Rachel, handle, exposure... it's all there

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Wow, Steve... did I strike a nerve? I'm not sure why... I was just saying how this weekend shows that horse racing still has a pulse in general society, which regardless of how big any industry is, general interest is a positive.

But your point seems to be that who cares if general society doesn't like horse racing because we have a core following which will for sure carry this sport. Well, these figures tell me otherwise...



And you know how much I care about this game and what I've done to grow interest... that's not really a fair or accurate statement.

Any nerve struck wasn't by your post specifically. I'm tired of the 'woe is us' mentality that pervades a certain percentage of the industry and fan base.

General interest is fine, and it creates long term interest.

The wagering numbers are deceptive. Note that they encompass a period where certain amounts of handle went off shore. They also reflect the very recent peiod where ADW/HBPA/Signal providers were in a feeling out tug of war. And you have handle loss reflected there from the synthetic travails.

There's plenty of business out there and new customers will keep coming to the game. The chicken little mentality of aging fan base has been around 50 years. Racing is like Hyman Roth... dying from the same heart attack for 30 years.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Any nerve struck wasn't by your post specifically. I'm tired of the 'woe is us' mentality that pervades a certain percentage of the industry and fan base.

General interest is fine, and it creates long term interest.

The wagering numbers are deceptive. Note that they encompass a period where certain amounts of handle went off shore. They also reflect the very recent peiod where ADW/HBPA/Signal providers were in a feeling out tug of war. And you have handle loss reflected there from the synthetic travails.

There's plenty of business out there and new customers will keep coming to the game. The chicken little mentality of aging fan base has been around 50 years. Racing is like Hyman Roth... dying from the same heart attack for 30 years.

I guess my point was while despite all these issues and "woe is us" mentality so many people in racing have, there is plenty out there to grab a hold of. Yesterday's Preakness is a prime example.

The same heart attack argument has a lot of merit because the negative-minded individuals have been singing the same song ever since I read my horse racing book. But at the same time, society is changing, interest and entertainment values to general society are changing as well. So I am concerned of an industry sitting back on its heels, hoping for a slot machine to save it, while not proactively attacking the fronts which could provide the longevity the sport needs.

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

while not proactively attacking the fronts which could provide the longevity the sport needs.

Like giving the FATman his trackus
and letting me bet on the net.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by pgardn

Like giving the FATman his trackus
and letting me bet on the net.

letting you bet on the net is a states rights issue, unless the federal government were to step in but that is never going to happen IMO.

now if they repeal the internet betting law then you can wager overseas, its non pari-mutual and the state wont have any real say legally.

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

letting you bet on the net is a states rights issue, unless the federal government were to step in but that is never going to happen IMO.

now if they repeal the internet betting law then you can wager overseas, its non pari-mutual and the state wont have any real say legally.

Yep.
I would rather lose my money to the tracks here though.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

I guess my point was while despite all these issues and "woe is us" mentality so many people in racing have, there is plenty out there to grab a hold of. Yesterday's Preakness is a prime example.

The same heart attack argument has a lot of merit because the negative-minded individuals have been singing the same song ever since I read my horse racing book. But at the same time, society is changing, interest and entertainment values to general society are changing as well. So I am concerned of an industry sitting back on its heels, hoping for a slot machine to save it, while not proactively attacking the fronts which could provide the longevity the sport needs.

We're on the same page, which is why I didn't want you to think your original post specifically set me off. I should elaborate more but can't right now... Most of the industry's issues stems from its' age and longevity. It's complex but is steadily being addressed. Those looking for a panacea will be disappointed. Yesterday was a huge win for all that's good about racing.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Kasept

We're on the same page, which is why I didn't want you to think your original post specifically set me off. I should elaborate more but can't right now... Most of the industry's issues stems from its' age and longevity. It's complex but is steadily being addressed. Those looking for a panacea will be disappointed. Yesterday was a huge win for all that's good about racing.

I just hope people in my generation understand how 'huge' yesterday was, and not take it for granted. The older generation had horses like Personal Ensign and Ruffian and RA is my generation's horse

I am already salivating at seeing RA versus Zenyatta in California.....

[Heels1989]

Originally Posted by Scav

I just hope people in my generation understand how 'huge' yesterday was, and not take it for granted. The older generation had horses like Personal Ensign and Ruffian and RA is my generation's horse

I am already salivating at seeing RA versus Zenyatta in California.....

Are you sure its not for your margarita girl?

[Scav]

Originally Posted by Heels1989

Are you sure its not for your margarita girl?

Her too but I am guessing the margarita girl industry has a high turnover....

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Scav

I just hope people in my generation understand how 'huge' yesterday was, and not take it for granted. The older generation had horses like Personal Ensign and Ruffian and RA is my generation's horse

I am already salivating at seeing RA versus Zenyatta in California.....

it was huge. she's a throwback to days gone by for sure.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Scav

I just hope people in my generation understand how 'huge' yesterday was, and not take it for granted. The older generation had horses like Personal Ensign and Ruffian and RA is my generation's horse

I am already salivating at seeing RA versus Zenyatta in California.....

Just basically wrote about that.

Very cool stuff to be seeing.