Thoughts From the NHC

re: Thoughts From the NHC

Greg J. — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:15:31 GMT

Mr. Waldrop,

Any Response to Dr. Hogan? It has been three weeks since her letter, And Nothing?

...the last time anti-slaughter legislation went before Congress, commissioner and CEO Alex Waldrop wrote that the NTRA neither opposed nor supported the bill...

HELLO?, Is anybody home?

re: Thoughts From the NHC

FourCats — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:01:24 GMT

Hi Alex,

I have been a fan for 50 years now and recently a small-time horse owner (3 horses currently). So, I have seen racing from multiple points of view. Here are a few of my comments on your observations.

Price does matter. But it also matters for the owners and trainers in the sport. Most owners lose money. I have personally lost many thousands although I have only owned a few horses for a few years. As a fan, I would love to see the takeout reduced, but the proponents of this have not given a convincing argument how reducing the takeout would help racing (only how it would let them win more money). Owning and racing horses is very expensive, much more so than a casino setting up a few blackjack tables or slot machines. And while the NTRA may be able to lobby Congress to minimize the federal withholding, neither they nor anyone else in racing can force Congress to do so.

Concerning safety and integrity. I can only speak for myself but the safety and health of my horses and the other horses and jockeys is paramount. I gave two of my horses almost a year off when they needed it. And I have never cheated on anything in my life. The reality is, many fans will believe that everyone involved cheated when they lost money on a race. And while there are some who will cheat, I have not seen any real evidence that cheating is as widespread as is constantly trumpeted.

Concerning running a horse more often. Each horse MUST be given sufficient time off between races. And no owner wants to run his horse just to fill the field. It is just too expensive to keep them in training for that. But finding suitable races consistently is very hard. One of my horses is just getting going at 1 1/8 miles, but the tracks card very few of these longer races. Recently, I couldn't run my fit and healthy horse for 2 months because either no race was available or it didn't fill.

Concerning the regulators. I have no issue with them being tough but fair. But perhaps others in the sport (such as the stewards and track managers) should be just as accountable for their actions as the owners, trainers and jockeys. And when anyone is fined or suspended, there should be a public record available to all showing what happened and what the evidence was that justified the action.

re: Thoughts From the NHC

Mike — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:41:03 GMT

Alex,

I play the races 3 days a week and own a piece of two thoroughbreds.It would take me hours to come up with what you just put into this.Ditto.Every idea you put forth has been, or still is in my mind today.With you at the helm I have no doubt we are in for some changes.Keep up the good work.

Mike

re: Thoughts From the NHC

sheila williams — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:45:19 GMT

I agree with comments and would like to add that players joining HANA (of which I am a member) will also help the entire game--especially its customers--the horseplayers. Players are also concerned about horse health issues, not just illegal drugs, but what breeders are creating for the sport's future.

re: Thoughts From the NHC

mr yeti — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:36:32 GMT

Its great to see a positive story on horseplayers! It would be even greater if the message would be heard. It seems that most simulcast/racino's and tracks don't particularly care what the horseplayers wants and needs are. I had a conversation with one of the executives in the front office at the downs/casino where I frequent which horrified me! After a year where they did away with the handicapping tournaments and most advertising for live racing and blocked all internet usage at the track, I asked why. I was told that the casino would rather see the race track die because there is no money to be made in running a track. They would be better suited to using the grounds to build a hotel where the existing track is, so they don't promote the horses. I was told that people do not want to learn about horseracing/how to bet etc... they would rather have slots and table games and this was the number one reason why horseracing was a dying sport... We talked about many different things and I walked away with a new understanding of how things work where I spend my horse dollars,none of which leave me feeling good. If our message could be heard these places might start promoting what horseplayers want and the sport would grow.

re: Thoughts From the NHC

Tressa MacKelvie — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:09:51 GMT

Dear Alex,

First of all, I want to thank you for going to Las Vegas personally. Most importantly, you state in very few words exactly what the horse racing industry folks need to hear. Thank you for listening to the players.

Now, if you could send this out as a mass email to the industry people, we would REALLY appreciate it!