Horse Racing Integrity/Past Posting

[Track Phantom]

I've been reading the recent stories about Penn National and Hollywood Park past posting situations. I'm absolutely stunned these things can occur, especially in our new world of immediate technology.

Just to state the facts, Penn National had a race go off and betting was still occuring many minutes after the race was finished and even after the track announcer called it official. They decided to refund ALL wagers. Hollywood Park had a similar incident in which Scientific Games was apparently able to "kick out" the past posting money and keep the fair pool in tact.

In both cases, Scientific Games software failed to notify the betting outlets to "stop taking bets". Whatever the reason, I am mortified that NOTHING happens afterwards. No investigation by federal authorities, no suspensions, no change in standard operating procedure.

When will tracks institute a policy that betting has to end "x" minutes before the race goes off, not as the race goes off? I know it will irk me at times when I get shut out, but I'd much, much rather be shut out then feel like I'm betting into dirty pools.

The fact that there appears to be NO accountability for this negligence is frightening.

Can anyone shed some light on why no one steps in to provide some integrity? Does everyone realize that there is only 1 entity making money when a race is canceled? The track. There are thousands of dollars that never get refunded because people do not realize the situation and throw their ticket away? I'm quite certain it was criminal behavior by Penn not to put up on their screen that the race was refunded. Thus, many that lost had no clue they could cash for a refund.

[Overlay]

I totally agree with you that nothing strikes at the heart of the sport more than bettors losing confidence in the integrity of the pari-mutuel system. All racing fans should be up in arms over this.

[Relwob Owner]

I've been reading the recent stories about Penn National and Hollywood Park past posting situations. I'm absolutely stunned these things can occur, especially in our new world of immediate technology.

Just to state the facts, Penn National had a race go off and betting was still occuring many minutes after the race was finished and even after the track announcer called it official. They decided to refund ALL wagers. Hollywood Park had a similar incident in which Scientific Games was apparently able to "kick out" the past posting money and keep the fair pool in tact.

In both cases, Scientific Games software failed to notify the betting outlets to "stop taking bets". Whatever the reason, I am mortified that NOTHING happens afterwards. No investigation by federal authorities, no suspensions, no change in standard operating procedure.

When will tracks institute a policy that betting has to end "x" minutes before the race goes off, not as the race goes off? I know it will irk me at times when I get shut out, but I'd much, much rather be shut out then feel like I'm betting into dirty pools.

The fact that there appears to be NO accountability for this negligence is frightening.

Can anyone shed some light on why no one steps in to provide some integrity? Does everyone realize that there is only 1 entity making money when a race is canceled? The track. There are thousands of dollars that never get refunded because people do not realize the situation and throw their ticket away? I'm quite certain it was criminal behavior by Penn not to put up on their screen that the race was refunded. Thus, many that lost had no clue they could cash for a refund.


All great points.....it is going to take someone, probably a lawyer, to take the track(s) on. I would think that a lawyer would want this sort of case, since it is pretty clear that something has been done that is not correct. Also, that person could be the "go-to" person whenever something happens.

You have touched on the biggest problem and that is accountability. The tracks arent accountable to anyone or anything. I posted on another thread what happened last night at Charlestown involving a photo finish that I still believe was incorrect and a DQ that was just absurd.....what can be done about either? As things stand now, nothing....

[lamboguy]

as for right now the racino's could care less if a few horseplayers get ripped off from their money.

what i can tell you is right now you have a bunch of stupid people sitting infront of stupid looking slot machine's pumping in their week's pay. this is a zero sum game. eventually they will clean every one out and their won't even be slot players around as hard as that is to beleive right now.

horse racing is a complete industry, if run properly there will be more people in attendance for that sport. it is the only sport around that has spectator participation.

another recent up and coming sport is nasscar racing, that is a completley regulated sport with zero spectator participation, some events get over 100,000 people lined up to get in them places to watch it.

car racing vs. horse racing is a no contest, horse racing will win every single time if its on a level playing field to car racing.

