Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Angry Fan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:55:08 GMT

It's never going to improve as long as you treat us fans like you don't want us. I went to get tickets for the Breeder's Cup this weekend. After all the hoopla about lowering prices to attract more fans, we little fans got a swift slap in the face with the following: "Patrons may not bring liquor, bottles, umbrellas, coolers, backpacks, carryall bags, large bags, containers, folding chairs or tables, any animals other than handicap assisted canines, balls, Frisbees, balloons, skateboards, bicycles, kites, roller blades or weapons or items that Oak Tree Racing Association deems unlawful, dangerous or obnoxious onto the premise." I can understand the liquor, GLASS bottles, play toys, weapons, and other potential dangers, but disallowing the time honored tradition of picnicking in the Infield (like we did last year)??? I'm not driving hundreds of miles, spending money on a hotel room for two days and then get soaked for numerous $5 waters and hot dogs because I'm not allowed to save money to spend on memorabilia, instead. Nope...we've decided to stay home and watch it on tv - not betting - because the Breeder's Cup people have made it clear to us that they don't want our kind at their precious race tracks. And you people wonder why NASCAR is so popular?

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

CRob87 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:32:05 GMT

Also...

Here in Ohio (where the Thoroughbred industry is dying), we still do have "The Quarterhorse Congress" every year. And it is still a "Huge" draw for Horse Lovers of "ALL" kinds, not just Quarterhorses.

And...during The Congress, Beulah Park does have a few Quarterhorse races on it's card every year.

So (in a small way), we already do combine 2 of the different disciplines into the same Venue.

Maybe we should try to expand on that more ???

At the least of things it will put more bodies in the seats !!!

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

CRob87 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:21:52 GMT

The main problem with this Industry (among many) is that you can't "Improve or Update" the product.

You really can't take it to the next level.

The reason that such industries as MMA, UFC, X-Games and such have become so successful these days is simple.

They were able to take an already existing product to the "Next Level".

Which is why old school "Boxing" is having a similar decline in popularity as Horse Racing is.

IMO...(And I know it will Never be a popular one).......

Is that the only real way to "Save" this industry is to try to "Unite Several Horse Racing Disciplines" into One Venue.

Unite Horse People in general.

For example...

Start offering a Race Card where...

The First race is a Thoroughbred race.

The second is a Quarterhorse race.

The 3rd is a Steeplechase race.

And (Possibly???) even including a Rodeo style Barrel race.

There are many different Disciplines of Horses, but we're all spread out into Individual areas.

"If" you really want to "Save" Horse Racing's future, then maybe it's time to "Unite" each other ???

I know it will "NEVER" happen, but something along those lines is what might be needed ???

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

LEON — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:59:37 GMT

The best idea I have read so far regarding how to keep horses in training instead of having them retired before the end of their 3 or 4-year-old campaign is this one:

Tax the stud fees of those stallions that are younger than 5 years of age, and channel such tax revenue to purses in the state or country where the stallions are serving.

A horse such as Sea The Stars was retired at his peak, after just a handful of races, to the detriment of the sport, the same way Smarty Jones, Bernardini and others have been retired.

Theses horses commanded stud fees that average around $100,000; if bred to 100 mares, that's a cool $10 mill. If a stud is only 3, tax the revenue by, let's say, 40%. That would mean $4,000,000 to be channeled to purses. Lower the tax to 30% if they start at the breeding shed before they turn 5, and there would be no tax if they are retired when they are in fact 5.

This way, there would be a better balance between purses and breeding earnings, that should result in keeping horseracing stars in training longer.

Someone named Paul in DRF suggested this idea...What do you think Mr. Waldrop?

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

LEON — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:13:51 GMT

That's as good idea as any; the point is something HAS to be done to correct what's wrong with the horseracing industry.

To run a horse 6-7 times, and then retire him perfectly sound, has been a practice that has been going on for too long, to the detriment of the sport.

We can no longer see real champions running against one another, because of the different surfaces, and because of the different personal interests involved, to make the easiest buck possible, but with the hypocritical "we are doing it for the good of the horse" cliche that's been around for the last 20-30 years.

I think it is a wonderful idea to make it mandatory for a horse to run at least 15-20 times, or until they are 5 years of age (whichever comes first), before they can be negotiated to stud. That will allow us to really see who is dancing every dance (like Curlin), or who is just trying to cash in on a flashy 6-month campaign against hand-picked competition.

Besides the prep races for the Triple Crown, there is no coordination in the running of the most important races of the rest of the divisions. To run 29 G1 stakes in a matter of two weeks in the fall is a lousy idea, because you end up having only a handful of worthy contestants in each race. There needs to be much better planning in the G1 & G2 stakes schedule, so that we can see the match-ups that will bring back the real excitement we once had, when Seattle Slew ran against Affirmed, or with a rivalry such as the one carried on between Easy Goer & Sunday Silence.

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Greg J. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:54:38 GMT

Susan Kayne,

Kudos to you! I just wish more thought like you, Until that happens, The status quo is not working in the least.

