Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Grace — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:09:41 GMT

In regards to your article on Casinos and Horse Racing not being a good idea. Depends how it is set up, if the Horse Racing is receiving a percentage of the Casino profits and that licenses for slot machines are only granted to the Racetrack and not all over the state or province both would do well, in the province I live in the government has given licenses all over the province and even as close as blocks within the track. My understanding is the Woodbine Track has slots at the track but I do not think that they are all over the city, different province different government control control, there are numerous casinos

all over the province and the Horse Industry will no doubt die!

Allowing the machines everywhere but the track was a Huge mistake. I haven't done my research but in Ontario I beleive there was a Casino at Niagra Falls and now I believe at Woodbine will see if I can find more info on this. But slots and Racetrack under one roof works as long as there is a contract that the Horses Benfit from it from the casino, this is forever not just for 1 month. And that a casino is not allowed to be licensed 5 minutes from the track some sort of control.

hor

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

David — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:24:28 GMT

The seemingly never ending story is many involved in Thoroughbred Racing look at things the way they are and ask why . . . some even dream of things that never were . . . unfortunately, nearly all readily explain why not.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

CRob87 — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:46:22 GMT

Since a Big part of Horse Racing is the Pageantry itself, here's a last minute idea to help with the Promoting of the Sport.

Starting with the Kentucky Derby since it is Racings Biggest Day...

Why not ask certain Celebrities who are and always have been Horsemen, Horse Lovers or at least Supporters of our Industry to be "Honorary Pony Boys/Girls" for the main event itself ???

Such as Bo Derek for an example who has always been all of the above.

And then if the horse that she was escorting to the Gate actually won, then she could also join the Winning Connections in the Winners Circle as well.

Imagine....20 Well-Known Celebrities escorting each Derby contender to the Gate every year.

Is that Pageantry or what ??? I don't think you can get much more Pageantry than with those who've walked Hollywood's Red Carpet.

This idea could also be done on a local level as well with local Celebrities and the Feature Race of the week at your local Tracks.

Maybe you can pass this idea along to whoever may like it enough to try ???

Just a thought !!!

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

rascal254 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:53:14 GMT

The horse racing industry is in big trouble and saddling up with slots and or casino gambling is not the solution. Slot betters are not, for the most part, horse betters. Instead of looking inward at them selves to fix their problems they go for the quick fix and hope for an influx of revenue from slots, but this does nothing to solve the long term problem. To thrive they most change with the times. The core business of horse racing has never changed but the times have changed. Betting take outs are to high. Most bets will take out 17 to 20 %, that's like dropping 17 to 20 cents out of your pocket for ever dollar you bet every time you place a bet. This is to high but most casual betters never realize it and the tracks are glad that they don't. We live in a fast pace word but it still takes 20 plus minutes between races. Food and beverage prices should be bargains daily as a customer draw. Reschedule start times to prime time when more customers are available both on site and internet.Tracks in states such as Louisiana with multiple tracks (4) should not compete by running at the same time of day or year. They could set a racing circuit where fans both casual and serious betters could follow the same horses. The bottom line is the results are in, and change is needed and needed now.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Dawn in MN — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:02:07 GMT

Lovely article. Thank you Mr and Mrs Stiles for all you have done to support Thoroughbred racing.

Thank you Mr Stiles for the thoughful article. As I read the article I got a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between casino games, and The Sport of Kings that exists in Thoroughbred horse racing.

The article helped me to think about the real challenges that Thoroughbred racing faces. As a fan you and I are in total agreement when you wrote:

"The sport of horse racing provides entertainment that is not matched by casinos. It is this advantage that should be exploited by horsemen. They should concentrate on improving their product, and the marketing of that product."

You have my full attention and endorsement.

There are those who see the sport through the eyes of a gambler. There are those who follow the sport to witness the sheer speed, grace and beauty of the Thoroughbred. They both love the excitement of the race.

