RACING AND POKER ROOM RESULTS: FLAT

The tourism industry in South Florida is alive and well according to statistics compiled in the first quarter of 2013.  26 Million People visited the Sunshine State between January and March of this year or a nearly 5% increase over same time last year. Hotel rates were up. Jobs related to tourism were up.

It’s no surprise, then, that the increase of tourists and tourist dollars positively impacted the casino/racino industry in the State in April. However, the reports from the State’s authorized poker rooms and the pari-mutuel (horse/dog racing) gross receipts for the month remained down.

After two successive months of lower revenues, April’s Net Slot Revenues were up a healthy 6.07% with the State approved race track casinos or “racinos” reporting a healthy 38.9 million dollars. The tax revenue derived for the State coffers was a hefty 13.6 million– an uptick of over $1 million from April of 2012. Though the Indian Casinos do not report revenues, it’s reasonable to assume their business was equally positive.

The results look especially good considering February and March figures had been down from the same months previous year by significant percentages. Industry insiders were showing alarm over the seeming lethargy in the business. The April report should brighten their outlook-at least temporarily.

One contributing reason for the reversal may well be the sudden and climactic governmental action removing and abolishing the so called “grey machines”. Ubiquitous in strip malls across the State, these machines were untaxed, unauthorized, and illegal. It is difficult to place a number on how many of those machines infested the market. These “internet cafes” and backroom wagering halls were the only clear cut (and illegal) competition for the racinos and Indian casinos. Until Tallahassee was rocked with some political hijinx involving elected officials with the “internet café” operators was uncovered last winter, the cost and effort to rid them was considered too high and the consequences of their operations: minor. Not true. But politically convenient. NO LONGER.

Once the State legislature saw the need to purge these illegal machines, their demise and dispatch was orchestrated swiftly by a generally somnambulant government all the way up to the pen poised Governor Scott.

Here’s a breakdown on the individual racino operations which indicated the relatively consistent levels of each operation:

Casino Miami Jai Alai had the largest April increase at 23%; however, in 2012 it was new, and had only been open for 2+ months.  This sizable increase is significant and should give pause for concern to the owners at Hialeah Race Course which is scheduled to open a racino early-mid summer. Mardi Gras (Hollywood Dog Track) had a strong month up 9.2% contrasted with their closest competitor Gulfstream Park—down (the only racino down)7.3%. Calder Racino showed a healthy 7.2% gain most probably due to the beginning of the live thoroughbred racing meet. Magic City Casino (Flagler Dog Track) was up 2% which is healthy considering the strong success of their nearest competition Miami Jai Alai. Magic City was also the only operator up from their March 2013 revenues.

New Casino To Debut In Summer

The Hialeah racino will provide a new and busy destination for gamers in Hialeah City proper and environs, plus beckon players from southern Miami Dade County where Jai Alai and Magic City have had the market to themselves. The opening date was touted as June or July; however, the date remains unannounced.

While the business is showing a very encouraging April and shortly adds in  Hialeah’s contribution to the State’s bottom line, the latest revenues may not be as positive as they appear. The summer results will clarify whether this is a trend or a blip. The current study on gaming in Florida commissioned by the State must evaluate whether these racinos have the growth potential to be the only venues in Florida’s gaming future. A dramatic lack of upgrading, refinishing, renovating the current racinos suggests that the operators are quite satisfied to pocket these new incoming dollars and not put any back into making their “experience” for the public better.

The Pari-Mutuel and poker room receipts are not so rosy for April. While the lower percentages are minimal, the actual business was down which is concerning for many race tracks and frontons operators that do not have the benefit of slot machines to buoy their business. (Slots are allowed only at race tracks and frontons in Miami Dade and Broward counties).

April horse racing receipts were down over $1.6 million and the poker rooms business off a mere 32 thousand dollars. The greyhounds and harness racing receipts were also modestly improved. Greyhounds and jai alai were up in their poker room action but thoroughbreds, harness and quarter horse poker room receipts including the barrel racing at Gretna were down a smidge.

The pari-mutuel (wagering on the horses and dogs and jai alai) business continues to struggle and shows a longtime consistent downslide. Racing is facing the law of diminishing returns. To change the direction would require a face lift for the industry as a whole….and this industry has a long history of market fragmentation. Even with substantial poker action, the track operations are costly and purses to horsemen, dogmen and jai alai players have slid constantly. Perhaps the State’s study of the industry will provide a solution(s) but that may be difficult with competition from internet gaming, and the possible legislative approval of proliferation of racinos to licensed track operators all over the State.

Odds N’ Ends

The Miami Marlins are on pace to win 44 games this year.

Miami Herald reported figures on the received absentee ballots cast prior to the scheduled 5/14 vote to approve an increase in the Miami Dade County bed tax to renovate of The Stadium Formerly Known As Joe Robbie. When the State legislature did not authorize the vote, which was being paid by the Miami Dolphins to the tune of 5 Million dollars, the early votes and absentee ballots were all trashed. But, the Herald discovered that the early count was decidedly against the Dolphins by a 57% vs. 43% margin. One interesting component of those early ballots credited GOP voters with a definite negative opinion and consequent NO votes on the proposal. Republican sentiments apparently were strongly negative largely disliking any form of increase in any taxes NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE. Miami Dolphins disputed the tally saying their internal research would have predicted a similar outcome on the early voting. Perhaps. Game over. Whether or not Steve Ross, Dolphins owner, and multi billionaire, will spring for the renovations is unknown.

The U of M track team had a strong finish to its outdoor season with excellent showings at the Georgia Tech Invitational and Grand Valley State University Last Chance Meet in Michigan. Amber Monroe, who has had a superior season, won the women’s discus, and Isaiah Simmons finished second in the men’s discus at GVSU.

Meanwhile the UM baseball team stands a chance of missing the college baseball playoffs for the first time in 40 years. The team has had a lackluster season both in and out of conference. The once dominant program under Jim Morris was an annual competitor for the crown in Omaha. Since joining the ACC though, the team has sputtered, especially against long time major powers like North Carolina. Hurricanes will need to either win or make a great showing in the ACC tournament for which they just barely made the cut.

