Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

lonesomeglory — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:47:37 GMT

Churchill Downs Inc. Is now first & foremost a gaming company. The current management neither knows nor cares about Thoroughbred racing, history & tradition nor are they horsemen. The historic track & the Kentucky Derby are simply vehicles for making money. The barrage of complaints & criticism from owners, trainers, handicappers & fans has been well documented & yet CDI's apologies are so lame it's embarrassing. They obviously have no intention of dealing with these problems. The treatment of Ron Turcotte was especially disgraceful & CDI should be embarrassed & ashamed. $500 for a handicapped parking space? Just another example of CDI moneygrubbing & gouging.

I am beginning to see why the Breeders Cup may never come back to Churchill Downs.

If people want to experience truly classy Thoroughbred racing & gracious Southern hospitality go to Lexington & visit Keeneland.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

sceptre — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:50:40 GMT

Sandyloam:

Nothing "disjointed" at all with my comment(s). Yours, on the other hand, attest to a lack of comprehension, since you apparently misread that mine were scornful of the public.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

SandyLoam — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:03:20 GMT

Hey sceptre, trying to get past your disjointed comment, the game depends on "the public" to exist. Comments I see everywhere that fans should take what they get and shut up about being victims and just learn to love it are easy. Martyrdom, or autocracy in your case, is so cute. So you keep racing at Churchill and we'll keep boycotting CD and wish you the best of luck. And for all of us Chicagoans, these corporate policies show themselves at Arlington, which is also eminently boycottable.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

nanito — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:36:37 GMT

Mr. Mitchell is quite right, and to his comments we'll have to add those from the owners of California Chrome

and the thousands of Calder loyals that were sold out by Churchill Downs to Gulfstream. Did not they realize that Frank Stronach only wants customers for his Gulfstream Village, up to now a lossing venture, just like his rock concerts years ago. I wonder if the next Kentucky Derby is going to be run at Gulfstream.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Soldier Course — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:52:18 GMT

Jean In Chicago

Pimlico should feel used rather than complimented by Mr. Coburn's remarks. You don't compliment one person by criticizing another. The owner usurped a golden moment and turned it into a cheap shot.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

TurfRuler — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:24:22 GMT

They should remember that the race is called the Kentucky Derby and not the extravaganza for a Churchill Downs profit bonanza. When they insulted all of the ardent followers and admirers of horse racing by stating that since thoroughbreds train on dirt they can run on dirt in response to the issue of the turf track at Fair Grounds it reminded me of what the main issue is about. We may love the Kentucky Derby but it's management we can't handle.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

fightonfig — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 15:43:49 GMT

EXACTLY, its bottom line, wall street, shareholders &

for profit company...Get one of those guys at

CDI to run the Veterans Affairs !

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

BelmontBarb — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 03:06:44 GMT

It is quite disturbing about Churchill Downs and most unattractive - as we continue to be informed of all the issues they have ~ it might be a good idea to let "Yum Brands" step in and handle it - that might give Churchill a message - since they are the major sponsor for The Derby. Yes, they need to show a bit more respect to the blood, sweat and tears that are part of racing. If the management is the problem - get them out - make them history and run the track the way it should be - by horsemen - that know what it takes to get to the finish line. Its unacceptable and darkens racing that has already to many flaws and faults that need attention in a race of survival.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Your Only Friend — Sat, 31 May 2014 23:16:12 GMT

CD had attendance of 165,000 plus on Derby Day ...all within approximately one square mile....think they had many things to worry about other than few owners and how they were treated.....how about public safety for one.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Jean in Chicago — Sat, 31 May 2014 17:39:11 GMT

If Steve Coburn hadn't said anything at Pimlico, none of us would be discussing this now. Any mistreatment of anyone would have just been swept under the rug and, while perhaps talked about in private, would never have been aired in public. Also, his criticism of CD was part of a compliment to Pimlico ("CD could learn a lot about hospitality from Pimlico. Everyone here has been wonderful").

As for the parking space for Ron Turcotte, somehow any possible 'regulatory problems' disappeared once the film crew came up with more money.

Your Only Friend: While no one may have the right to tell owners how to run their business, the public certainly has a right to know how that business is run and if this knowledge effects public choice as to whether or not to patronize the business, so be it.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Jacqui B — Sat, 31 May 2014 09:25:22 GMT

CDI neither knows, nor cares, about Thoroughbred racing - they have already sold two venues to be turned into residential/retail areas. CDI management should be the ones who wear jackasses on the back of their jackets.....

