Israel's First Track Opens for Horse Races, Despite Gambling Ban

GILBOA REGION, Israel — Outraged animal-rights activists, a disapproving rabbi, and even a ban on betting the ponies failed to halt the inauguration of Israel's first horse racetrack on Wednesday.

Thousands cheered a galloping turn by equestrian competitors at the track — now just a collection of collapsible tents and a makeshift grandstand.

Fans acknowledge that gaming would be a main source of revenue. They said interest in the event shows the ban on betting ban ought to be overturned —allowing owners to finish construction.

"The fact that people are running here into the stadium, it testifies that it's a need and that they want to support it and they want it to happen," head of the Gilboa Regional Council, Danny Atar, said. Mr. Atar is leading the push to have horse racing legitimized.

Not everyone agrees, including a few young animal-rights activists who broke onto the track. Police dragged them away, arresting five.

The debate dates to 2004, when Israel's parliament passed a law allowing construction of racetracks, despite the gambling ban.

The opponents gained a key ally when Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar issued a religious ruling against horse racing, calling it frivolous activity and noting its association with gambling and allegations of cruelty to animals.

Some experts dispute the cruelty charge, claiming that the valuable racehorses are among the best kept animals in the world.

The ban on gambling does not deter Israelis from placing millions of dollars in bets on Internet gambling sites and illegal casinos in Israeli cities and they bet on Wednesday's race as well.

Fans, speaking near a large sign overlooking the new track, reminded spectators that horse race gambling is illegal in Israel. They said they knew of bets placed in secret among private groups and friends.

Israeli businessman Ronen Kristal, who invested the first $700,000 in the track, said other investors are waiting for gambling to become legal. He said it would cost about $14 million to finish the project, which is expected to create about 3,500 jobs.