Current state of Thoroughbred Racing....

[Echo Farm]

This was posted on another forum..........Interesting

Sports Illustrated from August 12, 1963.

On the cover is Alfred G Vanderbilt. Title, Alfred G Vanderbilt Rebels against racings establishment.


"The major points in Vanderbilt's immediate bill of particulars are:

1) Thoroughbred racing is now much too concerned with the betting dollar.
2) Management is not putting on a good show for the customers.
3) The heavy emphasis on sprints and claiming races overvalues the cheap horse and discourages the breeding and training of classic thoroughbreds.
4) The officiating at racetracks is uneven, sometimes uninformed and occassionally unfair."

Wow, we've made progress in the last 43 years!!!!

Some ideas Vanderbilt had:
1) A thorough physical examination for every horse just prior to a race.
2) A uniform examination to qualify for a trainers license.
3) A nationwide policing agency for racing.
4) Better protection for stable areas.
5) Improved sterilization methods for racing equipment.
6) Better accomodations for stable help.

Another thought of his was for the sport to curtail but not totally abolish 2 year old races before April 1st.