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

robinm — Sat, 31 May 2014 02:36:33 GMT

At some point I hope to hear from the "silent" partner in the Cal Chrome partnership, exactly what so disturbed him about his treatment at Churchill Downs. I'll agree with some that Steve Coburn's comments were out of place during the televised Preakness awards ceremony. It appeared to me that what started out as a compliment to Pimlico, morphed into a censure of Churchill Down's hospitality. I, too, felt it was the wrong time, but I can forgive Mr. Coburn as he was very emotional at the time, and I don't think his comments were rehearsed. It's harder to forgive Churchill Downs, as Mr. Coburn's negative comment is just one of many.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Soldier Course — Fri, 30 May 2014 20:53:58 GMT

The use of parking spaces for disabled people might be regulated by government agencies. I've gotten that impression when I've had to call about renewing my mother's permit. If that's the case in Kentucky, then it's possible that CD couldn't "reserve" one of its disabled parking space for Ron Turcotte or anyone else. The spaces might be governed by a first come, first served basis.

else.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Kentucky Proud — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:29:16 GMT

Sad deal. CDI won't change their ways so we all need to get over it.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

bobbywine7 — Fri, 30 May 2014 11:39:52 GMT

Would Yankee Stadium tell Reggie Jackson, "N0 PARKING PASSES F0R Y0U!!! Methinks N0T. CD is a DISGRACE!! R0N TURC0TTE deserved better!!

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Needler in Virginia — Fri, 30 May 2014 02:44:07 GMT

PLEASE tell me no one is suggesting that the management of Churchill Downs can't designate one of its' many "minions" (for lack of a better word) to take care of owners who have horses running in the Derby. For most owners having a horse in the Derby is a one time thing; attending THAT race should be a HUGE deal, if we're to believe (as Churchill constantly reminds us) that it is the biggest horse race in the States. The owners are the ones who have paid the bills that got the horse there, and since the horse has no interest in sitting in the grandstands, the owners have, literally, paid for the right to be allowed a little pride of place at the track. And I, for one, have NO problem with the slams on CDI from Mr Porter, Mr Turcotte, Mr Porter or anyone else who has been treated badly by CDI and its' band of foolish managers. If any one of us were in the DAP position, after having been treated so callously after winning the Derby, I daresay we might have been WAY more than PO'ed, too. If any of us were in Mr Porter's position regarding the dismissive attitude toward the Normandy veterans and, by extension, his horse, Normandy Invasion, I'd bet money we'd be PO'ed, too. As for Mr Turcotte, WHO can justify the way Churchill Downs treated a two time winner of the Derby and Hall of Famer, who now rides a wheelchair? Nope, the big deal track now appears small minded, narrow in scope, tacky, tawdry, and very small in how it welcomes paying customers into its' gates. Whoever posted above that Keeneland is the place to be on Derby Day got it spot on; IT IS!

Cheers and very safe trips.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

sceptre — Thu, 29 May 2014 21:11:30 GMT

Let's look at reality. Jockey's don't ride, and owners (of which I'm one) don't own for your benefit/the public's benefit, rather they make these choices solely for their own interests/desires, etc. Why then are they due/deserving of more privilege?...Certainly, the handicapped are entitled to be accommodated such as to receive equal access, but I suspect that Turcotte felt that he was entitled to even more.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Eric Rickard — Thu, 29 May 2014 20:58:19 GMT

I have attended since Thunder Gulch won the Derby. Every year since my first year, the experience has gone down hill. I understand the cost of business, but the Fan treatment is horrible. If you do not have a seat, forget about a glimpse of the track. I love the game and most likely will continue to go; but Churchill should make it easier on the Fan and not have the attitude that people will come just because it is the DERBY.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

EJMitchellKy — Thu, 29 May 2014 19:10:58 GMT

The reason I left out Perry Martin missing the Preakness because of his reportedly bad experience at Churchill Downs is because we never actually heard from Mr. Martin directly on the problems he experienced. I am sure the day was chaotic because of the crowds and trying to accommodate his elderly mother with her wheelchair. Even able-bodied people have trouble moving around Churchill Downs on Derby Day. So there were questions regarding this particular incidence. Was it a true failing on the part of Churchill Downs or was it a matter of trying to manage a difficult situation under extremely trying conditions? I don't know. I would like to hear the details from Perry Martin.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

rachel fan — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:51:03 GMT

Churchill Downs' poor treatment of the owners and other individuals mentioned is inexcusable. These people have worked long and hard to prepare their horses to compete at the track and they should be entitled to preferential treatment for their efforts and for the revenue they bring to the track and to the sport. It's sad that CDI has only issued a stock statement which falls far short of the apology owed CC's owners.

