One of the panelists was Jeff Platt, President of the Horseplayers Association of North America, an ad hoc grass roots movement of horseplayers. “To a person, you will not meet anyone more upbeat and positive about racing.
“You will not meet anyone, anywhere who loves horse racing more than the people on last night’s panel,” wrote Platt this week to horseplayers on the HANA website.
“ALL of the other panelists – every single one of them is a great ambassador of this game. But if you are a horseplayer and you followed last night’s Town Hall chat session…you have to be struck by the following:
“For 90 minutes the panel managed to duck what the vast majority of HANA’s horseplayer members see as racing’s core issues…
“Last year, for calendar year 2011, all sources handle for thoroughbred racing conducted in North America came in at $11.4 billion. That’s a loss of 28.3% in just nine years…even worse if you adjust for inflation. That, by itself, should be enough to send a red flag up the pole.
“In 2009, we did the first HANA Survey. In that survey, 75 percent identified high takeout as the primary reason you bet less than you otherwise would. In that survey, more than 70 percent identified an outdated tote system and odds that change after the bell as the number two reason you bet less than you otherwise would.
“In that survey, more than two thirds of you identified racing’s drug problem as the number three reason you bet less than you otherwise would.. but in survey after survey, HANA’s horseplayer members have consistently confirmed those original findings.
“…I have very little trouble identifying the obvious elephants in the room as follows: 1. High Takeout. 2. Obsolete Tote System/Odds that change after the bell (translates to lack of integrity.) 3. Drugs (translates to lack of integrity).
“… By the end of the night, many of the panelists were patting each other on the back for all the things that racing does right – and without ever once addressing in any relevant way the three obvious elephants sitting in the room.”
Then Platt published the reactions and comments of a few fans who attended the Night School Town Hall:
Said one: “I think they were censoring questions last night at Night School. My friend and I could not get in any questions about the high cost of past performances.
Asked another: How do you respond to [Maryland Jockey Club President Tom] Chuklas's statement that Maryland did lower takeout and it had no impact on business?
Responded the first: “That was a maddening comment regarding the Laurel takeout change. How does someone like Chuklas explain reduced takeout wagers that have proven highly successful?
“What about TVG's promo at HOL this summer where they tripled the amount of money in the late double pool? Or the 14% takeout pick five at DMR? Up more than 40% in 2012 vs the prior year, basically saving them from having a down handle meet. The effort it takes racing suits to pretend 22% blended takeout isn't a huge problem has to be maddening
And finally: “The polls taken by [Night School host Jeremy] Plonk during the Town Hall showed takeout was the #1 issue for those watching. Then you have an exec say (in effect) 'you're nuts'. It was there in black and white, yet they still ignored it. I don't understand racing people.
Surmised Platt: “Until or unless racing decides to take on the obvious elephants in the room – expect racing to continue to decline in popularity among the public at large and expect racing’s key metric: handle - to continue its long term decline as well.
“ I think Night School is a wonderful idea. However, racing cheerleaders can only take you so far.”
At the end of the Business Review interview, Repole added: “We’re the only real sport without a governing body. I’d love to tell somebody all my issues with our sport but I don’t even know who to go to,” Repole said.
“I just know the old guard is running the sport, and the old guard doesn’t want to change. It’s almost like we’re football players still wearing leather helmets.”
16 Sep 2012 at 09:53 am | #
JP,
Few people have been inspired by Jeff Platt’s writing to a greater extent than I have; and on more than one occasion. Fewer have been as disappointed as I have been that he and HANA have not been able to rally the collective support from horseplayers of all stripes necessary to change the status quo.
My reaction is, Mr. Platt, you’re right again, but so what? What do you expect to do about it other than present your observations? What do you suggest anybody should do about it?
Yes, HANA polls its membership, but does it ever ask them detailed questions that might bring the membership into conflict with its board? Last time I looked, the board was still self-appointed, self-directed, and self-funded; with any accomplishments achieved by volunteers able to work together on whatever the goal was. Hopefully, there have been changes to that scenario that I’m not aware of. Is transparency any greater at HANA than it is at the TOC, NYRA, or the Cuomo administration?
To a man/woman, the people of whom I’m aware are currently active in HANA are smart, competent, successful individuals (certainly more so than I), but the collective result is less than one might expect from their combination. Are there internal conflicts, clashes of agenda, inability to reach a consensus?
When I first started visiting HRI, I suggested that change was impossible without active, continued, and concerted support from turf writers who would in turn enlist support from their existing audiences more effectively than any single source could.
