What Do We All Have In Common?
 

It's easy to say a love of horse racing, but I think there is more to it than that. This could be an interesting thread for the group to comment on. Some of these you may agree with and some you surely won't.

Let me generalize about the people on this board for a moment, again these are generalizations. Here are 8 items to consider:

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

Pretty spot on except i'm from kentucky and i'm a gelding.

I'm actually a 23YO African American married woman from Iowa.....who bets $1 to show.

Oh, did I leave out the generalization of smart-ass. Sorry Andy, didn't mean to leave you out. LOL.

#8 is indeed interesting...

Most of my gambling buddies are single as well. Nothing wrong with staying single if thats your thing. Very tough to bet with money that isnt scared when you are married, must be even harder when you have children. I noticed that guy Point Given 1985 was saying he lost $900 the other day and he supposedly has a one year old child. That would kill me to lose that kind of money knowing I could have spent it on my child.

I liked being single and would have stayed that way had it not been for meeting my wife (special one in a world where there are so many not so special ones). It was a lot easier gambling when I was single because I had more disposable income and I didnt stress about when I had to be home.
Thank God my wife knows how much I love horse racing and shes not the kind of person who wouldnt take that away from me, irregardless of the bad stigma that comes with guys who gamble on horses. Creating a nice balance between the 2 (horse racing & having a great marriage) is the best of both worlds.

Cronley did a column a few weeks ago on ESPN on that very topic. Here's the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/hor...jay&id=2757875

1) yes...like bread
2) no...couldn't wait til I got out of high school, work ethic...I get a lot days off
3) didn't bet a dime until I was in my twenties
4) from the "formerly industrial" great northeast
5) not quite middle age, but close...average age at my local OTB - 7O
6) found this site from fighting with Mike (Oracle) LOL!
7) I am a $2.00 bettor...my friend Frank says thats why I'll never hit it big
8) not married yes, but my better-half has taken up with me for 17 years...GOD BLESS HER!
with all this horse racing stuff & the 900+ post on DerbyTrial.com

What do we all have in common.
 

I'm actually a 23 YO African married to a woman from Iowa....who bets $1 pick 4's and wins 90% of the time. That corn-fed Hawkeye has made almost 52K this year betting about $300 simply by outhandicapping her competition.

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

IM FILIPINO, AND WHEN I GO TO THE TRACK ITS A STEADY PROPORTION OF WHITE PEOPLE, ASIANS, AND BLACK PEOPLE..THE SPANISH SPEAKING PEOPLE ARE USUALLY THE PEOPLE WHO WORK AT THE TRACK

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

I'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS AD NAUSEUM

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

MY DAD HAS BROUGHT ME TO THE TRACK SINCE I COULD REMEMBER, I HATED IT FOR A LONG WHILE UNTIL HE STOPPED GOING. THEN I GOT INTERESTED IN IT DURING SILVER CHARM'S DERBY. THEN IN 1999 DAD AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE HORSES REGULARLY

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.


IM 26, AND DURING THE SUMMERS THE TRACK IS THE BEST PLACE TO MEET HOTT AZZ CHICKS

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.


ESPN BOARD IS MY ORIGINAL HOME, LOTS OF FRIENDS ON HERE
ORAHOLE, FROSTY, PLAYA, REPENT, AND THE REST

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

I BRING TOO MUCH MONEY, I bet on everything from 10 cent supers, to putting 500-1000 dollars to win on a horse

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

im sorta kinda single, I finally have the girl of my dreams but things are unofficial and in the air

I have yet to find a guy who can put up with my horseracing habit, so I haven't taken a date yet, haha. :o

I couldn't deal with my wife gambling. There's only room for one gambler in our relationship. Her god damn shopping is worse than my gambling. :D

1. 90% might be high.
2. 80% might be way high.
3. yes.
4. both coasts + Chicago covers a lot of people. Where are the Kentuckians and Louisianans? Dubuquers?
5. I think the ontrack crowd anywhere looks very different on a Saturday vs a Tuesday.
6. I got here clicking on a pop up. I thought it said "Derby Tail.com."
7. At the same time, I'd say 50% don't bet at all. That's probably a good thing.
8. The key factor is, I'd bet, not being single but rather not having kids at home.

I only bet $5 all weekend during Sunshine Millions. I just had a feeling I'd end up losing too much... as it turns out, I would have ended up about even. Oh well. :p

1. Of number 1 and 2, I think number 1 is more likely to be right on. For every exception, like Seattle, you have to look at let's say 1000 members. No way there are more than a 100 non-white posters. If anything I'd say the number is higher than 90%.
On number 2, I guess I am optimistic about the nature of most posters. Still think that number is close to accurate.

As for KY, I'm sure we have many posters from that area. I also don't consider KY the "south" at all. Again, these are generalizations, we have posters from Europe here.

Yeah but men who are addicted to horses have it worse. The chances are a lot greater that you might stumble on an understanding guy, than they are for a guy to find a woman who is into or understands or tolerates this stuff.

I mean what is the male / female ratio for this group of people? 10 to 1? 20 to 1? 100 to 1?

I agree though, this is a tough habit to explain or share with a partner. It just involves so much time and focus.

I'm not sure I would agree here, as 1 in the 10, 20, to 100. Handicapping is a solitary effort 99% of the time, and when we step outside of that, we are more subject to errors, and influence.

At the same time, nor am I convinced there is quite this much in common; yet again, who knows.

also a lot of people from louisiana and texas
and how about middle 50's
and bigger crowds at otbs.

