What is Racing's Biggest Current Hurdle?

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Kasept

So 6-8 sophomores per year that may retire arguably early are responsible for stakes not filling to the brim? I don't buy that. While an overall lack of 'good' horses contributes to the problem, Stakes races with narrow fields are due to the inane overabundance of opportunities. There's too many stakes for the amount of horses. Cut down the stakes and boost the purses and you'll see what happens.

Question though - who do you let fail and who makes changes to their Stakes schedule and or cuts live racing days? I know everyone says that this needs to be done, yet simultaneously they are signing petitions to save xyz track and talking about how slots need to be approved etc.

First and foremost, the continuing decline of handle needs to be addressed, but once you really delve into the topic there are so many smaller factors that affect this and need fixing too.