[startngate]

In both cases, Scientific Games software failed to notify the betting outlets to "stop taking bets". Whatever the reason, I am mortified that NOTHING happens afterwards. No investigation by federal authorities, no suspensions, no change in standard operating procedure. Actually no, United Tote is Penn National's Tote provider. When an event occurs such as this, things do happen. First of all, 'federal' authorities are not going to investigate because gambling is regulated at the State level, not federal. The Racing Commission in Pennsylvania (and also California for that incident) are certainly investigating. There have been published reports. Assuming there is evidence of a screw up, there will be consequences for the tote company or the operator that caused the problem. SciGames did get fined for their previous error in California and I'm sure you will see something similar here.

Can anyone shed some light on why no one steps in to provide some integrity? Does everyone realize that there is only 1 entity making money when a race is canceled? The track. There are thousands of dollars that never get refunded because people do not realize the situation and throw their ticket away? I'm quite certain it was criminal behavior by Penn not to put up on their screen that the race was refunded. Thus, many that lost had no clue they could cash for a refund.Actually you are incorrect here again (at least in Penn's case) as all uncashed tickets in Pennsylvania are paid back to the State after the April 1st deadline to cash tickets from the previous year. Also, stop throwing around the word 'criminal' ... racetracks must follow administrative rules that are promulgated by the Racing Commissions. It's not a 'crime' to break one of those rules unless it's specified as such, and I doubt not putting a graphic up qualifies.

Are their problems with the current tote systems? Absolutely ... and the industry needs to step up and fix them.

another recent up and coming sport is nasscar racing, that is a completley regulated sport with zero spectator participation, some events get over 100,000 people lined up to get in them places to watch it.If you think NASCAR is a 'zero spectator participation' sport then you've never been to a NASCAR race or toured a track. Nothing could be further from the truth. NASCAR does a far better job of getting fans involved in the sport than horse racing ever will (but would if it were smart).

In NASCAR, fans get to tour the pit areas, can do ride-alongs or go through some training and actually drive a stock car on the track where the races are actually run. There are also 'in-car' cameras and telemetry on every car during a race and at many tracks and through various online and TV outlets you can listen in to the driver/crew conversations. The stars of the sport are accessible, marketed (and heaven forbid) actually keep racing each year instead of retiring when they are 2 or 3 years into competition.

The BIG difference with NASCAR being able to do this is that it is overseen by a 'central governing body' which makes it much easier to get the obvious and necessary things accomplished. IMO, until racing goes this route instead of having each State regulate, and each track do whatever is best for them (instead of the sport as a whole) things will never change to where they need to be in horse racing.

[Relwob Owner]

as for right now the racino's could care less if a few horseplayers get ripped off from their money.

what i can tell you is right now you have a bunch of stupid people sitting infront of stupid looking slot machine's pumping in their week's pay. this is a zero sum game. eventually they will clean every one out and their won't even be slot players around as hard as that is to beleive right now.

horse racing is a complete industry, if run properly there will be more people in attendance for that sport. it is the only sport around that has spectator participation.

another recent up and coming sport is nasscar racing, that is a completley regulated sport with zero spectator participation, some events get over 100,000 people lined up to get in them places to watch it.

LG,

You seen to have a lot of anger towards the slots....eveidenced by calling the people who play them "stupid"-either way, if they werent playing at the racinos, they would be playing somewhere else.

If slots are the devil you make them out to be and somehow responsible for the demise of racing, then please explain why "prestigious" tracks in California and Kentucky are struggling?

Lastly, you say that horse racing is the only sport around with spectator participation. Is the participation you are referring to the betting? If so, that statement is completely inaccurate.

[cj]

LG,

You seen to have a lot of anger towards the slots....eveidenced by calling the people who play them "stupid"-either way, if they werent playing at the racinos, they would be playing somewhere else.

If slots are the devil you make them out to be and somehow responsible for the demise of racing, then please explain why "prestigious" tracks in California and Kentucky are struggling?

Lastly, you say that horse racing is the only sport around with spectator participation. Is the participation you are referring to the betting? If so, that statement is completely inaccurate.

There are too many tracks and not enough horses. Slots are subsidizing the tracks that can't compete and taking business away from bigger tracks.

