Harness Racing on Life Support and Cheating has nothing to do with it

[dougie]

I used to love the PBKC on a weekend afternoon. I remember great sandwiches and hot dogs. I don't remember it's menu. But on certain days, they drew some big crowds. After the races, we'd go have dinner on the island of Palm Beach at Testa's. Great food. I think they closed a while back.

[Pacer 2]

   

    I've been hearing about the death of racing for over 30+ years. In that time purses, driver, trainer, owner, horse earnings, salaries, and yearling prices have skyrocketed. I'd say its doing very well.   

[Harness racer]

It won’t die.  People just won’t be able to afford to do it for a living based on what the purses will become once the casinos are let off the hook.

[seen2much]

I believe cheaters had a lot to do with killing the sport. It leads to way to much chalk and boring races. The Meadowlands empty out many bettors got tired of the cheaters. Yonkers was no different. I had a group of friends that sat in the restaurant. They were small time owners and big bettors. The cheaters ran them out and made them sour.
No one wants to spend hours handicapping to have the cheats blow you away. Horse gamblers want to cash big tickets.
I also had many friends that switch to the runners or poker.
Fast forward to today and yes it is on life support. There are not many fans or bettors left. A few big barns do very well. The majority struggle to stay afloat. I listened to  LUCPARK's story. He has money, used big trainers, and lost much money.