[philcski]

Originally Posted by Kasept

I totally disagree. It was designed to get writers/cappers who overlook the jump action to actually give the race some attention. It was designed to promote some fun and chatter/buzz and did it's job.

I hadn't given the hoppers a serious going-over in years, and I did so Wednesday/Thursday getting the winner with the Most Likely tab Wed. and Best Value selection today. I didn't use the voucher as I was doing something before the first yesterday and couldn't get away, but the majority of media outlet types that were included thought it was a novel gesture.

Only one utter phony took a vocal stand against the concept.. a sour, unhappy, small person who claimed to be above taking the voucher but cheerily walked out of a NSA Golf Outing last year with a swag gift bag worth more than $300. Also consumes press box lunches at Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct. Maybe 300 of them a year at $5 or $6/day?

"TRIPPED UP: I've never been a fan of steeplechase racing, but yesterday I was insulted when executives of the National Steeplechase Association passed out $50 betting vouchers to members of the press before yesterday's first jump race. Can you say bribe? I rightfully turned it down, but several other writers took the $50 voucher. Some claimed they would donate the money to charity, which I doubt. While others said truthfully, "Charity begins at home." I hope the NSA got its money's worth of positive reviews. Pathetic! "


I wipe my a$$ with the Daily News.