Horse Racing in America

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LarsMac
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Horse Racing in America

Post by LarsMac »

An interesting article on Horse racing, here.

The industry is suffering, and race tracks are now bringing in casino-style gaming to attract more people. The owners of horses apparently are receiving a piece of the casino action, so they bring in horses who are old and lame to run, just to get a payout.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/us/ca ... odayspaper

If you are a racing fan, what are your thoughts about the industry, now?
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
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valerie
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Horse Racing in America

Post by valerie »

I'm a long time racing fan and really troubled by conditions in the

industry. But even though I struggle with it, I just can't seem to

stop watching races. I don't go to them and place bets, but I still

support them (at least by the sale of ads) by watching on TV.

The Thoroughbred racing industry and the Jockey's Association need

to go to work to change things. One big thing that would help,

although the 'money' people would be up in arms, is not training so

early in a horse's life nor training so hard. For a couple of years until

this got under way, the industry would take a much bigger hit than

any it has already.

The article didn't change my mind any really, my feelings have been on board

for several years now, but I do thank you for posting it, I wouldn't have

seen it otherwise.
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Oscar Namechange
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Horse Racing in America

Post by Oscar Namechange »

LarsMac;1392522 wrote: An interesting article on Horse racing, here.

The industry is suffering, and race tracks are now bringing in casino-style gaming to attract more people. The owners of horses apparently are receiving a piece of the casino action, so they bring in horses who are old and lame to run, just to get a payout.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/us/ca ... odayspaper

If you are a racing fan, what are your thoughts about the industry, now?


Very Interesting Lars...... Because racing In the UK Is still a thriving Industry....... I have my theories........ A bit pushed for time but I will contribute later tonight.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. R.L. Binyon
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tazzy
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Horse Racing in America

Post by tazzy »

I do like to watch the triple crown races. It is very exciting to watch to see if there is going to be a triple crown winner. I love the hats at the Kentucky Derby. One day I would like to go to see the Derby, it looks so exciting.
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LarsMac
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Horse Racing in America

Post by LarsMac »

I don't think there is much more exciting that being track-side at a horse race.

But, the business aspects of owning a thoroughbred, and training, and such have put the sport into a tailspin.

Too many of the owners put themselves deep in the hole trying to bring up that prize-winner that will take them to nirvana.

It has all the look of the old lady camping out at the slot machine, dumping her life into it, just knowing the next pull is going to be the Big JACKPOT!

Now you can see the whole circus in one place.
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Oscar Namechange
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Post by Oscar Namechange »

First off, I have to say that I am not that up to speed with American horse racing.... because It's dull as ditch water and why I am not surprised the Industry Is failing. I take an Interest In the Triple Crown and the Derby but nothing else seems to be reported Internationally. There-fore It's very difficult for me to say why the Industry Is failing In the USA because I don't know the Internal workings and regulations, but I do know what works here In the UK.

Go to any race race track In the UK and you'll be lucky to find one single slot machine. Our Industry survives without the need to boost ticket sales with casino style gambling....

First of all......... Many won't go to a race track If there Is a good chance of seeing horses die on the track. The Horse-racing Authority here are constantly In consultation with the Equine Welfare Organisations and people have to know that the horses welfare Is paramount and steps being constantly reviewed to ensure the safety of the horses. Negative press reporting can do the Industry much harm. Yes, horses do get Injured and horses do die on our race-tracks especially In Steeple Chasing but they are thankfully not the norm. When any horse here dies on a track, rigorous enquiries follow.

Then, there Is the debate of the whip. I myself am all for the whip.... Try correcting a 14 hand horse when veering at speeds In excess of 35 mph !!! But here, we have stringent regulations regarding the use of the whip that see's many a good jockey Incur a riding ban.

Racing here Is accessable to all....... Most, If not all trainers have open days where the public can go along and get very close to the champions. At the race track, you can get within Inches of the superstars In the pre-parade ring and the winners enclosure. Many people who go racing do not go to the track to bet money. They go because It's the closest they will get to the creme of thoroughbreds.

Then we have horse racing televised most days meaning the average punter who can't travel to some tracks or afford to go regually, misses nothing.

If our track Industry relied on betting alone, I doubt weather the Industry would survive.... It Is horse lovers who will frequent the tracks most just to see the best of our horses.

