Is there any new news coming our way?

[Ignorance Is Bliss]

Wagering is down for a variety of reasons, most noticeably because of localized casino and online sports gaming. But horse racing has done a poor job of promoting our product on television. Every production is a joke with guys yapping about nonsense instead of providing insights to betting angles. The disparity between the T breds and us are alarming. But I'm getting tired of ranting nonstop about the game, too many people that aren't qualified to be at the table have a seat. In just about every capacity of the industry. Look at TNT with basketball, must see TV. Look at TNT hockey with that crew and how insightful and entertaining they are. Then take a look at our production, a bunch of tools that should be selling hot dogs at the concession stand. I stopped watching and betting about three years ago, save for the big days, because I just couldn't stand listening to the nonsense. Horse racing could be a major hit on TV and for the gamblers, there's no doubt about that but not without a major facelift and retooling. Sport needs a commissioning to act on it's behalf, someone to lead it forward and regain it rightful place in society.

Without sponsorship there's no mainstream media presence. Without a fan base already in place no business will invest advertising into something nobody watches. Not to mention the HORRIBLE public perception of the game, which it has more than earned.

[AgentQ]

The sport still enjoys thousands and thousands of fans and that's something. And although wagering is plummeting annually, there is still a hefty amount of money wagered on the sport. Advertisers are always there and are always looking to attract customers by any means possible. If you hired someone sharp and produced a product worthy of the sponsorship and gaming dollar, they will come. Why they can't figure this out is a testament to what many like you and I believe: there exists a cohort of people in charge that are just incapable of a devising a strategy that could unleash the potential of horse racing. It's just not us here in standardbred land Mike, look at what Cali has done to the T bred product. Here's hoping someone can get the correct people around a table which can result in an amazing leadership group that in turn can turn things around throughout North America.

[Kenny]

The sport still enjoys thousands and thousands of fans and that's something. And although wagering is plummeting annually, there is still a hefty amount of money wagered on the sport. Advertisers are always there and are always looking to attract customers by any means possible. If you hired someone sharp and produced a product worthy of the sponsorship and gaming dollar, they will come. Why they can't figure this out is a testament to what many like you and I believe: there exists a cohort of people in charge that are just incapable of a devising a strategy that could unleash the potential of horse racing. It's just not us here in standardbred land Mike, look at what Cali has done to the T bred product. Here's hoping someone can get the correct people around a table which can result in an amazing leadership group that in turn can turn things around throughout North America.

This is a gross exaggeration. I went to the Sun Stakes at Pocono. The biggest day of racing at that track on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. They did not have even on refreshment stand open. There were tow food trucks but one left because there was so little business. I could have easily handicapped the next race, placed my wagers, and counted all of the people in attendance in between one race.

The last time I went to Northfield, they did not even have the lights on on the second floor. Attendance at The Jug is down substantially. They did not even need to replace the bleachers which were torn down. The Red Mile is not very crowded even on Futurity Day.

The industry has turned its back on the fans and the fans are gone.