The U goes in front of the NCAA punishment committee in June as the Nevin Shapiro scandal determination continues at a snail’s pace. UM football coach Al Golden said his Hurricanes have lost countless recruits over the three year saga. Several of the coaches who were at  The U during the Shapiro years are also being fingered for violations by the NCAA including current U of Missouri head hoops coach Frank Haith.

UM SITUATION STILL IN LIMBO

Polo mogul John Goodman won an appeal for a new trial in Palm Beach. His attorney, Roy Black, convinced the judge that a juror in his initial trial had a hidden agenda rendering his Goodman incapable of getting a fair decision. Goodman, under house arrest for nearly a year, will go to trial but this time without Counselor Black, who resigned the case after getting the retrial.

USF has three golfers in the top 20 at the NCAA regionals.

Joe Maddon and the Rays continue with a winning record in spite of a carousel of top players on the DL; top hurler David Price being the most recent addition (triceps). Popular reliever Alex Torres was recalled from Durham to take Price’s roster spot. With the AL East still way up for grabs, Maddon figures he’ll have a full squad sometime after the All Star Game in July and still be in the hunt. With the Orioles also “hanging” around it could be an interesting next four months in the division.

The GATORS have already sold out their games vs.FSU and Tennessee. Former Gator Chris Leak has joined Will Muschamp’s staff as the new quality control coach (translation): he’ll break down film of opponents.

The Florida Panthers finished their NHL season with little fanfare and a horrible season…with 15 wins and 27 losses; only 36 points out of first. But that did not stop the Broward County Commission from awarding tax payer dollars to the club for a new 4.3million dollar state of the art scoreboard. 

Flash, Slash, Bosh, Shane, Rio, Bird, Cole, Miller et.al had a knock’em sock’em series vs. horribly undermanned Chicago Bulls roster, but the outcome was never in question. They’ll have at least four or five days rest before the East finals begin.

A brief visit to  Fort Myers, revealed numerous strip malls with “closed” Arcades. These store fronts, in some cases as many as two in a single strip mall along US 41 the Tamiami Trail, were actually “Internet Cafes.” Governor Scott signed a law outlawing them in mid session amidst all sorts of scandalous accusations, some involving members of the Florida cabinet and congress.

Several papers including the Miami Herald have shown photos of the faux slot machines that powered the internet café scam being ground to bits and thrown into waste dumps.

Meanwhile the legislature concluded the 2013 session in early May without enacting any laws directly pertinent to the gaming/gambling/parimutuel industry.

The top Senator and Congressman  said they would not entertain any such bills until a comprehensive study on gambling in the State is conducted this fall by an Atlantic City firm. This “time out” works in favor of the Seminole tribe, as their compact with the state expires in 2015 at which time, depending upon the deal, they could opt to stop sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Tallahassee. If the study says that gambling could be expanded, effectively generating a  new raft of competition for the tribe, their posture of wishing the state well, and may the best man win……..would be the logical result.

Turning to football (must we?) the Miami football Dolphins, Tampa Bay Bucs and Jacksonville Jags 2013 schedules are out and here’s our RIDICULOUSLY EARLY  guess for over/under gamers: The Bucs (even with Darrelle Rivas 7-9; Jags 4-12; Dolphins 8-8. The Dolphins lead the State teams as far as odds to win the Super Bowl at 50-1. Tampa Bay is 75-1 (even with Darrelle Rivas) and the lowly Jaguars are 200-1 (last in the league).

The big vote on Yes Renovation or No Renovation for TSFKAJR (The Stadium Formerly Known as Joe Robbie) was scheduled for May 14. The legislature, however, didn not sign off on it, which put the kibosh on the entire affair.. The bill never made it to the floor of the house. All early votes have been destroyed. For now the matter is closed. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has the dilemma of either fixing up the stadium with his own funds, or keeping the status quo. Several rumors have placed the Miami franchise in Los Angeles in the near future. That would seem unlikely as the NFL certainly won’t abandon the #8 media market in South Florida. For now—-no further news from the Dolphins camp—except they signed ex-Atlanta and pro bowl star right tackle Tyson Cabo, to fill the space vacated  by Jake Long.

The thoroughbreds are back at Calder and as the summer rains begin, the poly turf track there proves resilient and effective for those trainers who prefer to remain in South Florida for the summer. Several locally trained and successful horses went to post in the Kentucky Derby including Orb, the winner and also the winner of the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. The colt now heads to the Preakness in Baltimore.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is busy with big name entertainers performing in the theater…practically every night. Among the big stars coming through Fort Lauderdale are  Crosby Stills and Nash May 11, Cosby May 12, Peter Frampton May 31, and Journey June 28. Casino Miami Jai Alai features Molly Hatchett July 20, the Guess Who September 21; Magic City Casino features  War and Rare Earth on June 15.

The Miami Heat blew through the Milwaukee Bucs and now turn their attention to the Chicago Bulls on their run to two-peat the NBA crown. D. Wade’s knee is still not totally healthy, but the rest between the end of the Bucs series, and the Bulls having to go 7 against the Nets, has been helpful.  James and Bosh are chomping at the bit, and Battier took the time off to grow a mustache.

The Florida Marlins continue to lose just about every way possible.  Slugger Giancarlo Stanton, basically the only reason why anyone would pay to see the team this year, is on the DL with a bad hammy. He was just beginning to hit at the end of April. His estimated month long absence on the DL may severely impact his arbitration opportunities later this year.

Meanwhile Marlins Stadium is mainly empty with only the die hards to cheer on the no names on the field.

To his credit manager Redmond soldiers on with an army of AAA and AA youngsters being constantly called up for a look see. Several have proved major league potentials including right hand fire balling Jose Fernandez and slugger/outfielder Marcell Osuna. Popular left fielder Juan Pierre stole his 600th base putting him into rarified air with the likes of Rickey Henderson.

