Welcome to the TDN Op Ed page, where a selected stable of writers will, from time to time, offer their opinion and perspective on matters concerning the racing industry. The viewpoints expressed herein are not necessarily those of the management, but promise to represent what we consider to be responsible comment.

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John Sikura is the president of Hill n Dale Farms in Lexington, Ky.

• 6/27/2009 - RESPONSE TO SENATOR THAYER'S POSITION ON KY GAMING BILL
  
  I wish to respond to Senator Thayer's explanation on why he did not support House Bill 2, VLT's at Kentucky racetracks (Thayer Defends Position on KY Gaming Bill, Bloodhorse.com.) His defense first reaches back in time to explain his past support of our industry to create a warm feeling without tackling the issue. I, for one, have appreciated his past support, but do not accept past works as a shield for his stand on the most important piece of racing and breeding legislation in the history of Kentucky. His first concern was that of the constitutionality of the bill. He does not mention that the current Attorney General gave legal opinion prior to the special session that the bill was constitutional. Furthermore, it was well known that if successful, the bill would have been challenged on constitutional merits. If a final legal opinion was the intent of the Senator, the Supreme Court of Kentucky would have rendered one and settled the issue. — (click here to read the entire article)
  
  

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