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Originally Posted by Kasept
The Dubai World Cup is run by the ruling family for the ruling family's amusement. Is there serious competition for the entertainment dollar in Dubai? The Carnival runs for a handful of weeks one and two nights a week. They aren't luring spectators with clever marketing. And horsemen/owners come from around the world because of the purses. Middle-Easten ownership of North American tracks isn't going to magically transform the venues into hotbeds.
If you want to stick to 'better product' as a line of reasoning, that's cool. Many agree with you there. Less racing, with fuller fields of more competitive runners, is a definite formula for improved racing and renewed or wider player interest. But the last statement about '100's of tracks' and 'only 5-10 worth going to or betting on' is just wrong. There aren't 100's of tracks and even the "worst" track out there can likely have a fun atmosphere and great race day every once in a while.
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Dubai World Cup will only get bigger and better with the introduction of thier new Meydan Track. Do you realize that people at Nad Al Sheba who come to the track can not bet on the races?? Yet thousands and thousands come to watch. That is unheard of in the United States. Its not like the middle east is rich in horse racing tradition as compared to U.S. and Europe.
There is a reason MLB, NBA, and NFL dont set-up teams in small towns - Why? there is no market. Why does horse racing build tracks out in BFE?? There is a reason why your two biggest Racing venues are in New York and Los Angeles. No coincidence.
The "dont-care" approach is why horse racing is losing fans.