Back in time, horseracing was so huge it could weather any scandal. From race fixing, Jockeys stiffing and riding with a machine. To Vets. killing horses for insurance money. Hell, I even recall racing ringers. Even the Stewarts Dq the wrong horse! Not these or any other transgressions had an impact on the popularity of the sport.
At the premier race track in all of harness racing they had race fixing scandals and the sport grew in popularity. They were bulletproof.
I recall many nights at Yonkers or Roosevelt the crowd of 20,000+ booing the drivers as they entered the track in what was a real Post Parade. Once in front of the crowd, turn and get close to the rail for all the people to get a close up. The crowd called these guys every name in the book, insulted their heritage, cursed their mothers called each one a thief and a crook. Then, waddled their fat asses to the windows at warp speed so not to get shut out.
When the next race was parading the entire spectacle started over again. That was not the case if you scored. Then you praised Carmine or Buddy.
I don't think todays racing can come away from this FBI action without a significant beating. It will not be business as usual . There are to many easy and convenient ways to gamble with greater confidence. What will not change are true horse players. They will still bet a few clams but, will it be enough? Will this scandal be enough for the casinos and State Legislators to modify the current revenue sharing agreements? I don't know what will be but, I do know it will not be the same.