Mr. Waldrop,

While I commend you in forming the Safety & Integrity Alliance, It is a step in the right direction, But, I think that would go hand in hand with forming A central Office with a Commissioner, Until all States and Tracks have the same set of rules, This great sport will continue to suffer. You say you are not optimistic about its chances for full implementation. Well, What will it take for it to happen? It seems like it is floated around every year but nothing ever happens, Until this is taken seriously, I am afraid, The sport will continue to die a slow death. I hate to say that since I have been a historian/fan almost my whole life. It needs to be done somehow/someway for Horse Racing to join the twenty first century. On a separate note, I might be an exception to the rule, I just don't think of these splendid athletes as a number on a ticket. That brings me to another aspect that eats at me more then any other. Why isn't more money and time spent on these horses after their life on the track? The amount of money devoted to them, In all due respect, Is embarrasing, To say the least. I am not going to go into all the horror stories that I have come across, I am sure you are aware of the dire situation of their life after their racing career's are over, But, Don't you think they deserve better treatment then what they are currently getting? I am not saying this is all owners and trainers, I have come across MANY that care for their horses for their whole life, I commend them! The problem is, They are in the minority, The vast minority. There should be a central data base that follows them from the moment they step of the track, That way the owners and trainers would be held accountable for there future. If they violated there responsibility for their horses, Then there should be heavy penalities or banishment from the sport all together. That might sound harsh to some, But until they take it seriously, This problem will continue to manifest and it is a travesty for this to happen. Turning a blind eye and letting it continue is mind-boggling to me, It shouldn't be happening, Without these athletes, There is no sport...

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Oldie — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:32:25 GMT

tbpartnerperson43, and Susan Kayne, Unbridled Racing, I must tell you how encouraged I am to read your comments. This sport is about breeding and training an animal that wants to race and win, and can race and win, over and over again. A properly bred, trained and conditioned animal should not need drugs designed to mask pain, fear, or inadequate respiratory function to perform. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I wish you great success and satisfaction.

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Susan Kayne, Unbridled Racing — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:01:25 GMT

In NY the biggest obstacle to a successful fututre are the industry participants themselves. CASE IN POINT -- the NYSRWB proposed a rule to require medical records be available on horses for the 45 days prior to a race in an effort to give us a fair shot on both sides of the track; as owners and bettors, for jockey safety and equine welfare. Here is article by Joe Drape in NYTimes:

www.nytimes.com/.../new09racing.html

As a New York Thoroughbred Breeder and Owner myself, I am completely in favor of this rule. FULL DISCLOSURE is the only way to bring this sport back to breeding quality horses that can withstand the pressures of racing without bodies filled with drugs to compensate for crooked legs, poor shoeing jobs, lack of proper conditioning and/or an inability to breathe. Honesty, transparency and a true genuine love and respect of the horse itself is the only answer to the question -- What's wrong with racing, how do we fix it, how do we market it??? Well, here is a great start only to met with great opposition. Those who oppose it within the industry clearly have something to hide. Saying it's too much paperwork is total BS -- every vet bill and trainer bill I receive is loaded with medications and the fees for administering the same; neither has any trouble with the paperwork, or concern for trees when it comes to billing owners -- I would not have any trouble presenting these records to NYSRWB nor should any responsible trainer, vet or blacksmith -- its a simple process of what was done and when unless you have something to hide -- what a great change it would be for the horse industry.

tbpartnerperson43 I wish you and your partners success with your yearling. Be hands-on and proactive in overseeing every aspect of his/her care and well-being.

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Deacon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:45:37 GMT

For the long time fan (53 years)such as myself I feel horse is in desparate need of an overhaul. The synthetic surfaces along with money hungry owners and early retirement of our stars are destroying this once hallowed sport. It's like saying with regards to gambling that Pro Football wouldn't exist without Las Vegas or the book betters. It's simple to you supposedly brilliant folks, fix this sport or watch it's demise........

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

CRob87 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:32:14 GMT

The question that I have for you is...

Are you interested more in creating new "Fans" for the Industry or just new "Gamblers" ???

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

CRob87 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:29:04 GMT

Structure wise from the Gambling side of things I personally think that it would be in Racing's best interst to do away with all "Cents" payouts ($2.10, $3.80 etc.), when Casino's always payout in "Whole Dollars".

It might be an improbable task, but I believe that's what's keeping new Gamblers away from our Sport.

They come out for the first time and make a couple of $2.00 and $5.00 bets and get back $2.10 or $6.80 and then they're left saying to themselves..."That's All" ??? "Was that even worth my time or money" ??? "I could've won more than that at the Casino on a Penny Slot" !!!

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

tbpartnerperson43 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:01:58 GMT

Will this group of young horsemen and horsewomen address the issue of racing and medications? After 2 formal partnerships, I found three friends and we will go our own way and do things our own way. We've bought a nice yearling. Primary goal, to race a sound and drug free horse. I think it can and should be done. Whatever is done, the playing field must be leveled for all runners.

re: Thoroughbred Industry's Bright Future

Craig — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:38:49 GMT

I am surprised that TOBA has not realized the power that they have to regulate racing on a national level. They proved that they have the national power that everyone is looking for when they threatened to take away the graded stakes status of every racing jurisdiction that did not change their Steriod policies.

TOBA needs to begin using the power that they have to force a change in the way that racing is presented. The fact that there were 23 graded stakes races in North America last weekend is proof that there is no guidance to develop a strong program that appeals to customers. There are not enough graded stakes caliber horses running to fill all of those races with quality horses. Imagine if there were 100 NFL teams and the talent was spread out over those teams. The games would be horrible to watch with only 2 or 3 good players on each team.