"I sat out last year, for the first time" Kind of a non-answer, as expected.

LOL

You had plenty of people high up in the Industry looking in. Could have picked up some advertisers and new members. Instead you took a condescending attitude and did all you could to minimize real concerns of people who had skin in the game. I take it from your non answer that you are not an NTRA member and do not play in their tournaments???? And by the way I just made a lot of people aware of the situation but there were plenty of people in high places who agreed with me and the others involved. They were the ones who got it done.

And here's the other thing PA. If you're coming out for the Breeders' Cup OR if we ever run into one another at the track I would shake your hand and buy you a beer and talk about the horses. You have very little clue who I am. Good luck to you and I hope you get over your bitterness

PA is definitely obdurate if nothing else, I dont blame him though, it runs rampant on this board.

Oh my!

Newsflash: There are plenty of people "high up" in the "Industry" looking in DAILY and have been since almost DAY ONE 20+ years ago.

They hardly ever advertised with me 20 years ago, 15 years ago, 10 years ago, 5 years ago, or today. That ship sailed long ago. So I don't actually care anymore. I stopped caring about advertisers about a decade ago. It's all just a labor of love at this point.

I did say this industry never fails to disappoint me, right? I learned that lesson long ago.

Andy, unlike you, my life doesn't revolve around recognition in the horse racing industry. Unlike you, I don't live for how many "higher ups" have read my tweets or took notice of me in some way on any given day.

Oh, and for the RECORD, let's once again show everyone here exactly my "condescending attitude" and how I "did all I could to minimize real concerns":

I call this "tough love." Just telling it like it is.

Your very next reply to me?

Now let's see. Where exactly in my reply did I tell you what you can and can't do? I took your concerns into account and told you that you have two options. You either don't go. Or you wear a mask. I explained a very SIMPLE situation to you in the simplest terms possible.

In your constant need to make mountains out of molehills, you couldn't let it just end...and off we went. I understand. The twitter monster needs to be fed a constant diet of controversy to remain relevant in your eyes.

No hard feelings.

My life revolves around recognition in the Industry? For over 10 years I've worked to improve the game on my own dime. When anyone asks me to help with a legit issue I do. Sometimes we're successful and sometimes not. I have many friends in the Industry many of which I was at odds with at one time or another. I'm pretty sure I did a good thing in this case and I would have bet anything that you would have been supportive of the effort but to my surprise you weren't and all you have is bitterness. You must be a very insecure person cuz there is nothing in this thread that warrants your vitriol.

Again I hope you overcome your bitterness. Good luck

Formally asked for a waiver for my 2 entries to 2022 and got it. Thanked the NTRA for accommodating us

Congratulations..Good luck next year.

if you ain't trollin' you ain't tryin'

Thanks. And I appreciate your disagreement with me cuz you had a strong opinion and challenged me but never got too personal. And that's what it's all about.

Right on. :ThmbUp:

The vitriol started with you accusing me of trying to "tell you what you can and can't do," when I had done NOTHING of the SORT.

It's all there in black and white for the rational among us to see.

You're the one who got all defensive over nothing.

It's obvious you can't handle even the tiniest amount of differing opinion.

Andy's a change agent.
 

Added to his twitter.

I'm the guy who got the NTRA to offer an online option for the 2021 NHC.

I also received a letter from Michele Ravencraft. BTW before I expand let me say I think Michele is an unquestioned SUPERSTAR in our industry.

I've worked with her on a number of things as well as playing in a few NHC's. Her class, dedication and professionalism is second to none.

I was told about the waiver option to 2022 as well. She did say there was a meeting with the Las Vegas officials on August 17th to see where everything stands and asked if I'd wait until after that meeting to decide. I agreed.

The LAST thing I want to do is opt out of the Aug. NHC. I'm really looking forward to having Saratoga and Del Mar in the mix for the first time. And much has gone into the planning of our trip.

If I switch to February I'll have to miss three days of work at Oaklawn. While my superiors have always been very gracious in letting me off to compete. I'd prefer to never miss an Oaklawn race day. With only 66 they are precious indeed.

We'll see how it shakes out.

FWIW I've never heard anything about my proxy idea. So I'm assuming that's a non starter. Oh well I still think it's a viable temporary solution.

**** Covid 19! :puke:

Hat's off to you my friend. Thanks.

Sorry. 100% on you for any negativity in this thread.

:pound: