Stauffer's call of the 6th tonight.

[CSC]

I'm sorry I couldn't read through all 167 posts in this thread needless to say I got the jist of the discussion...what I can only add to this discussion is, I believe Vic is trying to be impartial when calling races that Joel's partakes in and perhaps he is; however as a fan who is watching the races it is hard for me to separate the thought that one of the riders he represents is one he calls regularily in races. To me this has much more to do with what may be perceived rather than what is said, to me I'm not sure even King Soloman would escape this type of microscope and that in itself hinders the watching of the race.

[horseofcourse]

I had zero clue Vic Stauffer was the agent for Joel Rosario until last night when I saw the poll questions on this board. I've watched quite a few HP races this season. Honest to God, I had no clue he was Rosario's agent. I don't watch HP every day, but I have probably listened to over 50 of his calls this season and had no idea of this fact of him being connected to Rosario. Take that for what it's worth. I did have a 100 percent clue that Jeff Van Gundy was Stan Van Gundy's brother. I honestly did not care he did commentary on the NBA finals despite the obvious and complete conflict of interest. It bothered me not at all. Everything you do in life is a freaking conflict of interest. Everything. Every stinking decision you make in life is a conflict of interest if you really look closely into any aspect of your life. End of story. Period. Cool thread. OF course my opinion is meaningless. It does go without saying, that whatever answer Coach Pants gave on this thread is the correct answer. So just refer to that.

[docicu3]

I can't wait for Vic's last call at Hollywood Park only then will we likely see how creative this guy can really be.......

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by docicu3

I can't wait for Vic's last call at Hollywood Park only then will we likely see how creative this guy can really be.......

Hopefully that doesn't happen for a very long time.

[Chalky]

Whenever I bet Rosario at Hollywood Park, which I do quite often, I damn sure know where my horse stands throughout the race.

Vic is probably human and does concentrate a bit more on Rosario than others, and how could he not? He does have a vested interest in the success of one horse over the others, and like anyone in that situation, you tend to keep an eye on that horse and the trip he's getting.

If people are noticing this, and I believe those who watch Hollywood everyday are, then Hollywood has to make a decision whether or not this is a significant problem. The problem not being Vic, but the problem allowing announcers to be jock's agents.

Others on this forum have rightly alluded to announcers wagering on a race and thereby having a conflict as well. While I agree, it would seem much easier for them to "mask" this conflict, as there allegiance changes from race to race, and is not focused on one jockey (or trainer, for that matter).

And announcers do have lots of friends at the track, especially announcers such as Vic.

So I guess individual tracks have to decide on their own what to do with each of these "conflicts", keeping in mind that many (such as gambling on the races) are not enforceable (the announcer would just have a friend make the wager like jockeys do).

For me, I would not allow the announcer to be a jocks agent as well. I think I would be setting the track, and my announcer, up to criticism. Our sport has enough perceived conflicts surrounding it with the general public.....

Excellent post, Chalky.

[rontheman1964]

Hey wait a minute....if Vic can indeed influence the outcome of races with his race calls....we are all missing out on a golden opportunity to become incredibly wealthy. Vic just has to let us know who he will be favoring in his calls and we will all be camped out in the cashier's line.

See how absurd this thread is???? Nuff said.....

Originally Posted by Chalky

Whenever I bet Rosario at Hollywood Park, which I do quite often, I damn sure know where my horse stands throughout the race.

Vic is probably human and does concentrate a bit more on Rosario than others, and how could he not? He does have a vested interest in the success of one horse over the others, and like anyone in that situation, you tend to keep an eye on that horse and the trip he's getting.

If people are noticing this, and I believe those who watch Hollywood everyday are, then Hollywood has to make a decision whether or not this is a significant problem. The problem not being Vic, but the problem allowing announcers to be jock's agents.

Others on this forum have rightly alluded to announcers wagering on a race and thereby having a conflict as well. While I agree, it would seem much easier for them to "mask" this conflict, as there allegiance changes from race to race, and is not focused on one jockey (or trainer, for that matter).

And announcers do have lots of friends at the track, especially announcers such as Vic.

So I guess individual tracks have to decide on their own what to do with each of these "conflicts", keeping in mind that many (such as gambling on the races) are not enforceable (the announcer would just have a friend make the wager like jockeys do).

For me, I would not allow the announcer to be a jocks agent as well. I think I would be setting the track, and my announcer, up to criticism. Our sport has enough perceived conflicts surrounding it with the general public.....

Maybe he would actually concentrate on Rosario less, knowing that others know he is Rosario's agent. I personally believe Bob Griese did this when calling his sons games.

What is interesting to me is how many people actually listen to the call. My speakers are out on one computer and I actually dont like hearing the call on most races that I am looking back at. Personally, I only like the call live. On review, I find it distracting.