My understanding of the process is that the State (CHRB) presents it case and calls it witnesses, with the defendant (Wygod) or in this case his attorney being afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the State's witnesses.

The fact that the State failed to question Wygod in the investigation was probably the impetus for Wygod's lawyer asking (at the conclusion of the presentation of the State's case when it was revealed that they had never gone to Wygod)asking for dismissal before even presenting his case.

My understanding from two people who were present is that the State's case was so pathetic and inadequately presented as to make the defense lawyer's request the lesser of two evils. When the investigator admitted to not having interviewed Wygod and was questionned as to why he did not interview him, the response was, "I can't say"...giving more rise to the current speculation that Santa Anita/Magna was more involved in what happened than has been exposed.

In any event, it's pretty clear out here that whether it is the CHRB or the tracks themselves, the attitude is "the public be dammed!" There used to be over 30 tracks in the mid-atlantic and New England region until the public woke up to being fleeced and stopped going. The powers that be in California think that people out here will put up with anything...and so far they have been proven correct. But if you really want to see what's happened to local racetrack handle, compare in-state wagering of 3 years ago to that of today...and to the comparative handles of poker (Hollywood Park and Indian casinos)and out of state simulcast wagering by CA residents (on track and on-line).

That will tell you the real story...along with the fact that some of the best handicappers I know have deserted the SoCal tracks altogether - if they even play anymore. As long as the out-of-state money keeps the tracks here level, they will keep going, firm in their conviction that nothing is wrong with the game.

And look at the dearth of fan education out here - sure they want more people on-track, but only for the entertainment. If the tracks ever invested in an educated fan base, they might risk losing a lot of clientele!



Delmar Deb