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  #1  
Old 01-10-2011, 01:20 AM
Split Rock Split Rock is offline
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Default What is the allure of racing?

I stumbled across this article about the survey HANA did on why poker/sports bettors do not play horse racing. http://blog.horseplayersassociation....r-players.html

Basically, most in this survey said the takeout was the biggest turnoff. I agree but also think there are other factors which push most people away and many other problems that need to be addressed if racing is ever going to approach the interest of the 70's and 80's.

In my opinion, it is faulty to try and use poker, sports betting, lottery, slots, blackjack or really any other gambling entity as a gauge. I think the first rule is to identify the REAL allure of horse racing. This is a HUGE question that has never really been verbalized by those in charge of the product.

I believe that the one thing that bonds most, if not all, dedicated horse players is the ability to use deductive reasoning, stat crunching and experience into an opinion. This opinion can be turned into money in a matter of minutes.

Imagine if you took the racing form and program away, would you still be interested in following the game? No. The data you use is the cornerstone of your interest. In addition, I think a certain personality type is drawn to this type of number crunching and it certainly isn't for everyone.

Having said all that, I think the influx of illegal drugs into the game has diluted critical information that bettors keep and, thus, reduced the mental challenge to that of a simple gambling entity. If racing could get control of this problem, it would enhance the analytical appeal. However, I'm quite certain the drugs are here to stay.

In order for racing to attract outside players is not to sell it as a "get rich quick, easy gambling venture" but as a mental challenge that requires intellectual horsepower. It may not sell with the masses but it is true, in my opinion.

Anyone else have an opinion on what the real allure of horse racing is?
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  #2  
Old 01-10-2011, 05:01 AM
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Kasept Kasept is offline
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Is this going to be a weekly feature? Where you post a contrived, convoluted question in order to yet AGAIN draw everything back to medication issues, your personal whipping post? Just start a thread now and then that reminds everyone that you think the vast majority of participants in the game are cheating. It will be less arduous.

There's a already a big message board for people to bitch and whine endlessly about how bad racing sucks.. This isn't it.
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Last edited by Kasept : 01-10-2011 at 06:27 AM.
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  #3  
Old 01-10-2011, 06:31 AM
freddymo freddymo is offline
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Originally Posted by Kasept View Post
Is this going to be a weekly feature? Where you post a contrived, convoluted question in order to yet AGAIN draw everything back to medication issues, your personal whipping post? Just start a thread now and then that reminds everyone that you think the vast majority of participants in the game are cheating. It will be less arduous.

There's a already a big message board for people to bitch and whine endlessly about how bad racing sucks.. This isn't it.
Fair enough Steve. Would you want to play in a poker game with Matt Damon and Ed Norton?

Last edited by freddymo : 01-10-2011 at 06:44 AM.
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  #4  
Old 01-10-2011, 11:16 AM
johnny pinwheel johnny pinwheel is offline
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i'll tell you why i love horse racing over sports betting,slots and poker....its the HORSES. i love animals. i grew up in saratoga and theres nothing more beautiful than a healthy racehorse. it takes YEARS of breeding and training to get the ultimate athlete.(most don't even appreciate the work that goes on EVERY morning!) the takeout, the cheating and complaining aside....its the most exciting minute or two you can get especially if you enjoy handicapping. any moron can pull a switch or push a button...sports betting with the spread...you might as well toss a coin. poker is different...its a thinker too but you are sitting around in a room full of people....it does not come close to the track, theres no horses! i know theres problems....i bitch from time to time too. but for me, hands down, its the best entertainment where money can be made going...unfortunately i am becoming a dinosaur, so who knows what the future holds. this game has given me a lifetime of fun and excitment....from memorable races to partying in the "backyards" with friends and family....where else am i going to get that? and bet on it?.....no where!

Last edited by johnny pinwheel : 01-10-2011 at 12:13 PM.
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  #5  
Old 01-10-2011, 11:44 AM
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Princess Doreen Princess Doreen is offline
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Where can you go for a day of entertainment and not spend a dime beyond a paltry admission? Some tracks you can even bring your own booze and food. How good is that?

AND, if you choose to wager and have half a brain and do a bit of studying , you stand a good chance of coming home with some profit or maybe not losing a cent.

I'd rather spend and lose money at the track than spend exponentially more at some of the concerts held at SPAC.

And, yeah, those horses make it all worth it.
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  #6  
Old 01-10-2011, 11:48 AM
Split Rock Split Rock is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kasept View Post
Is this going to be a weekly feature? Where you post a contrived, convoluted question in order to yet AGAIN draw everything back to medication issues, your personal whipping post? Just start a thread now and then that reminds everyone that you think the vast majority of participants in the game are cheating. It will be less arduous.

There's a already a big message board for people to bitch and whine endlessly about how bad racing sucks.. This isn't it.
Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....
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  #7  
Old 01-10-2011, 12:10 PM
hockey2315 hockey2315 is offline
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Originally Posted by freddymo View Post
Fair enough Steve. Would you want to play in a poker game with Matt Damon and Ed Norton?
I would if you'd bankroll me, Freddy.
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  #8  
Old 01-10-2011, 12:50 PM
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Kasept Kasept is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Split Rock View Post
Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....
Didn't mean to snap at you, but honestly, you started a nearly identical thread last Monday, did you not?