The State Net Slot Revenue was down less than 1%, consequently State tax revenues derived from the Racinos was also down less than 1%. Though these numbers are not critical by any stretch, they do reflect a mini trend of either reduced revenues or flat business depending upon the facility. How long will this continue….anybody’s guess. With employment and construction UP in the State, theoretically there should be some positive influence in the gambling business. BUT there are more racinos operating legally now, which spreads out the attendance. These are distinctively neighborhood casinos for the most part.

Hialeah Racino will open in the mid summer. This will impact some/all of the Miami Dade competitors. Which ones and how much remains to be seen. Interestingly, the nearest competitor to Hialeah is Miami Jai Alai Casino near the airport.  Its March was a doozie: up 17.4%. Perhaps it benefitted from big events in town such as the Doral Golf and Sony Tennis, but that’s a hefty number no matter what. The only other positive report came from Isle Capri/Pompano Harness Track up 3.3%—continuing to lead the pack for total gross revenue producer for the State.

Gulfstream Racino and Hollywood “Mardi Gras” Racino are practically neighbors…..just 3 miles from one another. Both are in position to snatch up the snowbirds but neither did: both down 9%.  Similar plunge for Magic City Casino in the heart of Little Havana: down 7.9%. Calder which just began (mid April) live thoroughbred racing was only off 1.3%.

We will continue to track the racino business, and add in the poker room contributions from time to time. There is certainly a malaise currently inhibiting the key operations from growing. How and IF the managements respond will be interesting.

INTERNET CAFES KAPUT

As expected the Governor signed the bill outlawing so called “internet cafes”. Even a demonstration citing discrimination against senior citizens and complaints of the strict new ruling squashing 14,000 desperately needed jobs did not hamper the fast tracked bill.  Many owners/operators of the (now) illegal cafes (which housed illegal slot machines) are packing up and moving on. Some, however are hanging around trying to figure out a loop hole in the new law so they can continue operating (doubtful). The machines are being confiscated by sheriffs from Pensacola to Key West.

Gulfstream Park finished its season with a flourish with ORB winning the Florida Derby with Itsmyluckyday second and Meritman third. Johnny Velasquez had the mount and thrilled a crowd of 20,000+ with a dramatic stretch drive. Subsequently JV’s been shelved for a month from a bad spill with rib injuries at an Aqueduct. The Jockey’s Guild has cleared him to return to the saddle when he’ll pilot Wood Memorial champ, Verrazano and Joel Rosario will ride Orb come the first Saturday in May.

The Florida Marlins opened their season in the one year old spaceship ballpark with a three game series vs. the contending Atlanta Braves. Opening day was a near sell out and the biggest crowd ever at the new stadium for MLB. But there were many many free tickets given out by management and the media. The second day crowd, announced at 13,000 was the Smallest ever at the new stadium. And, truth be known of those 13,000 only about 3-4000 were in attendance. The team, lacking talent is already firmly mired in last place in their division.

As the spring game fishing season heats up, four high school baseball players caught a 13 foot, great White Shark about a mile off Government Cut in Fort Lauderdale. Extremely unusual in Florida waters the boys took five minute turns over two hours to reel him in. Once they brought the shark close enough to photograph, they let him go— apparently none the worse for wear. Captain was Taco Perez

THE STADIUM

The Dolphins are in a race for time as their cause célèbre to get their privately owned stadium renovated using public funds is directed at Miami being selected the Super Bowl site for 50 or 51. Though the legislature seems disposed to authorize a vote by Miami Dade County citizens to allow a hike in the local bed tax from 6-7%, it cannot happen unless a deal is struck with Miami Dade County. Herein lies the problem. County Mayor Gimenez wants guarantees of the Super Bowl coming to Miami soon. However,  he is keenly aware that the last time such a deal came down when the Miami Marlins wrangled a new tax payer supported  3 Billion Dollar stadium without a vote, it caused the recall of  the then sitting Mayor who championed that deal.

Another roadblock is the county law requiring 30 days notice to the public of a pending vote. With the NFL scheduled to announce the site of the next two Super Bowls on May 22, the County must schedule a vote on either May 7 or 14. But until Gimenez and other commissioners are satisfied with the exact terms of the deal, a vote cannot be scheduled.  Another key stumbling point is what portion of the 1% increase in the bed tax will go toward the stadium and what portion will go to the general tourism marketing budget, other expansion projects (Convention Center) etc.

Media research polls on Miami Dade likely voters forecast a strongly negative (30—70%) reaction to using public funding. Auto dealer and civic activist, Norman Braman has spearheaded the opposition. Epithets hurled at the respected Braman by Miami Dolphins president/hired gun, Mike Dee have not helped the situation.

The Dolphins have promised just about everything they can to turn the tide including offering to pay for the referendum (5-7 Million) if it’s allowed, guaranteeing to reimburse the funding for the stadium over 30 years (no interest), and returning the funding if a Super Bowl does not emerge in the very short term.

Hospitality industry owner/operators are split on the deal. Many are against charging their guests another 1% for something they’ll never see or use; many feel the prestige (Miami has hosted 5) of the game is an important marketing component. Economists generally agree that the economic impact from a Superbowl on the local economy is negligible. Miami and the Beaches are in full tourism snowbird mode at Superbowl time every year.

It remains to be seen if the vote is either a NO or never happens, will  Dolphins owner Ross pony up the difference from his billions.

INTERNET CAFES

The Internet Café kerfuffle actually started 5+ years ago when several legislators introduced a bill to regulate the fledgling industry. Mainly located in rural and suburban strip malls, the small operations attract mainly senior citizens. More than 1000 such facilities are active in the State. Though the machines in these cafes look, sound and act like typical Vegas style slots, the owner/operators claim they are simply recreational games that require some skill to win.

Well, they are wrong. Experts have determined they are illegal slot machines. But, because the internet café interests spread around considerable money among State politicians, the proposed regulatory legislation stalled every year. That was until local and federal agents discovered that the owners were part of a consortium operating under an umbrella of a not for profit bogus corporation. It seems that the profits, claimed to be distributed among Veterans charities, kept the preponderance of the café money for themselves. A further inspection by the feds uncovered  a number of the individuals involved from the top down to the local operators were convicted felons with multiple convictions from fraud to wire and check writing scams.

