It happened again! (End tote malfunction)

[golfer]

I don't know this for certain, but I think every wager is time-stamped, or certainly could be (if it isn't this would go in the category of updating the technology).

I can understand why John Lee would have only stated what he knew. In his situation, I probably would've done the same thing.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

True but that was a fairly hostile exchange which was what I was referring to.

Actually, although my memory may be failing me, I don't remember that exchange being all that hostile. At least I don't think the disagreement betwen the two of us (which I think was the main one in that thread) was hostile at all. You and I took exactly the oppositie positions on that one, but I thought our argument, while certainly vigorous, never degenerated into name-calling or needless hostility. I know I didn't come away from it with any ill-feelings.
I assume that must be because we are both such amazingly wonderful people.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Actually, although my memory may be failing me, I don't remember that exchange being all that hostile. At least I don't think the disagreement betwen the two of us (which I think was the main one in that thread) was hostile at all. You and I took exactly the oppositie positions on that one, but I thought our argument, while certainly vigorous, never degenerated into name-calling or needless hostility. I know I didn't come away from it with any ill-feelings.
I assume that must be because we are both such amazingly wonderful people.

It wasn't really that bad considering the potential of the topic, no ill will or feelings held.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

The answer is very simple....spend the necessary dollars to update the system. That's the answer. It's up to the racetracks to give this the serious attention it needs.

Not to defend NYRA per se, but at least they said the right things the other day and were up front about it. However, if they don't change the system then it's just more lip service.

The funny thing is that they (tracks in general) will sink money into synthetic tracks with no thought at all because they think it will save them money but wont spend the money to update the tote system or force the tote companies to modernize.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

The funny thing is that they (tracks in general) will sink money into synthetic tracks with no thought at all because they think it will save them money but wont spend the money to update the tote system or force the tote companies to modernize.

Well, I guess this helps feed the horseplayer's paranoia.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Well, I guess this helps feed the horseplayer's paranoia.

The general trend in racing over the last 10 years or so has been to cut expenses, cut expenses, cut expenses, which most certainly has to do with so many tracks now being publicly held and beholden to shareholders. The big 2 (Magna and CD) are increasingly using the "bottom line/shareholder" excuse as the reason to raise prices, cut services, lay off competent employees in favor of cheaper, inexperienced (and sometimes moronic) replacements. CD charges horsemen for paint if we want our barns painted and we have to do it ourselves. The days of real track execs running racetracks are sadly ending. Lou Rafetto is a perfect example of a guy who gets it on both the frontside and backside who winds up unemployed in favor of a far less qualified replacement who will be willing to follow the company mandate without regard of the side effects. Churchill has changed almost all of it's executive staff twice since I've stabled there in 1999. Evans public statements have been less than encouraging for both horsemen and players since he took over. They hired a guy from the Marine Corps to run Arlington. A Thistledown guy and former steward are running racing at Gulfstream with a guy who doesn't like racing as their boss. Stronach changes CEO's like some people change their underwear. It is only a matter of time before one of them decide that takeout is too low and do a Hialeah.

The fact that someone is blaming the track composition for the problems at SA is laughable even if it is true. They could have at least used the seismic activity shifted the base or something like that. They dont even know how to shift blame properly.

[blackthroatedwind]

Makes NYRA sound pretty great. Their top people love horse racing, own horses, and like to bet.

[ArlJim78]

the problem at SA is strictly one of mismanagement. the events of the past week or so reek of incompetence, and it doesn't surprise me one bit.

whats funny is, I work in a different industry, manufacturing, and we do business with this company, and another large Canadian automotive parts supplier. Both of them have eastern europeans at the helm, and they act in a similar way. They're aggressive, they bid really low to get projects, they contract to start up the projects in ridiculously short periods of time. Then when the crap hits the fan they pummell their suppliers to no end. They waste tremendous amounts of money using expediting services, premium charges etc. Then to top it off, the projects that they won are often ones that they do not even understand or have the expertise to run. In short, everything is in chaos all the time, so even though they are large customers its business that you almost regret having because to service them is such a drain on your resources. I'm sure the folks at the Cushion track company are experiencing this same situation.

thats why I say this looks all too familar. that somebody felt it was a reasonable alternative to offer the all 5 1/2 furlong card today with all the scratches, is a complete embarrassment.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

I realize Cannon is a decent guy. I also know he usually seems to be very pro bettor. This is why I guess I let the "get over it" comment bug me. I should have dropped it, but I didn't. It is all part of my overall frustration with the poor technology in the sport. Tote technology, timing (including run ups), horrible chart calls, poor drug testing, ridiculous online betting situation, etc.

I shouldn't have stooped to anything personal. The bobsledding thing pissed me off since Cannon knows nothing about me or why I'm in Belgium, and it had nothing to do with anything. I suppose it was funny at some level I guess. I reacted poorly. Oh well, time to move on.

Chuck is MORE than a decent guy, he's a great guy. I think you might have missed the humor in the bobsledding thing (is that really a sport in Belgium??)