It's no news that there are a variety of problems that dog the game, and they are always worthy of discussion and attention. However, I spend countless hours specifically working to publicize the pleasures of the sport here, with Dee Tee and on "At the Races". I don't buy into the sky-is-falling rhetoric and the crap that is endlessly spewed by those who can't seem to figure out what there is to like about the sport. (Maybe if they worked at their handicapping a bit harder, they'd magically discover what there is to like about it.)

If people feel there isn't anything to appreciate about racing, fine. So be it. But why must those that are down on the game work overtime trying to diminish everyone else's enjoyment of it? That's what I've had enough of... I'm immensely proud that unlike most racing-related communities, this remains an upbeat spot where people that bet and enjoy following racing can congregate.
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A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine
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Last edited by Kasept : 01-10-2011 at 01:21 PM.
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  #9  
Old 01-10-2011, 01:04 PM
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OldDog OldDog is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnny pinwheel View Post
i'll tell you why i love horse racing over sports betting,slots and poker....its the HORSES.
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  #10  
Old 01-10-2011, 01:17 PM
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joeydb joeydb is offline
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Originally Posted by Kasept View Post
Is this going to be a weekly feature?
I laughed.
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  #11  
Old 01-10-2011, 02:19 PM
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Quote:
=johnny pinwheel;741375]i'll tell you why i love horse racing over sports betting,slots and poker....its the HORSES.
Our greatest asset . All captured for history in the stud book dating back to the beginning of the breed .
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Last edited by Kasept : 01-10-2011 at 03:08 PM.
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  #12  
Old 01-10-2011, 02:20 PM
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Cannon Shell Cannon Shell is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Split Rock View Post
Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....
I'll bite

Please explain why "drugs" in horseracing makes it a hard sport to back as opposed to other sports
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  #13  
Old 01-10-2011, 02:47 PM
freddymo freddymo is offline
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Originally Posted by Cannon Shell View Post
I'll bite

Please explain why "drugs" in horseracing makes it a hard sport to back as opposed to other sports
Without wagering racing does not continue in its current format. Betting is paramount to the success of the sport. While nobody would argue that people loved watching steriod induced HR races etc. the sport doesn't require direct participant gambling to be successful. I do wonder a little about the NFL.

It is a very good discussion.

Last edited by freddymo : 01-10-2011 at 07:00 PM.
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  #14  
Old 01-10-2011, 03:03 PM
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So no more negative talk?





























See you guys in another life.
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  #15  
Old 01-10-2011, 06:13 PM
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Riot Riot is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Split Rock View Post
Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....
Why don't you come spend some time on the backstretch, and learn all about the horrible drug problem you think exists? Serious offer. You in Kentucky?

Why do I love horse racing? Horses, athletes, first. The Thoroughbred is a terrific breed.
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  #16  
Old 01-10-2011, 10:31 PM
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my miss storm cat my miss storm cat is offline
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Originally Posted by Rare Bog View Post
Me tinks it's da purdy horseys

Allure? Hilarious way to glorify something that isn't all that glorious.

It's about being right. (Something many of you so rarely are)
Respectfully, three points.

1. Who exactly are you making fun of with that first line? The people who consider themselves more fans than cappers?

If so I would argue that those are the people who at least try to bring others into the sport.

There are few of us (racing fans) as it is. I don't see any need to make fun of any one group.

2. Whether or not horse racing is glorious is subjective, is it not?

If it's defined as "marked by great beauty or splendor" I would argue it is (glorious).

3. Re: the being right part...

You make a point of adding in that last comment and what I'd like to know is, since the implication is that you are right a lot why don't you ever post your picks?
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  #17  
Old 01-11-2011, 01:45 AM
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Left Bank Left Bank is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Split Rock View Post
Wow....sorry about that....I'll refrain in the future. Wasn't trying to bash the game, just highlight why the area of drugs make it a difficult game to back.

I guess if no one really cares about it, I'll keep my mouth shut and move on....
And there was much rejoicing!!!!!!
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  #18  
Old 01-11-2011, 07:33 AM
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Me thinks you know the answer to all three. So don't be askin' stupid questions just to hear yourself type.
Let's see how this works.

You make a few inane "observations."

MMSC respectfully asks you to clarify them.

You avoid answering MMSC and call her questions "stupid."

Is that pretty much it?

It seems that you aren't really seeking to have a dialogue, and (what appear to be) your attempts at sarcasm fall far short of the standards set by other posters. I would ask why you are here, but I can't think of a reason I should care. Unless it's to give me a reason to finally use the "ignore" feature.
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  #19  
Old 01-11-2011, 09:19 AM
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dagolfer33 dagolfer33 is offline
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I know what the allure of racing is......we all love to be teased, and racing is sadistic by nature. From the just missed tri's and super's, the 3/4 pk4's etc, etc. And we all love when we put it together just right, only to have the INQUIRY sign flash on.....this is my all-time favorite. I will be playing every chance I get.
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  #20  
Old 01-11-2011, 09:22 AM
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Princess Doreen Princess Doreen is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OldDog View Post
Thanks for the link, Old Dog. That was a nice read.

and



on your reply to the troll.
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