Just humor me for a second.

[Split Rock]

I believe racing is dead. Period. There is absolutely NO WAY in my lifetime that racing will ever run a clean game. In fact, I think it will progressively get worse. Just look at other sports like Cycling, Baseball and even Auto Racing. The competition is just too fierce and, like most venues in America, morals are low. Combine those two and you have a breeding ground for cheating and corruption. It WILL NOT CHANGE. Anyone who thinks it will is wishing. In fact, Horse Racing is the very last sport that has a chance to combat drugs. Why? 1) No governing body. 2) Penalties are merely a slap and the cost of doing business. 3) No incentive from the decision makers to take a stand against drugs. 4) Science is a step ahead.

Regarding slots....I agree with another poster. Slots are welfare for the tracks/horsemen. If the tracks can't compete without slots, eventually, they won't be able to compete with them. As soon as slots are in other gambling locations, racing is done. Great point about Mnr. I cannot believe they had to cut purses. I would think the slot money is a windfall and should carry that track for years. Greed!