Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Old Old Cat — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:58:15 GMT

I missed this article, probably because I thought I had already read it. A late thank you for an informative and thought provoking article. Loved your last point.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Brigitte — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:03:27 GMT

Racing on medication screws up the gene pool by letting horses perform above their unmedicated capacity on race day, which makes them look better as breeders. Bleeding, for one, has a high hereditary component. Training on medication helps horses get to race day but they still need to be capable of maximum effort without medication, so if they run and win it's less deceptive.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Racingfan — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 02:46:46 GMT

Still a smarty pants I see huh Jason?

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

JerseyTom — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 23:20:20 GMT

One other note on Miami Valley: I'm told a few individuals involved in this lawsuit are on the payroll at Miami Valley as executives or consultants. ... You can't make it up.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

JerseyTom — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 23:15:18 GMT

Old Timer: Haven't been yet for live racing but did stop there in December. Not impressed with simulcast room. A few people who went on opening night (the canceled opener and the actual opener) said the live racing area resembles a high school cafeteria. They also said there are no self-service machines in the grandstand, and that they didn't see mobile clerks. ... I'm sure I'll get up there soon, but bottom line? Opportunity lost, and a disgrace given the revenue they are making from VLTs.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Old Timer — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 16:16:16 GMT

Nice summary, Tom.

I had the chance to stop at Miami valley in January before the racing started, and it was fairly obvious to me that the racing side of that facility had not gotten the attention that the VLT's had. Not much indoor seating for a facility with mostly winter racing.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

RajahsMom — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 07:28:36 GMT

Concerning the meds, many of them act as uppers and blood thinners, Speed = more adrenalin pumping the faster the horse runs, blood thinners = thinner the blood more oxygen utilization. As far as breeding, horses have to deal with hypo/hypertension just as humans do, and the meds make them more susceptible to this as it does humans. Training for speed/precosity instead of stamina/longevity are hazardous to bone growth and density because racing horses before its' bones are fully developed stunt the growth in the horse and future get of the horse. Why do you think other countries tend not to race their horses before they are three years old and the horses have longevity in racing? They allow the horse's bone growth to mature to a reasonable state that can sustain the punishing force placed upon them thru racing. Breeding horses before their bones are fully developed (a horse's bones mature between 3-5 years of age )perpetuate the under development of bones and heart muscle in the next generation. By constantly doing this, weakens the gene pool by introducing under developed muscular structure and less bone density and elasticity. Even the high school science student knows this, but equine vets won't stand up and say this because they know which side pays the bills. The sooner they can get a horse on the track the more money they make, so bandage them up, pump them full of drugs and let them run. And if they come back alive, I get to do it all over again, which means more money in my pocket.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Bill Two — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 16:18:51 GMT

Jason, speaking of wagering on raindrops that is exactly what happened at Bowie years ago when a big snowstorm stranded thousands at the track overnight. Some people just have to get action wherever they can find it.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Lmaris — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 01:25:40 GMT

Not going to win support outside the industry calling the allocation of some receipts for education as a "money grab". Virtually all gaming bills and propositions are marketed to the general public as revenue raisers for education, though little additional funding ever reaches the classrooms. Work on the PR aspect, if assistance to a billion dollar industry is expected.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Cil — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 23:43:22 GMT

AMEN,AMEN,AMEN, AND AMEN

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Eric Rickard — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:46:35 GMT

As for the medication question. You are spot on. The medication is a crutch in my opinion. If we did not use them, trainers would have to find a way. It was not to long ago that they were not in fashion. Let us treat the athletes with respect and in turn they will treat us to good sport.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

J Shandler — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:29:51 GMT

No Tampa Derby for me Trackjack. I'll be at Fla. Derby though.

Tom won't be at either but will be at the Ohio Derby

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

trackjack — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:32:16 GMT

Thanks Tom for all this information. Like a one-stop convenience store, you have the important information!

I'm watching carefully for Thistledown's...er..ThistleDown Racino's decision whether to stay or pack up and move to Akron/Canton area. I understand this decision needs to be made in June.

J Shandler: any chance the Tampa Bay Derby is on your schedule?

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

J Shandler — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:36:42 GMT

Nice blog Tom, you still got it...

Regarding the terrible handle at Ohio tracks, when will you get this through your head--Ohio racing is an awful product! I'd rather wager on the raindrops falling down the window in your beat up Saturn.

See ya in Florida dude.

re: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (14)

Little Bill — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 00:45:10 GMT

Kentucky Cup- It ran just a few years and look at that list. was a great day. Greed. Not enough pie to go around for the Phattys.