The search further uncovered that while in the legislature Jennifer Carroll, Lieutenant Governor of the State had a direct relationship with the bogus company based in Jacksonville. Turns out her public relations agency represented the bogus charity. She resigned immediately in early March. Governor Scott, who is engaged in a major reelection battle, has distanced himself as far as possible from the internet café scandal. A wide number of sitting senators and representatives were proven recipients of cash donated to their reelection funds by the bogus charity. CONSEQUENTLY, they’ve been redirecting their tainted money to bonafide charities as fast as they can.

Additionally bills in the House and Senate to outlaw the “internet cafes” have sailed through with little or no opposition and the Governor is in the process of signing into law. The opportunity to license and regulate the business passed when all the illegal activities and people were uncovered.  The Racino industry, as well as the Indian tribal casino operators, has been carefully watching the process of the cafe bills with great interest. There’s no question that their legal slot business has been impacted.

The real elephant in the room though, is the lack of a regulatory body for gambling in the State. Even the legal casinos, poker rooms, frontons and race tracks operate on a series of gray area rules and regulations developed over many years by politicians on a catch as catch can basis. A potent political office/department staffed by knowledgeable gaming/gambling experts is desperately needed to set course of the industry in the fourth largest State in the USA.

With massive, legalized internet gaming on the horizon as the next great frontier of the gambling dollar, Florida is ill equipped to handle any venture. Always clever promoters will be a step ahead and find ways to rob the state of fees and taxes. The legislature has authorized a blue ribbon committee to study the state of gambling in Florida and recommend steps/rules/programs to take and make the best advantage of the enormous income to the state created by legal gambling.

The total for the State’s February racino numbers, no matter how they are evaluated, WAS DOWN. With the exception of Casino Miami Jai Alai’s 12% gain over the corresponding February 2012, all the other facilities had negative NSR.

Though 2012 was a leap year, nevertheless,  the average per day/per racino was down almost $32,000.00. The overall State Net Slot Revenue was down 5.59% and the tax revenue from the play was $13.6million less than 2012. Some other connective numbers include: 23 less machines per day averaging $4.00 less daily revenue per machine. While these are only indicators, the State legislators are currently researching and examining the potential for expansion. Depending upon trends continuing or not…the State will have to decide if this is a blip or a trend?

The individual monthly racino numbers are just one of many indicators for each  operation; however, the numbers are indeed revealing: Casino Miami Jai Alai was up 12%; significant because it was the first year to year comparison for an entire month. Magic City, even though down, continues to get stronger each month– February only 4% off vs. 2012. Gulfstream and Mardi Gras vs 2012 were off by 12% and 10% respectfully. Isle at Pompano was off only 1%. The longtime leader in the racino derby, Isle for the most part has avoided reduced NSR but February proved different. Calder Casino and Race Track was off 16%— a significant amount for any operation; however, of note the Calder 2012  number was exceptional.

With Dania Jai Alai/Racino expected to come on line and Hialeah Park’s Casino due to open in June….the effect on the competition is hard to guage. Dania is in close proximity to Mardi Gras and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino; Hialeah is near Miami Jai Alai.

Some operators complain that the reinstatement of higher payroll tax has negatively impacted their operations. Perhaps. But in a steadily improving economy in Florida, and continued housing starts and job creation, and a reversion from people moving out of state back to people moving into state……the racino decreases are concerning. The two county area with the legal 5 racinos, 3 major tribal casinos, and the 2 new casinos opening may well be hitting saturation.

FLORIDA ODDS n’ENDS

Bubba Watson purchased Tiger Woods’ Orlando area (Thanksgiving debaucle) house. Located in the Isleworth neighborhood of Windemere, the house is one of many there owned and occupied by celeb athletes.

Genting is proceeding to develop part of its gigantic midtown Miami bayside footprint that the Malayan company acquired several years ago– ostensibly  for a destination casino resort. Though the initial casino project was shot down by the legislature (for now), the company plans wreck the old Miami Herald building and turn the site into a 500 room hotel managed by a luxury brand, several hundred luxury condos, a 50 foot wide two tiered broad baywalk with restaurants and bistros. Genting managers tout a “phased” approach to the project. With the legislature rejecting any gaming related legislation in favor of a study of gaming,  Genting’s move is bold and makes sense. There’s plenty of land in their development to accommodate a state of the art, world class mega casino.

Now that high goal polo season is done for 2013, Tommy Lee Jones of recent LINCOLN film fame has his crib in Wellington’s polo community up for sale. Jones, 66, bought the 50 acre ranch in 2003. His ranch includes a full polo field, stables etc. Asking $26.75 Million. Tommy has a similar property in Texas which hosts his San Saba Polo Club and  team.

A visit to the Isle Capri Casino and Pompano Harness Track confirms that it’s the “star” in the Florida racino constellation. The casino is a busy place with a largely senior citizen audience pounding away on the slots.  The poker room had a waiting list at dinnertime on a recent early Saturday evening. The ambiance is Casino 101: comfortable, well lit, wide variety of predominantly new machines, carefully integrated background music, a fleet of pleasant security/assistants throughout the floors.  With plentiful adjacent parking, proximity to the main harness track building, and attentive service, it is no wonder Isle continues to lead the pack.

Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska license plates continue to dominate the indoor and field parking lots at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. When the Cards are playing (the facility is shared with the Miami Marlins), a sea of red pervades the entire seating area from the left field bleachers to the sun drenched box seats behind right field. The playing surface—with two teams playing non stop for 6 weeks—-is mediocre at best. Baseballs take their time going through the infield, and also carom left/right/up/down from the pebbles in the infield. It’s a true test for any infielder. Led by the ever tasty DEAN DOG, the concessions from Kilwins to Budweiser are omnipresent. The staunch Cards fans invoke the names Musial, Pujols, LaRussa, Hornsby, Schoendienst, Ozzie, Lee Smith etc. to motivate their boys of summer. With the possible exception of the Cubbie nation in Arizona there’ no other fan base so emotionally committed.

A series of short stories, RAILBIRDS introduces characters and their wild antics around the racing/gaming world— along with improbable, often surprising and whacky promotions at race tracks.

