Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

CarryBack 61 — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:53:50 GMT

@PomDeTerre Do I detect some sour grapes? Were you in the contest? I didn't see anything in this piece to indicate that Erin was claiming to be an "expert" on anything.

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

PomDeTerre — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:58:01 GMT

just cuz u won a trip to the derby doesnt suddenky make u an expert on the industry

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

Stellar Jayne — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:18:05 GMT

Hi Erin,

Lovely article. As you stated the important question is to hear, or read how the industry can motivate and involve the fans - whether or not they are bettors. I think Ann and Jerry Moss; John and Dottie Sherriffs and their team; and WinStar have provided a map that others can follow. If only more in the industry had the will and put aside their fears, whatever those might be, aside!

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

kincsem — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:28:20 GMT

Amen, to that merrywriter! A national regulating authority is what racing needs to clean up its act. So that racing officials are not in a position to chose which trainers are going to "get away with" medical violations, and which ones aren't, as exemplified in the recent whistle-blower incident in California. It is a rotten business, through and through, and needs a good house cleaning. When are they people running the sport going to realize that the general public isn't so stupid that they cannot see through the subterfuge? The Life At Ten incident gets blamed on the jockey? Please! There is something rotten in Denmark!

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

merrywriter — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:23:02 GMT

This does not exactly answer YOUR question, Erin, but the only way the trajectory is going to change is if the industry itself helps the newbie understand racing terms. This is such a specialized sport with its own language that a person gives up trying figure out what is being talking about. I have asked Bloodhorse for years to just put a glossary of terms as a link on the left of their pages and surely that is no big expense. Making me create an account to post this had to cost more to set up.

You mentioned your $200 bets. At one time when my dad was into racing, as a culture Wednesday afternoons were taken off. He'd go to see Seabiscuit race, and so did half of the Bay Area. Those bets of small timers added up. We ain't goin' back to that time, but night time racing, plus insistence that ESPN give better coverage (they sure missed their chance with Zenyatta) would bring in more fans.

The fans can do little for racing when the industry keeps shooting itself in the hoof. Overbreeding and the horrendous terror horses face at slaughter is enough to turn off those who don't have the inner “horse crazy little girl," whom I assume are as just as mortified. Then there are the track accidents. Who wants to go watch a horse die? It's a crap shoot as to if that will happen when watching. At one time people came from farms and were closer to life and death situations, not now, there is a total disconnect about where our meat even comes from.

In conclusion, I'm afraid that fans can only spread the word if the industry cleans up its act and is more welcoming to the small time fan as it once was. Build a wide base (and that includes women of course) and the money will come.

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

Sophiekea — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:08:34 GMT

Great story!! I can relate to Erin in so many ways. I too feel we need to find a way to get people back to the races and understand the passion and excitement that goes with this beautiful sport. I think marketing and education are needed most. The powers that be have let this sport decline in the public's minds. All sports have gone through a modernization period in their histories but the old cronies who run racing are scared to change anything because of "tradition". Well, it was a tradition to not wear helmets and face masks in many sports but we realized its safer with them!! The facilities need to be modernized and welcoming as well. The Yankees even built a new stadium!!!

I love this sport so much and I hope one day to see my friends understand and catch the fever as well.

Maybe more women need to get a hold of the reins to make good changes and regain the popularity it once had.

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

whippetgurl — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:17:06 GMT

I attended my first Kentucky Derby in 2010 and was so happy to be there, as I too have been a race fan since a very young age. For me, it is all about the thoroughbred. I would be a racing fan even if there was not betting. I cried during the singing of My Old Kentucky Home but was somewhat taken aback by the amount of alcohol consumed and the people who seemed to have no heart when it came to the horses. I was heartbroken when Rachel Alexandra lost her race that day but nobody else around me seemed to care. I didn't bet any money on her either, I just was sad for her. Anyway, it is something that was on my bucket list and I'm glad I did it but probably won't ever go back. It's very expensive and you actually see and hear much more watching it on TV.

re: Guest Blog: Thoughts on the KY Derby From a Fan Perspective

IOWay — Wed, 18 May 2011 02:43:27 GMT

There is a conflict between hoping the horse you bet on wins and just enjoying watching a race. We need both bettors and just those racing fans who love watching the competition, the majesty and the traditions of racing in order to keep the industry going, especially in the states that have the racino subsidies. Glad you and your husband had fun. Great point about catering more to the ladies. The Susan Koenan tie in with the Oaks has been a great thing for the filly races.