Why shouldn't they?

This is a sport that ought to embrace every single fan friendly thing possible. I'm not just talking about backstretch tours either - if people want to go back there, let the backstretch security ask their reasons - and if it's anything within reason by all means let them observe.

It probably depends on the horse and how they react to other horses in close proximity. I have no clue.

You are kidding....right?

There are millions of dollars worth of horseflesh on backstretches. Allowing unapproved people random access to this is potentially dangerous on many levels. Aside from the overtly obvious, these horses are also racing in betting events, and allowing the entire population access to them opens up the possibility of chicanery.

I'm all for genuine fans being properly escorted around the backstretch in the morning. However, if this isn't carefully controlled in could be a real problem. I know if I owned a lot of expensive horseflesh I wouldn't want every random person to be allowed near them in their barns.

I think you are being a little naive.

If anyone really wanted to do any real "chicanery" - the current security that is in place would NEVER be enough to stop them.

I'm not saying get rid of all security - in fact, anyone who wants back there should have to first talk with a security guard.

Neither would I.

I'm not being naive, and I understand what you're saying, but I still don't believe the public should be allowed unfettered access to the backstretch. It's a place of business, where the participants are prepared for the public part of the business.

I, myself, have got "unfettered" access to the backstretch at both KEE and Saratoga - going barn to barn with no credientals on me and no security in sight. Obviously tracks with expensive horses.

The press collectively does an abysmal job of reporting on when they ought to be reporting on...I think it's a major disservice to an on-track fan to have to rely upon their hackery ... when they can simply use their own legs and find out what they want to find out.

You're also denying the public an oppertunity to observe on their own time. Which should never happen in a sport with dying popularity.

I think it's a little silly to think anyone is going to really disrupt any of the "business" that goes on back there.

You have a point that you want to make and are not taking the time to look at the big picture. Not particularly unusual on the internet.

i think all the snakes would come out from the grass.

What is the big picture? That people should have to spend $30 for a license - which would give them all the unfettered access they want at any circuit in the country - and get them past security no questions asked?

Do tell

In dreams. Because people suck.

I often get frustrated when I can't find the answers to something I want - and I'm often in disagreement on what the press reports on day to day. It's often not bad reporting that frustrates me - but not being able to find out or hear about what I want to know.

If I'm on track - and I really want to know something that hasn't been reported - I will obviously do what I can to try and find out.

On two or three instances, it's meant going to the backside.

That is only a verysmall part of the reason why I think people ought not need to be denied access to the backside. So long as they are sober - and they let a guard know their reasons.

[quote=The Indomitable DrugS]I often get frustrated when I can't find the answers to something I want - and I'm often in disagreement on what the press reports on day to day. It's often not bad reporting that frustrates me - but not being able to find out or hear about what I want to know.

If I'm on track - and I really want to know something that hasn't been reported - I will obviously do what I can to try and find out.

On two or three instances, it's meant going to the backside.

That is only a verysmall part of the reason why I think people ought not need to be denied access to the backside.

So how do you compare this lack of access to other sports? I mean, I get it that they are horses vs humans, but if I can support your being "all access" as a legitimate contributor, why should "people"...assuming you are using that generally, be allowed carte blanche?

Someone might throw a cobra venom dart.
You could then blame the unknown demon.

Based on what trainers hint at, they have more
to fear from employee's from other trainers
than the general public.

I see your point. You pay 30 dollars so that automatically
means your clean. BTW might have had a terrorist fly a
plane into his face, so metal detectors are the next step.
no little bottles of shampoo, take your boots off

Personally I would want to control the number of people
and how close they can get to what can be very skittish animals.
People and animals could get hurt.

People are obviously allowed access at NFL training camps - and spring training in baseball etc. - when it comes down to in-season practices though - of course you can't have people around.

There is an element of secrecy with plays and formations...and the focus is on the team they will play the upcoming week.

It takes only purchasing the cheapest license to get that access on the backside.

http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/sho...highlight=dart

Agree with BTW here.....

That imbecile doesn't speak for me.

but fans aren't allowed into the locker room-which i would equate to the backstretch. if people want to watch the works, i would think that would be similar to being in the stands watching spring training.
but i see no reason to allow random access to the backside.
besides, liability could cause huge headaches. horses get loose, so a bystander could get run over-then who pays when joe schmo sues? the owner of the horse? the trainer? or the track?

There are some great imaginations on this board...

Of this I have no doubt.