What is the allure of racing?

[Split Rock]

I stumbled across this article about the survey HANA did on why poker/sports bettors do not play horse racing. http://blog.horseplayersassociation....r-players.html

Basically, most in this survey said the takeout was the biggest turnoff. I agree but also think there are other factors which push most people away and many other problems that need to be addressed if racing is ever going to approach the interest of the 70's and 80's.

In my opinion, it is faulty to try and use poker, sports betting, lottery, slots, blackjack or really any other gambling entity as a gauge. I think the first rule is to identify the REAL allure of horse racing. This is a HUGE question that has never really been verbalized by those in charge of the product.

I believe that the one thing that bonds most, if not all, dedicated horse players is the ability to use deductive reasoning, stat crunching and experience into an opinion. This opinion can be turned into money in a matter of minutes.

Imagine if you took the racing form and program away, would you still be interested in following the game? No. The data you use is the cornerstone of your interest. In addition, I think a certain personality type is drawn to this type of number crunching and it certainly isn't for everyone.

Having said all that, I think the influx of illegal drugs into the game has diluted critical information that bettors keep and, thus, reduced the mental challenge to that of a simple gambling entity. If racing could get control of this problem, it would enhance the analytical appeal. However, I'm quite certain the drugs are here to stay.

In order for racing to attract outside players is not to sell it as a "get rich quick, easy gambling venture" but as a mental challenge that requires intellectual horsepower. It may not sell with the masses but it is true, in my opinion.

Anyone else have an opinion on what the real allure of horse racing is?