GoErie.com: Presque Isle Downs named best 'racino'

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Presque Isle Downs named best 'racino'

Published: February 13. 2008 1:00AM

It's awards season, right?

So the winner of the best "racino" for 2007 is ... Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

The Thoroughbred Times, the weekly magazine dedicated to the thoroughbred racing industry, bestowed the honor on the Erie casino and track even though the track's meet only lasted one month, in September.

"Racino" is the industry term for a casino with a horse racing track.

Ed DeRosa, news editor of the Thoroughbred Times, said the Erie track got the recognition based on reader responses and staff picks. DeRosa said he visited the track during its opening weekend.

The large slots-fueled purses, which attracted quality horses and top-name trainers and jockeys, were a big reason that Presque Isle Downs was recognized, he said.

"They put up that kind of money, and the horsemen responded," he said.

Horses that performed well at Presque Isle Downs in September also did well in subsequent months at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington and at Churchill Downs in Louisville in October and November respectively, he said.

Presque Isle Downs also got high marks for cleanliness and a facility size that seems to fit the market, said DeRosa, who's originally from Cleveland.

Richard Knight, Presque Isle Downs' chief executive, said the company is proud of the honor. But he was surprised at the early recognition because "we're so new to the scene."

Knight said it would be tough to top that honor again this year, "but it also gives us a challenge at the same time, too."

The racing season opens May 9.

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