Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyC
Don't you think the remaining tracks got a boatload of extra handle because gamblers were limited in their options?
Contraction will necessarily bring fewer qualified trainers, jockeys, grooms, and other necessary personnel. The minor leagues of racing will be where the contraction takes place and that is where people acquire their skills to be in the big leagues.
As an old-timer in racing I acquired my love for the sport by going to live racing. I am guessing that contraction would mean that many future fans would need to get hooked via TV. I am not optimistic that racing can generate enough new interest when access to live racing is greatly diminished.
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BTW, this last point is actually a truism in many sports. For instance, baseball stadiums are now smaller than they used to be, and many more seats are now bought up by corporations. So fewer families go to the ballpark.
In the long term, that probably hurts the sport. But all the teams figure they can hook the young fans through television.