REVIEWS: ESPN/NBC Coverage?

[pmacdaddy]

I still think they need to find a better way to keep viewers informed of odds, MTP, will pays and payouts. They seem to have a ticker for everything else on ESPN.

Guess without a vested interest in handle it's not top priority. Probably figure horseplayers are tuning in regargdess.

[JJP]

If I ran the production of covering a major horse race, here's the changes I would institute:

1. Eliminate the multitude of camera cuts during the race. Use the regular track feed during the live running. Tracks do this every day, TV networks cover racing a few days a year. If you want to use an overhead view or other view (PLEASE no head ons during the race), they should be used in replays.

2. Forget the trophy presentation. Who really wants to see some old rich guy who's not overly adept at public speaking taking credit for the race? Fill the time with more post race analysis from guys like Moss and Bailey.

3. Make sure the public knows who the 3rd and 4th place finishers are (unless there's a photo and it isn't established) as soon as possible after the race. DOn't cut to a fluff interview with Jeanine Edwards until the public knows the tri and super as well as the top 2.

4. TV must embrace racing as a gambling sport. The human interest stories get run into the ground. Gambling on racing is legal in most states, and obviously in the state where the televised race is taking place. Explain betting strategies and why one came up with their ticket.

5. Talk about other big races, not just the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup. Most of the non-racing public thinks there's 3, maybe 4 big days a year.

I'm sure there's more changes I'd make but these are the ones that come to mind. Why are networks so resistant to change?