Shakes head… but Im not surprised…and truthfully…is anyone else really, I mean really> surprised?
There always seems to be some loophole that allows the corruption to continue. The next question would be to the PSP asking where the law stands…and Im sure the answer willl be close to this …:
"however immoral, or unethical these actions may be, no one has broken the law"
Time to now ask…how to place laws in effect that will address these issues.
[QUOTE=DickHertz;4925320]
It is with great regret that I report the investigation at Penn National into the racing office and various trainers is on the verge of being shutdown. According a source familiar with the investigation there has been a change in the past week and the Dauphin County DA is not going to pursue charges…
Business As Usual
Its my understanding that a few people who were going to testify have now backed out (atleast one of those was from Elk Creek), and especially after one guy was found beaten up. This is how thugs, crooks, cheats and some people with lots of money get away with things.
[QUOTE=frugalannie;4925587]
Dick, I am terribly saddened to read your post. Is there anythinig that can be done? Letter writing, e-mailing, etc?[/QUOTE]
I do not think there is anything else you can do, Annie. As long as PNGI has the political pull they do and no will to change it you are just better off moving on. It’s kind of like “it is what it is” and you can either accept it or move on. Once table games kick in the purses will begin a steady downward spiral and things will only get worse.
[QUOTE=DickHertz;4925650]
I do not think there is anything else you can do, Annie. As long as PNGI has the political pull they do and no will to change it you are just better off moving on. It’s kind of like “it is what it is” and you can either accept it or move on. Once table games kick in the purses will begin a steady downward spiral and things will only get worse.[/QUOTE]
Keep the heat on them Dick. Is just a minor setback for now but remember governors and presidents have been brought down for much less.:yes:
CARTHAGO DELENDA EST!!!
Business as Usual
Dick and all, thank you for your very hard work. Please don’t give up. The good guys must win over evil. Horses must be protected against cruelty. What about the FBI? The Code of Silence cannot possibly continue to protect and spread evil. I am so sad for the honest and kind horsemen and the horses in rotten stables!
I blame Ed Marsico, Dauphin County DA, fully for this botched investigation. He has been shown the path to victory and has chosen to do nothing.
[QUOTE=OMG;4926252]
Dick and all, thank you for your very hard work. Please don’t give up. The good guys must win over evil. Horses must be protected against cruelty. What about the FBI? The Code of Silence cannot possibly continue to protect and spread evil. I am so sad for the honest and kind horsemen and the horses in rotten stables![/QUOTE]
The FBI and the Commonwealth of PA (Ed Rendell, Dept. of Ag) have an agreement where the Feds will stay away from Penn. After all, they are a cash cow for the State of Pennsylvania.
[QUOTE=DickHertz;4926285]
The FBI and the Commonwealth of PA (Ed Rendell, Dept. of Ag) have an agreement where the Feds will stay away from Penn. After all, they are a cash cow for the State of Pennsylvania.[/QUOTE]
I know you are disappointed and rightly so, but I do not believe your statement above to be true. You can not agree to sit idly by and let laws be broken assuming that is what is happening without yourself, in this case the FBI being called into question. Maybe they aren’t interested yet but I guarantee if they started a child porn ring on the apron or set up a money printing press in the clubhouse, it would get their attention. Which means for whatever reason the offenses aren’t being judged as being agregious enough yet. Just keep reminding them as necessary.
Dick,
What more would a DA need to move forward? This is unacceptable. Would calls to Marsico’s office help?
I have a strong gut feeling that the investigation is NOT over. Let’s keep fighting for a good cause and that is to rid Penn National of all the corruption that exists here. And above all, NO phone calls to Marsico’s office. Please be patient, take my advice!
When you call Marsico’s office you’ll get the same response you get from the Racing Commission - silence.
Bopper, Carlino called in a favor to his buddies. That’s what happens when you donate a ton of money to a campaign. The investigation is being run by elite a-holes in suits with more power than the average joe.
May Still be HOPE
Bopper, I believe what we have going on here is some people with the investigation who think it’s going along just fine and others who do not. What we do know is that PNGI in their typical Big Bad Boy Fashion is working hard to spin this investigation exactly the way they want it to go which is unfortunate. If I were the lead investigator I would put these people on my “DO NOT CALL” list.
Rob Marella
Chris McErlean
Frank Quigley
ANYONE from PA Racing Commission
This thread has so many issues going on at once its hard to keep up… and keep some from getting buried in the mess of it all.
For Dick Hertz... any word on your horse? or has the Pres of the HPBA wiggled out from accountability? And if so... how
really did that happen?
Yes, I know you said…Now, they arent going to stand by their anti-slaughter policy… but isnt there ANYone raising an eyebrow?
National Press?
Yes, I know I’m only average Joe racing fan in MA, but this S. Beattie story seems like it could be brought to light on a more national level. HBPA Pres horses end up at slaughter or with known felons? Come on, some media outlet has to want to expose that. No, it appears only to be 1 small issue among many at Penn, but it is one that anyone can clearly see is wrong.
I don’t know if this would be in the best long term interest of Penn racing, but it sure would benefit her horses!
Dick & others, please keep on your fight. At the very least you are opening more eyes (like mine) to the plight of racing in PA.
So, is this an elected position? And are there not enough animal lovers in the county to redress this (large campaign contributions aside)?
The HBPA is the source of evil in horse racing: it defends the abuse of drugs and horses, the racing of horses into the ground, it lies, runs rigged elections, enjoy self-serving expense accounts, some (all?) offer no accounting transparency, some (all?) enjoy lavish perks and junkets. Local and national HBPAs spawn and protect evil. They are the problem not the solution.
[QUOTE=OMG;4927100]
The HBPA is the source of evil in horse racing: it defends the abuse of drugs and horses, the racing of horses into the ground, it lies, runs rigged elections, enjoy self-serving expense accounts, some (all?) offer no accounting transparency, some (all?) enjoy lavish perks and junkets. Local and national HBPAs spawn and protect evil. They are the problem not the solution.[/QUOTE]
Correct. Until local HBPA’s take initial responsibility there will never be change. Of course, that takes integrity and accountability so don’t count on it from the current HBPA. There are good members on the Penn HBPA, but the majority are all about the clique. They know who they are.
Attention Trainer Bob Wolfe
If I were you I would file an appeal immediately to hold the purse money and request a real group of stewards review the film during the stretch run of the 2nd race on Wednesday night when Quotakingransom was repeatedly bumped by Thomas Clifton. There was an objection and despite clear evidence of a foul the horse was left up. No wonder nobody bets on this dump.
Update: Investigation Moves Ahead
The investigation is not over, but it needs to really start moving in some sort of positive direction or the tax payers of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will need a real serious explanation about why all this time and money was spent. And if the investigation nets just the Gang of Misfits this poster will be seriously disappointed. See the light, Mr. Chardo, follow the light. It’s time to start seeing some progress in this investigation.
They need to look into so many aspects of Penn National not just the misfits.
My original post about the investigation being over was incorrect.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use