Enjoyed this article as always...in terms of a suggestion for the future - what if a mid-sized track that gets the majority of their purse money from slots reduced takeout significantly (maybe something like 6% WPS, 10% DD, EX, 14% Tri, P3, 17% for more legs/horses) with a subsidy from an industry organization (or smaller contributions from large tracks/racing associations like NYRA, CDI, etc.) as a test of what takeout reductions might mean. Would have to publicize this a lot so players know about it. Canterbury tried this several years ago, but it might work better with a daytime track.
Thx Len. A takeout reduction experiment at a mid-level track makes a lot of sense if the track is truly interested in growing their racing business, esp one that has a strong racing. The tough thing is getting a racing exec willing to stick out their neck and management being committed enough to give it enough time to give it a realistic chance. IMO it would work, especially if the product they were putting on track was relatively palatable.
I wish Hawthorne had a larger population of horses, as I think Jim Miller would be a potential supporter...and it might help them grow so when they are ready to go full tilt as the only Illinois track of any size - the potential for growth should be there. Racing 2-3 days a week is probably not often enough.
I never watched the KY Derby because of BB and I agree that the Derby is bigger than any horse or trainer. His banishment should be forever in my opinion. After all those deaths in one year in his barn I found out who the real BB is. His fan club are obviously allergic to facts for doing any research on his decades of doping horses, including from his QH days. People who admire him have no regard for the safety of horses nor do they care about the welfare of any living being. Horse or human.
Very good take on Baffert!
Enjoyed this article as always...in terms of a suggestion for the future - what if a mid-sized track that gets the majority of their purse money from slots reduced takeout significantly (maybe something like 6% WPS, 10% DD, EX, 14% Tri, P3, 17% for more legs/horses) with a subsidy from an industry organization (or smaller contributions from large tracks/racing associations like NYRA, CDI, etc.) as a test of what takeout reductions might mean. Would have to publicize this a lot so players know about it. Canterbury tried this several years ago, but it might work better with a daytime track.
Thx Len. A takeout reduction experiment at a mid-level track makes a lot of sense if the track is truly interested in growing their racing business, esp one that has a strong racing. The tough thing is getting a racing exec willing to stick out their neck and management being committed enough to give it enough time to give it a realistic chance. IMO it would work, especially if the product they were putting on track was relatively palatable.
I wish Hawthorne had a larger population of horses, as I think Jim Miller would be a potential supporter...and it might help them grow so when they are ready to go full tilt as the only Illinois track of any size - the potential for growth should be there. Racing 2-3 days a week is probably not often enough.
Great job as usual & something I look forward to reading on the big race days
I never watched the KY Derby because of BB and I agree that the Derby is bigger than any horse or trainer. His banishment should be forever in my opinion. After all those deaths in one year in his barn I found out who the real BB is. His fan club are obviously allergic to facts for doing any research on his decades of doping horses, including from his QH days. People who admire him have no regard for the safety of horses nor do they care about the welfare of any living being. Horse or human.
..lots of good info on the trainers, jockeys,owners..refreshingthat you make picks