Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

dan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:48:23 GMT

While I agree with most of your points,horse racing HAS to do a better job of telling its story and it missed many great stories this year and let the general media focus where it wanted, I also think it has to do with the fact Curlin lost his last race. He was decisively beaten and that was on national television. He also has a weird ownership situation and the 10mil means nothing to most people and since about half of that is from Dubai. The avg person could care less about horse racing since it has been a long time since they have heard a happy story coming from it and that is racing's own fault.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Bellwether — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:35:09 GMT

well don't forget FOX SPORTS...more Horse Racing from them as Bellwether Productions & WINNERCOMMM is on the POINT!!!Long Live The King!!!

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Racingfan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:43:04 GMT

Lee, TVG is a network for betting on racing. BUT it is also a great place to get to watch races, including many of the big ones! Betting through TVG is not legal in my state but I still watch it all the time. Not only do they show a lot of the stakes races (thanks to them I got to see the Dubai World Cup, the Stephen Foster and the Northern Dancer this year to name a few, that were not on tv in my area at least). I don't understand all of the wagering things they talk about but I ignore what I don't understand and just enjoy the races - the allowance and claimers right along with the stakes. I also enjoy seeing the different tracks across the country! Someone definitely needs to find a way to get more races on tv!!!! I have tried e-mailing ESPN but they never even responded...... :-(

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

CRob87 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:11:02 GMT

Along with an earlier suggestion I made about Updating and Renovating I also think that all of the tracks need to "Go Green" like everyone in Hollywood seems to be promoting these days.

It might actually help with some positive attention for a change.

You could even promote it like "Go Baby Go Is Going Green" or something like that.

And then maybe the extra money that they save can go into purses or backstretch improvements, instead of going to AEP.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

marc W — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:34:33 GMT

A couple comments after the first I made. To Dreamer Mom I raced horses in Canada. Knew many a great trainer and jock as a OJC clocker. The days of them being rock stars is over in this country, actually NA. It still has its place in Australia and other places. Improve the breed with state breds-sure, but at what costs-See Aqu and LA-bred cards-I don't want to bet them, but that is just a minor flaw in the big picture. The industry needs to contract and have some weak players die. Note me here on these predictions -that breeding farms will die in mass in the next 15 years and the horse population will decrease except in slot driven states, which is probably a good thing. There are a hundred Storm Cats with no race records at stud that shouldn't be for example.

Another point made by someone the is a great point-- if -- in another division of the sport---THIS YEAR-arguably the BEST EVER trotting horse and pacing horse are running in unison Deweycheatumnhowe (I know both Ray and Warren well)

and Somebeachsomewhere again THIS YEAR -and aren't getting much press. We are talking much more of superstars if you relate it to their sport that Curlin dreamed of being. I have always been Thoroughbred first but I can appreciate the other.

Doom and gloom-but racing like American auto makers deserve it-if you don't change to complete you lose market share-nothing lasts forever-ask Woolworth's--see if your corner Rite Aid store is there in 5 years-who'd have thought?

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

DONNA — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:27:52 GMT

KARENINTEXAS, thanks for the info on Lanes End, much appreciated I will check out their website and will hopefully get to see Curlin as well as their other stallions.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Jamie — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:25:38 GMT

Well said, Kevin. It's depressing to me that horse racing can have huge accomplishments going on right now, and nobody talks about it outside our circle of horse people. I noticed in the Breeders' Cup coverage (why it was split into two different simulcasts? that probably didn't help ratings) the mentioning of the "first steroid-free BC" along with touting the Pro-Ride... which don't get me started on how much I hate synthetics. But anyway, I can see someone trying to pull people in, but the negative outweighs the positive in the public eye. Some major damage control must be implemented in order to ease the memory of Eight Belles's and Barbaro's breakdowns in the public consciousness. Even broadcasting more stories on network TV about how these horses aren't just money-making machines, but valued living creatures would help public perception. As a turf writer, I have seen the reactions to people when I tell them what sort of articles I write about. Almost the first thing they say is "I don't like horse racing, it's cruel." We need to destroy this perception, and if there is any truth remaining to it, destroy that, as well.

