The "greatest two minutes in sports" aside...

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

So by the dismissive tone of this response, I take it that you support CDI and the takeout increase.

I don't support or decry it. I deal in the realities as they happen and defer to people running their business the way they see fit under circumstances that precipitate sometimes unpopular policy decisions. As in the case of the CA increases that helped stabilize the situation out there, these takeouts, (that actually just move CD's rakes from industry bargain to industry typical levels), were done in a defensive manner against the gaming backdrop that puts Churchill in a bad spot versus Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. If it turns out to be a bad business move, that will become evident. If it keeps the CD purses competitive with competition and helps them keep horses in town, that will become evident.

What I'm dismissive of are those that have no clue what optimal pricing may actually be, yet promote actions that are more detrimental to the health of the game than the price increase itself. Are high takeouts odious and a negative, inhibiting factor to the growth and health of the game? Of course. No one is questioning that. But if you keep working to convince inexperienced players that they don't win just because of any takeouts regardless of the number or circumstance, you're guaranteeing they have an excuse to not play and give up. Pricing in racing is like pricing anywhere. Shop and find the price that's acceptable to you. Horseplayers boycott tracks every day simply by choosing what card they find most attractive to play and spending their money against it.

[tanner12oz]

I do more to attract new fans by throwing an annual derby party then the powers that be do year to year

[dylbert]

(1) Lipinski/Weir did excellent job during Sochi Olympics. Also, very engaging & interesting duo on talk show circuit. Just as NBC recognized female demographic using its Bravo channel for previous Oaks broadcast, this further taps broadening audience which includes more than aging males.

(2) Boycott will likely have little or no traction this weekend. This is an event that attracts more 'dumb' money than any other sporting event held in US.

(3) NBC knows how to sell 'soap'. Oaks focus will remain breast cancer awareness & research. PETA may get 90-120 second segment presented as 'hard news'.

When do windows open?

[ghartman02]

I don't understand the Weir/Lapinski angle, I guess if they had Gary Stevens Cover Ice Skating? Having said that, I have NEVER been home for the Derby, so coverage doesn't matter to me. I used to tape then DVR the day though, and it irritated me not showing the Woodford Reserve.

I don't understand Boycotts. I'm not a fan of the CDI folks at present, but this too shall pass. So if you like a race, you want to bet, you're going to bet. I don't think wagering will be affected Derby Weekend.

Did Peta have an affect in 2008 after Eight Belles? Most people won't care, depends on what NBC does if they show any of that.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by dylbert

PETA may get 90-120 second segment presented as 'hard news'.

Originally Posted by ghartman02

Did Peta have an affect in 2008 after Eight Belles? Most people won't care, depends on what NBC does if they show any of that.

It's not in their best interest to show it. How many millions did they pay for exclusive rights?

They might throw in a line about a few protesters and that will be it.

It's the other news organizations that will jump on it, and rightfully so, if he wins.