HOW MUCH DO WE OWE AND WHO DO WE OWE IT TO?

[Zoomer]

I did not write this somebody sent it to me and I think it’s right on point!

JEFF GURAL tried from the outset to present a more 'polished' show by making a more cohesive presentation for the fans, but the backstretch was digging in their heels at the mere thought of making a concerted effort to PROMOTE  their OWN LIVELIHOOD. Keep in mind that STREET STYLE isn't appropriate for the wholesome atmosphere we're trying to embrace, so wearing a "T" shirt advertising the failing auto repair shop of your former 6th grade classmate isn't about our industry at all. Nor do we need to know about which concert (The Rolling Stones) you saw recently...Wear stable colors or horse transport ads or logos of one of your favorite Standardbred nurseries.

It has long been a problem and folks have looked the other way, but if you have a simple 'dress code' on the grounds, you can let your freak flag fly outside the gates. So, Stable Owners, Trainers and crews need to clean it up!

OUR INVESTORS are aging out and we're doing nothing to attract new blood into the sport. If owners come to the barn, everyone pretends to be too busy to have a chat...Dressing like punks and 'bangers is not the way to make a good impression with our patrons

I'm long retired from the active participant I was for decades and as an armchair observer I have little fear that my opinions will enrage some nutball to set fire to my barn...Junkies, 'bangers, strollers and thugs should be routed out...YES, YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE!

[Grandstand Handicapper]

I guess your portrayal of Gural's efforts are based upon him building a new track and everything he's done since then. I think a lot of what anyone does today is similar to throwing deck chairs off the Titanic. The Meadowlands will survive, and many other tracks won't. But their product sucks. It's not a Meadowlands problem, it's an industry-wide problem. The sport and the industry has and will continue to drastically change. It will go through a purge and cleanse, and tracks will close. I think we need less tracks, and in the short term less races. You won't see that though, LOL. Investors? I don't know that I would call owners that. You can't attract new blood to the sport or business until you clean it up.