Hialeah Park Seeking to Resume Racing in ’91

Hialeah Park, still hoping to reverse a recent state order that closed the financially troubled track, announced a 57-day racing schedule for early 1991.

The schedule is in contrast to the 158-day meet Hialeah began last Nov. 18. Citing losses averaging $68,000 per day, Hialeah last month acted without state permission to reduce its schedule for the rest of this season.

The state then suspended Hialeah’s pari-mutuel license, forcing the track to close.

Hialeah proposes racing next year during the lucrative midwinter dates--Jan. 4 to March 10. The track would be closed Mondays.

Doug Donn, president of nearby Gulfstream Park, said Hialeah’s proposal of 1991 dates is moot.

“I don’t think they’re permitted to run anymore because of the violation to their license,” Donn said. “I think the state will step in and not permit them to run any dates.”

Hialeah will appeal the suspension of its license at a state hearing in Miami next Thursday.

Gulfstream plans to run next year Jan. 16-May 4. Calder Race Course in Miami plans to run from June 1, 1990, to Jan. 13, 1991, and again May 4-31, 1991.

“It has become evident that Gulfstream and Calder are continuing their vise-like grip on Florida racing by dividing the entire year-round racing program,” Hialeah President John J. Brunetti said in a statement.

“Hialeah will request the dates it operated for over 50 years. (They) are the only dates with which Hialeah can realize a reasonable profit and remain viable.”

Brunetti said the last time Hialeah had the midwinter dates, two years ago, the three tracks combined to set a record in total handle.

“It is beyond my comprehension why Calder and Gulfstream, who profess cooperation within the thoroughbred industry, refuse to recognize the obvious and continue to execute their plan of forcing Hialeah into either an untenable financial situation or completely going out of business,” Brunetti said.

Donn responded that Brunetti “is responsible for the demise of racing at Hialeah. . . . He’s been an obstacle and drain on the industry for 12 years.”