Thoroughbred breeders says racino could help a struggling industry

Supporters of a racino bill, including Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem, say the bill isn't dead for the session despite being defeated in a Senate committee on Monday.

Senjem says he's disappointed, but at the same pleased that the bill it as far as it did.

"This was a full-blown hearing with a vote," he said. "We kind of tested the water and found out where the rocks are."

While it's still possible the bill could be resurrected, members of Minnesota's thoroughbred horse breeding industry say time is running out for them.

This past year saw the lowest number of newborn thoroughbreds registered in Minnesota: 131 foals. Fewer foals means fewer horses able to make it to the track.

Spring is normally a very busy time of year on horse breeding farms, but at one of the largest Thoroughbred farms in Minnesota, it's not as hectic this year. Jeff Hilger sat down with MPR's Cathy Wurzer at his farm just north of Stillwater to talk about the horse business.

Click on the audio link to hear the full story.

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