I believe that even more today. Maybe the vision should be top-down and the effort bottom up, i.e. grass roots. Get turf writers and racing bloggers with wide audiences (recognized superior observers and communicators) together with player activists from within HANA and without—and horseman activists inside and outside owner/trainer groups—and hammer out a platform the vast majority can agree to support.
One would think they could sell what they believed in, but if the plank doesn’t include leveling the playing fields for both horseplayers and horsemen, however, I doubt it would be successful.
16 Sep 2012 at 12:26 pm | #
Why haven’t the findings of the McKinsey report presented to the Jockey Club been discussed in detail?
Why haven’t the conclusions of the Ontario government on why slot revenue is going to be shutoff at Woodbine been discussed (findings that fit NYRA like a glove).
Discussed by who? By turf writers coast-to-coast.
Takeout and drugs as issues are something new?
Think the following are issues to be addressed?
1) where is a national marketing program?
2) why are all racetracks seeking slot revenue for survival?
3) are six figure purses profitable?
4) why do people prefer to gamble at a casino?
5) just what is achieved by having several stake races on a race card, other than red ink?
6) if takeout were reduced, would it really bring in new ‘fans’.
7) are drugs really the reason that people ignore racetracks?
8) do people go to a racetrack to gamble or because there are two stake races on the card?
9) does the Triple Crown races, Travers/Pacific Classic, and Breeders’ Cup actually create new ‘fans’?
10) does Thoroughbred racing still have an image problem that keeps Joe and Jane from visiting the track?
11) are Grade I races really any different than claiming races from a gambling view point?
12) if drugs were eliminated, and takeout were reduced, would Thoroughbred’s popularity increase? or would the vast majority of people who like to gamble still go to the casino?
13) is Thoroughbred racing a sport or an alternative to casino gambling? If it is gambling, which it is, when why is all existing promotions and industry commentary about stake races, a few thoroughbreds, and a handful of trainers and jockeys?
As to NYRA, turf writers and commentators on the industry are simply repeating stale reasons for Thoroughbred racing’s decline, as Governor Cuomo is about ready to drop the second shoe. If you all read the Ontario report, you would have to conclude that Governor Cuomo is responding to facts.
Even I, a lowlife, who spends most afternoons in a carrel at the local OTB joint, know that no grass, dirty benches, and high prices for food/beverage can irritate patrons, but I believe that a winning ticket will soothe their discomfort - which means that those who make money on a given day gambling on the ponies will be back no matter the conditions; will they if they lose on a Grade I stake race with a million dollar purse that virtually bankrupts the racetrack?
“Play it again, Sam”: ‘It’s about gambling, about cashing tickets, about convincing people at casinos to gambling on the ponies’.
And the beat goes on .....
16 Sep 2012 at 02:16 pm | #
Another thought: since 90% or more of handle is off-track, whether there is grass, clean seats, or reasonable prices seem irrelevant; and, the motive for those gambling at an OTB, racebook, racino, or at home is clearly to gamble, not the ambiance or getting close to a Grade I horse. The belief that Thoroughbred racing is a sport simply does not fly.
16 Sep 2012 at 03:29 pm | #
The one thing I thought about, in relation to HANA, was the successful Santa Anita boycott re increased takeout. The authorites might have said that it was more about the economy, or bad weather, or whatever spin was used at the time.
But the boycott’s success has had an impact going forward in California, if for no other reason than to heighten awareness among racing’s customers, which the game can hardly afford to lose--much less make new ones.
Why, for instance, doesn’t HANA organize, or make aware, the usurious takeout rates that apply at their bottom 10 tracks in the rankings. Parx, WMC’s favorite, leaps to mind. And HANA has a split personality re the existence of rebates. They were influenced by some of California’s biggest rebated players during the period they tried to get as many bettors to support the movement on the eve of the launch.
Play it again, Wendell. Some of your points, of which there were many are very well made, if not stale. But all need addressing, positively or negatively, and I will attempt to do so in a future Morning Line blog. There’s a lot there, there, whether I agree or not. Thanks for the grist.
If the existence of HRI serves only one purpose--to make people aware snd to provide a place to freely exchange ideas, we are pleased to provide that forum. It’s the only way I know to give back to a game that has been my professional and personal life, and provided a livelihood for my family.
16 Sep 2012 at 05:00 pm | #
It’s a big election year horseplayers!
Have you answered the important question? Are you better off today than you were four years ago?
“Last year, for calendar year 2011, all sources handle for thoroughbred racing conducted in North America came in at $11.4 billion. That’s a loss of 28.3% in just nine years…even worse if you adjust for inflation. That, by itself, should be enough to send a red flag up the pole”.