Slots are nothing but welfare for horsemen. They do nothing to help improve the product, and if anything they make them worse. They are paying out purse money, purse money the horsemen do absolutely nothing to deserve, to horses that would otherwise be running at bigger tracks with bigger pools. This would lead to even bigger pools and to better purses.

Slots do nothing but put a band aid on a massive injury. Sooner or later, politicians will take away the free money and then where will racing be?

[Cangamble]

There are too many tracks and not enough horses. Slots are subsidizing the tracks that can't compete and taking business away from bigger tracks.

Slots are nothing but welfare for horsemen. They do nothing to help improve the product, and if anything they make them worse. They are paying out purse money, purse money the horsemen do absolutely nothing to deserve, to horses that would otherwise be running at bigger tracks with bigger pools. This would lead to even bigger pools and to better purses.

Slots do nothing but put a band aid on a massive injury. Sooner or later, politicians will take away the free money and then where will racing be?
My biggest gripe with slots is that it appears that the tracks that have them also have the highest takeout rates.

[lamboguy]

LG,

You seen to have a lot of anger towards the slots....eveidenced by calling the people who play them "stupid"-either way, if they werent playing at the racinos, they would be playing somewhere else.

If slots are the devil you make them out to be and somehow responsible for the demise of racing, then please explain why "prestigious" tracks in California and Kentucky are struggling?

Lastly, you say that horse racing is the only sport around with spectator participation. Is the participation you are referring to the betting? If so, that statement is completely inaccurate.

for my answer, please refer to cj's post. i have been saying that slots are the ruination of racing 10 years ago. this is nothing new, you know it just as well as i do, race tracks could care less about the product they put out and all are trying to convince state houses that racing is not needed part of their economy. i don't go to race tracks anymore, i have to hear it from people like you how things are going, no one says any thing in a positive fashion.

[Relwob Owner]

There are too many tracks and not enough horses. Slots are subsidizing the tracks that can't compete and taking business away from bigger tracks.

Slots are nothing but welfare for horsemen. They do nothing to help improve the product, and if anything they make them worse. They are paying out purse money, purse money the horsemen do absolutely nothing to deserve, to horses that would otherwise be running at bigger tracks with bigger pools. This would lead to even bigger pools and to better purses.

Slots do nothing but put a band aid on a massive injury. Sooner or later, politicians will take away the free money and then where will racing be?


One huge flaw in your point...you say money is paid out "to horses that would otherwise be running at bigger tracks" I couldnt disagree more with that....look at a full card at Charlestown and point out the horses that would be running at the "prestigious" tracks....there arent many.

The horse shortage is also due to an ownership shortage....if owners wanted to own at the "prestigious" tracks, they would find a way....however, owners simply cant make money in California or Churchill and that is a fact. Plus, owners probably get sick and tired of what is allowed to go on at those tracks...especially California(ever wonder why horses that do well there many times cant run a lick elsewhere?????). Then, throw in the economy and that people are worth about half what they were two years ago.

Also, I dont get your point that horseman dont deserve the purses that they are getting. I own horses, I contibute to making the races happen and I deserve what I get....your implication that I dont confuses me. Owning horses is not a prpofitable venture to begin with and I deserve any reward I get for taking the risks I do.

I am not blind to the challenges and pitfalls of slots but they are a band aid that is keeping racing alive here in the Mid Atlantic. I do see the point that the setup leads to outrageous things happening and I will always post and be aware of that happening. I also share the same concern that someday, they will get rid of the racinos. However, i dont see the politicians doing that because it would kill so many jobs. I also resent the idea that smaller tracks need to be shut down so the more "prestigious" tracks can survive. Why????? Why is Churchill more important than Delaware? Smacks of elitism to me. The more prestigious tracks cant make it on their own and it is because of a lot more reasons than just slots.

The "too many tracks" arguments is way too simplified. If you put together good races and an opportunity to make money, the owners and the horses will come.


As far as your assertion that slots create a "bad product"...couldnt disagree more....here are the field sizes tonight at Charlestown---8,8,10,7,10,8,10,7,10...They arent Derby winners(and never were) but from a betting standpoint, that is a great product.

[cj]

One huge flaw in your point...you say money is paid out "to horses that would otherwise be running at bigger tracks" I couldnt disagree more with that....look at a full card at Charlestown and point out the horses that would be running at the "prestigious" tracks....there arent many.

