ESPN needs new Horse Racing crew

[ELA]

I won't get into the petty remarks or what have you, however, IMO, I think ESPN does a very good job vis a vis "the product" that is made available to them, time slots, programming decisions, etc. Remember, the on-air talent doesn't control content or context for that matter. As far as on-air talent, I personally think there should be more of a "Bob Costas" element to broadcasting. The warm and fuzzies are great, but there is always more.

Personally, personal feelings aside, reputation on the backstretch, etc. -- I like what Jerry Bailey brings to the table. I don't often like the delivery, voice inflection, and similar attributes, but I have always said that getting a jockey's perspective on various aspects of racing is something that most fans -- including most here -- don't see, know about, understand, and so on. Don't get me wrong, if you are not interested in that, great, take what you like and leave the rest. However, how many people have ever seen the starting gate up close and now about all the steps leading up to the break? And everything that happens at the break and into the start of the race. There's so much in our sport that is so great and the public should see that.

As far as being on camera, in my own field, professionally, I have been on national TV/cable numerous times. Let me say this -- it ain't easy, LOL. You could know everything in the world about the topic at hand and -- it still ain't easy, LOL. When you are the on-air talent for a segment, normally, you are in a zone of being able to perform -- that's what you do. You rely on many people to do many things so that you can perform.

Anyway, I think "the product" is not an easy one to televise, and it needs to be positioned or repositioned. There are some great stories that the public should see and hear about. The "behind the scenes" aspects are rarely seen and that too could enhance the product so to speak. Of course, like many, we should see more of it.

Eric