The first speaker was Dr. Doug Hutchins of Lyman Maine, a veterinarian for almost forty years and whose knowledge of his industry would make any vet proud and his knowledge of the breeding industry is also something to be very proud of.

His understanding, after listening to Norman Hall, a breeder, who has documented many, many stallions to see the correlation between quality has proven that going to the best gives you a better chance for a successful foal. Dr Hutchins used the example of his favorite stallion, Yankee Glide, as a prime example of his talents in the breeding shed. He left the members also with the understanding of how the positive effects of legalized gambling in the form of slots has been to the state of Maine.

It was never realized until they put the effort together to prove how effective a positive effort could bring about a successful end result. The casino type atmosphere has proven to be a money maker, at this point in time. He truly believes that Maine is a gambling mecca. He also mentioned that a little more than one/third of the states have harness racing in them. The members were very impressed with his report because his homework was very detailed and his points were very well taken.

The second speaker was Representative Richard Ross, a member of the Mass. House of Representatives out of the Ninth Norfolk District. He is a member of the Economic Development Committee and Emerging Technologies Committee that are overseeing the hearings on legalized video slots and casino type wagering.

The legislature is hopeing for a decision in mid January, 2010, on the decision of where the wagering will take place and when, so that they can start looking forward to seeing revenue becoming available to the state to help with the financial pitfall that the state has found itself in.

The Representative mentioned that his district is a perfect location with three main roads ( Route 1, Interstate 95, Route 495 ) all within immediate access to themselves along with the Wrentham Outlets Mall and Gillette Stadiums Mall, all within close proximity to the Plainridge Racecourse location, making it a superb location, because of its easy available access to and from the location. He also mentioned that everyone should contact their politicians, in every area of the state to make them aware of the importance of this bill.

He also mentioned that the Senate should be coming up with a vote on the Simulcasting bill, if all is well by this Tuesday, because the Fall session ends on Wednesday. He received a tremendous round of applause from the members, when he finished with his report.

After all that excitement, the awards were handed out:

Two Yr. Old Trotting Filly: First Tail U See 2:02.3 Two Yr. Old Trotting Colts & Geldings: Pioneer Valley 2:05.4

Two yr. Old Pacing Filly: Native Bombshell 1:59.4 Two Yr. Old Pacing Colts & Geldings: Fast Guy 2:01.4

Three Yr. Old Trotting Filly: RC Curiosity 1:58.1 Three Yr. Old Trotting Colts & Geldings: RC Authority 1:59.2

Three Yr. Old Pacing Filly: Al`s Baby Girl 1:59 Three yr. Old Pacing Colts & Geldings: Hey It`s Only Money 1:53.2

A special congratulations goes out to RC Curiosity for breaking the Stakes Record for Three Yr. Old Trotting Fillies in 1:58.1

Bob LIEBERMAN