I don't think that we get enough articles telling us what is going on with some of the not-so-big horses on their down times, either. In my column, I did a song and dance about Zenyatta way before she was ever in the Ladies' Classic. There was barely any mention of her even in our own publications before the championships. That is a fault we need to look into right there. Identify the rising stars and begin supporting them. Curlin's campaign as a four-year-old was a dream to cover. Who knows how many other horses we will get to follow like that again. To not champion his name in his retirement is a disservice on our part and in the other media. P.S. - As much as I love Zenyatta, Curlin still earns Horse of the Year in my book.

www.smilepolitely.com/.../index.php

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

barb — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:06:23 GMT

Lee, TVG does focus on the gambling/handicapping and it can be confusing with all of the different tracks but they are also fans of the sport and give great commentary. I was also somewhat disgruntled when I first started watching(over 3 years ago) as I am not a big gambler but am a HUGE fan of the sport and will watch $5000 claimers with as much enthusiasm as a G1 stakes race. And with TVG I get to know the lower level horses and their stories too. I suggest watching it for a while, get to know their style and pretty soon you will like it. I used to LOVE ESPN for their coverage of racing (I still miss you,Chris Lincoln) but now I tend to watch TVG (or HRTV) for all of the chatter and only turn to ESPN for the live race. That is on the rare days they show racing. So I hope you give TVG another shot and HRTV too.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

joe — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:45:21 GMT

What a difference a dozen years make; I recall the hoopla over Cigar, more about the unbeaten streak than the earnings record. The morning after Curlin's JC Cold Cup either GMA or Today carried footage of THE race-THE race being a midwest county fair pig race. I believe the overpaid suits running (ruining) the tracks and "industry" organizations are on a genius level with the private jetting Detroit execs appearing before Congress this week. I've attended the past six Belmonts in a row. With the top two year olds being purchased for foreign training I'm losing interest in next spring; maybe there's another Funny Cide or Smarty or BB out there to spark my-and the public's-interest. Riva Ridge first sparked my 18 year old attention, and the glorious Saturdays-Wide World/CBS Sports Spectacular-fired it in the days of Secretariat-Slew, Affirmed-Alydar, Forego...on an on. I now find my interest in the sport-oh!...industry-waning now, to my sadness and confusion.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

CRob87 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:31:51 GMT

Lee:

Good point about "Wire To Wire".

I used to love that show also, but forgot all about it since it's been so long since i've seen it.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Calvin — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:16:53 GMT

If the sport of racing is going to survive, it needs to re-acquaint itself with 21st century fans.

For years, the sport has prided itself as "The Sport of Kings," while the average fan embraced other sporting events, racing did little to market itself to a variety of demographics.

For instance, why is their no Madden "Triple Crown Racing Video Game," these platforms have a tremendous impact in attracting new fans to your sport.

21st Century Marketing, our sport needs it like yesterday!

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

catnip lane — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:11:54 GMT

Hawkeye - I know who Dewey is! I was at the Red Mile this year to watch him race multiple heats to win the Kentucky Futurity. It was a great afternoon of racing and its a shame that no one knows his name either.... but Standardbred racing is even lesser known than Thoroughbred racing.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Kevin Stafford — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:38:55 GMT

Lots of good stuff here guys - keep the comments flowing and make sure you are also sounding off over on Alex's blog at the NTRA.

Regarding the point system - that's actually one component of the online marketing taskforce agenda we came up with earlier this fall.

We just called it "standings." It's something the TBA (Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance) already champions and most of our bloggers display standings on their web pages.

Again, it's admittedly rather gimmicky, but is it any less gimmicky than a top 25 poll in College Football? Think about it, who cares who was #'s 1-10 on week 8? The only week that matters is the first week in January. But, what it does do is give the networks something to hype. A "top 5 matchup" (such as the blowout in Norman, OK we saw last night), etc.

That's what it would do immediately (especially when paired with an aggressive tv "Take Back Saturday" campaign from Spring to early Fall), and in the long-term who knows - it might even have effects on breeding (that's a bit of a stretch, but it is theoretically possible).

Bottom line is this, I remain convinced our sport has what it takes to capture people's attention. God knows it did for me, and I was a die-hard football fanatic all my life (born in Alabama, if that tells you anything). There's just nothing that compares to this. And I've seen firsthand that when folks are introduced to a positive first time experience with horse racing, the typical response is something like "wow, I never knew this out there!" Or, even worse, the only time the were aware of us was during an Eight Belles/Barbaro moment.

That's why we can't let the Mike Lupica's of the world or the Bob Costas' of our world tell our story for us. We need to be out in front telling it ourselves, making sure it's the best story we can tell, and then making sure it's accessible to folks to help nurture and grow a new generation of fans.

