Gratitude Too

By Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA 

Lots of great racing around the country this Thanksgiving weekend.  Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Hollywood Park, and Sam Houston, among others, are each preparing for big days of racing and dining.   Nothing better than turkey and dressing at the track. The whole family will enjoy it.  Just don't forget to count your blessings along with your winnings.

As an industry, despite these difficult economic times we have been richly blessed with a memorable year of racing. Two of the best female horses ever - Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta - have catapulted horse racing into the national spot light for all the right reasons.  That's something we can all be thankful for.  

Also, in part due to the industry's focus on safety and integrity, all our Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup events were safe and fair this year.  We must not take for granted the progress we have made this year in this regard.  We will have to continue our progress in 2010, but for now it's right and good to express gratitude for all the efforts and good fortune that made 2009 such a successful year on the racetrack to this point.

Lastly, I wanted to thank you for your comments and feedback throughout this year. Your passion and participation make this the great sport and game that it is. Happy Thanksgiving.