a few months ago, and I believe there was another high profile NYRA defection recently, the defector\'s name escapes me.

Any chance the defectors will be forming an entity to step in when NYRA\'s franchise expires? Would they be allowed to do this?

A year ago, the most viable suitors for the NY tracks were Churchill and Magna. With the resignation of longtime Churchill head Thomas Meeker (foolish man-- he thought the primary focus of racetracks should be horse racing) and the instability of Calder and Hollywood Park, Churchill\'s future is uncertain to say the least.

Magna has bled red ink for the past 3 years. The Magna Entertainment boardroom seems to have a revolving door at the entrance/exit. As good as Stronach is at improving the physical plants of his new acquisitions (most notably Laurel and Gulfstream), he has not had much luck changing the political climate in Maryland (apathetic politicians willing to let an industry with a great tradition and history wither away). The recent slots bill signed in Florida by Gov Jeb Bush (a 50/50 split between the tracks and the state) has toned down some of the elation which was felt by Magna after the Broward County voters approved slots.

On the racing front, what about Achilles of Troy\'s near record breaking performance? His breeding (Notebook out of a Relaunch mare) whispers speed and wet. Look for Paragallo to get a ridiculous offer for this horse... and for him to take it.