Won't be easy - but it can be done. At the very least we can do a heckuva better job than we are doing now.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

dailyimpact — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:59:59 GMT

first,get the perspective right. as a matter of fact, the majority of class horses live and compete outside the us. today, those facts can`t be hidden as maybe thirty years ago. europe, australia and the near and far east are on everyones pc. the dubai thing for instance maybe offering the richest purse, but the quality of the race is substandard compared to other international races. the result is that Curlin's record becomes highly questionable with this one race. this does not escape those who understand the game. outside your shores, 3 year olds meet elders on a regular and highest standard basis - King George XI, GB Baden, Champion Stakes, Arc de Triomphe, Melbourne Cup. these are the races that make stars. so, the story to be told in the us must be one with true competition on the track and not over the microphone.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Charlie — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:13:33 GMT

When I was growing up, the feature NYRA race of the week was on TV in our area every Saturday, and continued on with Florida racing in the winter. Kelso was like a Saturday matinee star - with a great supporting cast.

I think maybe all the racing and horse associations should get together and sponsor a prime time, old time western series - some of them used to be able to show the horse - human connection in a way that people responded to - helped people learn to like horses and think they were cool. When I was young everyones father or grandfather had some hands on horse experience and probably thought they were an expert and told you about it. Not many have those kind of connections today.

I don't think I've ever known anyone who spent any time working on the backstretch that wasn't drawn into the sport and fascinated with it - but not many get that opportunity, and not many grooms can become owners.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Lee — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:39:10 GMT

Media coverage in the US for any equestrian sport is terrible. Even though there are more recreational horses than ever. I know many people who would watch if the programming was there.

Curlin being retired isn't really big news. Seems like every good horse is retired so quickly.

Big Brown's name is catchier and his connection to UPS also was news so makes sense that more people would recognize his name.

I have TVG but never watch it. I find it very confusing and seems to focus on betting. I do like their Legends series but there are too few of them.

I miss Wire To Wire.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Myrna — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:07:56 GMT

Join Thorofan and let the industry know what you want. It is a wonderful upstart organization. Go to their website thorofan.com and read the articles. If you like what you see join. Please join, we cannot change the industry without its fans. They will have a voice through Thorofan.

Read the article about Tin Cup Chalice and Marilyn Lane's columns. You will love them.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

barb — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:58:43 GMT

I am saddened by the lack of coverage racing gets. In my local paper there was no coverage of the Breeders Cup on Fri. or Sat. just a tiny recap of Saturdays racing in the Sun. paper(and NO mention of Zenyatta). I remember when Wide World of Sports was on almost every week showed racing(of course they had Jim McKay and he probably had something to do with that). I agree with the whole points thing, wasn't there something like that in the early 90s? Also the only advertisements for racing that I see are DURING racing "shows". Why don't they show racing ads during poker? Those fans are gamblers and might be interested in a new game. I have seen commercials about horse racing that are so good, emotional and uplifting, but only when I am already watching racing...how can those ads attract new fans if they only preach to the choir??? I like the idea of a reality series with jockeys and/or trainers(and it's ringing a bell...like I may have heard something about that happening), I think people would eat it up, people would love the danger and the excitement. Not to mention how much the general public LOVES animal stories and racing is FULL of amazing animal stories. After Barbaro was put down I was flooded with condolences from everyone from the grocery checker to the guy who delivered my bookshelf just because they knew I was a fan and they wanted someone to say something to. My friends treated it like I had a death in the family, not because I was upset about it but because they were upset and I was the only racing fan they know to discuss it with. And so that let me know that people DO care and would be interested if they had racing available in a more accessible manner. I watch TVG all the time but find that most people think it's the TVGuide channel. I don't know what the answer to getting the industry on the same page is but I am afraid for the sport. I live in a town with a track...it runs Sun, Mon and Tues during the wet,cold winter months and is not in the best shape for attracting folks out for a day at the races. I much prefer my annual trip to Del Mar. They do very little advertising and few promotions so I can understand why noone goes. Horse racing captures your heart it's not just a game. I wish I knew a way to make more people get it. It would help if the owners got more interested in the majesty of it and less interested in the money. For the top horses most of the owners are seriously wealthy anyway. Instead of only seeing the horses as breeding prospects I wish they saw them as racehorses. And raced them. Maybe a return to some of the "old" ways would help(alot). Things like racing the horses more frequently, how can you be excited about an athlete that you only see every few months? I think the top horses are under-raced now. There are many opportunities for the owners to make money AND fans by racing more often. Also there should be more focus on the fillies and mares, someone(s) mentioned not many people knowing Curlin and/or Big Brown this year....well NOBODY outside of racing knows Zenyatta and that is a damn shame. Many years the female crop is excellent but the industry does nothing to promote the f&m races. Nothing. Also many American trainers NEED to get over their "thing" about racing the girls with the boys. It is perfectly fine and can make it extra exciting.(2007 Belmont! I nearly peed my pants!) I am glad to have this blog to share my passion and am gratified to see others with the same passion. I hope the industry can get together and figure out a way to put racing back into the spotlight for more than just 2(3,or if we get lucky 5) days a year. I can see that we are all willing to help :)