Railbirds, for the uninitiated, are the habitual daily degenerate, but lovable gamblers who hang out near the track’s finish line rail to watch their favorite horses, jockeys, greyhounds or jai alai players (in some cases) win. Some are bunched right at trackside, some are watching from four stories up in the VIP suites, many are in the bars, TV rooms, nooks and crannies in between, but they are all together the lifeline of the racing business.

The group as a whole is bizarre. Individually, as described in RAILBIRDS  their colorful back stories and peculiarities make each one real and fascinating:  There’s arithmetic wizard, track bias guru, and betting savvy Binocular Bob; the Sheik complete with his security guards, food tasters,  mysterious entourage, and wads of money; Meadowlark, the would be pro-golfer who mastered the new technology of bet/cash wagering and used it to his own advantage; a worldwide cavalcade of beauties contending for Miss Universe making an unannounced visit to the track;  professional wrestlers who always managed to finish their bouts just before the next race started; El Senor, the wealthy, legally blind, Cuban ex-pat whose daily regimen and constant confusion at the track was the source of internal hijinx; Pete the Roofer with his constant fist full of cash, odd betting habits,  and inexplicable shady background; Park Avenue Willy, the dandy of the clubhouse, with an income largely derived from stooping…..and others all with descriptive monikers like Benny The Rug, The Hip, Clovis and more.

Whether it’s the Massachusetts Speed Boys rigging bets on the country fair racing circuit, or Berry Impressive- the greatest greyhound marathon racer to ever compete, or the inebriated Royal Greyhound Racing Commissioner, or the scruffy trust fund bridge jumpers….it’s a fun and entertaining read.

Mr. Hutchinson, general manager and vice president of four race tracks during a half century career knew most of these characters. As he worked his way up from teller to the front office he encountered the colorful characters and fondly recalled their many idiosyncrasies: “The race track is the quintessential people watching venue,” he said, “no matter where you go to the horse or dog races or jai alai in cities or in the country, in the USA, Great Britain, France or Hong Kong…from small seasonal operations to the big triple crown venues, these railbirds are part of the daily fabric of the game. Their names change, but the essential fiber of these men and women with their hysterical issues and agendas do not.”

Mr. Thompson’s marketing firm was in the forefront of promotions and events at normally staid and conservative race tracks. As the lotteries and casinos ate away the attendance and handle of pari-mutuels, his firm was tasked by management to develop initiatives to save the game. “The nature of gamblers, their superstitions, their quirks, their schemes and scams, their garb, and their body language is remarkable,” he said. “We found they were mainly oblivious to most our marketing efforts, but as we describe in RAILBIRDS, occasionally we got their attention!!! Anywhere in the world the RAILBIRDS are
predictably unpredictable.”

The Railbirds names were changed for the book. Some are no longer alive. Many have disappeared. But others have taken their places. Many were denizens of Florida, Texas, Massachusetts and Midwest race tracks where the authors observed them from afar.  A cavalcade of scams, hits, misses, near hits, near misses, technological advances and declines, misdirection and downright scandals highlight these short stories.

Railbird’s introduction reminds readers that in reality we are all railbirds; not necessarily at the racetrack, but throughout our individual lives.

RAILBIRDS is now available on Amazon.Com and also in Kindle format.

Florida Odds n’ Ends

A-ROD underwent surgery to repair his ailing left hip in late January after pulling his 38 Million Dollar Miami Beach mansion off the market.  The slugger decided he preferred to rehab in his bay front gym, batting cage and designer pool under the tropical sun. Supposedly when he returns to the Bronx the house will go back on sale.

In what appears to be a major turn in the never ending Nevin Shapiro/UM scandal, the NCAA announced that it has uncovered a “very severe case of improper conduct” committed by former members of its OWN enforcement program.  NCAA now has to review itself further postponing the announcement of punishments for the school. This major hiccup is being viewed as a probable positive development for the U.

Ron The Greek (Mott/Lezcano/$8.40.4.20.4.40) blew by five pretenders in the stretch including 2/5 favorite Mucho Macho Man to take the Sunshine Millions at GP. The six year old is now slated for the Santa Anita Handicap which he won last March.

South Florida lost a great horse player and Hall of Fame baseball manager  Earl Weaver- the diminutive powder keg on the Orioles diamond was one of a kind. Also “The Wizard Of College Baseball”, Ron Frazier passed in January. The legendary UM baseball coach for 30 years lead the Canes to several college World Series championships. His innovative style is credited with elevating college baseball’s profile and fan interest through marketing, sponsorships and promotions.

Following substantive wins over the Tar Heels, Blue Devils and Terps, the UM student section “Canes Crazies” in the Bank United Center has been jammed with loud, rabid young fans. When Coach Jim Laranaga accepted the job last year, he promised to make the on campus venue a real home court advantage rivaling the ACC greats. He has.

The Miami Heat visited POTUS at the White House recently to be celebrating their run as NBA Champs.

As our offices, contacts, associates and interests are geographically and philosophically linked to the ACC, SEC and PAC 12…here’s our two cents on the upcoming NCAA conference play and thoughts about who may/may not make it into the big dance.

ACC. The Conference IS LOADED with talent from top to (near) bottom. And for a change it’s not all on Tobacco Road.  Come March we fully expect to see Duke, Maryland, NC State, and quite possibly UM, FSU UNC and perhaps one more on selection Sunday.

If both NC State and Miami remain healthy, their returning starters bring experience, chemistry, tempo and coaching making both squads strong convo and national contenders. This, of course, assumes Miami is not harpooned by NCAA sanctions in the interim. Both should be able to avoid going 0fer vs Dukies and Heels.

Blue Devils are a machine led by the smooth sailing Seth Curry. Coach K has reloaded and the Dukies are on a toot, although Coach K has had several towel biting finales. The Heels lost just about everyone from last year to the NBA. Look for Roy to be competitive but grooming his youngsters for next year, while still maintaining a high RPI.

