After 45 years I'm finally done

[At the Eighth Pole]

From high school to graduate school I bet harness. In between got a trainer's and driver's license always knowing I'd never make a living betting, training or driving horses. Over time tracks have closed, gone from hot bed excitement to empty silos. Handicapping, despite technology, has gone from horses to people (trainers & drivers and the vets we don't know). More and more races finish with outcomes inconsistent with the racing program, the only bible for bettors: vs. no insights from the vet, the trainer, or morning conditioning. The 50, 25, 12, 8 and 5 payout model is as old as I am, and is no longer sustainable with low purses and the escalating cost of doing business. More and more races result in finishes that defy the race program.  For the $20 bucks a night bettor the risk is okay coupled with beers and buddies. But the high risk gambler on the outside, it is a path to empty pockets. On the Meadowlands friday card, a driver who has driven a horse of mine, from meager midwest beginnings, lured to the bright city lights and winters in Florida, opted off a winner, and "appeared" to race for second. No one really knows but him and many of those who cashed a $14 exacta. Finally, in race 9, one horse qualified with a last quarter in 26, faster than one of the favorites with a race under her belt, but with an outside post and a middle level driver. The import 26 flat finisher, with remarkable miles down under, presented with a morning line of 10, no "expert" handicapper gave a mention, and only at the starter's 8th pole did the announcer note the action. (Likewise in recent amateur trots, few noted Mark Silva was previously an active driver in Cali for years, although thinner then, he was quite good. On memory and training his abilities towered over his amateur competition. His wins were highly predictable, but unknown to the unknowing public.) The import mare floated to 7:1 following early action before settling at 5:1. The outcome was no surprise cruising confidently to victory. Something about the morning line (10:1), no touting, and the obvious fitness against the competition compelled me say that's it. I'm done. Cash in the $500 winning ticket and leave with less loses. Join those before me. Leave willingly.

[Rabbi Of Racing]

Good luck in your future endeavors

[LUCPARK]

YOU''LL BE BACK

THEY ALL CUM BACK

[Trottin Man]

Harness racing has always been fixed! maybe not every race, but in general the drivers control what comes in. The BIG difference today is social media. Once social media starts talking bad about a diver, trainer, owner or race track, it's etched in everyone's mind. In the old days, going to the track was fun. At most Harness tracks, it's not fun anymore.

[Powerful Patricks Ghost]

YOU''LL BE BACK

THEY ALL CUM BACK

Robust handles back up this claim 

[Trottin Man]

Robust handles = computer betting!

[helpplease]

Harness racing has always been fixed! maybe not every race, but in general the drivers control what comes in. The BIG difference today is social media. Once social media starts talking bad about a diver, trainer, owner or race track, it's etched in everyone's mind. In the old days, going to the track was fun. At most Harness tracks, it's not fun anymore.

If this was actually true, it is amazing how there are so many drivers that don't have a pot to piss in & a window to throw it out? Surly knowing the outcome of the races would make drivers rich?

[cornishcommish]

A very thoughtful post by At the 1/8 th pole

Some good observations

And you are right...Silva was a professional driver........som e years ago

By most groups definition of an amateur........."not having taken any money for driving a 3rd party horse in 10 years"...I wonder..does he meet these conditions 

What most amateur clubs do is.......if a member HAS taken money in the last 10 years.......it must be paid back  to the amateur club or the Hall of Fame of the Trotter..or to a recognized charity..with a receipt provided for the payback.

Can any plopster provide any input on Mark Silvas possible last drive as a professional ??

[Powerful Patricks Ghost]

Robust handles = computer betting!

I was being sarcastic...

[bigwrench]

Harness racing has always been fixed! maybe not every race, but in general the drivers control what comes in. The BIG difference today is social media. Once social media starts talking bad about a diver, trainer, owner or race track, it's etched in everyone's mind. In the old days, going to the track was fun. At most Harness tracks, it's not fun anymore.

dedicate all your gambling  to the nearest casino! It's the most honest game in town!!

[PIGLAND]

cheating horsemen have ruined our sport,so many horse players have quit,and the judges are the lazyest mother fuckers in the world ,70% of the trainers are bearfs for cheaters

[Rabbi Of Racing]

bearfs

[Rabbi Of Racing]

 

[PIGLAND]

bearfs

my bag

[Uncle Harry]

 DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YA WHERE THE LORD SPLIT YA.