Yes, There is a Sliver of Hope for Racing

[clocker7]

For the first time in over two decades, I have some solid confidence that our awesome sport is not heading the direction of bullfighting. Probably not heading back to the glory days, but also not going into the dustbin of history.

Why? Because the proliferation of dedicated sports channels is making it a viable target for mainstream broadcasters again. (Technically, "BROADcasting is a misnomer, because the actual audience likely will not be broad in this environment, but nevertheless the actors are still considered so.)

With the TV evolution in full flower, there is an opening for racing and it already is being exploited. Because of channels dedicated to specific pro teams, and the rise of college football networks, a new normal is being established. (Not sure that anybody is aware, but even the UTexas Longhorns and BYU have their own independent outlets. too, and the trend is for even more niche stuff like that.) What has that done? Left traditional, general-interest entities like ESPN, FoxSports, Root and others grasping for product, and casting around for replacement. I mean, if Root can stoop to televising WAC teams, then it means that a cellar for quality is far from being established.

The other good news is that the traditionals have a track record for nurturing their brands into importance. ESPN? Big East basketball was the best example of promoting something to the top. A lesser example was Gonzaga basketball, taken under the wing in order to provide Pacific Time Zone product in absence of full availability to the PAC10/PAC12 lineup. If you were aware of how they coddled it with targeted exposure, constant mention, mentoring and other expertise, then you would know what I mean.

Yes, TV is interested in horse racing again, beyond the Road to the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders Cup timeslots. Most importantly, the interest belies the stupid common "wisdom" that racing is too unpalatable for general consumption. It makes liars/dolts of those who are on their soapboxes relentlessly trying to convince you otherwise.

So, don't let them demoralize you. Market forces are telling you something different and important. Do overdo it, of course, but step back from the ledge.

[PaceAdvantage]

And it's exactly the reason WHY some of us are demanding monumental reform in the areas of race day medication, trainer and owner punishments, and anything else it might take to clean up this teetering game.

Because those very opportunities you write about will disappear in a HEARTBEAT if something different and TANGIBLE is not put into action (and soon) regarding policing this sport.

You're fooling yourself if you think these networks won't bow to the slightest amount of public pressure in the face of continuous light being shined into the dirtiest corners of this game.

[clocker7]

And it's exactly the reason WHY some of us are demanding monumental reform in the areas of race day medication, trainer and owner punishments, and anything else it might take to clean up this teetering game.

Because those very opportunities you write about will disappear in a HEARTBEAT if something different and TANGIBLE is not put into action (and soon) regarding policing this sport.

You're fooling yourself if you think these networks won't bow to the slightest amount of public pressure in the face of continuous light being shined into the dirtiest corners of this game.
The networks have been aware of this for decades, yet there's willingness to become an active partner. Go figure. All my life I have listened to every form of media prattling on about how fundamentally corrupt racing is, (so did dad and grandpa) yet, here we are.

Sometimes I wonder about these perpetual jeremiahs, their ability to read life's racing form, and whether they ever enjoy picking a winner, rather than stewing in their juices all the time. You don't have to be a full-frontal optimist to pity them.

[Delawaretrainer]

And it's exactly the reason WHY some of us are demanding monumental reform in the areas of race day medication, trainer and owner punishments, and anything else it might take to clean up this teetering game.

Because those very opportunities you write about will disappear in a HEARTBEAT if something different and TANGIBLE is not put into action (and soon) regarding policing this sport.

You're fooling yourself if you think these networks won't bow to the slightest amount of public pressure in the face of continuous light being shined into the dirtiest corners of this game.
Please read this which is highlighted today on your own site...

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84209/rci-chair-pushes-states-to-act-on-reforms?source=rss

Not that things weren't strict already but 27 of 35 juristictions are already adopting uniform rules. Also notice that the cleanliness of racing samples is on par with human sports.

In Olympic sports you can get a doctors note to compete with otherwise banned substances. That would never happen in horse racing. If my horse has allergies and mucous, too bad.

So stop acting like you are demanding reform. It is already there.

[Robert Goren]

The networks have been aware of this for decades, yet there's willingness to become an active partner. Go figure. All my life I have listened to every form of media prattling on about how fundamentally corrupt racing is, (so did dad and grandpa) yet, here we are.

Sometimes I wonder about these perpetual jeremiahs, their ability to read life's racing form, and whether they ever enjoy picking a winner, rather than stewing in their juices all the time. You don't have to be a full-frontal optimist to pity them. We are here. The problem is that we are with less money being bet and the trend line is down. I like point out that boxing is still here too, but it is not followed like it was in my dad's day. At one time I could name most of the world champions. today I can't tell you who the heavy weight champ is. Corruption, greed, and infighting killed boxing and it is threatening to do the same for horse racing. A couple of hours a week on some cable channel isn't going to save any more than ESPN saved boxing. TV exposure is a double edge sword for racing. The more it is on, the more its dirty laundry will be aired in public.