PHOTOS: A message from Commissioner Stebbins about his trip to Courtlin Farms
- June 29, 2016
- by MGC Communications
- 0 comments
Far from the noise of the slot machines and thundering hooves of a harness race at Plainridge Park Casino, I enjoyed the opportunity to visit a business that is beginning to reap the benefits of the renewed focus on horse racing thanks to the Expanded Gaming Act of 2011.
Earlier this month, Director of Racing Dr. Alex Lightbown and I enjoyed the chance to visit Courtlin Farms standardbred horse farm in Belchertown, Massachusetts. Not only did we see the mother and new half-brother of the 2013 Hambletonian Stakes winner “Royalty for Life” but we also were able to hear firsthand about the business growth the farm and this breeder is realizing. Owner “Chip” Campbell simply stated that one positive indication of potential success is the increased number of calls about his horses.
It was a beautiful late spring day on this scenic farm in Belchertown but more important to understand how the success of Plainridge Park is impacting businesses around the Commonwealth.
To read more about the effect of expanded gaming on the horse racing and breeding industries in Massachusetts, please see this article from the Sun Chronicle:
Harness racing at Plainridge sees revival thanks to slots
