Barry Meadow Retiring!!!

[The Judge]

e-mial just received I took out a small part about refunds etc.

TR Publishing, 3457 Via Zara Ct., Fallbrook, CA 92028
trpublishing.com (805) 712-5060

After 23 years of publishing the daily Master Win Ratings, I am retiring effective immediately.

I appreciate the opportunity to have provided this service to you over these years. Your correspondence and comments have helped me to sharpen my own handicapping, and have helped contribute to the accuracy and value of the ratings.

I have always done the ratings myself. No assistants, no farming out the work. Which has made for some interesting times during some rare mid-meet trips to faraway places. Thanks to the Internet (which didn’t exist when we started with the mailed, weekly ratings), I’ve watched Golden Gate replays from a hotel room in Monaco, deciphered a German-language keyboard at an Internet café in Austria so I could e-mail the ratings, and downloaded past performances on a cruise ship in Honduras.

Using the ratings as my key handicapping element, I’ve also bet many millions of dollars during this time—through the windows, legal rebate shops, betting exchanges, offshore racebooks, and bookmakers. And from this I am retiring as well.

Partly I am retiring for health reasons, to withdraw from the daily stresses of long hours, deadline pressures, and millimeter $8,000 photos. These pressures, I reluctantly admit, have taken some toll on my body. My doctors tell me that I’ll be better off not to be spending late nights reviewing the final turn of a Hollywood Park turf race several times to see exactly who was wide (and how wide), or agonizing over whether a horse should be a 14 or a 15, or pounding my desk when I’ve just lost a photo at Santa Anita.

I’ll still be involved in horse racing, though not on a daily basis any more. I’m working on a new book, The Skeptical Handicapper, which will include much computer research about what really works in this game. I’ll continue my regular column for American Turf Monthly. And I remain an advisor to HANA, the horseplayers’ advocacy group.

So I won’t exactly be fading into the sunset, but I will have more time to enjoy the sunsets. I’ll be living full-time in Fallbrook, and those of you who’ve visited me here know how beautiful and peaceful it is.

I thank you for your support over the years, and wish you well. And as I signed off each day’s ratings on the telephone, “Good luck at the races.”


Barry Meadow

[RaceBookJoe]

Best wishes to Barry Meadow !!! rbj

[Stillriledup]

Barry, enjoy your retirement, this is a stressful game, its hard on the body no doubt, glad to see you're making the right decision at the right time.

And, the good news is that the game isnt going anywhere, so, somewhere down the line, you can always come back if things change.

Enjoy the retirement and good luck going forward!

[maddog42]

Congrats on your retirement. Money Secrets at the racetrack is THE book on money mangement. I even read your Blackjack/Nevada book "Blackjack Autumn"
Loved it.
Thanks Barry

[LottaKash]

Gosh, it was 24 years ago, in 1987, when I first received my copy of Barry Meadows' book titled; "Professional Harness Betting"....Yikes !, where has the time gone to ?....It was quite a book, with Barry sharing his innermost thoughts and experiences at the Harness.....The book was chock full of truths and dispelled myths, and about winning at the game, and his charts and matrices concerning the construction of all sorts and types of wagers was groundbreaking at the time, and I believe is still timeless today, as well (the math).....He followed up, the following year, I believe, in his book, which most of us "old saltys" still recall and perhaps cherish to this day, "Money Secrets at the Racetrack"....

Barry was always accessible to the people he vended to, as I recall having a conversation a time or two, by simply phoning him at his residence's number, that he supplied with his book....He was most gracious and oh so patient with me, and gave me all the time and support that I needed. (I doubt he would remember me tho)

In fact he gave this invitation at his book's end: TR Publishing, 527 So, Sonya St., Anaheim, CA 92802

"Or call me. My number is ###-###-####. . I always enjoy discussing harness racing with people from all over, and find it a constant learning experience."

" Whether you decide to become a professional harness bettor, or just use the concepts in this book to become more successful, I wish you the best of luck at this fascinating game."
-------------------------------------------------------------------

So from me to you Barry, I wish you well in your "newer lifestyle"....Thanks for the memories, your honesty, sincerity, and most of all, your willingness to share your knowledge and love for this game with others who may share the same love for the game as yourself....

You are, and were very relevant to many of us "in the game", THANKS A BUNCH........:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

best,

[thaskalos]

Just as kids in playgrounds throughout the country dream of being professional baseball and basketball players...many of us gamblers also foster the dream of living the life of a professional gambler; earning our living by our wits...and bowing our heads to no man.

