Last modified: Friday, August 1, 2008 1:00 AM EDT Brown's daughter co-owns horse with Plainridge president By JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF WRENTHAM - A daughter of state Sen. Scott Brown co-owns a race horse with Gary Piontkowski, president of Plainridge Racecourse, a fact Brown recently disclosed in an ethics filing. Brown, R-Wrentham, said in a press release that he filed a "disclosure of appearance of conflict of interest" form with the Senate clerk's office in the interest of public disclosure. He said everything was done properly and he considers the matter a non-issue. "These disclosures were made, in part, to avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict with any pending matters before the Legislature," Brown said in the press release. "On the advice of the State Ethics Commission and all applicable regulations, it was determined that no conflict existed and that the disclosure form was the only document that needed to be filed in order to address any concerns that may arise in the future. "I was also advised that voting on any pending matters relative to the racing industry would not constitute a conflict and I was free to vote on any and all matters." Plainridge Racecourse is located in Plainville within Brown's Senate district. Brown is a strong advocate of issues on behalf of the track, including proposals to allow slot machine gambling there and protecting its simulcast rights. Piontkowski is also a political supporter of Brown. He has contributed $1,250 to Brown's campaign over the past three years while his wife has donated another $1,000. The horse, Sugar Free, occasionally competes at Plainridge. Brown said the situation is not a conflict of interest and should not stop him from working on behalf of track. Brown has two daughters - Ayla, who shot to fame competing on the Fox TV show, American Idol, and younger daughter, Arianna. Arianna is believed to be co-owner of the horse. "The decision of my daughter to purchase an interest in a horse that periodically races at Plainridge Racecourse was made of her own volition and on her own accord," he said in the statement. "She, using her own money, obtaining the proper licenses, and acting as a lover of horses purchased her interest in the horse in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Racing Commission." Brown filed the disclosure statement June 1, stating that his daughter purchased the horse two months earlier and joined the U.S. Trotters Association. The statement said the senator has no financial interest in the horse. "In order to avoid any appearance of conflict, I felt that I should disclose her involvement in this activity in the event that I am asked to vote on any matters involving the racing industry," the statement said. Piontkowski could not be reached for comment.