TrackNet ready to pull plug on signal

It looks like Black Wednesday for local horseplayers

Bettors' options today could be drastically limited because the Nevada Pari-Mutuel Association and TrackNet were unable to reach an agreement by late Tuesday to continue airing the television signal from several popular tracks to the state's 80 race books.

Barring a late deal, prospective wagerers will have to find alternate tracks with a TV signal or bet low limits on cards from Santa Anita, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream, Oaklawn and Laurel without the benefit of watching the races.

The Fair Grounds in Louisiana, part of TrackNet's operation, will not be blacked out because of a prior deal with Nevada that is still binding.

"We don't have a deal, and there's no extension," said Scott Daruty, president and chief executive officer of TrackNet, which oversees distribution of the telecast from 17 member tracks. "We had some informal talks (Tuesday) morning, and TrackNet sent a new proposal to Nevada in the afternoon and we haven't heard back from them.

"We're disappointed we haven't been able to reach an agreement, but we're always willing to sit down and engage in meaningful discussions."

The Pari-Mutuel Association sounded a similar tone.

"It's disappointing, but it's not a dead issue. We've been through dark times before and we'll get through this," said John Avello, director of race and sports at Wynn Las Vegas, who took part in the talks for the Pari-Mutuel Association. "Our intention is to try to keep talking until we reach an agreement with TrackNet."

The sides have been talking for weeks to reach a deal to replace one that expired Dec. 31. On Jan. 7, that deal was extended through Sunday, but the deadline passed without a new agreement. The tracks in question were dark Monday and Tuesday, which gave the parties an extra 48 hours to negotiate a contract.

TrackNet wants Nevada to pay more for its signal. Nevada has been willing to up the ante, but not as much as TrackNet is seeking, particularly at nonpremium tracks that don't generate as much betting handle as Santa Anita, Golden Gate and Gulfstream.

"When we agreed to the extension Jan. 7, I was optimistic we would have a deal," Daruty said. "But as time went on, it became evident we weren't going to reach an agreement."

Because of the stalemate, some local books made plans to offer limited betting options for the blacked-out tracks, with low limits on wagers and capped payouts. But that Plan B was small consolation to customers who like to bet into the often lucrative Pick 6 pools at Santa Anita but will be unable to do so during the blackout.

"I'll be very disappointed," said Las Vegas resident Terry Ballard, who was betting the races at Texas Station. "But I'll play the other tracks, mainly New York. If they offer non-pari-mutuel, I'll still play Santa Anita, but not as much. You like to be able to watch the race."

A few seats away, Sam Rudman of Las Vegas said he'll have to find something else to do with his money.

"Santa Anita is all I play," he said. "They'll turn me into a slot-machine player if they black it out. There's nothing else I'm going to play."

Rudman said it behooves both sides to reach a new deal.

"How stupid can they be?" he said. "The economy is bad. It's a dying sport. Look around here. Everyone's got gray hair."

At Red Rock, James Wilson of Las Vegas was preparing for life without Santa Anita.

"It seems sort of foolish that with the economy being bad they can't reach an agreement," he said. "I probably won't bet on (Santa Anita) if I can't watch it. I'd find another track where I could watch the races."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.