The Great Derby Paradox

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by asudevil

I'm sitting here and reflecting upon yesterday. Great story lines, the winning connections, etc. and all that despite a horrific weather day. I digress....kudos to those here who scored big. MMSC and Point come to mind with the Oaks/Derby punts. I believe I'm one of the many who said after the race, "if I only put Golden Soul in the 2nd position, as well as 3rd and 4th."

Today the data has been pouring in. Second largest handle ever (good weather would have pushed it to a record). Best NBC ratings in 21 years. Good pub earlier in the week from two 60 Minutes segments. You know where I'm going with this. Why then does the sport continually have challenges throughout the year? Obviously I'm not including BC, Saratoga, Del Mar, and I guess Keeneland to some extent. The marketing of the Derby has certainly helped widen the appeal. The purists may not love the celebs, red carpet, the mansion, etc...but it is sure working to the event's advantage. Apart from this, I guess the derby is part and parcel to what's become an ADHD society. The need for star studded events with a splash of instant gratification. Who knows if that's it?

Because the sport is on 7 days a week 365 days a year and wipes out the folks who love it enough to engage it daily.