Plainville, Massachusetts: Horse Racing Faces Increased Scrutiny

Horse racing in Massachusetts is under significant scrutiny as concerns grow regarding job quality and animal welfare. With the closure of the last thoroughbred track in 2019, the remaining harness racing operations, particularly at Plainridge Park Casino, now attract only a modest crowd of approximately 70-75 patrons, primarily retirees. The industry, including several breeding farms, relies heavily on an annual public subsidy of about $20 million sourced from taxes on slot machines and casinos.

In 2023, the situation has reached a critical point, with Plainridge racetrack reporting the highest annual death toll for horses in recent memory. Six horses died or were euthanized due to race-related injuries. Necropsy reports reveal serious health issues leading to these tragic events, notably horses such as Stihl N, who suffered multiple fractures, and Sidd Finch, who had a fractured hind leg. Activists highlight that these incidents are part of a larger pattern; Patrick Battuello, founder of Horseracing Wrongs, has claimed that approximately 850 horse deaths have been confirmed in 2024, indicating a troubling trend that may be under-reported.

Amidst these concerns, a New York Times investigation has brought to light alarming practices within the horse racing industry, including questionable breeding and doping practices, alongside high rates of horse mortality at major venues. This growing scrutiny has fueled public apprehension about the sustainability and ethics of the industry in Massachusetts.

Wage and Employment Issues

State subsidy debates have intensified as the workforce supporting these operations wrestles with low wages. Data from the University of Massachusetts indicates that the median wage for Plainridge horse track employees was just $19.57 in 2023, with only 20% of workers earning a sufficient living wage for a family of four. While Plainridge Park claims that median wages have since increased to $22.54, the arguments against continued state subsidies remain compelling given the ongoing issues with wage levels.

Future of Horse Racing and Local Opposition

The closure of horse racing tracks has prompted discussions about repurposing these sites. Plans for housing developments are already underway at locations like the former Suffolk Downs track. Meanwhile, proposals for new racing facilities have met with significant local pushback. In Leominster, a plan for a racetrack known as “The Fairgrounds” at a former landfill site has raised concerns about public health, gambling access, traffic congestion, and environmental risks associated with landfill development.

Residents have reacted strongly to this proposal, collecting over 1,300 signatures on a petition to ban horse and dog racing in Leominster. Concerns voiced at city council meetings have included the potential for increased problem gambling and traffic disruptions along with adverse effects on community health. The city council has scheduled a public hearing on the racetrack proposal for May 12, amidst ongoing community debates.

Baystate Racing, the entity behind the proposed Leominster racetrack, has claimed that the project could generate an annual revenue of $1 million and create over 350 jobs. However, local residents remain skeptical about the economic benefits versus the potential drawbacks of such a facility. Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella has acknowledged the importance of accurate information dissemination regarding the racetrack proposal, emphasizing that it has not yet been formally submitted for review.

This follows previous challenges faced by Baystate Racing in nearby Gardner, where a racetrack proposal was ultimately rejected due to local resistance. As the public hearings approach, the future of horse racing and its associated economic and ethical considerations remain a point of contention in Massachusetts.