1-white
2-some college
3-grandfather took me to the track when i was young but honestly didn't start betting until i was mid-30's
4-western maryland
5- i'll be 44 in a couple weeks.
6-found this site from ATRAB
7-$2 bettor :o
8-married, my wife had never been to the track or OTB until we started dating. we went to open day of the fall meet at Keeneland a few years ago, she REALLY liked it! now she enjoys goin to the track and watching racing on tv. she likes football and lacrosse now too.

Which one are you not sure of? I gave a huge range. My comment is based on my experience here and at the OTB.

Agreed that handicapping usually needs to be done in solitude, that is why I said its hard to make it work with a partner. I was just saying that I think the odds of finding a partner that understands the requirements of handicapping favor woman because I think that in the universe of people doing serious handicapping, the big majority are men. Maybe I'm wrong.

1.) Probably not high enough...but I have a different spin on why....could it be the demographic as it relates to home computers? Maybe why on site patronage is what it is....just a thought....

2.) Post grad degree

3.) Exposed very early...as early as I can remember....

4.) East Coast (D.C. area)

5.) 44

6.) Met you lunatics over at ESPN. People have been amazing...just an example is as I was going through a pretty trying medical situation, the people on this board showed a level of concern that gave me something to look forward to. One person in particular helped me out more than he'll ever know. The beauty of the whole thing is I've never met anyone on here in person. That tells you something about the makeup of the people on this board.

7.) Rarely bet.

8.) I'm not sure if it's that or they have their priorities in line. :D

Mostly....My typical poster lives!!!

Oh i'm not sure I'm typical...might have left some things out...:cool:

Pretty close, Randall. :)

I have a solution for the single guys who can't find a girl understanding enough to be serious with.... be GAY!! that's right boys... enjoy long afternoons with your mate, no worries about being home or that there is a "kid" on the way... you'll always have that disposible income! I think DT should start a "Find Your Handicapping Mate for Life" service!! I know what your thinking... but you don't have to dress or act like a homosexual... hell who says your relationship has to be sexual at all... just ask all the men with a woman how much sex they get... so you get a couple less which is NOTHING! lol...

ps... I don't hate gays... really! I've thought about it MANY times!:eek:

oh... I am a white, female, 45... went to college... my first love to me to the track at 15 and I loved it...found DT thru BYK... bet only when I have a VERY strong feeling...have a lover.... oh and from the east coast!

#1 White
#2 Brief cup of coffee at the college ranks
#3 My old man took me to the track a few times, but really fell in love with the sport in my late twenties.
#4 New York / New Jersey circuit
#5 34 years of age
#6 A certain 23 year old female from Iowa but me on to this wonderful site. I really enjoy reading all the posts.
#7 & 8 I used to go to the track and OTB's much more when I was single. I used to be able to bet much, much more too. But now that I am married (for the record I am very lucky too, my wife used to go to the track with me every weekend. She also loved Saratoga, and even put up with me dragging her to Saratoga Harness one night. But if it wasn't for her I would probably be in a OTB right now, dead broke, picking tickets off the floor yelling "does anyone know who won the 3rd at Delaware".) with kid #2 on the way, it is much harder to find time and extra cash to go to the track with. Also, when I had a few extra bucks I would tell her that I would take my son to the park or the zoo on Sunday's and really sneak him off to Monmouth Park. But, he can talk now and that puts the kabosh on that! But I do still enjoy watching the races and now when I am able to get away for the day it really means alot. My son also likes the horses, so I really can't wait for him to get older and really try to teach him a thing or two.

too much.

Well I don't know about the rest of you boys, but I do just fine....having a wife 12 years younger is a wonderful thing....:p

Oh there are so many lines to throw on top of that Samm, I just think I'll leave it alone....

I hear ya on that... JJ is 19 years my senior (found I love older men) and have been together 12 years too!

was that a Fruedian slip?? :D

I love older men too... can't stand younger guys. Too immature.

I've begun to feel the same way about younger women strangely enough. Haha.

And I always preferred younger women. Older women are too serious. I like to feel younger. Wouldnt have it any other way.

And to be gay just so you can stay at the track a few races longer...well I am not even going there. (Gander shuts his mouth before he gets in trouble)

What do you consider "young?"

Any guy younger than 35 is young to me. I've met a few guys younger than that who I would consider mature, but not many.

Well I just dated a girl who just turned 23 and she turned out acting like she was in high school after giving off a very mature vibe.

She sounds like my sister! LOL (My sis is 24.)

How old are you again, Randall? For some reason, I thought you were younger than me. Kev likes older women too. :eek:

27

1. Call me Casper.

2. I'm college educated, but I consider that an impedement in life. Just look at Sal, for instance! In all seriousness though, college is unimportant in life.

3. Is 17 considered young? I was exposed to racing in high school, and ended up spending the better part of my senior year creating ways to ditch class and go to the track. In fact, I used to run bets out to Santa Anita and Hollywood Park for a few of my teachers.

4. I spent most of my life in southern california, and then moved to southern maine. So, count me in on that one too.

5. Turning 40 this week. yay.

6. I came from the old AOL boards back when it was run/sponsored by ABC. Way back in the mid 90s.

7. I no longer bet. Given the choice of watching a horse I like lose when I bet it, or having it win when I don't bet it, I opted to just watch and let the poor thing win.

8. Not married.

Pretty close description! I had no idea I was so predictable and categorizable! Maybe I'll move to Ottomwa, Iowa, get married and work on my tan.