Barry Meadow showed us that it's possible...and also had the integrity to spell out the many difficulties along the way.

For that, he has earned our undying gratitude...and a spot right at the top of the list of "true" gambling authorities.

The consummate professional! :ThmbUp:

[proximity]

i was fortunate enough to meet mr meadow and his wife jeanne last year at penn national when they were in town to visit a mutual friend frank cotolo. they even sat at my table for the latter half of the card and graciously answered my questions about racing, blackjack autumn, and the gambling lifestyle. i remember being most impressed that barry could actually understand all of frank's jokes!!:)

thanks for everything barry and looking forward to the skeptical handicapper book!!

[judd]

why retire? it get boring

[DJofSD]

Best of luck to you Barry on all of your future endevours.

BTW, lots of great golf courses in San Diego County. If you don't play, consider taking up the game for both the exercise and the challenge.

[BlueShoe]

why retire? it get boring
Retired Horseplayer? Thats an oxymoron. :D Retire from publishing and the daily business grind perhaps. While a break from the racing wars does all of us good every now and then, we always come back and jump right back in again. Having been around horse players for more than half a century, have a hunch that Barry will soon be more active than he had planned. Those photo finishes and the rush of winning are hard wired into us, and are much more exciting than, lets say, making two birdies on your last round of golf. :)

[dansan]

once racing gets in your blood not even a transfusion will help

[Robert Goren]

Beating the races just got a little easier now that Barry's money is not the pools. I wish him well in his retirement.

[DJofSD]

Those photo finishes and the rush of winning are hard wired into us, and are much more exciting than, lets say, making two birdies on your last round of golf. :)
Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. :)

After the round I had on Sunday, being able to play a couple of holes just as well as a scratch golfer and getting a better score than my brother on some others, I'd say it comes close. Put a little money on the line and it probably is the same. Just saying ;)

[ezpace]

BEST for ya always Barry

[classhandicapper]

Best of luck.

I have to say though, I don't understand why so many horse players feel compelled to play the game as though it has to be "all" or "nothing" when "all" is obviously a very time consuming and stressful lifestyle.

It's possible the play the game profitably on a more casual basis IF you stick to single type of race, single type of play, single meet etc...

There is nothing stopping people from concentrating exclusively on trainer patterns on a particular circuit, or horses coming off biased tracks, or only graded stakes races, or only races for 2YOs, or only first time turf horses, or only hidden class drop downs etc...

IMO that kind of specialization actually makes it easier to become profitable while also lowering the time commitment. You may not be able to make a living that way, but if you still love the game it gives you a chance to continue playing it without all the downsides.

[098poi]

Good luck to you Barry. Hope you stay in good health!! You may have more time to post on here now.

[riskman]

A true professional with a broad resume as a thoroughbred and harness handicapper with good literary and money management skills to boot. Read a lot of your newsletters, articles and books.
The best to you, and appreciate all your contributions. Hope your health improves.

[njcurveball]

Good luck to you Barry. Your health comes first! You are doing the right thing.

Jim

[dinque]

thank you barry.....

[jamey1977]

thank you barry.....
I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit

[Stillriledup]

I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit

Sometimes your body just can't handle the stress. This is like a pro athlete not being able to play the sport he loves because his body failed him. Elite horse players are SO hard on themselves because perfection is a must, its very easy to beat yourself up over small mistakes and stress yourself out.

[raybo]

I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit

Try playing full time once, you'll know why.

[Track Collector]

I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit

Given Barry's circumstances, fortunately your selfishness and lack of personal respect do not factor into what is best for Mr. Meadow.

Contrary to your view, this situation is NOT about YOU and what is best for YOU.

[Dr Jersey Jim]

Thank you for inspiring me for 20 years Barry.

I'm looking forward to the publication of The Skeptical Handicapper.

JJ

[classhandicapper]

Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too.

Does anyone know what Quinn is doing these days?

I haven't seen any articles or heard anything about him in about two years.

[castaway01]

I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit

Jamey, the idea of you telling Barry Meadow what he should be doing is, at best, ludicrous.

Thanks to Barry for all his hard work for horseplayers over the years. My best to you in retirement.

