Staying in Touch

re: Staying in Touch

Vikki — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:44:54 GMT

Horse racing has its own celebrities. Bring more exposure to our sport's stars. Tell about the bush tracks in Louisiana and all the great riders that have come from those beginnings. Tell the public how riders like Edgar Prado, Rafael Bejarano and Alan Garcia got into the game and tell us about their journeys. Show us stories about the back side and all the daily activities that most people aren't aware of. How could that not interest new fans?

re: Staying in Touch

Wanda — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:07:30 GMT

Thanks for the heads up on Silver Charm Adam. I followed him from when he was sold as a yearling because people I know bought him as a baby and resold him as a 2 year old. We bred Larry's mother to Silver of Silver(Silver Buck) and got him. The TC races were exciting to watch, the two grays fighting to the finish all spring and then being beat in the Belmont. Thanks again for the imfo.

re: Staying in Touch

Bellwether — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:14:47 GMT

WE NEED A REAL PROMOTOR (V8) to get the EXPOSURE we so BADLY WANT...got to be a RACE HORSE OWNER WITH FLAIR & the GIFT TO GAB... Long Live Bellwether Productions!!!

re: Staying in Touch

Dreamer's Mom — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:18:34 GMT

I loved the stories about the horses and their connections. I also agree with the celeb angle. Get the pretty people there! I bet more people buy People magazine every week than The Bloodhorse. Not a slam by any means, but get the everyday folks involved. When they become "industry" people, then go after more new fans and if Kurt Russell gets them there then thanks to Mr. Russell.

You can bet if my orphan filly makes it to the Oaks you will hear her story so many times it will make your ears bleed! I will tell it until I am blue in the face and I hope it will bring newbies to the fold!

re: Staying in Touch

aspradling — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:03:31 GMT

Definitely take a moment to thank Three Chimneys and not me for the photos of Silver Charm, I do appreciate the thanks though =)

As far as Celebrities and the BC, I did not mean to use the celebrities during BC coverage, but as hype and a draw to the Breeders' Cup.

I have worked many years in concert/show promotions and talent is a draw to the event. That would be a good angle to promote with and gain general public attention.

The point I am focusing on is gaining new viewers. I totally understand the more horses and less story, but that is for avid race fans, and I do love more horse as well. However, we need to reach beyond our walls and that is really the point I am trying to communicate, in how to do that well.

If TVG can continue to cover the BC simultaneously, that is a win win, because the industry fan can watch TVG without all the extra story lines and see just horse and handicapping, as the major networks can insert the creative pieces.

I really appreciate your all's feedback!

re: Staying in Touch

Alex — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:45:19 GMT

I disagree strongly about using celebrities. We need fans of horseracing not watching the beautiful people. Please show me live coverage of the horses from the saddling area to the race with expert analysis voiceover. No talking down the lingo for newbies, and no backstories interrupting. I became a fan of racing in 2004 because of TVG, and this is the method they use. It works!

re: Staying in Touch

DONNA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:01:15 GMT

Maybe the Breeders Cup needs to advertise itself more. I do agree that all other sports seem to be more important to television networks than horse racing. I would rather see horse racing on a Saturday afternoon than college football.

Thanks for the picture of Silver Charm. he's looking good. I was able to see him in person at Three Chimneys in 2003 when I visted there. He was very friendly and laid back. I just hope that when his stallion days are over the Japanese will let us acquire him back.

re: Staying in Touch

Kelly E. — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:58:04 GMT

I agree with your BC comments.

Our local TV, news and papers hardly even spoke a word about it. Gee, I guess the richest two days in sports is not newsworthy. Nor is the STEROID FREE days of competition worth a mention I guess. And of course, the richest racehorse in North American history certainly ranks below the miserable Detroit Lions, right? UGH!

And thank you for the reminder about Silver Charm - my all-time favorite racehorse. Three Chimneys is to be commended on their care for their stallions and their care for the fans. I will never forget Silver Charm and I hope that one day there will be another one like him to inspire more fans to the sport!