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Today's contract negotiations hoping to nip 'boycott' in bud

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 14, 2000

Opening Day last December at Tampa Bay Downs began with a match race, as horsemen in effect boycotted through a contract impasse with management.

Today will go far in determining whether something similar will happen on Saturday, as the Tampa Bay Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and track officials resume another rancorous negotiation. This might be the last chance to work out a contract to assure a smooth start this season.

Horsemen lost a potential bargaining chip on Tuesday when the 13th Circuit Court denied their motion for a temporary restraining order that would have forced management to re-allocate stalls. TBHBPA feels five members of its board were retaliated against by being denied space.

"We didn't lose anything by the decision," said board member Robert Van Worp. "But it would have been nice to have gotten it."

The contentious issue may not be settled. Van Worp said Wednesday further litigation is possible, though expensive.

The horsemen are to be joined today by John Roarke, vice president of their national association.

"He'll be like a mediator, more or less," TBHBPA vice president Bob Jeffries said. "Some of the decisions made here will affect horsemen on a national level.

"This doesn't end here."

DEPUTY DONE: Santa Anita Derby-winner The Deputy will begin stud duty next year after injuring himself while preparing to return to racing. He will stand for a $7,500 fee at Margaux Farm, which purchased a half interest in the 3-year-old colt from Team Valor and Gary Barber.

SORRY, CHARLIE: Indian Charlie, a one-page lampoon sheet that amuses racing fans as much as it occasionally irritates those within the industry, last week lost a $75,000 judgment for libeling a track regular.

In 1997, newsletter publisher Edward Musselman mocked Donald Alvey's abilities as a handicapper and gambler and ridiculed his appearance, according to court records.

A jury awarded Alvey $75,000, and an appeals court said Musselman committed libel.

Former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones, a horse owner and breeder, and trainer Bob Baffert, testified for Musselman.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Magna Entertainment CEO Frank Stronach has purchased a 271-acre parcel of land in suburban Detroit where he might build a new entertainment and racing complex, according to the Thoroughbred Times.

The track would be Stronach's eighth, but the first he has constructed. He owns Michigan's only thoroughbred track, Great Lakes Downs.

Centrally located in Salem Township adjacent a major artery connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor, the land would house dirt race tracks for thoroughbreds and standardbreds and a turf course.

Magna Entertainment's portfolio also includes Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park.

- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.

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