By Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA
It's
the time of year when people like to make a wish list for the upcoming 12
months. We are on the verge, though, of completing not just another year,
but a full decade. So in that spirit, here's my list of wishes for the
Thoroughbred industry in the 2010s.
- More stars like
Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta;
- Lower takeout for all
bettors;
- Higher attendance,
handle and revenue for track operators;
- Bigger purses for
owners;
- Safer racing
environments for jockeys and horses;
- Increased uniformity
in medication and testing rules for trainers;
- An interstate compact
for everybody who wants tougher, more uniform regulation without cumbersome,
expensive federal intervention
- Fuller fields for
racing secretaries (and bettors);
- Improved education
and development efforts for new fans;
- More homes and second
careers for retired racehorses;
- A plethora of buyers
for breeders and renewed investment in our game on all levels;
- Elimination of tax
withholding for players;
- Lower prices on
important goods and services for tracks, farms, horsemen and fans;
- Innovative wagers and
promotions for marketers;
- Expanded Web-based
collaboration for tech-savvy players;
- Better working
conditions, including affordable medical coverage, for backstretch and farm
workers;
- Improved laboratory
and drug testing standards for racing regulators;
- Effective wagering
monitoring technology for tote companies;
- Better injury
reporting data for equine health and safety researchers;
- Great story ideas for
turf writers;
- More advertisers for
the trade press; and
- A renewed dedication
to safety and integrity for all who participate in the horse racing industry.
Don't
worry. We at the NTRA are not waiting for St. Nick to deliver this
assistance like gifts under the Christmas tree. We are dedicated to the
improvement of Thoroughbred racing in all these ways and more. From our Safety
& Integrity Alliance, to our industry-wide marketing and legislative
initiatives, to our Advantage program, we work
hard in many different ways to improve the economics of Thoroughbred racing.
The
months and years ahead are pivotal ones for horse racing, and we are determined
to do all that we can to build new enthusiasm and deliver results. We
hope you will join us in that effort.
What's
on your wish list for racing? Let me hear from you.