Insurance costs may hobble horse racing

County unwilling to pay the $20,000 needed for jockey premiums

Spiraling insurance costs could force the Flathead County Fair Board to suspend horse racing at this year's Northwest Montana Fair.

The future of racing was uncertain here because of concerns about how much money it costs county taxpayers.

The county commissioners almost canceled the event last fall - after it recorded a $37,000 loss - but race aficionados begged them to hold off for a year and give them a chance to prove how popular the races are.

However, a recent doubling of insurance premiums - combined with an even larger increase in the per-accident deductible - may be the final straw.

During a meeting with the commissioners Wednesday, Fair Manager Jay Scott said jockey insurance premiums are set to increase to $10,000 this year, with an additional $10,000 deductible paid up front.

If any accidents were reported, it would cost the county $10,000 an accident - and jockeys have two years to report their injuries.

Last year, the county paid $7,150 in premiums with a $50 deductible.

The commissioners said they were unwilling to provide the $20,000 needed to purchase jockey insurance this year.

Moreover, to reduce the county's liability exposure, they also said jockeys no

longer will be allowed to race here unless they provide their own workers' compensation and liability insurance.

Based on that action, the Fair Board now will have to decide whether to hold horse races this summer or suspend them until the horse owners and jockeys can address this issue.

The board is expected to hold a special meeting next week to make that determination.

Commissioner Bob Watne said not paying for the insurance was the best thing to do for taxpayers.

"If other [race tracks] in the state close down, there could be more horses racing here and that would lead to even more exposure," Watne said. "I don't know how we ever got roped into paying for the jockeys' insurance anyway. They don't work for us. They work for the horse owners."

The county doesn't pay insurance premiums for other fair performers, including the rodeo competitors and demolition derby drivers.

"We're already scraping the barrel as it is to pay for services," said Commissioner Gary Hall. "With a $10,000 deductible, several accidents could put us out of business."

Scott said other racetracks across Montana are struggling with this same issue.

"Missoula is talking about running without insurance," he said.

"I guarantee you, Flathead County won't be doing that," Hall said.

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com.