That said, I'm also of the opinion that Coburn's comments at Preakness regarding CD, however accurate and earnest, shouldn't have been shared during the trophy presentation. Granted, he was overcome with emotion, but this is a professional sport and he could have kept his emotions in check and waited for a more appropriate opportunity to communicate his dissatisfaction with the way he and his partner were treated. I am a total California Chrome fan and am rooting for him to win the Triple Crown, but I hope Coburn will put a lid on his borderline cockiness should he win and use discretion in his public statements.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Azeri1 — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:50:42 GMT

Actually Mr. Mitchell was very diplomatic and left out some of the details from some the complainants. Mr. Turcotte was treated shamelessly. He has had problems obtaining parking at Churchill on more than one occasion, and one of those occasions was not a race day, but a day that he was there gratis to participate in the filming of a documentary. Mr. Turcotte stated that the film crew members ended up paying for him to obtain a handicap accessible space for disabled persons at a track parking lot. This should not be happening to a Hall of Fame jockey, who came to Churchill to work on a racing education project. It wasn't the busiest day of the year. It was an average day.

I don't understand why anyone would criticize Mr. Coburn for standing up for the indignation that he perceived his partner Mr. Martin and Mr. Martin's family endured during their attendance at The Kentucky Derby. I feel he had every right to speak out on behalf of his colleague and friend.

Again these issue both centered around people who have suffered disabilities being able to have basic access to the track facilities. People with mobility issues should be able to enjoy the experience of racing and should be able to attend the most famous American horse race.

Hospitality is a key issue here.If you are going to do business, a primary element of customer-oriented business is hospitality. Be grateful for your customers. Honor people who have contributed to the legacy of your business.

In the tragic case of Don't Tell Lynda, it appears that the fan experience has taken precedent over sense and safety. Surely anyone who has ever ridden a horse for more than a casual pony ride would understand that horses spook-both easily and often. Their hearing range is more acute than humans averaging between 55-33,500 Hz. A 750 speaker system playing during schooling and post-parade with distracting commercials is probably not the safest of choices when it comes to the welfare of horses and riders. I hope that the issue will be addressed so that no more horses and riders will have to be put in jeopardy.

Churchill Downs is one of the premier racing venues in the country. I agree with ksweatman9. If the individuals running CD can't appreciate and honor the legacy associated with the memories of the legendary horses, trainers, jockeys and owners who have graced the venue in the past then maybe they should abdicate and let people who appreciate the history of the track manage it.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Soldier Course — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:31:11 GMT

GhostTown:

I continue to believe that Mr. Coburn should have chosen another time and place to air his grievances with Churchill Downs. It was unseemly of the owner of this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner to turn the Winner's Circle at Pimlico into his soapbox on national television. When the Triple Crown races are over next month, I hope that Churchill Downs will issue a detailed response to its side of this story. In the meantime, let's turn our full attention to California Chrome and all that he stands to bestow on those who love him and his sport, nine days from now.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Dr. G — Thu, 29 May 2014 18:25:33 GMT

The takeout increase just before the start of the spring meet, IMO, was nothing more than a crass move to grab a bigger slice of the Derby and Oaks Day handle. It has diminished my interest in betting post-Derby CD races, although I suspect management wouldn't give a damn because that's not a big piece of their bottom line. I never thought I'd say this, but CDI is making NYRA look good!

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

JasonR — Thu, 29 May 2014 17:30:15 GMT

When Reagan deemed that corporations could pay CEOs with stock, they went to hell in a hand basket ever since. Same with the Sherman anti trust act. We need to get back, Jo Jo.

re: Churchill Just Doesn't Seem to Care - by Eric Mitchell

Bloodline Bob — Thu, 29 May 2014 16:31:28 GMT

I attended the BC in 2006 @ Churchill Downs. I'll NEVER return to that race track again, Boston Bob.