The horse shortage is also due to an ownership shortage....if owners wanted to own at the "prestigious" tracks, they would find a way....however, owners simply cant make money in California or Churchill and that is a fact. Plus, owners probably get sick and tired of what is allowed to go on at those tracks...especially California(ever wonder why horses do well there many cant run a lick elsewhere?????)

Also, I dont get your point that horseman dont deserve the purses that they are getting. I own horses, I contibute to making the races happen and I deserve what I get....your implication that I dont confuses me. Owning horses is not a prpofitable venture to begin with and I deserve any reward I get for taking the risks I do.

I am not blind to the challenges and pitfalls of slots but they are a band aid that is keeping racing alive here in the Mid Atlantic. I share the same concern that someday, they will get rid of the racinos. However, i dont see the politicians doing that because it would kill so many jobs. I also resent the idea that smaller tracks need to be shut down so the more "prestigious" tracks can survive. Why????? Why is Churchill more important than Delaware? Smacks of elitism to me. The more prestigious tracks cant make it on their own and it is because of a lot more reasons than just slots.

The "too many tracks" arguments is way too simplified. If you put together good races and an opportunity to make money, the owners and the horses will come.


As far as your assertion that slots create a "bad product"...couldnt disagree more....here are the field sizes tonight at Charlestown---8,8,10,7,10,8,10,7,10...from a betting standpoint, that is a great product.

Tracks card races for the horses on the grounds. Just look how the racing has changed in New York in recent years.

My point is that owners are being paid money they don't deserve at slots tracks. If the product is so great at CharlesTown, why are the pools so small? I didn't mean to imply that all racing should be held at top tracks. But, we don't need River Downs, Thistledown, Pimlico, Delaware, Philly Park, Mountaineer, Penn National, CharlesTown, and Monmouth all running at the same time for the same caliber of horses. Without slots, or in Mth's case casino subsidies, many of those tracks would be gone and the races would fuller and more competitive at the surviving tracks.

I originally thought slots would be great, but it hasn't turned out that way at all. Purses should be based on handle, not on which states are dumb enough to give money away to a struggling industry.

[Relwob Owner]

Tracks card races for the horses on the grounds. Just look how the racing has changed in New York in recent years.

My point is that owners are being paid money they don't deserve at slots tracks. If the product is so great at CharlesTown, why are the pools so small? I didn't mean to imply that all racing should be held at top tracks. But, we don't need River Downs, Thistledown, Pimlico, Delaware, Philly Park, Mountaineer, Penn National, CharlesTown, and Monmouth all running at the same time for the same caliber of horses. Without slots, or in Mth's case casino subsidies, many of those tracks would be gone and the races would fuller and more competitive at the surviving tracks.

I originally thought slots would be great, but it hasn't turned out that way at all. Purses should be based on handle, not on which states are dumb enough to give money away to a struggling industry.


I think it is like a lot of things in this sport-complicated and without a clear, easy solution...your point about handle is a good one but handle is based on who gets what signals as well...I think CT came on HRTV for a bit and its handle went up significantly for a bit.


I guess I just dont see the blanket statement that slots are the cause for everything bad.......Like you, I thought slots were the solution and feel less that way now than I did. I do think the answer lies somewhere in the middle and that there are a ton of reasons for the problems in racing.

[cj]

I think it is like a lot of things in this sport-complicated and without a clear, easy solution...your point about handle is a good one but handle is based on who gets what signals as well...I think CT came on HRTV for a bit and its handle went up significantly for a bit.


I guess I just dont see the blanket statement that slots are the cause for everything bad.......Like you, I thought slots were the solution and feel less that way now than I did. I do think the answer lies somewhere in the middle and that there are a ton of reasons for the problems in racing.

You make some good points. I don't mind slots the help make it possible for more owners to be in the game. But when those slots are the sole reason a track exists, nothing good comes from that, and we have several of those around.

[Track Phantom]

First of all, 'federal' authorities are not going to investigate because gambling is regulated at the State level, not federal. SciGames did get fined for their previous error in California and I'm sure you will see something similar here.