Leonard’s Noles lost considerable talent as well, but several youngsters show signs of picking up the play in the early season. Ditto the Terrapins who are off to a terrific start, with a seasoned big man Xavier transfer phenom, Dez Wells. The Deamon Deacons on paper look weak but there’s young, untested talent that may raise plenty of havoc. The Ramblin’ Wreck introduces a recruiting hot shot, and with a fairly strong early season may be another threat, and also a potential spoiler. The Cavaliers overachieved last year and this year will be firmly mired in the lower tier of the conference.

The Hokies tossed Seth Greenberg to ESPN and in doing so lost several top players who transferred. The cupboard which was looking full, is now for the most part bare. Greenberg, who got so close to several NCAA tournament births, will resurface, and soon. Clemson and Boston College are in the cellar and will remain so. Clemson’s athletes will improve for 2014.

PAC 12.  In an uncharacteristically weak conference this year, Arizona is the chart topper with UCLA a possible suitor. Seth Miller’s intensity is paying off with his wildcats kids. They’ve pounded early opponents around the country in Olsonesque style. The two young big men are starting to produce-especially in the rebound department. Transfer Mark Lyons is taking Arizona point guarding to a new level and veterans Nick Johnson and Solomon Hill are showing strength in scoring and as team leaders.

With Muhammad and Anderson receiving NCAA permission to play the Bruins are deep and talented. However, early losses to Georgetown, Cal Poly and San Diego State showed signs of inconsistency and bench weakness. A win over Missou, albeit close and at home, suggests UCLA has the goods. Their 1/24 matchup with UA in Tucson will tell the tale.

Stanford and Washington will generate acceptable conference records but their RPI’s are suspect. The Cardinal show inconsistency and scoring difficulty playing the tough pre conference schedule. Ditto the Huskies, though they did start scoring at the Alaska Tournament.

Cal and Colorado both carry enough talent to be competitive. Colorado always enjoys a strong home court advantage. Kevin O’Neil’s USC Trojans lost several key players to transfers and are off to a slow start in the early season.

The Beavers, Ducks and Utes have many new faces in new positions. Of the three the Utes appear to be gelling and may be a surprise within the Pac 12. WASU trails the field in talent. Aztec’s coach Herb Sendek will need to coach his best to derive any serious success for the kids from Tempe.

2013 PROGNOSTICATIONS FOR  FLORIDA SPORTS

Tim Tebow leads the Jaguars to the Superbowl

All Stars Placido Polanco, Giancarlo Stanton and Ricky Nolasco lead Miami Marlins to 60 win season

Michael Vick and Ryan Tannyhill, co-qb’s, lead the Dolphins to an 8-8 season and are both signed to 12 year contract extensions.

Serena Williams wins the Sony Ericcson when Caroline Wozniaki forfeits to celebrate the Palmer with Rory MacIlroy in Orlando

Tiger  birdies the last 4 holes of Trump’s new Blue Monster at Doral and finishes 20^th as Rory MacIlroy celebrates on 18 with Caroline Wozniaki who forfeits Indian Wells to Azarenka.

UM sanctions are finally handed down by the NCAA in April and require the Hurricanes to join the WAC and play Notre Dame in South Bend for 12 consecutive years.

FIU hires Charlie Weis as head football coach

FAU hires Ty Willlingham for head football coach

Gators schedule a home and away series vs. Notre Dame starting in 2030.

Buccaneer Coach Schiano hires Rex Ryan as his congeniality coach.

MacIlroy birdies 18 at the Sony; defeats Woods by one shot and celebrates on 18 with Caroline Wozniaki who forfeited the Malaysian Open to Azerenka-now  women’s #1-4.

All Stars Placido Polanco and Giancarlo Stanton both hit grand slams in the All Star game. NL loses again 12-11. NL Mgr.

A-Rod reports for spring training in August.

Lebron James celebrates the Heat’s second consecutive championship by purchasing the Miami Marlins and moving them and the stadium to Akron.

Ramon Dominguez decides that GP really is a better venue for his winter tack right after recovering from walking pneumonia at Aqueduct.

Lefty drops in an eagle at Innisbrook to defeat Woods in a playoff. Caroline Wozniaki is not in attendance.

Shane Battier decides to raise llamas at his new Coconut Grove bay front home. Next door neighbor Dwayne Wade counters with a herd of ostrich.

NASCAR resets rules for the CHASE ending in Homestead. Now any car between #87 and #89 will get the pole and a 30 lap head start.

Consider too that 5 MAJOR NCAA DIV 1 programs were axed from bowl participation: Ohio State, or Cinderella Penn State, the entertaining Tar Heels and improving THE U? Will all these top level NCAA sanctions serve as reminders to every program that any hint of mischief will result in major punishment?

Hence  5-7 teams will appear in bowl games. Some bowlers didn’t even win their conference.  What message does that send? Mediocrity a la NHL is to be rewarded. Apparently. As with all things Jerry McGuire: Follow the money.

Here’s a quick review of Florida’s NCAA football teams and how they fared vs. expectations:

The Noles dropped a messy one and quickly fell out of contention for the BCS championship and added to the L column with a flat outing vs. the Gators. Good team. Good coach. Too inconsistent for its own good. Probably a repeat in 2013.

Gators, with lower initial expectations,had a messy one but the talent and coach rose to the occasion, won a bunch coming from behind, improved, and jetted back to a top contender in the SEC. Youthful and loaded for next year they need the QB to improve.

THE U is still reloading. The coach has turned around the team chemistry, but has yet to win any really big ones. Nevertheless winning the Coastal Division of the ACC Conference is an accomplishment. Depending upon the enormity of upcoming NCAA sanctions the program is becoming relevant once again.

Over at FIU the Golden Panthers just had a horrible year. Very unexpected. Apparently  TY Hilton’s contribution to the offense was way undervalued. Early expectations of winning the conference and being nationally rated got blasted to smithereens.

FAU continues to struggle but became competitive and feisty as the season rolled on. Bodes well for 2012. The new stadium is a huge plus for recruiting in Boca Raton.

UCF’s losses to Tulsa, Ohio State and Mizzou were disappointing vs. good wins in the Conference USA. O’Leary’s got a strong 2013 squad returning. The program is healthy and possibly a candidate to move up to a stronger conference.

