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.
Of course the cheaters killed the sport, they're talking about the level that it is at now. Even with the welfare and being gambler not influenced (as much or at all).
Stop the drugs, cheating and hand out to celebrities (that are racing fans too) $50,000,000 in horse ownerships and endorsement money to show up. Throw big events at the track on race days and off. Throw another $50,000,000 in guaranteed pools.
Better get the collection cup out from everyone who makes money off racing i.e. the breeders, the entire supply chain of goods and services, the tracks...!
Or take the money and run, like now, lack integrity, crimes, animal abuse, make the gamblers and honest participants continue to look like fools...until the gravy train would stop.
