Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Asaro
Start offering some solutions. It's easy to knock everything down without offering anything of your own. The Industry is full of people telling everyone what they can't do. Take a shot at it.
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You get kudos for supporting ideas for improving racing. Personally I think we're long past "growing handle" or "growing the sport", as that's only happening at a handful of venues now. Perhaps suggestions on retaining the quality of some of the meets, or improving the "betability" of racing while undergoing contraction is in order.
Many suggestions have been made in other threads, but most are in contradiction to the decision makers in the game. Outlawing race day meds would be the best thing for racing, based on how formful the game used to be, and how much more formful the higher levels of the sport are overseas.
Fewer race days, fewer races and even fewer pools would probably help. Do we really need to confuse the novice horseplayer with 7 or more wager types each race?
Locking the pools earlier. Would you be more inclined to bet on a race if you knew the pools were locked at least 2 minutes to post, and final odds displayed prior to the start?
Stricter enforcement of the rules. Would you be more inclined to bet at a track where jockeys are banned for life when using buzzers, or trainers are banned for life for repeated substance violations? Would you pay a higher takeout knowing the money would be used to monitor the pools more closely, and investigate the betting coups?
Inquiries and DQs. Would you be more inclined to bet at a track where the stewards have less influence/latitude on infractions, or even no influence as SRU's "pay the winners" attitude? Would you be more inclined to bet at a track where the jockey's infractions are dealt with post-race and are penalized heavily for unsafe or rough riding? (i.e., Hong Kong)
More details on equipment changes (tongue tie, bit type, etc.), racing intent, or changes to racing style - these are often announced and available to bettors overseas. Why not here?
In a world where competition for disposable income is ever increasing, the sport needs to improve its image, and IMHO some of these suggestions would help.
