In Zen - by Bruce Greene

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Grandefan — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:43:42 GMT

I'm late to respond, but a tip o' the hat to Dawn - keep up the great work pushin' the PR, Bruce -please send us more commentary and sage advice, Barb - Howdy back at ya! The big O is also their own number, but keep pushin' for coverage and I will too. Soldier Course - the lovely Mystacallie is a daughter of Klinsman and "Callie" is currently racing at Emerald Downs in WA state. She's not been on the board too often there and has again changed ownership/trainer. We miss her and hope she will come back to OR. She's a looker - a tall gray roan - and she's got fire in her eyes on game day. Can't resist: Draynay, tell us all about your east/west conflict. We've got our girls here out west - horses and fans - so tread carefully cuz' they aren't always ladies!

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Zenyatta2009 — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:11:47 GMT

Fantastic points. Sometimes the local levels bare the fruits of new racing fans. I'm so excited to see this article in Bloodhorse pointing that out to all who read it. Perhaps some track marketing teams will get it, and start a campaign to capture the future generation of race fans. In a world of technology, texting, and digital everything, we need them now more than ever. Before the interest in the sport of Kings runs the way of the dinosaurs.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

draynay — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:34:40 GMT

Racing needs to start listening to me. Force Zenyatta and the others to abandon the west Coast and go east my friend to race at the best tracks. Champions race at Saratoga, we don't need California, that can be left for the lesser animals. Force the top rated horses to run against each other all year long then we'll see who is best. Just look at the Kentucky Derby results in the last bunch of years. When is the last time a SA Derby winner won the Kentucky Derby? Even a New Mexico castoff beat all the best of the west this year. California racing is where Zenyatta hides to keep her perfect record intact. The East Coast rules.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

c bea — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:52:27 GMT

Racing is in dire dire need of a League Office where standards, policies, coordinated fan outreach and marketing can take place. But alas this industry's leadership is so awash in ego's and selfish self-interest they can't agree on what dressing to put on a salad much less anything meaningful. Much like our national elected leaders who often let the people down, the leadership of this Industry has lead us to a place with few options and limited upside. Too bad so little new ever gets done!!

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Jimmy — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:31:09 GMT

if a guy spends 3hrs. at his local track, bets 10 races and loses his 50 bucks he should at least get a door prize!how about a voucher for a pizza at least or maybe a free 5 bet on the next days races.Remember people can take that same 50 bucks and spend it at the ballgame,movies dinner etc..

its the hope of a reward on your investment that keeps me coming back. Nobody ever jumped off a bridge with a copy of the next days racing form in their back pocket.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Mark — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:20:19 GMT

Racing is going to have to cut back on live dates, focus more on botique meets like Keeneland, Saratoga , Del Mar in order to survive. Racing MUST provide the $2.00 bettor with INTEGRITY and TRANSPARENCY. Racing MUST offer the bettor EVERY POSSIBLE HANDICAPPING TOOL including shoe information, pre and post race drug testing resultson every horse.

Race tracks MUST provide not only the atmosphere of an entertainment destination for casual patrons, but an authentic race track experience that includes a LIVE BUGLER at every race track, not just a tape recording!

Finally, racing needs to treat its patrons the way casinos treat poker players. Give them comps! A card that accumulates points for each wager made. I think they have something like that at Delaware Park, maybe a few other tracks.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

barb — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:15:22 GMT

Grandefan...Howdy neighbor! The Oregonian started out covering the story and it just got less and less coverage as time went on. The reporter(A Saker) was taken off the story. I wrote to the O when they did not mention Mystacallie OR the jockey challenge and they replied that noone cares about horseracing so... You and I "talked" on a Haskin blog before and I want to apologize for not responding to your last question...I did but the moderator(not Mr. Haskin...I "spoke" with him and he was very nice and apologetic) did not post it(also both of our prior posts were removed) because we were talking about Ptld Meadows and he felt it was irrelevant. (Hopefully this will get through. I love you, Moderator.lol) Anyway I felt bad about that and was glad to see your name on here so I could tell you.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Bruce Greene — Sat, 23 May 2009 18:54:44 GMT

Many thanks for the kind words. (Esp. Dawn, Grandfan, Merrywriter, CRob, Ch, and Barb) To be able to live the dream, even in some small way gives new meaning to the "winner's circle."

Bruce

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Soldier Course — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:17:46 GMT

Grandefan and others who have commented about Mystacallie:

Tell us more about the interesting Mystacallie.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Dawn — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:24:26 GMT

Grandefan, thanks for the encouragement. I watch the job offers at my local track. They were recently looking to hire a marketing person. I wrote to my local racetrack, and copied a local bloodstock agent, I referenced this article and I suggested that they try something like they did with Mystacallie at Portland Meadows. A free marketing tip, and they didn't even have to hire me.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Grandefan — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:45:53 GMT

Bruce - You are thanked from the bottom of my TB lovin' heart. I'm a PDX native who was an "honorary" Mystacallie owner.

