Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

Pedigree Shelly — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:07:04 GMT

I realize this is off the subject, and I'm not quite sure how to bring this up ? I enjoy your magazine thoroughly,it is the best in the world ! I'm not trying to criticize but , I think I found an error in the BH Derby Edition . It didn't catch my eye right away because I was excited to read the article.It was the well written piece by Dave Schmitz (can't locate his e-mail address) The name of article was "Super Selection" The statement in question in red print is " Success of Bluegrass Cat leads to purchase of his full sister,who produces Derby winner Super Saver " . I believe it should read, " Success of Bluegrass Cat leads to the purchase of his dam's full sister, who produces Derby winner Super Saver ." Super Saver's Dam Supercharger is a full sister to She's A Winner , the dam of Bluegrass Cat ! Trying to start my career as a bloodstock agent ,Please feel free to contact me @ Shellypedigree @ aol.com or you may contact me at (812) 934-6019 . Thank You and take care .

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

Robin Howlett — Wed, 12 May 2010 23:06:58 GMT

I'm a programmer and I'm trying to bring some of my skills to help people enjoy this game a little more. I've released one tool already, thoroMotion, which allows you to get a visualization of race by using the official chart data.

I've started to interview bettors about what they want next. The problem is they are all telling me they want a big database-like app that they can query to their hearts contents and any number of strategies they can think of. While that's fine it doesn't appeal to me as something to make, certainly while Equibase charges high fees for access to machine-readable past performance and result data.

I'm more interested now in a start-up idea for horseracing based around handicapping contests and social tipping and am interviewing (and looking for more) people about it.

I don't think it's too late yet but racing is so devoid of any leadership and creativity it's not looking good.

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

fb0252 — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:45:55 GMT

Historic day! To see this in print! Seriously, what has taken so long? Will we get follow ups on "marketing"?

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

JavaGold — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:11:23 GMT

I worked in Thoroughbred racing for 15 years as a journalist, then in marketing, and I hate to say it, but the barn door is closed and the horse got out. I wrote in "The Final Turn" 20 years ago that they should run the Kentucky Derby on Sunday night. Everyone in racing I talked to hated the idea: "It's against the tradition." Yes it is and that's the point. Unless you are willing to throw away everything, nothing progressive will ever happen. Horse racing has been in a stranglehold by the breeders and track owners and I am afraid the industry is a day late and a dollar short.

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

David — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:46:48 GMT

Collectively the industry has sufficient funds to do as you say. Unfortunately, few appear willing to allow synergy to displace parochial kingdoms. Protecting jobs within the dozens of overlapping groups, state commissions creating wheels and a menagerie of horsemen groups who define best practice as that which happens within their own jurisdiction all serve to sap revenue that could be put to good use. Mr. Brown is correct of course but the core question remains – who is capable of bringing about reform?

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

Dan — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:08:12 GMT

I like night racing as well. Churchill does it right.

I think consolodation does need to take place however to create more of an event atmosphere, compared to a grind perception. Monmouth is on the right track in my opionion...no pun intended.

Racing Must entice...

Create corporate partnerships to increase wager rewards...Casino's have VIPs, why would a race track expect to get his business without treating a big player accordingly.

Sale: why not market a "sale" lower a tracks takeout in hopes of increasing revenue

Taxing is still a major issue...you can win thousands at a casino...yet you win 600 times your bet regardless of your spread...you have to pay a tax...that needs to be fixed.

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

FourCats — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:06:50 GMT

"The industry needs to wise up and invest in the kind of wagering technology necessary for the sport’s survival."

It's not the "industry". There is no "industry". The only people who have the wherewithal and capability to fund innovation, clean up the facilities and market horse racing are the track owners. But almost all of them spend all of their efforts lobbying to get slots and no effort marketing the sport of horse racing or providing clean facilities. I'm not naive enough to not realize that the owners are facing financial difficulties. But any business that hopes to thrive in the future needs to market itself, improve it's product and provide a clean/pleasant environment for it's customers. It really seems as if the track owners just don't care (or are completely incompetent).

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

olliejay — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:44:27 GMT

Great article and right on the money.The business is out there,just needs to be tapped.Night racing dates a great idea,especially friday nights.More info and great contests on-site a definite plus.The influx of new affordable exotic bets has been a good thing at many tracks.I do think casinos,slots,race tracks,hotels,restaurants.and other entertainment venues can make great business partners,and great destinations to visit.Now if we can just get the money to see the light,we the customer will come.

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

Ken Woodall — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:20:26 GMT

I agree that general public tie-ins, prizes, and learning easy ways to hanicap will help. But every sport also needs long-term followers starting at a relatively young age. There cneeds to be developed a tie-in between young people and jockeys.

Young people are tied in greatly to Toby McGuire, but for Spiderman, not Seabiscuit. More color, action, and confrontation, modern looking story line. Let's hope the Secretariat movie helps. and tei-ins can be produced!

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

shuttleworth — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:19:33 GMT

I agree. I think new technology, promotional and marketing efforts, and non-profit tie-ins can keep racing as a viable sport in the future. I also believe that racing needs a commissioner, and needs to continue investing in ways to make racing safer for horses and jockeys. I applaud the efforts by some, notably Jess Jackson, in their efforts to breed strength/stamina back into the breed. An oversight committee with specific roles, headed by a commissioner would be a strong proactive approach to secure the future of racing... (now if we could get everyone to agree on something... )

re: Growth is Good - By Evan Hammonds

jonathan — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:32:53 GMT

Larry Ellison decided "The Americas Cup", one of America's oldest sporting events needed to come home. He took his spirit and money, recruited sponsorship, took part of his life and indeed brought the cup home. Horse racing is not much different - It is about marketing in appropriate ways and the industry better wake up before the thoroughbred industry goes the way of the America's Cup - We are almost out of time!