We all know that racing at the upper levels have the benefit of bigger budgets, more attention, and the picks of the litter in terms of talented minds, better bloodstock, and energized spirits... While being run by the good ol' boys. So what or who, then do we do to save racing at the lower levels? Who cares about the class B tracks and below? As DRF's writer, Jay Hovdey says... Should we pave Turf Paradise and put up a parking lot?
Myself and the rest of the fresh minded minority don't accept this and I won't sit idly by knowing that the aging population returns every winter to places like this because we enjoy it. We are all here because we WANT to be. I'd like a call to action, (or even just your attention please!) and encourage the people and stakeholders in the game of racing to take ownership in the sport and in our workplace. What we have is not bad. What we COULD have is potentially a great thing. Five days of racing in temperate weather in the city of Phoenix, Arizona? Sounds great. Bring your clients, bring your friends. But if you've never been- you'd never know it existed... And please, if you're going to the backside- hide your kids, hide your wife, because there's no welcome committee for anybody.
I can't tell you how many times I've had the same conversation with such a vast array of personalities. There are ideas out there, and many of them are good ones. But how can we implement any of them? My guess is as good as yours. I have a pipe dream that exists about this place that sparkles like an imaginary platinum and diamond ring, Derby winner, and wakeboard boat... (Just kidding)
In all seriousness, the focus on surviving needs to be reallocated to thriving. There is an inexplicable tone in horse racing right now. An overall feeling of helplessness and hopefulness all wrapped into one adjective yet to be defined. It took an app to bring the racing news to my attention every morning, and ya know what? It competes with facebook. As the industry strives to find its relevance in the realm of fantasy sports, other gaming apps, and hold its ground in the mind of the gambler, I feel it's possible to hold our ground as an entertainment industry with a future.
What are tracks (this means you, Turf) doing to pull in the prospective bettors or addressing the waning market base? What is the incentive for young trainers, and young owners to to make a mark here? So many questions that I'd welcome an answer. Why is the track that is closest to the only racing industry program of it's kind in the country NOT taking advantage of interns and the freshest, most enthusiastic minds entering the industry? (These people are PAYING to be a part of the industry!)
As a stakeholder, bettor, and member of potentially target market base, there are a few things I could suggest, and would love to be a part of the team that spots the iceberg and does something instead of just a passenger.