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Cheryl G. — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:52:20 GMT

I do have to agree with you for the most part. I am a HUGE fan of Curlin, he's all over my space page, my face book, I have gorgeous Bloodhorse photos of Curlin. I am a huge Curlin fan and people do tend to jump on & off the Curlin bandwagon, I've noticed that from Curlin's early career. Jess Jackon, Curlin's majority owner attempted to do everything in his power to help save the Horse Racing industry, but the other's in the industry have to want to give, the way Jess has done. Some have, but many haven't.

Unfortunately, it's been a very difficult last couple years, beginning with Barbaro's breakdown. We also are in an economic recession/depression.

I for one will miss Curlin horribly and do feel more should have been made of his retirement.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Majella from Ireland — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:10:01 GMT

The point system is a good idea. But they introduced something similar over here for jumps racing. It never had an impact but then again, jumps racing (National Hunt racing) was always extremely popular anyway. National Hunt racing is slightly more popular than Flat racing in Ireland and its a similar story in Britain.

But overall I think racing is dying out globally, especially in America. I find that really sad because I'm only 15 and when I'm older I think racing will be a very obscure sport. Something has to be done to make it popular again especially among younger people.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

CRob87 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:00:10 GMT

Kevin Stafford:

Good point about races such as the Stephen Foster, Clark Handicap and Bernard Baruch needing to matter.

It makes me wonder if Horse Racing should develop a "Point System" similar to what Nascar has ???

Something like 5 points for a Grade 1 win, 3 for 2nd and 1 for 3rd. And possibly 7 points for a Triple Crown and Breeders Cup win since they are the most popular.

This way the general public "Could" actually follow the races after the Breeders Cup. And if, if and if the Horse Of The Year honors actually came down to a couple of points difference between lets say Curlin and Zenyatta (as it seems to be the case this year), then Jackson might actually feel the "Need" to run Curlin again in 1 of the races named above.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

smarie — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:06:26 GMT

Most of horse racing's problems are caused by those involved in racing. There has been plenty of press lately on all the negatives - breakdowns, cheating, drugs, suspensions, racehorse slaughter, etc. If racing would clean up it's act, it would help. One of the reasons that people don't follow racing like they used to is that there aren't any superstar horses for them to follow. Promising 3 year olds are usually retired and hustled off to the breeding shed. The public loved Seabiscuit, Native Dancer, Citation, and horses of yesteryear who raced longer and were in the public eye much longer. You'd be surprised at how many people haven't heard of Curlin. He didn't win the Kentucky Derby. Lots of folks don't watch the Breeder's Cup. If the public is largely indifferent to racing news, the sports media won't cover it.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

Perplexed — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:26:29 GMT

I'd guess 90% plus of the general public have no idea who Curlin is and thats not due to a lack of information in this day and age. Its because racing is irrelevant to the general public and as racing's core fan base continues to age there's zero reason to believe that will do anything other than deteriorate. What can we do to change that? Sadly, nothing, racing will continue its long, slow fade into obscurity.

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

NY Falcon — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:50:05 GMT

okay, how long has this sport been around , hmmmm longer than baseball, fotball,nascar, well golf maybe,, my point is , do not fret we are not going to fade away or go fleedingly. racing needs to reinvent its marketing stragites and embrace the advantges it it will have on the better, breeder, trainer, and resell its self to the new fans.

but keep all the tradtions of saratoga and the history thay is what makes our sport so different , yet so great!

re: Why Racing Must Tell Its Own Story

darlene — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:45:12 GMT

I cant wait to go to Lanes end and see Curlin this summer I hope he has a long and happy life there he deserves it. I also hope his foals are champions like him and even if they arent they are loved. But what will happen to Pancho? Pancho has been by his side all the way now will they be seperated? I hope they let him go with him to Lanes end.