[thaskalos]

I still want to read all of the works. Now why is this. ? The game is as stressful as hell? Why doesn't Barry attempt to do what Jim Quinn was doing for years on the Santa Anita Circuit- Playing one of the Top 3 Picks to win. Much easier on the heart. You have a hit rate. Perspiring over a 14 to 1 is as nerve wracking as hell. Jim Quinn was getting 35 percent winners at 7 dollars average. But Jim has since stopped doing that too. Why is everyone stopping ? Has the work not been proven? The methods we have all worked on are still valid and so are Barry's - Barry said his overlays guarantee a 7 to 10 percent profit. I believe that is still valid. Now has there been long losing streaks? How about maintaining the method and seeing why these losing streaks occurred ? . A few D.Q rules can make everything valid again. Jim Quinn was also betting with very few D.Q rules. Maybe 5, no wonder there were so many losses. My only complaint is, if you see why these losing streaks occur maybe something can be done about it. What gets me is why are all of these intelligent sharp horseplayers and lecturers and writers quitting the game ? Or at least quitting puting money down. Even Dick Mitchell quit at the end. All of us who want to make a living or dream of making a living at this game are left out to dry. Sets a very bad example. Don't Quit
Hi Jamey...

If I am not mistaken...you had mentioned in an old post of yours that you had sold a couple of screenplays to Hollywood movie makers.

Were they comedies? :)

[Jeff P]

Barry,

Best wishes my friend. Here's hoping you and your wife can now thoroughly enjoy that long and very much deserved happy retirement.

-jp

.

[jamey1977]

Jamey, the idea of you telling Barry Meadow what he should be doing is, at best, ludicrous.

Thanks to Barry for all his hard work for horseplayers over the years. My best to you in retirement.
Will say anything. Come back Barry, we need you. LOL

[Not4Love]

I played full time for a little over a year. Yes, it's stressful. But if I was able to keep winning I'd still be doing it. He is obviously not winning . I no longer play the game myself. I guess you can call it retirement, but I'm just as comfortable saying I quit.

[The Judge]

is now the one off the SANER places on Paceadvantage thanks to some posts here.

[Vinnie]

Barry:

Thank you so much for all of the vast contributions that you have made over so many years to this great game that we all love and enjoy so much. I wish you only the very Best in your retirement.

[whodoyoulike]

Best wishes in retirement. I'm glad to read you have your priorities straight. Your health comes first and family comes next. The importance of racing and everything else should always come after the first two.

I've traveled through Fallbrook and it's a beautiful and very peaceful place.

[Buckeye]

Where's the new book Barry?

No offense.

[Buckeye]

Notice I do check things out.

[Valuist]

Where's the new book Barry?

No offense.

I want to check out a book he wrote about playing blackjack at every casino in the state of Nevada.

[WoxFan]

I want to check out a book he wrote about playing blackjack at every casino in the state of Nevada.


I enjoyed it, a worthwhile read if you are or were a blackjack player, especially if. You counted at some point.

[turfnsport]

Where's the new book Barry?

No offense.

Barry sent me an email the other day. The book is coming. I am looking forward to reading it.

[HalvOnHorseracing]

Barry, I know exactly what you mean. For three years I posted daily picks, sometimes having to stay up to the wee hours of the morning to get them out. I also had health issues, and even though I tried I just seemed to lose interest in being a public handicapper. The fact is that we are all like a finger in a glass of water. When you pull the finger out you leave no hole.

I'm also putting a book together, primarily putting my past and some new writings together.

You may remember way back that we exchanged mailing lists and compliments on each other's book. That must have been 30 years ago.

Time flies. Best of luck to you.

Rich

[Niko]

Have always enjoyed Barry's articles and teachings over the last couple of decades. Fond memories of Meadow's Monthly, always a worthwhile investment. In my view, Barry is in the top echelon of player advocates and educators.

Thank you so much for your contributions to the sport. Enjoy the more casual pace of play - well deserved! :headbanger:

P.S.: If you get bored, you can team up with Platt, Maloney and CJ (among others) to help clean up the betting ... ahem...sport for us little people.

[Waquoit]

Barry retiring makes me feel old(er).
ADD: Clearly I did not check the date of the 1st post.

[ubercapper]

I wouldn't exactly call him retired. I had dinner with him over the weekend. He will be busy with the book for some time, re-editing and marketing it, and he's still very aware of both the blackjack and racing world.



We should all look forward to the insights in his upcoming book as well as interviews he will probably be doing with Steve Byk, Ray Paulick (or one of his staff) and elsewhere.

[thaskalos]

I wouldn't exactly call him retired. I had dinner with him over the weekend. He will be busy with the book for some time, re-editing and marketing it, and he's still very aware of both the blackjack and racing world.



We should all look forward to the insights in his upcoming book as well as interviews he will probably be doing with Steve Byk, Ray Paulick (or one of his staff) and elsewhere.

Who picked up the tab?

[MPRanger]

Thank you for the knowledge you shared Barry.

Much Respect!