It seems everyone is in agreement that the addition of alternative gambling at Hoosier Park would be good for horse racing statewide.

But how bad would it be for the local track if the slot-machine bill — to be considered today by an Indiana Senate committee — fails?

“We’re struggling,” admitted Hoosier Park President Rick Moore. “It’s no secret that we’ve posted multi-million dollar losses the past several years. We’re planning on hanging on. But hanging on is not how businesses expand and industries become all that they can be.”

Anderson horse trainer and owner Ernie Gaskin put it even more bluntly.

“If it passes, I get to stay here,” said Gaskin. “Otherwise I’ve got to go. In a year or so I’ll be gone. It’s too good in too many places.”

Those places are in states where slot machines are allowed at the tracks and revenue has pushed purses up to the point where making a good living is much easier than it is in Indiana.

“I wanted my daughter Amanda to be able to graduate from Pendleton Heights,” said Gaskin. “She loves it there. But I don’t know.”

Is it likely that Hoosier Park would close its doors?

“Will we still be here? Yes,” said Moore. “Will it be tough times? Yes. It’s not a bright scenario. It’s not one I like to focus on. We need some help. I told the public policy committee we need your help and we need it right now.”

So the doors will likely stay open — but to what type of racing?

“I know I’ll be leaving, and I know a bunch of other horsemen who will be leaving too,” said Gaskin.

Already Hoosier Park has moved away from the stakes races that draw high-quality horses, trainers, owners, jockeys and drivers. The track has become a collecting point for claiming races, which are filled mostly with horses that owners are looking to sell.

There could come a time when Hoosier Park will feature the type of horses found at summer county fairs.

“I love the people who run the fair circuit,” said Gaskin. “I spent a lot of time there. It’s a great place to get a horse started. But it’s the triple A (compared) to the major leagues.”