Todd Shrupp and TVG

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by Stickhorse

I have played more at TAM this year than any other I can ever remember.

So how far is there handle off?

About a half million a day. It's definitely a factor, but the field sizes are noticeably smaller which I'm told is a much, much bigger factor. I play every day, and my handle is no lower than it was last year regardless of whether they are showing it or not. It was nice when they did have it, but it hasn't kept me away and I don't know how many regulars are not playing just because TVG isn't carrying the signal, but I doubt that number is significant.

[Left Bank]

TVG is trying to compare it to Oaklawn this year,because they televise Oaklawn this year. The numbers were around 5 mil for Tampa,compared to approx 5.5 mil for Oaklawn.TVG attributes this to their coverage. I think they are reaching.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by Left Bank

TVG is trying to compare it to Oaklawn this year,because they televise Oaklawn this year. The numbers were around 5 mil for Tampa,compared to approx 5.5 mil for Oaklawn.TVG attributes this to their coverage. I think they are reaching.

It's incomparable. Shrupp is just towing the company line - I'm sure they're pissed they've lost revenue do to the signal impasse, but the reality is that it most likely is not a major factor in the downturn. Andy Beyer wrote a piece a few weeks back where he pointed out a few negatives; field size, and Jamie Ness. The fact that Ness had been winning at the same percentage for years seemed to had been forgotten, and I took issue with that - but the reality is that even with the continued take out reductions, players prefer fuller fields and especially the last few weeks of the meet the lack of field size has become more evident.
I can say that as a trackside regular, the on track attendance is noticeably down, but that has been attributed to the warmer winter up north, and I can tell you for certain that whether it's the economy or the weather, the amount of winter visitors is down all over - not just the track.
The silver lining is that the majority of players that concentrate on Tampa have not gone anywhere, and the .50 P5 has been an overwhelming success thus far with regard to the 2.00 P6 it replaced.
Berube and his team do an exceptional job putting on a great competitive product, and that hasn't changed.

[Left Bank]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

It's incomparable. Shrupp is just towing the company line - I'm sure they're pissed they've lost revenue do to the signal impasse, but the reality is that it most likely is not a major factor in the downturn. Andy Beyer wrote a piece a few weeks back where he pointed out a few negatives; field size, and Jamie Ness. The fact that Ness had been winning at the same percentage for years seemed to had been forgotten, and I took issue with that - but the reality is that even with the continued take out reductions, players prefer fuller fields and especially the last few weeks of the meet the lack of field size has become more evident.
I can say that as a trackside regular, the on track attendance is noticeably down, but that has been attributed to the warmer winter up north, and I can tell you for certain that whether it's the economy or the weather, the amount of winter visitors is down all over - not just the track.
The silver lining is that the majority of players that concentrate on Tampa have not gone anywhere, and the .50 P5 has been an overwhelming success thus far with regard to the 2.00 P6 it replaced.
Berube and his team do an exceptional job putting on a great competitive product, and that hasn't changed.

I agree with you 100%.Like I said,I think they are seriously reaching in their estimates. Pretty soon,they will lose Keeneland too.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Left Bank

TVG is trying to compare it to Oaklawn this year,because they televise Oaklawn this year. The numbers were around 5 mil for Tampa,compared to approx 5.5 mil for Oaklawn.TVG attributes this to their coverage. I think they are reaching.

I don't think OP has handled 5.5 mil on a Saturday at any point this year. They haven't come close on any other day of the week. Oaklawn is a very weak simulcast signal.

[Alan07]

Ever since Betfair bought TVG, the network has gone downhill. Seriously, they put more effort into Turfway and Hawthorne than they do Aqueduct right now. The evening broadcasts are a joke and seem to be only a filler until Los Al starts, well if you actually want to call it racing.

It also seems like they are shoving Schrupp and Lo Duca down our throats. The other Sunday they were on for 7 hours and must be on double than the other TVG talents.

Since that time Mountaineer, Beulah, Tampa, Sam Houston, River, Evangeline, Chicago Harness, and Tampa have been removed from air.

[Stickhorse]

HRTV is no doubt superior to TVG.

Incredible as it seems Stronach is doing something right. Well, maybe he is doing something better than TVG.

How hard is that?

One too many networks. Two vultures fighting over scraps.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

One too many networks. Two vultures fighting over scraps.