I did see a Tuesday front page color photo of Mystacallie in the local paper....and that got me on the bandwagon. Not only did I go to the races, but I stood in the winners circle along with the other owners - real and honorary - as we had pictures taken with our girl "Callie." I met some great people - fans, owners, trainers, riders, grooms, and track personnel. We talked horses, compared betting angles, watched, cheered, and planned our next track outing. I met greatful members of the Oregon National Guard accepting their winning check and for many enjoying their first visit to a TB track. The generous and welcoming members of Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders invited the honorary Mystacallie owners to their annual banquet and auction - providing a reserved table for us all. One Mystacallie owner went home with an auction item to treasure - a Hard Spun halter. Two ladies became fast friends with trainer Ben Root and partial owners of their own filly. I met the Oregon 2008 owners of the year Dr. and Mrs. Ry Harwood and was extended an invitation to a backside tour. I have a beautiful color poster from PM featuring Mystacallie along with winners circle photos courtesy of track announcer/Guest Services & Media Contact Jason Beem. I met General Manager Will Alempijevic and saw him meeting and greeting people every race day. We all thank Will and Jason for their original promotional idea and the dedication and energy they put into promoting it. And, to Ben Root and Mystacallie for letting us live the big dream - to BE a TB owner, to stand in the winners circle, to be a part of PM track history -- and lifelong supporters. Who ever thought a commoner could stand out in "the Sport of Kings?" To this group of blog readers:If I can - you can. Go to your nearest track and tell them about Mystacallie and Portland Meadows and challenge them to create their own "peoples horse" -- or their own promotion. Be sure to help support their efforts - go, bring friends, have fun, meet new friends and live the dream.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Soldier Course — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:18:30 GMT

merrywriter:

I too will never understand the callous disregard of Peppers Pride by the Eclipse Awards.

But New Mexico sure got one heck of a consolation prize: a Kentucky Derby winner, who sailed across the finish line borne by the winds of the Last Laugh.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

merrywriter — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:20:51 GMT

Well written and every track needs a Mystacallie or a Pepper's Pride who sure got shafted of an Eclipse award - that wasn't good for racing.

As far as zoo keepers thinking that horses are treated badly - What about that poor lone heartsick bull elephant, Billy, who the LA zoo won't let go to an elephant sanctuary while he sickly sways back and forth in a tiny enclosure. Let's not have the pot calling the kettle black here.

It's up to racetracks to show how well horses are treated at them. Every track should have YouTube videos of workouts, walking, bathing, etc. to publicize how thoroughbreds are babied.

Much more publicity needs to be done of the backside so the public knows what is going on. It's interesting and fun to watch too.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Kevin — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:25:24 GMT

To: Karen in Indiana

Paragallo's court date is June 22.

He faces maximum two (2) years total jail time, and $2,000.00 fine. Animal abuse in NYS is a misdemeanor. No matter how many animals involved, is treated as one case. Somehow, the Greene County DA was able to make two cases against Paragallo.

Good News-most of the confiscated horses from his farm have been, or are scheduled to be adopted because of the nationwide publicity. (There are still a few others that need homes).

Information- The stable name for Paragallo's daughters was changed to "Nob Hill Stables". Delaware park recently scratched three horses scheduled to race there last week, because NY has not yet certified the lawyer listed as the stable manager. Do not know if they have raced at any other tracks.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

ch — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:12:03 GMT

Loved the article with it's blend of pragmatism and passion. I hope the thoroughbred industry takes the message to heart!

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Shedrow — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:34:23 GMT

We need a Triple Crown winner. We have a whole generation of Americans born since 1978. Chances are if you are under 45, you have no meaningful memories of a Triple Crown win. While I am certainly not in favor of trying to manipulate another Triple Crown win, I am not in favor of trying to thwart one either. This year is a good example. What will the 2009 Preakness accomplish in the long run? Rags to Riches's Belmont was a big story for a while, but it has had no lasting impact upon our sport. It cannot survive on a series of sugar highs.

My alma mater was justifiably proud of the fact that author Pearl S. Buck was one of its graduates. Ms. Buck died in 1973, the year that Secretariat won the Triple Crown. In the ensuing years the college never managed to find a modern inspiration to ensure its survival. Time and time again it invoked Pearl Buck to an audience looking for relevance. Two years ago my alma mater ceased to exist.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Susan — Thu, 21 May 2009 05:05:37 GMT

I work at a zoo and all my coworkers don't like horse racing because they think it's inhumane "the way they treat the horses." I think that pretty much says what's wrong with the sport, when those who could be built-in fans - animal lovers - distrust it.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Dawn — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:53:01 GMT

Hands down one of the best articles I have ever read on Bloodhorse. My opinion is biased because I agree with every single word Bruce Green wrote. Even the comments have been mostly thoughtful and open-minded. It must be that Zen word. I go to my local tracks, I bet the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup. I spend money at the track and place $2.00 bets, usually to win, or bizarre exotics. I bet as if I were voting. I vote for the horses that I most want to win. Why do I want them to win? I want them to win because I read about the horses on-line. I pore over race videos and try to get a feel for which horse I think has the most heart, the greatest speed, the best health. I read almost every article. I never want to see another horse break down again, but it happens. I stopped following thoroughbred racing when Ruffian broke down. Now, kids grown, life slowing down it gives me a hobby, if you will. I bet with my heart because I love thoroughbred horse racing. To have the opportunity to be a part of any thoroughbred racehorse would be incredible. I'd find the dough.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

CRob87 — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:07:43 GMT

"The bigger picture shows that people felt connected to something much bigger than themselves".