USF  finished at the bottom of the Big East and showed little signs of improvement. Another issue with the comings and goings in all the various conferences USF is smack dab in the heart of a big media market (Tampa) with lots of eyeballs that might appeal to the ACC…now Maryland less.

Summary: Florida is still football country. Big Time. The talent from Pensacola to Key West rivals Texas and California. Between FSU, UF, and the U there should be a national title game appearance in the near future.

FLORIDA ODDS N’ENDS

Given the Florida Marlins penchant for no no-trade clauses in contracts, it’s a wonder any big time agents with big time clients would ever consider the franchise. Mark Beurhrle who was part of the exodus to Toronto remains outspoken, claiming he was lied to — upon signing with the team management assured and reassured him he would not be traded. His team of  accountants is now trying to figure out the ramifications of playing in Canada, being a USA citizen and playing in 20+ cities annually (many multiple times): all of whom WILL collect taxes from the lefty ace. With no state income tax, Florida has long beckoned top earners. Top earners with no trade clauses, that is….

Among the missing in the GP jockey colony is one Ramon Dominguez, 36, the top jock money earner in the nation in 2012. The new (Genting) slots at Aqueduct  have rocketed up the purses there substantially— enough to keep Ramon in NYNY in spite of the blizzards and chill. He won three stakes races on November 24^th.

Miami native and international tennis legend, Gardner Mulloy turned 99. Credited with making South Florida a tennis haven, he is the oldest living member of the Tennis Hall of Fame…a graduate of the UM….and holder of 129 national tennis titles.

TSFKAJR hosts the BCS championship this year, as well as the Orange Bowl. The Golden Domers from South Bend will be featured in the Big Game bringing their legions of long suffering fans to South Florida. The Fighting Irish and their faithful will celebrate in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a week– spending freely, buying up all the left over tickets, and generally annoying all the local the U, FSU and UF faithful.

A recent front page poll released by the Miami Herald of 400 MLB fans, 90% of whom were self proclaimed Miami Marlins fans found 87% “furious and betrayed” by team ownership, 83% had an unfavorable opinion of owner Jeffrey Loria, 61% who claimed to be season ticket holders would support a boycott next season if that would coerce Loria to sell the team, 95% found the trade a fire sale and 4% thought it was an attempt to make the team better. 89% felt that Loria had a moral obligation to field a good team because tax payers mainly funded the Marlins new $ 515 Million stadium.

From our Tucson office we’ll be covering the University Of Arizona’s 39^th Symposium on Racing and Gaming December 3-6. The annual event at Tucson’s 4 star Westin La Paloma Resort features forums, seminars, lectures and networking sessions. Look for our review shortly in this space.

Turkey day in South Florida is more like spit-roasted suckling pig day. The traditional New Year’s Cuban/Island feast has spilled into Thanksgiving. A seasonal mini industry supplies the beast, banana leaves, hot coals, mojo marinade and tools for the grilling. It’s common to see hundreds of cars, trucks and SUV’s parked alongside a Hialeah residential street or a Redlands ranch with extended families enjoying the succulent pork as they watch the Lions and Cowboys on a rented giant screen TV outdoors.

With that scenario in mind, we’d like to give OUR thanks to some Florida individuals, organizations and events.

We thank the Miami Dade County Tax Payers for purchasing a new baseball stadium for 3 billion dollars and the joy of watching an AAA ball club play there.

We thank Jeffrey Loria, David Sampson, Larry Beinfest, the brain trust of the Marlins, for participating in the NL East. Barely

We thank Slash,Flash,CB,Spolestra and the HEAT for helping us forget the Marlins. OH YES-and putting another Championship flag on the AAA rafters.

We thank the NHL Panthers for FINALLY making the playoffs.

We thank the NHL owners for yet another boneheaded lockout.

We thank Joe Philbin for finally creating a local NFL winner going forward.

We thank FIU’s football team for participating. Barely

We thank Muschamps swampmen for breathing new life into the State’s moribund NCAA football product and providing some competition in the SEC.

We thank FAU, USF and UCF football for participating. Barely

We thank Jim Laranaga for making the U hoopsters relevant, finally.

We thank NASCAR for keeping the CHASE finale in Homestead.

We thank Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas for being superstars on the Dolphins during a period when the team was competitive. Barely.

We thank Gulfstream Park for keeping Florida in the forefront of national thoroughbred racing, however briefly.

We thank Ozzie Guillen and Heath Bell for entertainment value during a pathetic Marlins season.

We thank Mother Nature for sending hurricanes elsewhere and providing superior seasons for Bass anglers in Lake Okeechobee, the fighting Tarpons in the keys, the Sailfish in the gulfstream, and the bald eagles in the Everglades.

We thank Don Shula.

We thank Jimmy Johnson.

We thank Dennis Erickson.

We  thank Howard Schnellenberger.

We thank Ron Frasier and Jim Morris.

We thank Amy Deem track coach of THE U for coaching the women medalists in London to extraordinary world record performances.

We thank Pat Riley. He plots, plans and wins.

We thank Mickey Arison who lets Pat Riley plot, plan and win.

We thank Wayne Huyzienga. Without him we’d still be watching the Atlanta Braves on TBS, Cubbies on WGN and Hockey Night in Canada.

We thank Bobby Bowden, gosh dang it.

We thank the PGA for keeping Doral in the WGC in spite of Donald Trump buying the place.

We thank Dan Marino (with a nod to Duper and Clayton)

We thank the Williams Sisters and Butch Buchholtz for keeping top name tennis on Key Biscayne every year.

We thank (upon occasion) Tiger

We thank Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Reyes for providing some reason to go to the 3 billion dollar boondoggle in Little Havana.

We thank the Cards, Marlins, and Nats for keeping their spring training headquarters in South Florida.

We thank THE MIAMI PROJECT, the Buoniconti’s, Dr. Barth Green and his associates for getting ever closer to a miracle.

We thank Al Golden for sticking around the U in spite of a spate of upcoming sanctions.

