Handle Decline Continues...

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

Every race should be broadcast on the internet for free from every track. Instead, you have to flop around to even watch races.

I couldn't agree more. Make it easier to watch, and more people will.

By the way, Turfway's handle was up.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

30 years ago you would have never heard of guys you have named in this thread because there was no simulcasting and for the most part people followed one circuit and no one paid any attention to anyones win percentage.

The fundamental premise of the thread - that cheating is "rampant" at all tracks - is something that I do not agree with, as I believe the vast majority of trainers are plying their trades within the rules. Will there always be someone trying to utilize illicit means to make money? Yes, but the point that you made above is something that racing needs to come to grips with.

In the 1980s, before the simulcasting explosion, when racing was really a really a regional exercise, a NY horseplayer had to deal with Oscar Barrera, and likely had no idea who his counterparts in places like California or Philadelpia were. Now, because of full-card simulcasting and racing really becoming a national sport, they are aware of guys like Mullins and Guerrero, and the perception is that guys like that exist in almost every racing jurisdiction. Even if the "cheating" is not "rampant" at all tracks, the existence of guys like those mentioned at almost every venue lead some to conclude that the problem is universal.

That said, pointman makes an excellent point about the demise of NYC OTB and its impact on national handle. Also, I'd love to know the comparative numbers about handle through off-shore accounts that never hits the pools. My sense is that handle continues to bleed out of the pools in this manner.

[Port Conway Lane]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

It was available on television?

I never saw it. Where is it now if it was so great? I get the premise that they were straight forward and no bs. I can pay $75 a month to the dish to get every track feed in the country if I choose but why would I? I have four ADW'S to choose from and every one of them show free streaming video.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

The fundamental premise of the thread - that cheating is "rampant" at all tracks - is something that I do not agree with, as I believe the vast majority of trainers are plying their trades within the rules. Will there always be someone trying to utilize illicit means to make money? Yes, but the point that you made above is something that racing needs to come to grips with.

In the 1980s, before the simulcasting explosion, when racing was really a really a regional exercise, a NY horseplayer had to deal with Oscar Barrera, and likely had no idea who his counterparts in places like California or Philadelpia were. Now, because of full-card simulcasting and racing really becoming a national sport, they are aware of guys like Mullins and Guerrero, and the perception is that guys like that exist in almost every racing jurisdiction. Even if the "cheating" is not "rampant" at all tracks, the existence of guys like those mentioned at almost every venue lead some to conclude that the problem is universal.

That said, pointman makes an excellent point about the demise of NYC OTB and its impact on national handle. Also, I'd love to know the comparative numbers about handle through off-shore accounts that never hits the pools. My sense is that handle continues to bleed out of the pools in this manner.

That's not the premise I went with as the person who started the thread. Meds are not keeping people from betting. Money is. And poor return on the investment is.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

That's not the premise I went with as the person who started the thread. Meds are keeping people from betting. Money is. And poor return on the investment is.

The challenges facing horse racing go well beyond one singular topic.

The problem is when people write blog posts and solicit ideas, you get 40 variations on a theme with different ideas, mindsets or thoughts that they think would save racing.

I think meds and takeout are two bullet points in a long list of bullet points that goes from the distribution of horse flesh wealth to how hard the game is learn for someone interested in jumping in - and everything in between.