Machen

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Rare Bog

Therein lies the rub. Regardless of how much money is available, an industry needs to run their business correctly to keep customers and grow the customer base (not, as you suggest, pass along costs to the customers). However, Horse Racing is constantly confused as to who the customer is. It is the gambler. Instead, the industry panders to the owners and trainers. They have, individually, more money. They are rich folk and have long histories and experiences with lobbying industry to get their way. Collectively, they have sold themselves as the customer when, in fact, they are not. Business' that do not make the necessary investments in land, labor, and resources in order to feed their business properly are generally poorly run and starve to death over time. The track that exhibits a "gamblers first" mentality will be a successful track. The incentive, by the way, is sustainability.

Again, I agree.

On this particular topic, the industry will need proof that their product (handle) is being hurt by cheating trainers or they will keep their collective heads in the sand and carry on status quo.

Pressure from the likes of Jerry Brown and message board nerds is not going to force them into acting. Prove to them that the cheating trainers are hurting their product and they will take note.