You said "First of all, 'federal' authorities are not going to investigate because gambling is regulated at the State level, not federal". It is quite apparent the "state" level authorities are not regulating the sport.

You said "SciGames did get fined for their previous error in California and I'm sure you will see something similar here." Fining the SciGames company is not enough. There is more that needs to be done. If they've already been fined and the problems still exist...don't you think other measures need to be taken?

[Track Phantom]

I think it is like a lot of things in this sport-complicated and without a clear, easy solution...your point about handle is a good one but handle is based on who gets what signals as well...I think CT came on HRTV for a bit and its handle went up significantly for a bit.


I guess I just dont see the blanket statement that slots are the cause for everything bad.......Like you, I thought slots were the solution and feel less that way now than I did. I do think the answer lies somewhere in the middle and that there are a ton of reasons for the problems in racing.

Slots can be a viable option for a track that is running a horse racing first operation. Many of these tracks are not and thus are using the laws to add casino money at the expense of racing at their venue.

[Relwob Owner]

You make some good points. I don't mind slots the help make it possible for more owners to be in the game. But when those slots are the sole reason a track exists, nothing good comes from that, and we have several of those around.


Agreed...you make some good points as well. Trust me-every night at CT, i see what happens when you have an owner that could care less about the racing and the results of that kind of arrangement. It would be great if you could put in slots and also have incentive to keep the racing product just as good. It was good debating it with ya

[Relwob Owner]

for my answer, please refer to cj's post. i have been saying that slots are the ruination of racing 10 years ago. this is nothing new, you know it just as well as i do, race tracks could care less about the product they put out and all are trying to convince state houses that racing is not needed part of their economy. i don't go to race tracks anymore, i have to hear it from people like you how things are going, no one says any thing in a positive fashion.


LG,

You say on one hand that you yearn for how racing used to be and yet now, you dont go to the tracks...dont you see how you are an example of how technology has changed racing(many betting from home) and it will never be like it used to be? Slots may not be the full answer but the days of everyone physically going to the track are gone and racing needs to adjust.

Also, I do post about issues at CT but those same issues were there 20 years ago and have nothing to do with the slots-the place has always had bad management IMHO

[proximity]

this is a business with high barriers to entry. it's not easy to just go out and open up your own brand new track and in some states it's impossible now. many tracks operated in virtual monopoly conditions for years while their complacent and inept managements let the game morph into its present state. so meanwhile if you wanted to be involved (owner, player, both....) it was basically your local track or nothing. so i believe the game needs the chance to grow and rise to its potential and that it deserves the lift that slots can give it.

unfortunately in most racino situations the people who are benefitting the most from the slots are those same track managements/gaming companies that led the game into its present abyss to begin with. these people don't see the potential of the game and they don't care.

my apologies to valento for the thread drift....

[Track Phantom]

this is a business with high barriers to entry. it's not easy to just go out and open up your own brand new track and in some states it's impossible now. many tracks operated in virtual monopoly conditions for years while their complacent and inept managements let the game morph into its present state. so meanwhile if you wanted to be involved (owner, player, both....) it was basically your local track or nothing. so i believe the game needs the chance to grow and rise to its potential and that it deserves the lift that slots can give it.

unfortunately in most racino situations the people who are benefitting the most from the slots are those same track managements/gaming companies that led the game into its present abyss to begin with. these people don't see the potential of the game and they don't care.

my apologies to valento for the thread drift....

Not a problem....it's kind of all tied together anyway.

[rwwupl]

This was posted on another thread,General Racing,"Do you think betting windows should close 1 MTP?.

It may be equaly or more appropriate here. Sorry if you already read it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Scientific Games was asked at a CHRB meeting last year in California why they had not been able to stop late odds changes as they had promised.

The explanation boiled down to the fact they could, but it would require a major investment in new hardware,not only for Scientific games,but for all the sites the signal was transmitted to,and the new hardware for the sites would have to be paid for by the sites.

The proposal was then made(By myself) to the Board to put an end to late odds changes now by simply requiring that betting be stopped when the first horse entered the gate.

It was pointed out the only cost would be temporary until the customers made the adjustment, and it would clear up one big question in this area that the public believes that there is a lack of integrity in the pari-mutuel process.

