Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

J. Sandy — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:56:25 GMT

And the winner is...The casinos! It is obvious that we in the business of racing, be it a breeder,owner or trainer are facing the greatest challenge of our industries existance. Big casinos put in sprots Book rooms with simalcastes of races and take the majority of the money. The Indian casinos have found a cash cow with their opperations and don't want anything to disrupt their gambeling cart. If the casino industy could somehow get horse racing completly out of existance or of they could control it, they would be very happy.

To insure this they have developed strong PAC's to further they interests. the racing industry is trailing far behind politically even though they have been at it longer.This is a $20 Billion dollar a year industry that is going down the road to extinction IF all interestes in racing don't unite and bring pressure upon the dicission making forces to right the ship and save racing across this country.

New Jersy is one prime example along with California and Washington State to name others that are about to see the end of a long and illustrious history of racing in their states.

If your really concirnes get together with others and make some noise in your state!!!

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Michael — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:18:39 GMT

I was embarrassed to read the majority of comments on this page.

If any of you think that your apathy, pessimism, lack of ingenuity and resourcefulness, and complete dearth of dynamic creativity are not significant contributors to the problem of horse racing today, you deserve to go down with it.

You remind me of people who complain about government but who never get their as*es off the couch to participate in local and national elections.

I have been an owner for 30 years and have seen this apathetic indifference continue to allow the industry to tank. It took time to write your pessimistic posts. If you actually care about the industry, take that time to write to the Kentucky legislators - contact industry groups and ask how you can help - or just spend some time brainstorming how to bring more positivity, problem solving skills, and support to this problem.

Perception is often deemed to be the reality - and when newcomers to the sport come in to bh.com and read all of the "insider" negativity and doomsday predictions - do you think it makes them want to rush out and buy a horse of their own? To go learn how to read the form?

Use your brains. And if you don't have them, go back to watching television and leave space on this page for some original thought - that's the thing you don't have while bullying those who do out of the industry with your know-it-all, depressing attitudes.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

marney — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:17:42 GMT

Sure have to agree with you if the government wants to keep us from our addiction than they should ban all of them i.e. booze, cigarettes, all gambling inlcuding state lotteries, and any other type I hven't thought of.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

TerriV — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:40:55 GMT

My God, what a depressing bunch of griping, whining and complaining. Racing may be ailing but it isn't dead yet and as long as it isn't dead there is hope. There is a fix for these problems somewhere. It's probably a pipedream to look back and wish for the golden days of racing no matter how glorious they look from a 50 to 70 year distance. What we need is to make it new. The entire industry needs to put together a panel to research and propose ideas - make a decision and get to work. I hate whining!

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Stan M — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:57:45 GMT

Hey Edward, yeah you really had a lot to offer with your comments. If you learn to ascertain fact from fiction you will see that I was speaking with tongue-in-cheek about the future of the game, but your act is getting on board and berating people. Wow, you were at Delaware Park in 2007. Who cares!

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Edward — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:26:12 GMT

Monmouth is crowded every weekend.

Horse racing needs to make its own money.

Tons of tracks need to close.

I was at Delaware Park(slot heaven) on a Saturday in 2007 and was one of 10 people in the stands. I am dead serious. 10 people.

I am a regular handicapper but I never bet on low level claiming races. They shouldn't even exist.

Horse racing will not be fixed until owners, trainers, breeders and long time industry types get out of the way and let someone outside the industry TELL them how to run their game. There isn't an industry as big as this that is controlled by a larger set of fools.(Including the writers of this magazine, DRF, etc) Does anyone float more weak ideas than Andrew Beyer, Crist, and a bunch of cats from this magazine? For an example, check out the clown on this site who proposes a World Series race as a fix as if horse racing doesn't have enough " and "championships/champions". The fact that Bloodhorse published it like it was a novel idea goes to show the depth of ineptitude in this industry. Or check out when Beyer claims that TVG sucks because it doesn't televise horse races the way they do on that crappy TV at the OTB. Or what about the fact that all the money is off the track in this sport(breeding) at not in the winning purses? So many problems so little talent to help.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

ben — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:43:09 GMT

racing is very much alive in new jersey, not sure what this is about

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

CarlJ — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:31:04 GMT

What amuses me is the way State after State with Slots are now struggling big time and actually losing money but Ky and OH still think that is the answer to all of the problems. They will attract a money for themselves for a short amount of time then realize that people are still not wagering on the races and will try to beg for more relief. It's a never ending cycle for a sport that has no idea how promote its own game.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

