CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — There appears to be a temporary solution to an ongoing access and security issue concerning where the horses are kept at Hollywood Casino and Racetrack at Charles Town.
The state Racing Commission met in emergency session Wednesday to hear from track officials and representatives of the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA).
The track is having a security staffing problem, according to Lee Monaco, director of security operations at the track, and a large new gate near the stables cannot be staffed 24/7.
“Currently we are going to hold it at the hours that we’re posting so we’re going to need everyone to work with us on that,” Monaco said during the meeting. “Again, looking at the staffing situation we are in, we physically cannot expand those hours right now.”The track has agreed to have a walk through gate installed in a few days that will provide 24-hour access to the stables. A larger drive through gate will also provide access but security will have to be notified when someone attempts to enter. For now, that gate will not be locked.
HBPA President James Miller said the situation has been talked about for months and the horsemen still have some concerns.
“We’re still rolling the dice with no horse being put an inhumane situation and that’s what we’re really concerned about,” Miller said.
HBPA Executive Director Maria Catignani went a step further saying the barn area has not been properly secured.
“If the gate is unlocked and someone walks through there and neglects to shut the gate, not lock it, then the gate is wide open,” she said.
Monaco said the track has actually improved security in recent months despite its staffing problems. He said larger gates were installed in an area that had a very small barrier before. He said there is some monitoring in place although vehicle patrols of the area are sporadic.
“Under our current staffing matrix that’s one of the services that we can’t always provide. When it’s available we do have that out there and they do check the barn areas, our hotels and our other property,” Monaco said. “When staffing gets better it will be something that will be there. If I had to put an estimate on it I would say it’s something we have about 60% of the time.”
The racing commission agreed to meet again Thursday, June 24, to get an update on the situation. Commission Chairman Ken Lowe had request for all those involved at Charles Town.
“Let’s remind the horsemen, they all have a responsibility to, of course, act properly and cooperate and at the same time security and security employees will be polite and correctly identify folks. Everybody get along, get along, get along,” Lowe said.