Very good point Bruce.

I tend to believe that that same connection to something bigger is why people tend to want to get involved with something half way around the world...instead of something in their own backyards.

Maybe that mentality is the key to improving racing ???

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Dona — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:18:27 GMT

that same tvg analyst said "racing is for bettors, it's not a sport".

I think that's what happened to racing, it took it's self to seriously as a business. Without people that love the horses and want to see them run, you won't survive. Ain't nothing more fickle than a gambler with his money, they'll bet on anything.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

barb — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:22:47 GMT

Bruce...Thanks for the great article. I live in Portland and have posted comments about Mystacallie in the past. I had my second best day at the track ever this Jan. when we had the jockey challenge with San Fran, met Gary Stevens and Russell Baze! (My best day was last summer at Del Mar when I met Laffit Pincay Jr, Pat Day, Mike Smith, Garrett Gomez, Rafael Bejarano, Victor Espinoza and Alex Solis! I also spoke to Doug O'Neil, Julio Canani and Ron Ellis(who also took a photo of me and Laffit!). That wasn't just my best day at the track it was my best day ever!!) The only problem was that the local media wouldn't get behind the story, the local paper covered it sporadically in the Metro section and the tv news only showed the final check presentation. There were still more people at the track on the jockey challenge day (Mystacallie ran that day too) then I have ever seen at Ptld Meadows...and it was a Wed! So hopefully they will do that again this year.

Anyway one thing that I think could help gain fans interest is to stop acting like there are only 5 big days per year (TC & BC). Every race is now "just" a prep race for the TC or the BC. I was disgusted to hear an announcer on TVG say when handicapping the Peter Pan..."What is this? I guess it's a prep for the Belmont." The Peter Pan is a great race to win in it's own right, it has a long tradition of great winners and shouldn't be dismissed as "just a prep race". When I was a kid I watched Wide World of Sports for the racing and Jim McKay made every race feel just as important as the next and that was how I became enchanted by racing, if I was a newbie I don't think I would get invested in something that only "matters" twice in May, once in June and for 2 days in Oct(or Nov). Just a thought.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Karen in Indiana — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:59:08 GMT

Last one, promise.

I used to work with a guy who said if enough acorns fall from the tree, some of them are bound to grow. So what's wrong with trying things outside the box?

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Karen in Indiana — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:21:26 GMT

Also, with news reports of steroid use and televising of breakdowns, there is a perception in the public that the welfare of the horse is not protected. There have been changes in the last year with many states regulating medications and track safety being pushed. These are positives.

But why has the fact that Ernest Paragallo's abuse hearing being postponed yesterday for the second time and no future date being set not being protested louder by the horse racing industry? With his heavy involvement in the industry, he should be held accountable and if he is allowed to talk his way out of consequences as he has done in the past, it will turn off many and be a very black eye on horse racing.

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

sceptre — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:14:56 GMT

A message strung properly together with pleasing words and sentences may not always convey wisdom. Mr. Greene's is case in point; it is illogical, and full of contradictions... Editorial review?

re: In Zen - by Bruce Greene

Karen in Indiana — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:11:37 GMT

What you've written is common sense reasoning. I'm a fan, not a bettor, but I'm not dead weight in this sport. What I spend is small change - buy a magazine, hats, shirts, visit farms, go to races. But I do get excited and talk to people about it (the Preakness was awesome) and so others who may be bettors hear about it and get interested. Gamblers shouldn't dismiss non-gamblers and vice versa. If this sport is to survive and expand, there needs to be acceptance for people with all types of interest in it.

I know a lot of people don't like what's been done at Gulfstream. That is a vision, maybe not executed as well as it should have been, of what the future of horse racing can be - an entertainment center that offers something for everyone and will attract people who wouldn't even think of going to a track and expose them to the horses, the people and the excitement. That model has worked very well in Dubai.

'The people's horse' is an example of thinking outside the box and advertising racing. What kind of good will has that generated? And there will be Guard members and their friends and family who will be more inclined to think positively and maybe get interested in horse racing because of this. Good marketing is not a dirty word and targeting an audience, if done properly, can have huge rewards. Just look at attendance in Japan. There was a huge marketing effort towards women and they have a much heavier overall attendance rate than the U.S., which has concentrated its marketing to a shrinking pool of gamblers.