The entertainment value is there for both. The horse fans watch and some bet, and the gamblers gamble. They are both entertained through the beauty of the Thoroughbred horses, and the excitment of watching them run.

I think there is a large untapped market of people like me. I follow the sport to see the horses. It is about as close to a live horse as I can afford to get. I place small bets $2-5.00, on just the big races, or on local races when I go to the local track. Those bets add to the excitement of my entertainment.

All of us want, or should want racing to be fair. I agree that medication policies need to be consistent, and I suggest that they need to mirror the europeans, who have alway been more civilised (as they would spell it).

Integrity is the word that comes to mind as you wrote;

"Vigilant enforcement of the medication rules is essential to maintain the confidence that ours is an honest game. If we cannot accomplish that, we do not deserve to win. (Slot machines do not cheat; they only steal.)"

I couldn't agree more. I would only add that integrity begins in the breeding shed, and ends with the way the horses lives end.

I hope that there will always be live Thoroughbred racing on television, and that I will always be able to visit my local track. I pray that my local track continues to be successful.

P.S. I had to change my display name, there are other Dawns

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

da3hoss — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:33:33 GMT

Horseplayer, what a good post.

I totally agree the claimers have as much value to the sport as the big racers...funny thing about those hard working horses...their odds pay out the same as Zenyatta's.

My only beef with them is watching a crippled up old timer who's won a few $$$ along the line going out for his 73rd start...

PS I am a looong-time, die hard "I always believed" Red Sox fan...I had many dark days & always loved my team, hahahaha!

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Leon — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:30:07 GMT

I agree with Horseplayer, but I also think there is something very wrong with a sport that:

1) Has different medication, take-outs, penalties, detention barns, rules & regulations depending on the jurisdiction. A horse wins with Bute in SoCal, and runs last in NY without it. That's wrong, and horseplayers are sick & tired of it.

2) Someone already mentioned the obscene amounts new sires command. I suppose those who gambled $100,000 on Smarty Jones as a freshman sire deserved their fate.

3) Because of the obscene stud fees, outstanding 3 & 4-year olds are retired in their prime, and we no longer have the dream match-ups that make for exciting races. 2010 is an exception, since Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Papa Clem, Blame, Quality Road, Gio Ponti are all coming back.

3) The creation of synth racing has created an even bigger wedge between east & west coast racing. We couldn't even get Zenyatta & RA together, for a match-up for the ages. There's no season, no play-offs, no championships. 10 of the 14 winners of the so-called "world championships" (Breeders Cup) will not win awards of any kind. We have our own BCS fiasco in the Eclipse awards.

I could go on & on...

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Maury E. — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:27:47 GMT

Barry, I believe that most jurisdictions charge 1-2% on each dollar wagered tops.

There may be exceptions but they are few.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Barry Irwin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:56:09 GMT

If the States were not in the mix, the take out rate would be a whole lot better.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Somethingroyal — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:42:55 GMT

Thank you HorsePlayer!! I believe you hit the nail square on the head. I've been follwing horse racing for 37 years and it involves watching racing throughout the entire year. People who know me know I live and breath horseracing.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:12:52 GMT

Gain by selling a product the public has demonstrated an appetite is tonic to dealers and retailers. Much needed cash flow comes from the new addition’s sale as well as accretive affect on unrelated items. Best Buy likely sells fewer CD’s but surely nets up with Ipods sales in their mix. Personally, I see a Racing versus Casino as a big loser. Despite those of us who feel that our game is so much better, the vast majority of consumers prefer dumbed-down entertainment. I agree it’s not a pretty state of affairs but not to integrate something the public wants is a not a good recipe.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Adele Maxon — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:41:08 GMT

SJ Tripper: AMEN!

