HORSE RACING : Governor Signs Bill to Enable Southland Inter-Track Betting

Hollywood Park officials confirmed Wednesday that Gov. Pete Wilson signed Senate Bill 944 that enables inter-track wagering between Southland race tracks.

Wagering could begin as early as Saturday at Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos on Fairplex Park races from Pomona. Likewise, Los Alamitos would send its quarter horse signal to Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park. Hollywood Park is not currently racing, and Santa Anita will not take the Fairplex races because of the proximity of the two tracks.

“We’re gearing up for Saturday afternoon,” said Rick Henson, Hollywood Park general manager.

Ralph Hinds, the president of the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona, said the bill will have a big impact on the Fairplex operation. “We feel very good about it,” he said Wednesday. “It will certainly enhance the handle off track.”

The Fairplex season continues through Sept. 30. Oak Tree at Santa Anita starts Oct. 2.

Los Alamitos also will benefit from a reduced licensing fee that the bill provides.

“I feel this will mark a change in the face of racing as far as what we’re doing as an industry in Southern California,” said Jim Smith, the executive director of the Horsemen’s Quarter Horse Assn., which is conducting a quarter horse meeting at Los Alamitos.

Corporate Report, the winner of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga and the expected second or third betting choice Sunday in the $1-million Super Derby at Louisiana Downs, has been declared out of the race because of a bruised left front foot.