NJTrotter — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:41:50 GMT

Let's not forget the prime culprit in the demise of the racing game. It's the BLUEBLOODS! Yes, the guys who own and breed the the perennial champions. They do pour millions and millions into the game but it's loose change to these guys. They still don't realize that it's the rail-birds who keep the industry going. That's right, the two dollar bettor. Maybe once in a while they should wander through an empty grandstand or two. I honestly believe these guys despite all their "smarts" don't realize where the purse money comes from. How about a handicapping contest between the top owners, breeders, trainers and bloodstock agents (who are these guys anyway). Let's see them handicap the 3rd from Evangeline without any inside info.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

LONGSHOTPLAYR — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:17:15 GMT

I have read the posts on this thread and agree with those that say the game has gone downhill over the years. I have been going to The Meadowlands since it opened and it is really sad to see that 1/3 of the facility is closed off. Also, I like to handicap New York racing and yesterdays' card was about as bad of a program that I have ever seen at Belmont. In my wildest dreams I never thought I would see a $7,500 claiming race at Belmont on a Saturday. Also, conditioned claiming races are becoming the norm in NY. As a serious handicapper, I have no deire to wager on cheap races because those are just guessing games as to which horse feels like running that day.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

kara B — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:06:55 GMT

Say what you want about racing. I am in NY where we have our Senate puts the FUN in dysfunctional. NYRA has taken a beating but NY organizes its racing so that it has NYRA track running year round and everyone finds their niche. Fingerlakes has the slots and is there to pick up the NY breds and others that can't make it at the NYRA tracks but still offer decent purses and decent breeders awards. NY breds have improved greatly and are highly desireable, especially with the infusion of KY sires and the NY sires have improved greatly as well. I can think of a numbr of NY sires that could stand in KY. I think the opening up of the breeding rules made NY more competitive in open racing instead of insulating NY breds to mediocrity. I realize that it is tough on NY sires and there is a lot to complain about in NY government, but there racing has remained pretty good - although there are always improvements.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Stan M — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:42:54 GMT

Folks, you better start brushing up on your research of european, asian, and australasian racing because thats where our betting and love for the game is headed. Laugh all you want but it's going to be a way of life for the majority of us horseplayers in the near future because the game is truly dieing here in the great U.S. Hell, whats wrong with having the "World Series of Handicapping" held in Hong Kong one year, then have it the following year somewhere outside of Rome? Just what I always envisioned, burning the midnight oil with a couple of beers and the racing form and betting the races at 3 a.m. from Happy Valley racetrack in Hong Kong. Please somebody, give me a gun already!

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

The author — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:36:49 GMT

Gambler911: On a positive note, glad to hear people still do racetrack group trips. ... On a negative note, I'm surprised to hear the Form wasn't available on track. I was at Colonial last year, and the Form was on sale (I think).

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

GAMBLER911 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:19:41 GMT

TO the author....in 1960 and up thru the early 1970:s i can believe there were 22,000 at liberty bell.you must remember back then simulcasting was non existent.liberty bell which has been franklin mills mall for the past 35 years,just like brandywine in deleware..when keystone opened in i believe 1973 average saturday crowds were 15,000 today 1,500 if your lucky..the only track i personally attend live is saratoga i go every august for a week and have for the past 30 years.its the only gem left in my opinion.as i stated in my previous post way to many racetracks,not enough horses..your going to love this 7 of us degenerates drove/ flew into richmond va. last weekend to go to colonial cup day.it was a track none of us gamblers had ever been to.3 came from newyork 3 from philly area and one guy flew in from florida..we met up friday afternoon at our hotel 18 miles from the track {in the boonies}we loaded up and headed for the track as post time is 6.00pm on friday nights..after arriving and looking over the track the 7 of us bellied up to the bar for drinks and that was churchills first ever under the lights card..about 9.00pm one in our group said he was going to pick up the saturday forms,your going to love this..COLONIAL DOWNS does not sell the DAILY RACING FORM ON ITS PREMISES..they print 22 different books for each track they simulcast at $1.50 per track...needless to say our trip was ruined as were astute handicappers and when the bible isnt available for sale thats it.none of us 7 would ever visit that track again....always remember this about horse racing owner/ breeders are the big part of why the game is dead...the days back when i grew up in this game there were horses that were like heroes to the public..in modern racing {THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR} your not allowed to ever see a good 3 year old run again,if he wins any part of the triple crown he immediately is syndicated for $20---50 million never to mature and or set foot on a racetrack again..its a disgrace...young people have no idea what a true handicap race is/ used to be..gotta run guys off to the borgata today $300.00 in food comps available...my track offered $1.00 dog-day..lol..lol...dead-dead-dead game....