The CHRB Board decided to give Scientific Games more time to do what they said they could not do at this meeting and study more software methods and extended their contract to do so.

The result has been zero accomplished and the perception of lack of integrity problem has increased.

Ref: CHRB Pari-Mutuel Committee meeting Oct. 19th,2007
--------------------------------------------------------------


The following is a letter to the CHRB Chairman 12-19-07 with addresses blocked out concerning the matter.


12/19/07


Richard B. Shapiro, Chairman, CHRB
xxx xxx xxx
xxx xxx xxx
Dear Richard


Past posting has become a fact with many examples. I am sure it has not escaped you. The CHRB has made an effort some time ago to control the problem by gaining a promise from Scientific Games to modify its software to give proportional payouts when a dead heat occurs and put an end to late odds changes.

Scientific Games at the October 19th meeting of the Pari-Mutuel Committee that I attended said they could not do the job.
The discussion established two main points. It could be done with an investment in new hardware by Scientific Games and the connecting racetracks but it was described as too expensive. Scientific Games asked for two more years to solve the software problems that they said could not be done.

The second point was when others and I proposed verbally that the CHRB solve the problem now on late odds changes with a simple solution while Scientific Games continued research, by cutting off betting when the first horse enters the gate.

The racetrack people there opposed this idea on the grounds that someone may be shut out and there may be some revenue loss until the bettors get used to the cutoff. It was very clear at the meeting that the CHRB wanted to please the racetracks at the expense of the public bettor.

The late odds changes goes to the very integrity of the game. The perception is that the betting process is tainted, and one would think that the CHRB would do everything possible to change that, yet it does, basically, nothing.

Inconveniencing a few fans and losing a few dollars in handle, is a small price to pay for solving a problem that needs resolution.

When many public dollars are being bet and have it change hands under such lax security, you are inviting larceny.

It is part of your mission statement that the CHRB is to protect the bettor. I view that the CHRB is not protecting the bettor or the public trust on this issue that they have been given. In effect you are violating that trust.
I ask you as Chairman to reconsider the CHRB position on this matter at your earliest convenience.


Thank You.

xxx xxx xxx
xxx xxx xxx
xxx xxx xxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Copy: Mike Marten xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Imriledup]

Wicked and Wacky Shapiro.

Why do you think there is a horse named after this guy?

[fmolf]

i think the tracks should at least do what hollywood is doing less races per day and less racing days...this may help alleviate the horse shortage which is affecting all circuits...slots can only help racing because i doubt very much they take customers away from the races but they do provide needed purse monies....people who choose slots over horses are not betting any serious cash anyway!racing needs to market themselves to a younger crowd...to do this they must race at night when most people are home from work and able to see the races and go to the track to socialize....fri nights at santa anita and hollywood have been very successful.... not only do they need to market to people who can actually follow there sport but they need to teach them that it is a game that an edge can be gained by shrewd and prudent wagering...this is whatneeds to be marketed ...

[MzDucat]

Past posting sometimes occurs due to several mistakes on one race. The sucessful times (those when folks who bet after the gate opens are paid out before the locale gets a handle on it) really do happen.

What astonishes me is that the tracks in some state still do not have a specific rule which requires them (tracks/simulcast rooms) to actually pick up a phone and tell their local board about the incident(s).

To quote one of my old bosses addressing his supervisors, "We treat the wagering board with mushroom management. We throw a little manure on them and keep them in the dark. If you can't get your head around this concept, you will not be part of the core team."

If you were a supervisor, would you feel comfortable handing over frozen and confiscated tickets to this guy? The supervisor sometimes is gone in a month and the tickets are sometimes unfrozen. Soon they are redeemed.

Serves the board's right. Most of their investigators couldn't investigate Mamma's cookie jar. They deserve to lose the revenue.

[rrbauer]

All great points.....it is going to take someone, probably a lawyer, to take the track(s) on. I would think that a lawyer would want this sort of case, since it is pretty clear that something has been done that is not correct. Also, that person could be the "go-to" person whenever something happens.

