Crist Article on TV Coverage

[Bobby Fischer]

most young people think Horseracing is boring. If you look at it from their point of view, you can see why. The action isn't all that exciting. Once in a while a great stretch duel happens, but most finishes are dull, and the race itself is BOR-ING if you lack the nuances or a stake in the action.

the game of horseplaying is a lot more exciting than the sport of horseracing.
The future of TV coverage is to broadcast the game. The only time horseracing should be even possibly shown as a separate historical sport, is maybe a race like the Kentucky Derby that has established history.

Broadcasting the game of horseplaying includes tournament play where the audience buys in and plays along in Real Time, for something like a $10 buy in $20 bankroll over several races and competes live with on screen"experts" who play along and are "naked" with over the shoulder coverage/strategy explanations. Significant prizes and name-on-screen top rankings are a big part of that future. Night racing with prime time hours is a must.

These same young men who are bored to death with the sport of horseracing also have a poker account and have made wagers on pro football, boxing, or even UFC fights. They have played fantasy football or other sports with a buy-in fee. It's time to wake up and broadcast this awesome game and stop wasting resources broadcasting a niche sport.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fischer

most young people think Horseracing is boring. If you look at it from their point of view, you can see why. The action isn't all that exciting. Once in a while a great stretch duel happens, but most finishes are dull.

the game of horseplaying is a lot more exciting than the sport of horseracing.
The future of TV coverage is to broadcast the game. The only time horseracing should be even possibly shown as a separate historical sport, is maybe a race like the Kentucky Derby that has established history.

Broadcasting the game of horseplaying includes tournament play where the audience buys in for something like a $10 buy in $20 bankroll over several races and competes live with on screen"experts" who play along and are "naked" with over the shoulder coverage/strategy explanations. Significant prizes and name-on-screen top rankings are a big part of that future. Night racing with prime time hours is a must.

These same young men who are bored to death with the sport of horseracing also have a poker account and have made wagers on pro football, boxing, or even UFC fights. They have played fantasy football or other sports with a buy-in fee. It's time to wake up and broadcast this awesome game and stop wasting resources broadcasting a niche sport.

Believe me though they find the gambling very exciting. Last year I messed around playing pick fours in socal, I had three young guys at work chip in and made usually 2-3 plays a week. They could care less who was racing, the type of race it was, they just liked the excitement of getting alive to that last race with a chance at a score. Are they horse racing fans, yea I guess, but if it was not for the score they could have cared less. They all play poker as well. Racing is soooo missing the ship thats sailing right now.

[Bobby Fischer]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

Believe me though they find the gambling very exciting. Last year I messed around playing pick fours in socal, I had three young guys at work chip in and made usually 2-3 plays a week. They could care less who was racing, the type of race it was, they just liked the excitement of getting alive to that last race with a chance at a score. Are they horse racing fans, yea I guess, but if it was not for the score they could have cared less. They all play poker as well. Racing is soooo missing the ship thats sailing right now.

agreed totally. I can get carried away on an idea, but it's good to see that others see this as well. I know I'm in the minority but i actually think their is room to grow if we could just tap into the market.

[Monarchos1]

ESPN has no one to blame but itself if ratings on racing broadcasts have declined. The network's telecasts, particularly the actual races with camera cuts every 4-5 seconds, have made racing unwatchable. And I won't even address some of the talent, or lack thereof, issues. If the Breeders' Cup doesn't get out of its multi-year ESPN contract quickly, fans will need a search warrant to find those races on one of the network's branded channels within a year or two.

[the_fat_man]

ESPN? Who the **** are they?

Since live track feeds became available on TWINSPIRES (and other ADW's) who turns on ESPN for racing?

And, how does racing regaining popularity put money in my pocket?

Crist wants to sell DRF subscriptions, so he has his agenda (and followers).

[Oaklawnfan]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

ESPN? Who the **** are they?

Since live track feeds became available on TWINSPIRES (and other ADW's) who turns on ESPN for racing?

And, how does racing regaining popularity put money in my pocket?

Crist wants to sell DRF subscriptions, so he has his agenda (and followers).

Unfortunately there are those of us who not only love the sport but participate at the window and ownership at the lower level of claimers and starter allowance type horses in states that do not allow any type of wagerering. Our only live racing opportunity is to drive over and hour to a state that allows simulcasting and para mutual wagering on horses. In the meantime we watch TVG and HRTV and place our plays off shore just to be participating. If I could have access to Twin Spires and Expessbet it would be wonderful. Better coverage of sport would bolster fields and purses. Just look at those on ESPN who support the sport. I just don't see any Jim McKays in the bunch, eventhough I love Kenny Mane. While we might think him as a dinosaur, Steven D. I believe has it right. Promote handicapping to the younger adults because it's the only thing in a casino where you can truly improve your odds on winning. Perfect for a Racino. Oh, yea, the after races concert with cheap beers works well too.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

ESPN? Who the **** are they?

ask hockey how its like to not be on ESPN anymore.

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Since live track feeds became available on TWINSPIRES (and other ADW's) who turns on ESPN for racing?

thats a silly statement, you do understand that in lots of states in the country you cant even get an account with Twinspires or Youbet to watch races as a fan or gambler.

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

And, how does racing regaining popularity put money in my pocket?

You have said lots of things I disagree with but this might be the most damning, I guess you would like the pools you play in only filled with professional players. I guess if you go to a poker game you want to sit down with Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Phil Helmuth and Johnny Chan rather then some mental rejects who want to throw away their money.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Monarchos1

ESPN has no one to blame but itself if ratings on racing broadcasts have declined. The network's telecasts, particularly the actual races with camera cuts every 4-5 seconds, have made racing unwatchable. And I won't even address some of the talent, or lack thereof, issues. If the Breeders' Cup doesn't get out of its multi-year ESPN contract quickly, fans will need a search warrant to find those races on one of the network's branded channels within a year or two.

novice players, the fringe who I guess this thread is stating its trying to attract are not going to care about camera angles and they are not going to have a clue what the on air talent is saying.