andymays
01-11-2010, 09:30 AM
http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/Zasts-TrackWords/comments/2010-01-11all-things-change/#comments
Excerpt:
In addition, the goal of improving attendance has been all but entirely abandoned. The introduction of synthetic racetracks seems to have curbed fatal injuries but has caused a split in opinion that’s destroying competitive spirit. Tote credibility issues linger. Takeout has soared. All hope that was once felt is directed at making up for squandered time, not at building on progress. Optimists claim that the decade ahead will be better than the decade past. Yet, that’s doubtful.
In the first place, discontent doesn’t seem to have reached levels sufficient to cause many forces within the industry to seek change. The declines in business, while steep and troubling, haven’t moved enough people to act seriously in ways that might correct the existing ennui. The industry seems content to muddle along without accepting that each element is a part of the whole. Because horse racing remains legislated by individual states, there has always been resistance to organizing the sport nationally
Excerpt:
In addition, the goal of improving attendance has been all but entirely abandoned. The introduction of synthetic racetracks seems to have curbed fatal injuries but has caused a split in opinion that’s destroying competitive spirit. Tote credibility issues linger. Takeout has soared. All hope that was once felt is directed at making up for squandered time, not at building on progress. Optimists claim that the decade ahead will be better than the decade past. Yet, that’s doubtful.
In the first place, discontent doesn’t seem to have reached levels sufficient to cause many forces within the industry to seek change. The declines in business, while steep and troubling, haven’t moved enough people to act seriously in ways that might correct the existing ennui. The industry seems content to muddle along without accepting that each element is a part of the whole. Because horse racing remains legislated by individual states, there has always been resistance to organizing the sport nationally