finally, a track owner "gets it"

[Aug27]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... ield-sizes

I suggested this very approach to Joe DeFrancis (Lrl+Pim owner) about 20 years ago, and he just blew me off. (Actually, he had one of his underlings write the response.) Not the man his father was, that's for sure!

More betting interests in a race stimulate more play from the fans -- the backbone of the industry. Hope things work out for Arlington with this effort; one of the best racing venues in the country, IMO.

[da hossman]

An interesting proposal that has merit, but how does it work if not combined with an effort to bring in new fans? Looks to me like it will reduce the quality of the horses running.

We have to create a new and younger fan base - utilizing various social networks as a conduit is a great idea mentioned by some, but that only provides the conduit. Night racing is a BFO (Blinding Flash of the Obvious) as the world works during the day. But what else can draw people?

I think the original NTRA concept (by outside professionals) of marketing to women in their 20's and 30's is the answer. Guys will bet on anything, and will follow women anywhere. Make racing cool for the girls and the guys will follow. Look at Australia where the racetrack is the social place to be - they have the healthiest industry in the English speaking world.

[winds]

It sounds like a good idea. I hope it works. I also agree with daHossman regarding trying to market racing to women. I've been saying that for years...........

winds

[KBEquine]

I think the original NTRA concept (by outside professionals) of marketing to women in their 20's and 30's is the answer. Guys will bet on anything, and will follow women anywhere. Make racing cool for the girls and the guys will follow. Look at Australia where the racetrack is the social place to be - they have the healthiest industry in the English speaking world.

Agree totally. But if you can also market to middle-aged women, give them a place at the track where they can learn to bet & understand the game - and feel it is a safe place to bring the grandkids for an afternoon or evening out - you develop younger fans that way, too.

I have wonderful memories of sitting in the county fair grandstands with my grandmother & brother, betting on the prettiest silks or the prettiest horse. (Perhaps one of the reasons I think a few handicapping seminars would be in order, too.)

I hear a lot of people of all ages who ARE fans, say they had an older relative who took them to the track and helped them learn to love racing.

[zinn21]

From the article:

>>The agreement will impact overnight races, basing the purse structure on fields reaching the paddock with at least seven betting interests. A paddock with six or fewer betting interests will run for 85% of the listed purse. The remainder will be “banked” in the purse account.<<

But isn't it a matter of horse inventory? Here in NorCal the better horses would be penalized.

[da hossman]

Whoops - I keep forgetting that my 30's are far behind me (as are my wife's). Yes KBEquine, absolutely they should market to women of all ages because men of all ages will always follow them!

This is yet another example of the KISS doctrine at work (Keep It Simple Stupid) - all people regardless of wealth or age have the same basic motivations - which I refuse to list on the grounds that doing so would incriminate myself!

[Worksoplad]

As an owner/breeder who pays 100% of the farm bills, mare costs, stud fees, foaling fees, training bills, jockey fees, vet bills, farrier bills, transportation costs etc., etc., etc., regardless of whether there are 5, 6, 7, or 12, 13, or 14 horses in a race, I think this proposition stinks.

[Joltman]

there are some down sides. For instance, even fewer horsemen would be willing to train for those longer distances as these fields often come up light. Also, if you have a NW3 allowance filly (2yo) in July, it's already hard enough to find competition and to get dinged in the purses for small fields is tough

jm

[KBEquine]

Whoops - I keep forgetting that my 30's are far behind me (as are my wife's). Yes KBEquine, absolutely they should market to women of all ages because men of all ages will always follow them!

This is yet another example of the KISS doctrine at work (Keep It Simple Stupid) - all people regardless of wealth or age have the same basic motivations - which I refuse to list on the grounds that doing so would incriminate myself!

I think my 30s are about where your 30s are . . . we're thinking alike here.