We thank Mario Cristobal for turning down high profile coaching jobs to soldier on at FIU. (for now anyway)

We thank Dave Hyde and Dan Le Batard for being the last remaining relevant scribes in the local sports sections of our newspapers.

We thank Hialeah Park for remaining open for quarter horse racing. Barely

We thank the racinos for giving us a touch of Vegas here at home.

We thank all the South Florida sports fans who rise to the occasion when they have a winner and disappear into the Everglades for anything less.

And most of all we’d like to thank our readers. Stick around. We’re just getting rolling.

                          Florida odds n’ends

GP opens 12/1. Still some chatter about introducing night racing after the main season closes.

Art Basel dates are 12/6-12/8/2012

Tampa Gasparilla Fest dates are 1/26/13

South Beach Food Fest dates are 2/21/-24/13

Doral WGC dates are 3/6-3/10/13

Sony Ericcson dates are 3/18-3/31/13

9. Horse vans arrive in Wellington (West Palm) and Palm Meadows (Ocala) as the caravans of man and beast prepare for pre season thoroughbred training, polo, equestrian, dressage–instantaneously recharging the area economy. The Gulfstream Park barns opened October 23rd in preparation for the December 1 winter season highlighted by the “Claiming Crown” races and the $850,000.00 in purses.

8. Cruise ships return from their summer Alaskan and Fjord routes to once again deliver merry makers from the shivering north and mid-west  to Jamaica, Cancun, St.Lucia, Nassau, Charlotte Amalie, Aruba etc. Their smaller 200′ sisters return from a summer in Monte Carlo to winter in Ft. Lauderdale and swoop past the Miami Boat Show to see and be seen.

7. Solar pool heaters are turned on. A/C is turned off. Sweaters come out. Windows and doors thrust open. Gardens planted. One time long ago thoroughbred race track, Tropical Park in South Miami Dade County is now The Christmas Park featuring a massive twinkle light display.

6. Ocean Drive on SoBe transforms from an annoyingly congested beach destination to an impassable parking lot featuring all makes and models (mainly female) strutting across the sand and causing rubberneck traffic jams. Joe’s Stone Crab opens for its 100^th season featuring 4 hour waits for the uninformed.

5. The Miami Marlins search for a new manager and the media roasts the owner for complicating all baseball operations while they search for success in their domed, Dr.Seuss lime-green spaceship of a stadium.

4. I 75 between Naples and Fort Myers is a virtual parking lot with an oversupply of short white haired individuals driving large sedans with Canadian license plates dominating the artery. Long  lines of elderly snow birds que up at 4pm for early bird dinners.

3. Callers to sports talk radio still think the Miami Dolphins have a shot at the post season. Ditto Jacksonville Jags and Tampa Bay Bucs. A few stalwarts still believe THE U will return to the glory days; they also believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and lower taxes.

2. Miami Heat dominate the front pages with their continued march to dynasty featuring a fresh Flash, a bulked up Bosh, an Olympic champ Slash, a rejuvenated Mike Miller and introducing the sharpshooting tres of  Ray Allen. The Flag Raising and Ring Ceremony Oct. 30 vs. Celtics got front page treatment….esp. with Allen’s 19 points and the Heat right back in the Win Column.  Only another championship will satisfy the faithful (Jimmy Buffet included)

1. NASCAR makes its annual pilgrimage to Homestead Motor Speedway upstaging for one weekend the tomato harvest, Air Force stealth sorties, and temporarily stifling anglers ability to quickly get to the Florida Keys. With the 88 driver iffy, effectively a race between the 48 and 2, the attendance will be iffy as well.

Around the State:

Florida’s Gators never got out of the starting blocks at the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. Mark Richt’s bulldogs squashed UF for the second consecutive year sending the swamp set into the glades. Soon to be NFL player Jarvis Jones led the defense in Sabanesque style smothering of rookie UF QB Driscoll.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies won the NASL championship defeating Minnesota at Al Lang Field. Penalty kicks decided the title.

Don King’s boxing card scheduled for Casino Miami Jai Alai on November 16 is moving to Gulfstream Park. TV packager Showtime nixed the Jai Alai venue due to poor camera angles. The main event is junior middleweight prospect Omar Henry vs. James de la Rosa. King plans to continue future shows at Jai Alai.

Following Ozzie Guillen’s departure from the Miami Marlins, gossip trickles out from the team’s ivory tower detailing why… Miami Herald columnist Dan Le Batard disclosed key reasons including Ozzie allowing his two young adult sons to be in the dugout IN UNIFORM during games; he exuded  a lazy detachment from the job often leaving bench coach Joey Cora (also gone) to run pre game batting and fielding practices; he had no interaction with the Hispanic community; and, following his Castro comments numerous local corporate sponsors cancelled.

Meanwhile slugger Giancarlo Stanton was quoted: “We need help everywhere: lineup, bullpen and rotation.” Dependable hurler Mark Bueherle, currently the team ACE, won another gold glove. He now has one from each league.

The lineup of potential managers interviewing for the Marlins managerial post was breathtaking. NOT. The new skipper is former Marlin, Mike Redmond: known solely in his big league career for an uncanny ability to hit Tommy Glavine. Other interviewed candidates include Larry Bowa, and Brian Price (Reds pitching coach who passed). A lifetime back up catcher in both leagues, Redmond’s compensation will be cheap: the club is paying the departed Ozzie Guillen and Heath Bell for several more years.

Calder turf course veteran gelding, Little Mike, with big stakes wins at GP,Arlington Park and Churchill Downs, competed in the Breeders Cup Tur race facing tough European competition. Trainer is Dale Romans. Owners are Carlo and Priscilla Vaccarezza of Parkland, Florida.

As the FSU Seminoles attempt to climb back into relevance in the national picture, place kicker Dustin Hopkins charged into the ACC record books with a 56 yard boot vs. Duke grabbing the conference’s title for most field goals. He continues pursuing the FBS record for points scored where he trails former Boise State kicker, Kyle Brotzman by  11 points.

During the Jets bye week, ex-Gator TIM TEBOW was spotted at a Jacksonville night club holding hands with a “C” level actress. Stay tuned