How does racing today compare to the 70s or 80s?

[Split Rock]

I grew up on racing in the mid 80s and early 90s. I look at the cards today and long for the type of racing I remember when I started.

Is the quality of racing the same today? Better? Worse? Not even really talking about the stakes races but more the other stuff.

Seems like a lot more layoff, droppers win today then they did years ago. I dunno...maybe its just me.

[Port Conway Lane]

That's a broad question depending on exactly what you mean.
When you say droppers win more you are referring to trainers. It would be exhaustive to research those stats. I recall there was talk of collusion among the big three trainers in Maryland in the late 70's in which they wouldn't claim each other's horses. I've always understood racing is healthy when there are abundant claims.

I look at the cards today and long for the type of racing I remember when I started.

I guess that depends on where you played. Today you can choose any track or competitive races with large fields that you wish. In the mid 80's I would play Maryland on the weekends and Charles Town Friday and Saturday night. I couldn't get enough with only 40 races to choose from in between the work week. I do kind of miss that...It doesn't make sense to me but I feel I was more selective back then.

I'd say the quality of racing is no better or worse. People have a way of remembering the good times and forgetting the bad. When you're in the present, the bad times aren't as easily forgotten.

[Arletta]

I don't think there is any comparison to racing then and now... Horses ran more often it seemed back then it was't so much about rushing them off to stud like it is now days. The breed was a bit sturdier too.
Now we are lucky to see horses race past their 3 yr old year. It will never be like it was IMO.

[keithting]

It's like comparing Babe Ruth to Mark McGuire. Good Luck !

I love it when I still see a horse get a "blow out" 1-2 days prior to race day. Don't see it often anymore......

[2Hot4TV]

Horses worked or raced every 5 to 7 days.

You had tons of claiming races of all different values,

10k, 12.5, 16,20,25,32,40,50,62.5k

It was hard to draw in to a race because they filled

You had trouble getting the stalls you wanted

yes the majority of horses could run faster than a fat man, as I remember.

No way could a bunch of horses named Warren get stalls

[herkhorse]

Originally Posted by 2Hot4TV

Horses worked or raced every 5 to 7 days.

You had tons of claiming races of all different values,

10k, 12.5, 16,20,25,32,40,50,62.5k

It was hard to draw in to a race because they filled

You had trouble getting the stalls you wanted

yes the majority of horses could run faster than a fat man, as I remember.

No way could a bunch of horses named Warren get stalls

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by HomerS

Whether intentional or not think you hit on most important part. McGwire- drugs.

Not saying sport was clean back in 70's but not out of control like today. That has large part to do with the differences between now and then.

ridiculous

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[randallscott35]

I think drugs were likely just as bad in the 70's. Sorry.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by HomerS

What is ridiculous?

Was drug use more prevalent in 70's? Is that what you are saying in your own unique way?

Far worse yet people were oblivious to the situation.