Maybe the USA needs positive reporting and promotion of what consultations they have with the animal welfare Orgs.... When people know that they can get to see horses that the authorities are doing all they can to ensure their welfare, people feel more comfortable about going.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. R.L. Binyon
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Oscar Namechange
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Post by Oscar Namechange »

A question for you Lars as I'm not up to speed on USA horse racing....

How are Jockey's and trainers viewed In the USA ? Is there much excitement about them?

Here, the racing world has Jockey's and trainers who have cult followings. They are as much worshiped and adored by the racing public as the horses....

EG...

tony mccoy - YouTube

Are you're jockey's treated as this?

My passion...

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. R.L. Binyon
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Post by LarsMac »

Oscar,

In American Sports, Horse racing is a side note. There are enthusiasts, but to the general populace, the Kentucky Derby is Horse racing, and then there is the talk of the triple crown, until The Preakness, and if the Derby winner actually takes the Preakness, interest is peaked, and all eyes turn to the Belmont. If another horse wins the Preakness, the attention of the masses moves on, and the Belmont is a somewhat quiet affair.

There can be a bit of fame for the jockey, as well, and among true enthusiasts, a good jockey does find a certain fame.

However, racing in America has a relatively small following, compared to many other countries.



Steve Cauthon received a lot of media attention after riding Affirmed to win the Crown in '78 But seldom does the sports media really bring a jockey to the fame that the average baseball, or football player can find.

I fought against the idea of bringing casino games to Oaklawn, but that battle was lost.

Racing now seems to be a side-show at what was once one of the premier tracks in central US.
The home of the soul is the Open Road.
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Oscar Namechange
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Horse Racing in America

Post by Oscar Namechange »

LarsMac;1392642 wrote: Oscar,

In American Sports, Horse racing is a side note. There are enthusiasts, but to the general populace, the Kentucky Derby is Horse racing, and then there is the talk of the triple crown, until The Preakness, and if the Derby winner actually takes the Preakness, interest is peaked, and all eyes turn to the Belmont. If another horse wins the Preakness, the attention of the masses moves on, and the Belmont is a somewhat quiet affair.

There can be a bit of fame for the jockey, as well, and among true enthusiasts, a good jockey does find a certain fame.

However, racing in America has a relatively small following, compared to many other countries.



Steve Cauthon received a lot of media attention after riding Affirmed to win the Crown in '78 But seldom does the sports media really bring a jockey to the fame that the average baseball, or football player can find.

I fought against the idea of bringing casino games to Oaklawn, but that battle was lost.

Racing now seems to be a side-show at what was once one of the premier tracks in central US.


That's Interesting and just from what you have said here, I think I can see the problem.... Not enough Investment, not enough media coverage and not enough publicity.... all needed for any Industry to survive.

Enticing In people with no Interest In horses to play the slots Is not the answer.

The answer Is to follow the UK's lead and make horse racing not just horse racing but an entire Industry connected to the horses.

Visit any UK race track and you would be hard pressed to find a slot machine but what you will find Is stalls where you can buy merchandise connected to the trainers, owners and the horses. There are on course shops where you can buy anything from an oil painting of Kauto Star to a hacking jacket. There will be a book shop selling horse books and memorabelia.

Depending on which course, there are children's days where children can touch and feel the superstar horses putting In guest appearances.

Throughout the day, there will be awards given even 'Best groomed horse'.....

The entire day Is about horses...... not slot machines, bars or side shows.... just horse related Interests.

Half of the people there won't be there just to see racing but to get close to horses........ It's all about the horses........ forget that and the Industry dies.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. R.L. Binyon
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LarsMac
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Horse Racing in America

Post by LarsMac »

from Oscar,

It's all about the horses........ forget that and the Industry dies.


so true.

Thanks
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Horse Racing in America

Post by fuzzywuzzy »

Hhhmmm don't know much about horse racing in the the states

Cna't remember ever seeing 'pokies' (slot machines) at races either

When we had that viral desease go around our racing industry and there were heaps of studs that weren't allowed to take their horses off the property . And indeed no one for at least a week was allowed to take their horses off (even private everyday people) their properties ...no transport what so ever . Because people were contracting it from the horses as well and dying . The racing industry came back sevenfold . Suddenly the 'family' was the focus of the industry . And it's done surprisingly well. I love country race picnic days. Dress up (during the day ) kids have everything they want, picnic, plonk, horses and a bit of a flutter ......what more does a girl need?

Maybe the US need to take a page out of Australias' books to see how to market the industry.
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