You have touched on the biggest problem and that is accountability. The tracks arent accountable to anyone or anything. I posted on another thread what happened last night at Charlestown involving a photo finish that I still believe was incorrect and a DQ that was just absurd.....what can be done about either? As things stand now, nothing....

The tracks blame the tote companies. End of discussion!!

[takeout]

Whenever there’s some mistake or malfunction the track and tote company seem to spend all their time arguing over which one is liable and the customer comes last if at all. It should be the other way around. I realize situations can be very different but this last thing at Pen (not paying the winners) was just horrendous. If tracks are not going to do the right thing by their customers then we might as well be dealing with street bookies. What’s the difference? We don’t ultimately know if they are going to pay-up either.

[MzDucat]

It isn't as simple as tracks blame the tote company.

One of the many times the betting was left open (yup it happened alot) the poor tote guy was stuck working alone as usual. Well, our tote was forced to be controlled by a hub for economic reasons (we were no longer considered big enough). The two guys at the hub reminded me of the Wayne's World couch guys. Meanwhile back at our track the poor tote guy had been ordered by a management wannabe's post it note to fix 3 machines in the lower club before 6 that evening. He would be checking to see if his orders were followed (bozo making the threats couldn't even change the paper in the printer, no joke). So when we're taking bets-instead of him catching the fact that the hub missed shutting off a smaller track, he's dicking around fixing a paper jam on a terminal we won't use until Saturday (it was Thursday). Is the on track tote guy in trouble? No, he's got the post it note to show why he wasn't in the room he was supposed to be in. Will the hub be in trouble? If they ever were I am unaware of it. Will the guy who was showing off his mover and shaker skills admit he was a cog in the problem? Nope. He will lie and say that the tote guy was out for coffee and used the post it note to cover his absence. Except I had coffee that night with the night security guard. Looked at the surveillance tape and yup the tote guy told the truth.

The guy in the position directly above the wannabee was terminally ill. Was grateful the guy was doing part of his job while he was in treatment. The wannabee wanted to show he was up to the sick guys job so he could move up when he retired (the wannabee was part-time clerk material in a crisp white shirt).

"It's totes fault" is just too simplistic.

A year before this I would have run down to the tote room before the official sign was posted. I would have been on the walkie talkie to the tote guy while I ran. We would have had a printout of all the tickets bought after the gate opened.

I would have phoned our best clerk and told him not to cash anything on the track in question until I called back. I would have included all vouchers. He then would tell his bay and then called the other bays with the instructions. Back in the tote room the tote guy and I would be on different terminals typing like mad to freeze the tickets that were purchased after the gate opened. We tried never to inconvenience the legit winners but we need 5 minutes to do this right. The only guys usually bitching were the guys who bet after the bell. (We call those guys crooks where I come from)

Then I would have taken the list of frozen tickets. If the crooks wanted their investment back (usually a $20 straight Triple out of YOUR pool guys) I would give them back the $20-but only if I got the ticket. If they wanted to be mouthy about it they could pound salt (their ticket was dead anyway).

With the permission of the mutuel director, I tabulated the on track winners.
We redistributed the money to our simulcast legit winners who ended up with more money than the posted price because they got the crooks tickets.

Fair to other locations who bet into that pool? Hell no. Don't like it? Sorry. Wanna take stuff like this up with the state? Good luck. They never even knew what went down. Will it happen again. Uh, yeah. Will monitoring systems catch it? Not in a way that'll get you the money you should have been paid. (That part has always pissed me off-but when I tried to get a job with the state to address this part I was told "There's only one Christ honey and you're not him.") He was right, but at least I can tell if some other guy has a better solution. And I would implement it and give him his credit due.

Anyway, on this particular time I stayed in the Club and stayed at my post.
Legit bettors griped about the lousy Triple price. Crooks bragged on their cell phones about how they just ripped off the track.

Why? Wannabee was now pulling the strings. If I had taken care of our patrons he would have gotten me fired for interfering with operations.
He just wanted to brush it under the rug. Used to picture him with a rug with a pile of dirt the size of a body smackdab in the middle of the room.

He's gone now guys but I bet he's got a boatload of cousins out there.

Yeah, sometimes racing sucks-let's go get a beer & handicap today's card.