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

jp8n — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:43:01 GMT

Careful with your illegal immigrant tax assessments, WinnahPickah. Many pay payroll taxes and never claim them. Money in--not money out.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Zookeeper — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:19:28 GMT

Good grief! You guys are depressing! I keep hoping for a ray of sunshine in here...No such luck! Nothing but doom & gloom. Lighten up, for crying out loud! The way you go on, we might as well just roll up the tracks and give up on horseracing altogether. Let's kill the darn thing now and avoid the slow, painful death you are predicting.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

outsidelookingin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:16:56 GMT

when the sports book and table games at del park open in sept it will be the end of the atlantic city casino's stronghold on gambling-who would want to go to AC with the crime and all that goes with it?the casinos are already struggling because of the economy- without the casino's backing nj purses will plummet, the state will not be able to provide free workman's comp insurance for the horsemen(comes from casino money)as an incentive to race in nj and there will be a traffic jam on rt 36 with all the horses leaving monmouth park for good - not only the horses were wearing blinkers!

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

The author — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:40:33 GMT

Gambler911: In the early 1960s, Atlantic City, Garden State, and Monmouth were in the top 10 in average daily handle. Other tracks in the top 10 were in NY and Florida. Even Washington Park in Chicago was top 10. Saratoga was almost an afterthought back then. ... Pennsylvania didn't get Thoroughbred racing until 1969 at Liberty Bell, and Delaware Park held short summer meets. All the gamblers--and good horses--went to NJ in those days. ... To show the impact of competition and how it changed things, I've have looked at old charts that show 22,000 people and handle of more than $2 million at Liberty Bell on a January Saturday in the early 1970s. ...

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Matt M. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:25:05 GMT

As a horseman and horseplayer, I agree with Gambler911....I had this same arguemnt at our local watreing hole last night with a fellow horseowner.........too much racing in the Northeast.......the fields are thin and watered down....filled with horses that have no reason to be in the starting gate. Half the MTH cards are 5-6 horse fields and Del. barely fills races....Does Pa really need 3 meets going at once? For all the abuse that NYRA takes, NY racing is still decent.

As far as NJ goes....AC runs the state and owns the votes thru the S. Jersey pols....as long as that machine stays in place, then NJ will continue to wither away. You can attack whoever you'd like, but the Dems. pray at the alter of AC.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

NJTrotter — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:14:22 GMT

Gambler911 calls it correctly. We are DEAD. Shoot a bullet through most grandstands and you wouldn't hit a soul. Nobody's there but they still have the nerve to charge for admission and parking! Way too many second-rate tracks with 5 horse fields. Someone spits and the races come off the turf. How in the world do they run 8 turf races in Europe on a boggy course every day! State-bred racing may help the industry in that particular state but overall by breeding mediocrity does nothing to enhance the breed or the sport.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

GAMBLER911 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:27:44 GMT

LETS GET some facts straight here people horse racing is deader than a doornail....AND can never compete with casinos or attract a younger generation...and to the author of this blog newjersey was never the third largest racing market in the country...that distinction would have to go to newyork,california,florida,kentucky..then perhaps n.j. i started going to the old garden state in 1963 as a kid when i was a teenager and driving i used to go to atlantic city racetrack and monmouth...what everyone fails to mention is the horseman have cut there own throats in this over saturated business....racetracks popped up like weeds in your gardens in the last 40 years....count the tracks within 100 miles of monmouth....its a deadgame run by theives/ crooks and as jack vanberg said to congress its chemical- warfare on the tracks these days...next time your racetrack offers you free rooms,spa treatments and gourmet meals and show tickets get a hold of me please....DEAD GAME-DEAD GENERATION...

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Somethingroyal — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:43:43 GMT

Bill:

I'll be visiting Hollywood Park tomorrow to watch Zenyatta run. I'm saddened knowing it will probably be my last trip up to the racetrack. The historic track is set for demoilation. Next year the track and the history will be nothing more than a rubble. I hope our so called racing experts are real happy with themselves. Shame on them. All for a slot mindless slot machine.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

Bill — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:07:46 GMT

Thank you, Somethingroyal. I agree with your wish list. I would love to see racing get back to what it was. Real dirt and real thoroughbreds who aren't medicated to death.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

aspradling — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:20:52 GMT

So with VLTs not passing, those who did not pass it, better work their butts off to find some solutions that actually make sense. Ellis, Turfway, Red Mile and probably Kentucky Downs are looking over the edge...

As a republican...I can't believe those I voted for and that are suppose to represent my city and views, failed to do so. Because there are 1,000s of families hurting outside of those that "could become victims" how about those that are.

re: Hey, Kentucky--New Jersey's Not That Far Away

da3hoss — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:32:34 GMT

WinnahPickah, instead of dissin' the football fan as someone who can't handicap or is not at all interested in a horse race, why not try to figure out why that person will pay huge $$$ for a football game (that they can't even hardly see waaay up in the stadium) & shell out even more money for preferred parking yet isn't the least bit interested in going to the racetrack for a $2 admission and free parking?

Millions of horse people doing all kinds of horse activities every weekend, and racing doesn't even begin to draw in the average horse owner...why?