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

HorsePlayer — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:21:42 GMT

I am a personally involved in the horse racing industry and to read these post is a disgrace to the industry. I normally do not post but I am getting tired of reading this BS. The one thing I do agree with is that slots are not the answer. The big disgrace is everyone of you so called "horse lovers" and "racing fans" are just fair weather fans! You constantly dismiss the claiming races. What you do not understand is the bottom of the market drives the top. If you do not understand that basic concept, use this analogy..If you take the bottom out of a bucket, ALL of the water will drain out. If you all are so concerned, start supporting the industry as a whole, not just show up on the big days to try to get your day in the sun. Several of you compare racing to other sports but I ask how many of you go to watch your team when they are having a losing season. From the way it sounds, NONE of you will darken the arena doors if your favorite team is having a bad season. My point is horse racing is not just about the Kentucky Derby, Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta. It is about the race horse going out and doing what it is bred to do which is race, it does not matter if it is a $2500 claimer at a small track or one running in the Kentucky Derby! Get over your higher than thou attitudes and enjoy the sport of racing. If you only watch football during the Superbowl you are not a football fan. If you only watch horse racing during the Triple Crown you are NOT a horse racing fan.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

razzle — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:30:34 GMT

Horseracing is the product, players are the customer. Let's improve the product and target the marketing accordingly. I'm delighted to hear Mr. Stiles correctly identify medications as the primary issue confronting players. (1)A national commission with enforcement authority which implements (2)drug free racing with (3)secure pools will bring business back. Other things can help, but if those three things are not in place, the rest is window-dressing.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

MichaelM. — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:58:35 GMT

Horse racing must come together as a group or continue to die the slow death they are now seeing.Every track and state have their own agendas and in the end the fans / bettors are the ones who suffer.

It is very hard to believe that to this day there are still blackouts involving signals on ADW'S.There are plenty of businesses who have failed by limiting what they offer their customers yet this continues to go on in horse racing.All they would have to do is put the money in dispute in escrow until the dispute was settled and then reconcile the money.Horseplayers will go where they are treated better off-shore for example.Keep on fighting track owners as we abandon you for the poker tables or take our money elsewhere.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

DTMcD — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:41:01 GMT

SJ Tripper is right. Horse racing wants you to watch, but not too closely. If you watch closely, you might catch on to who is making the money, and how. I have been betting horses for some 45 years, and seriously for the last 25. I even owned a mare and bred a race horse in Indiana. When people talk about gambling on horses, they forget that races can be fixed: by drugs, trainers, jockeys, sponges, etc. etc. If someone like me is a simple, ignorant bettor, how can he or she feel assurance about the integrity of each race? I read about cobra venom and other drugs -- why? Because someone gets an advantage, and money is involved. I usually bet fairly long shots, so it's not too surprising when I lose. But a month or so ago, I put a large bet on the odds-on favorite in a big race in New York City {Belmont or Aqueduct} and the horse came in dead last, without injury and the jockey looking like he wasn't trying. Did I receive any kind of an explanation? Of course not! Did I feel ripped off? YES! How can you expect patrons when even some of the more knowledgeable people don't feel safeguarded? I know there are huge staffs in labs, stewards' offices, racing regulators, to ensure fairness; but I do not believe they are perfectly effective. I know the odds in a casino but at least I have a strong belief that, odds apart, the games are not otherwise "fixed". The entire racing industry has to take a broom to the Augean stables in order to expect the public to take any interest in average race days. If the industry genuinely cleans up its act in all regards, then maybe a long-term program can be developed to encourage interest in racing, through love of and appreciation for the horses, jockeys, trainers and even the bettors.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

SJ TRIPPER — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:13:26 GMT

Edward, my man, you get it! There are so many horrible race tracks running horrible races everyday. It really does water down the product. The casinos are in place to gauge your pocket for more, while you're waiting for the next race. At these places like Mountaineer and Charlestown, I guess you sit in front of the slot machines until the next race starts and then you get up, look out the window, throw your ticket in the trash and go back to the slots. That doesn't sound like a good time at the track to me. As far as marketing goes, why hasn't horse racing gone wild? In this day and age when advertising is all around us it seems strange that horse racing wants to lay low. In other sports like NASCAR, the drivers are continously being interviewed or on TV commercials. In football baseball, basketball even if you don't watch any of these sports you can probably name some of the stars. In horse racing there are no stars. It's like horse racing wants you to watch but not to closely.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

UCLinden — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:32:55 GMT

Sometimes, " people " are their own worst enemy, competing against one another. Tracks are supposed to be horses competing, but now we've combined the two; is it any wonder how things have changed ?

