What is the allure of racing?
 

I stumbled across this article about the survey HANA did on why poker/sports bettors do not play horse racing. http://blog.horseplayersassociation....r-players.html

Basically, most in this survey said the takeout was the biggest turnoff. I agree but also think there are other factors which push most people away and many other problems that need to be addressed if racing is ever going to approach the interest of the 70's and 80's.

In my opinion, it is faulty to try and use poker, sports betting, lottery, slots, blackjack or really any other gambling entity as a gauge. I think the first rule is to identify the REAL allure of horse racing. This is a HUGE question that has never really been verbalized by those in charge of the product.

I believe that the one thing that bonds most, if not all, dedicated horse players is the ability to use deductive reasoning, stat crunching and experience into an opinion. This opinion can be turned into money in a matter of minutes.

Imagine if you took the racing form and program away, would you still be interested in following the game? No. The data you use is the cornerstone of your interest. In addition, I think a certain personality type is drawn to this type of number crunching and it certainly isn't for everyone.

Having said all that, I think the influx of illegal drugs into the game has diluted critical information that bettors keep and, thus, reduced the mental challenge to that of a simple gambling entity. If racing could get control of this problem, it would enhance the analytical appeal. However, I'm quite certain the drugs are here to stay.

In order for racing to attract outside players is not to sell it as a "get rich quick, easy gambling venture" but as a mental challenge that requires intellectual horsepower. It may not sell with the masses but it is true, in my opinion.

Anyone else have an opinion on what the real allure of horse racing is?

Is this going to be a weekly feature? Where you post a contrived, convoluted question in order to yet AGAIN draw everything back to medication issues, your personal whipping post? Just start a thread now and then that reminds everyone that you think the vast majority of participants in the game are cheating. It will be less arduous.

There's a already a big message board for people to bitch and whine endlessly about how bad racing sucks.. This isn't it.

Fair enough Steve. Would you want to play in a poker game with Matt Damon and Ed Norton?

i'll tell you why i love horse racing over sports betting,slots and poker....its the HORSES. i love animals. i grew up in saratoga and theres nothing more beautiful than a healthy racehorse. it takes YEARS of breeding and training to get the ultimate athlete.(most don't even appreciate the work that goes on EVERY morning!) the takeout, the cheating and complaining aside....its the most exciting minute or two you can get especially if you enjoy handicapping. any moron can pull a switch or push a button...sports betting with the spread...you might as well toss a coin. poker is different...its a thinker too but you are sitting around in a room full of people....it does not come close to the track, theres no horses! i know theres problems....i bitch from time to time too. but for me, hands down, its the best entertainment where money can be made going...unfortunately i am becoming a dinosaur, so who knows what the future holds. this game has given me a lifetime of fun and excitment....from memorable races to partying in the "backyards" with friends and family....where else am i going to get that? and bet on it?.....no where!

Where can you go for a day of entertainment and not spend a dime beyond a paltry admission? Some tracks you can even bring your own booze and food. How good is that?

AND, if you choose to wager and have half a brain and do a bit of studying , you stand a good chance of coming home with some profit or maybe not losing a cent.

I'd rather spend and lose money at the track than spend exponentially more at some of the concerts held at SPAC.

And, yeah, those horses make it all worth it.

Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....

I would if you'd bankroll me, Freddy.

Didn't mean to snap at you, but honestly, you started a nearly identical thread last Monday, did you not?

It's no news that there are a variety of problems that dog the game, and they are always worthy of discussion and attention. However, I spend countless hours specifically working to publicize the pleasures of the sport here, with Dee Tee and on "At the Races". I don't buy into the sky-is-falling rhetoric and the crap that is endlessly spewed by those who can't seem to figure out what there is to like about the sport. (Maybe if they worked at their handicapping a bit harder, they'd magically discover what there is to like about it.)

If people feel there isn't anything to appreciate about racing, fine. So be it. But why must those that are down on the game work overtime trying to diminish everyone else's enjoyment of it? That's what I've had enough of... I'm immensely proud that unlike most racing-related communities, this remains an upbeat spot where people that bet and enjoy following racing can congregate.

:tro:

I laughed.

Our greatest asset . All captured for history in the stud book dating back to the beginning of the breed .

I'll bite

Please explain why "drugs" in horseracing makes it a hard sport to back as opposed to other sports

Without wagering racing does not continue in its current format. Betting is paramount to the success of the sport. While nobody would argue that people loved watching steriod induced HR races etc. the sport doesn't require direct participant gambling to be successful. I do wonder a little about the NFL.

It is a very good discussion.

So no more negative talk?





























See you guys in another life.

Why don't you come spend some time on the backstretch, and learn all about the horrible drug problem you think exists? Serious offer. You in Kentucky?

Why do I love horse racing? Horses, athletes, first. The Thoroughbred is a terrific breed.

Respectfully, three points.

1. Who exactly are you making fun of with that first line? The people who consider themselves more fans than cappers?

If so I would argue that those are the people who at least try to bring others into the sport.

There are few of us (racing fans) as it is. I don't see any need to make fun of any one group.

2. Whether or not horse racing is glorious is subjective, is it not?

If it's defined as "marked by great beauty or splendor" I would argue it is (glorious).

3. Re: the being right part...

You make a point of adding in that last comment and what I'd like to know is, since the implication is that you are right a lot why don't you ever post your picks?