NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

MR. T. PATRICK STUBBS

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: T. Patrick Stubbs.

MR. STUBBS: Madam Chair and members of commission.

When I heard that the National Gambling Impact Study Commission was coming to Del Mar, I was excited at the prospect of the commission being introduced to a place that I call home.

In the business that my son is proud to tell his classmates, my daddy goes to the race track everyday. My name is T. Pat Stubbs and I'm 34 years old. I've grown up here in the north coast of San Diego county with my wife and two children. I currently reside in the Village of Del Mar. And I'm privileged to be employed as director of development for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

I didn't set out to be in the racing business. My formal training was in advertising and political science, and I wanted to get politicians elected. While enjoying a successful career in advertising, handling the best accounts this town has to offer, the wildest thing happened. One of my clients, Del Mar, offered me a position. As many do, I re-evaluated my situation and realized that it was just too good to pass up and trust me it wasn't for the money, it was for the opportunity.

The opportunity to be part of a sport that espouses tradition, encourages community involvement, and is all about entertainment. Having spent time in the cut-throat advertising industry where morals, ethics, and character were not requirements; it was refreshing to join an industry in which athletes' welfare is first priority and character counts.

This Saturday I was walking in the back side with my two boys so that they could experience the horses and I couldn't get over their excitement as they watched these equine athletes being tended to. Several exercise jockeys rode up and offered their mounts for the purposes of petting.

The next seven weeks will be the only opportunity that my children will have to be exposed to these powerful animals. I know that they appreciate the exposure and I'm sure that as they watch the love and care given to these thoroughbred, it will have a long term positive affect on my children.

The horses aren't the only entertainment opportunity that we offer. To night come on over to the Plaza de Mexico and enjoy some jazz at Del Mar. I'll be there with my wife, my children, their grandparents, and other family members. This free concert series is just part of the community experience, a very traditional part. Back when Bing Crosby and his cronies build the place, they would stay late into the evening entertaining all the guests and their visitors. This tradition of entertainment lives on weekly in concerts on Wednesdays and Fridays, supplemented by special events including San Diego Chamber Orchestra and even a Burt Backerack concert this past weekend that raised over a half million dollar for the local student scholarships that UCSD.

The venue will also be used to conduct sports and fitness festivals, volley ball tournaments and numerous other entertaining events throughout the season.

In the past five years working with the local Rotary Clubs, YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club; I've chaired and been directly involved with over $500,000 of charitable contributions that have gone into the community. I am very proud of that and it wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been for this job.

In conclusion, if you've never walked the backside of a race track in the morning and experienced the love and care that each of these equine athletes is given, I encourage you to do so. And if you haven't experienced how entertaining an afternoon of thoroughbred racing is, come on over to Del Mar.

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: Thank you.