Reports today indicate that Genting, the owner of the new slots casino at Aqueduct has made a proposal to eliminate racing at the Big A and move the winter meet to Belmont Park.   Last week, they proposed a $4 billion complex at Aqueduct to add a full scale casino, hotel and the country’s largest convention center.

All of that would be good for racing as it could introduce hundreds of thousands of new fans to racing, especially if an effort is made to promote racing.

Now, I can envision million dollar purses enhanced by the casino being held at Belmont before an empty grandstand.  This is good for owners, but not for racing overall.  At some point with no fans and less bettors, states will stop subsidizing racing from casino revenues and doom the sport.

Racing has benefited from racinos, but they now must draw the line to protect the horse industry.