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Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers
I would say a day at the track, by say a newbie family of four, can be very low cost entertainment when stacked against a professional sporting event. Will a newbie family pour money into a pick-6? No. But they will come to spend a nice day with their family, watch the races, maybe play a few small wagers, have a soda and a hot dog? Yes, they will.
I think a lot of people on the board and in general, racing wide, think of racing as just the bottom line wagering business. Granted, that is a good majority of what it is. But there is wiggle room to make money off of the casual fan or new fan. When you boil racing down to it's core and you ignore the money aspect, horse racing can be a captivating drama. Even at the lower levels, excitement can be had. With the economy in that shape it is, people, families, are looking for a break from reality, even for only 3 or 4 hours at a time. When you don't have to worry about work, bills, stuff like that.
Racing can provide an excellent suspension of reality for folks, and at a low cost. You don't need to have a hardcore wagering investment to enjoy it.
It's also worth noting that out of the last economic crisis in question (the Depression) one of the game's greatest icons was born, in Seabiscuit.
People didn't grow to love the horse because they were making money on him, they loved him because they saw a little bit of themselves in him.
I'm not saying any of this will replicate itself in any fashion, but there is a chance to make a mark on newer, casual fans. It shouldn't be dismissed outright as impossible.
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