All it takes for a slot machine to operate is electricity whereas the

electricity was originally supplied by the " horse racing fan " ; today the two have switched places.

Instead of installing slots at tracks, a short term " band-aid "

effect, it should of been just table-gaming. Were slots " REALLY "

installed to help the horseman or another way of applying salt to the already open wound ???

Ever take notice of how tracks are constructed, from the outside --- in, the viewing public sits on the outside of the track watching the performance in front of them.

Well folks, that's just how horseman have it now; on the outside looking " IN " , watching the performance of the casino industry, and the money revenue leaving.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

marc — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:24:41 GMT

Karen is absouletly right.If i have a failing business i cant install slots to survive,ill have to close.I hope kentucky and ohio never get slots.Did any of the states that have slots lower the takeout No!

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Maury E. — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:19:54 GMT

Horse racing is all about gambling. In order for it to be marketed successfully, it needs winners. Winners will only come about with lower takeout rates.

The idea that is costs a person $20 to make $100 in bets is ridiculous, when it costs less than $5 to make a bet on sports, and much less to make a bet on blackjack or poker.

The reason the others can be marketed successfully is simple. There are winners.

Sorry, but 20% is stealing, and the public has caught on.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Edward — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:11:06 GMT

What a strange article. Th welfare recipient(horse racing) is calling their meal ticket names(thieves) The authors are correct that it is a travesty that the government has forced one industry(casino gambling) to support another industry that is incapable of standing on its own two feet. By the way, when the takeout exceeds a certain percentage, then you no longer have pari-mutual wagering but instead the same thievery you so snarkily refer to at the end of your article. Most tracks have take-outs that do exactly that. Is it a surprise that betting exchanges are threatening to take over? Lastly, horse people always go back to the idea that they are providing the content at a steep cost and deserve to be compensated as such(there are no deserves just the MARKET). A look at many other industries will reveal that not only is content no longer king but it is barely the second prince in waiting. More to the point, why do you think that your content is special? Upon inspection, your whole industry screams the exact opposite. The best racing? Uhm, claiming races and the like are 80 % of racing. What's so special about a group of undifferentiated horses going around in a circle? Is it really that different than a series of spinners, spinning in a circle until they stop? When the special talent(Graded races) is on show, does anyone know the horses and have had time to develop a true emotional attachment? Very,very rarely. The industry needs to be taken off the teat of government farm subsidies, forced casino partnerships, etc and introduced to the concept of competition. At least 50% of all racing needs to just end, period, exclamation point. The industry needs to seperate the Majors from the Minors and not mix them together to the confusion of the public. In regard to stallions, horse racing is in the same position as NFL and the NBA when rookies were paid more than established stars. It diluted their product. Breeders need to never pay more than $10,000 to breed to a freshman sire regardless of his career. You could go on and on but in the end only pain and cutting to the bone is going to get this bloated, leech-like industry, lean and mean enough that it can grow.

re: Entertainment Value - By Martin Stiles

Karen in Indiana — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:58:51 GMT

Bingo! (pun intended) You hit the nail on the head. Someone who just wants to gamble is going to go to the slots or other games because it's easier and quicker. Horse racing with it's expenses can't compete with the casinos and adding slots to a racetrack will have the results you've listed. That solution has not been an unmitigated success here in Indiana. The ads for those casinos emphasize the slots and restaurants and horse racing is mentioned as an afterthought. If you look at places such as Japan, Hong Kong and Dubai, they do an excellent job of showcasing horse racing as entertainment. Do they have the same funding issues as the U.S.?