Let's Fix Racing

[trackrat59]

My thoughts

Don't know if it could ever be pulled off but I've often thought the way the fans can get the attention of the industry is to have a No Fans Placing Bets Saturday. That would get some attention.

We would need a committee of a few truly dedicated fans and owners who have the skills and time who can dedicate themselves to this project. Add to the group Satish, Steve and other key players based on their recommendations. Anyone truly interested could send their resume to Steve with a cover letter as to why they want to be personally involved.

The first thing the committee should do is create a mission statement to live by and a reasonable list of grievances they would like addressed. The important thing about pointing out grievances is to formulate a list of possible solutions for each grievance. That should be done as well.

Satish and Steve would have to guide the group as to next steps.

I think a group like this would get attention within the industry. It would have to be a group of people seriously dedicated to the mission statement who are willing to donate the time and effort on a continued basis.

[hud8118]

Steve - you are right that DT, Dee Tee, and ATR are entities that are already established and are (not as you modestly stated 'appear to be') working in helping to stem the inactivity and negativity in the sport...it is a beginning and let's hope all three continue to grow...you mentioned you are interested in hearing what people think will work and hopefully people will state their opinions and ideas and not just sit back and remain quiet...maybe a thread here at DT, or a significant segment of an ATR program could be devoted to posters and callers giving their main idea of what they feel can/should be done...if nothing else it would be educational to see just how many people would respond as well as seeing/hearing all the different ideas (or whether in fact there is any consensus on what needs to be done).

Trackrat59 - you mention an idea of no fans placing bets on a given Saturday...let's consider that idea #1...i know that idea has been put out there before and it has proven difficult to get enough horseplayers to agree to such so that it has any appreciable or noticable affect on handle, but it certainly is something to put on the list and consider...your other comments are also thoughtful and useful...thanks for taking the time to post them...let's hope others take your lead and post their ideas.

Finally, anyone reading this knows the state of horse racing and how it has fallen from its glory days...Many will say it is impossible to accomplish anything and therefor have objections to even trying...for those I leave you with 2 thoughts from Samuel Johnson..

"Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome." -Samuel Johnson

"Hope is necessary in every condition." - Samuel Johnson