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Prairie Meadows May Cut Purses Next Year

``While details are still being hammered out, both sides agree that the racing funds will have to be scaled back, with $13 million to $14 million projected for purses under one scenario. Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse purses this year will total $20 million in the final season of a five-year pact.

``The actual amount may be based on the amount of betting revenue at Prairie Meadows, which says that higher taxes and expenses will slash its profits. If pari-mutuel and slot machine revenue increases, there would be more for purses. The track, however, is projecting a decline.

``...Purse money has been hotly debated since Prairie Meadows added slot machines in 1995. Iowa law requires a portion of slot machine revenue go to purses, but does not say how much, only that the track must negotiate with its breed owners.

``...The purses have drawn heavy criticism in Polk County, where officials and residents felt there was too much money for racing and not enough for the community. Those county residents will vote in November whether to allow the track to retain casino gaming for another eight years..."

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