Are stewards allowed to bet on horse racing ?

[v j stauffer]

Originally Posted by Robert Fischer

Stop ****ing worrying about Stewards betting, and worry about competent stewards. Stewards that the public sees as 'authority figures' (not 3 blind mice). Stewards that consistently rule and share universal 'rule interpretations' on certain commonly occurring scenarios.

Let's get that **** first.

Whether they bet is a fun curiosity, but the game itself and the perception of integrity should be of primary concern.


As a matter of fact, **** it

GOOD POST

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by v j stauffer

It's certainly not a way to get rich.

Many states don't offer benefits or a 401k plan.

Assignments can be spotty with changing racing dates and competition for work from other available judges.

For obvious reasons being a Steward can be a thankless job. No matter your decision someone is going to be disappointed and suggest you don't have what it takes.

If you work at a track and have many friends. I thought I did. Become a Steward and watch that roll call shrink.

When I resigned in 2015 I was frustrated about not getting better assignments. By being the safety steward which is totally different than being "in the stand" That and there were a couple of CHRB investigators I didn't get along with.

But by far the biggest reason was because I wanted to be in action betting. I wanted to see if I fully immersed myself in the "war vs the windows" if I could be successful.

I would love to someday return to the Steward's Stand.

And you should be a steward. One of critical importance at a major track. Every stand should include one ace handicapper who has wagered tons of money.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by mountainman

I've seen contrarian stewards, with contempt for management and the entire operation-the kind who would like to see the ship sink simply out of spite-but I have never known a steward much concerned about handle, bottom lines or carryovers. And CERTAINLY not concerned to the point of sacrificing integrity, risking reputation, and jeopardizing their very positions.

It sounds good in theory that stews have the sort of vested interest in the tracks they work at that could creep into their decisions. But in the real world, that is simply not how they think or operate.

And I have been WELL acquainted with many, many stewards.

In theory, insider stock trading doesn't happen. Cops can't be bribed. Drs. are always doing what's best for patients regardless of financial ties. Investment advisors are always acting in a fiduciary capacity. Referees and umpires are always fair and impartial.

I am sure that the overwhelming majority of stewards have the highest integrity. That fact that they could or have exerted undue influence on the results of a race has never been a concern of mine. But let's stop with the they would never act or think that way garbage. They are human and not immune to pressures and temptations that are part of daily living.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by AndyC

Cops can't be bribed.

Now management BRIBES stewards to create carryovers????? Just out of curiosity..lol..who is the bagman??

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by AndyC

In theory, insider stock trading doesn't happen. Cops can't be bribed. Drs. are always doing what's best for patients regardless of financial ties. Investment advisors are always acting in a fiduciary capacity. Referees and umpires are always fair and impartial.

I am sure that the overwhelming majority of stewards have the highest integrity. That fact that they could or have exerted undue influence on the results of a race has never been a concern of mine. But let's stop with the they would never act or think that way garbage. They are human and not immune to pressures and temptations that are part of daily living.

You speak in theory and vague generalities. I've been friends with dozens of stewards. And worked as one. Incidentally, I've also had a large role in training and teaching numerous stewards.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by AndyC

But let's stop with the they would never act or think that way garbage.

No class.

[rastajenk]

He's pretty stubborn.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by rastajenk

He's pretty stubborn.

Me too. But I don't fling words like that at other board members.

[ZippyChippy423]

Nobody likes taking about the seedy dark side of horse racing. It is very much taboo. It is very real but I think in the last 20 years it has become more legitimate. Maybe less seedy is more like it but man oh man the stuff that went on prior to the internet evolving. Just go back to all the fair circuits years ago. The “ fix “ was in on selective races during the pinnacle of fairs. Imagine the jockeys who got busted fixing would be fined or banned for a time and then just come right back to racing. It of course wasn’t all about the jockeys. Corruption existed in every facet. I like to think that every race I bet on is legitimate and everyone gets a fair shake but honestly some seediness still exists. Even in the last 5 -10 years race manipulation has been exposed. I just trust everyone in the business is doing what is right and hopefully the races that are tampered with in the future are ones i haven’t bet on.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by mountainman

You speak in theory and vague generalities. I've been friends with dozens of stewards. And worked as one. Incidentally, I've also had a large role in training and teaching numerous stewards.

I apologize for the way I have presented my views. Clearly I have missed the mark.

For the record I have never accused or suspected a steward of doing anything illegal or unethical. Yes, I have spoken in theory and generalities. That was because I was refuting a statement saying that stewards never have an interest in the outcome. My comments were not to bash stewards. I never have in 40+ years.

[ZippyChippy423]

Originally Posted by AndyC

I apologize for the way I have presented my views. Clearly I have missed the mark.

For the record I have never accused or suspected a steward of doing anything illegal or unethical. Yes, I have spoken in theory and generalities. That was because I was refuting a statement saying that stewards never have an interest in the outcome. My comments were not to bash stewards. I never have in 40+ years.

Although very very rare there have been a few cases of corrupt stewards. Taboo subject but fact.

[ReplayRandall]

Originally Posted by ZippyChippy423

Although very very rare there have been a few cases of corrupt stewards. Taboo subject but fact.

If there are corrupt stewards, from the results I have seen over the last 40+ years, I would say they possibly reside in the state of Pennsylvania...

[ZippyChippy423]

Originally Posted by ReplayRandall

If there are corrupt stewards, from the results I have seen over the last 40+ years, I would say they possibly reside in the state of Pennsylvania...

In the last 10-15 years it’s been Pennsylvania, Michigan and Louisiana all confirmed.

[castaway01]

If a racetrack wanted there to be a carryover that required a certain horse not to win a race, there are a lot easier ways to do that than to hire crooked stewards and have them wait years for the day that one horse in one particular race absolutely has to come down.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by AndyC

I apologize for the way I have presented my views. Clearly I have missed the mark.

For the record I have never accused or suspected a steward of doing anything illegal or unethical. Yes, I have spoken in theory and generalities. That was because I was refuting a statement saying that stewards never have an interest in the outcome. My comments were not to bash stewards. I never have in 40+ years.

Before I paint all stews, past and present, as shining exemplars of goodness and virtue, I must confess I've known a few that owned and raced horses. At the same track they served at. And that, of course, is a HUGE no no.