Caesars officials admonished by Ohio Racing Commission

Columbus, OH – At the Wednesday (Sept. 8) Ohio State Racing Commission meeting, Senior Vice President of Racing Caesars Entertainment, Joe Morris, gave an update on the Scioto Downs grandstand. And then the Commission lambasted Caesar Officials.

The report stated that Morris indicated the reconstruction would commence “as soon as the live meet ends as scheduled on Sept. 18” and that there is “no timeline, we will do it as fast as we can.”

The OHHA website indicates that “the new grandstand will offer 750 stadium seats in the main level, an additional 200 seats on the sides, and open apron area. There will be VIP rooms on the top level on each side of the announcer’s and racing officials’ section. The VIP rooms capacity are 80 and 50 each. The 500-seat capacity Clubhouse will remain.”

The Ohio State Racing Commission comments then admonished Caesars officials for the “embarrassing” state of the facility and subsequent black eye for Ohio Racing at what once was, “Ohio’s Showplace of Racing”.

Chairman Scott Borgemenke admonished Caesars officials for not taking care of the racing patrons to the same level and degree that racino patrons enjoyed, and said fines for this and any other future infractions would follow. Those fine monies would not be used to enhance the Racing Commission’s coffers, but to aid participant and racehorse benevolence.

The Chairman’s additional comments extended from more parity in marketing and promotion to patron treatment and accommodations.  Commissioner Thomas Winters added that the Commission would, “hold their feet to the fire” in regards to the project and operations moving forward.  Commission Winters further suggested holding any Casino Commission monies for operations in escrow until conditions are met regarding the facility.

Joe Morris said he would provide full capital expenditures, marketing budgets for racing, and other items.

To read the complete story on the OHHA website, click here.

From the USTA and the OHHA