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Originally Posted by Cannon Shell
Obviously Minor would be an upgrade over Brunetti and/or Magna but I fear that his 'vision' for racing seems an awful lot like Stronach's was when he decided to become a track operator. The cold hard fact is in the gambling business currently there is tons of competition that didnt exist in years past and the ontrack experience regardless of how great it is simply not enough to mitigate the effects of casinos, slots parlors and online gaming among other things on the bottom line. Like it or not it is impossible to operate a racetrack and be competitive in regards to takeout, bettors perks (rebates, better customer service, maintain facilities, etc.) and purses while maintaining safe racing surfaces and adequate barn facilities without an alternate form of gambling or 'handout' from those that exist.
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This is well said Chuck and I agree. I dont think Stronach's "vision" was that far off. I just think he bit off way more than he could chew. If he had kept his purchases to just Santa Anita and Gulfstream, he could have invested much more into making his "vision" complete and the finished product would have been better all the way around.
The world has changed and racing needs to change with it. In order for tracks to sustain themselves year around, there has to be other means for generating income.