“At the end of the Business Review interview, Repole added: “We’re the only real sport without a governing body. I’d love to tell somebody all my issues with our sport but I don’t even know who to go to,” Repole said.
We need a horseracing commissioner people. Someone honest who knows, loves, cares and is smart enough to tackle the important issues. Someone like John Pricci. But would he really want the job? Would anyone really want this job? Could anyone really make a difference? You think there’s gridlock in Congress? It’s nothing compared to the horseracing world.
Maybe the loser of this years Presidential election can have as the “booby prize” the office of commissioner of horseracing. Either way we can’t lose. Mitt Romney would be perfect. A successful business man that would fit in with the stubborn billionaire horse owners. President Obama would be perfect too. He likes sports, he’s a great motivational speaker. Time for change would be a great slogan don’t you think? How about a horseracing stimulus plan? 1000 bucks to each household to be spent only at the racetrack! Who cares if the country is already 16 trillion in debt, what’s another couple of trillion?
Play it again Uncle Sam! Positive thoughts horsemen and women. Change is coming…
Tomorrow there’ll be sunshine
And all this darkness past
Big wheels roll through fields
Where sunlight streams
Meet me in a land of hope and dreams....
16 Sep 2012 at 07:04 pm | #
Hi John,
That’s a great title, that hits the nail on the head.
Most feel not only disillusioned or disenfranchised because they see a sport that cannot even agree on the simplest of items.
Let’s take scheduling.
In August I was primed for a big day of watching and betting. It was Hambletonian Day, Whitney Day and West VA Derby day, where Hansen was running. At about 6PM three stakes races went off at exactly the same time. I caught some of the Meadowlands race, the stretch drive of the WV Derby, and caught the Whitney at the half mile pole.
Say what?
In addition, long ago HANA and other groups decided to try and get something done on something so simple: Reporting payoffs and probables in the exact same increments across racing. This way, no matter where you are, no matter if you are a new fan or old fan, big bettor or small bettor,each simo screen would show probables at say $1. Each tri and super payoff would be shown on screens in one increment. Each pick 4 probable would be the same everywhere, so if you are alive you know exactly what payoff you are going to get, should you be fortunate enough to win.
As well, this would stop “fake payout” advertising, where a 10 cent super can show paying off as a $2 bet of $200,000 without $200,000 in the pool.
It was deemed “impossible”. Magna liked showing it one way, CD another, this track another.
Sooner or later you wonder, “If something as simple as the two items above cannot happen, how can real change occur?”
It’s like beating your head against a wall, and you begin to wonder why even try.
PTP
16 Sep 2012 at 11:49 pm | #
PTP, it’s a common complaint I have when fans ask me “so how are things going?” And I always respond the same way: “They’re wearing me out...”
I have written about going to a European post time system--instead of branding each race first, second, third, etc.
Why not the 12:50, the 1:15, the 1:40, or some variation on that theme, segregated by racetrack and time zones? Yes, there will be gate issues, horses will run off in the parade, etc., etc. But fans will figure it out.
Uniform payouts? Is there any issue easier to solve? Everything’s posted at one dollar as you suggest. That would also make it possible for newcomers to readily get that when a horse pays $9, it’s because he was 8-1; the odds plus your money back.
The fact that something this simple doesn’t get done means one thing: It’s impossible for this disjointed industry to step up--as a group they are apathetic, and simply lack the will to change.
Horseplayer stimulus, Cat? That’s easy: It’s called lowering the takeout for all. The tracks need to pressure the states into allowing them to grow their business:
Guarantee your state that you will reverse the downward handle trend but that you need two or three years to make that happen as bettors get more money to spend. Convince them it’s good business.
There’s only one way the game gets a commissioner like everyone wants--but you won’t like it: Only the Feds can make that happen. Racing people talk to each other all the time; then they go home and do whatever they want, like they always have. Yes, wearing me out.
17 Sep 2012 at 01:40 am | #
JP,
Everything you say makes so much sense.
Thanks,
Den
17 Sep 2012 at 02:06 am | #
Tobasco Cat: Sir I am not better off, the takeout was increased by nearly all. Well all guess what my handle has fallen considerably, don
17 Sep 2012 at 02:12 am | #
PTP,
Glad you posted. Reminded me that I needed to play catch-up at your excellent Pull The Pocket blog. Still have more to go, but your piece on the HANA track ratings rang a bell.
Perhaps the reason they continually require explanations as clear as yours is that they’re really not “Track ratings,” but “Track Wagering Profitability Opportunity When Playing Regularly ratings.” They’ve always been a useful tool for increasing awareness of takeout among players, but IMO too many non-professional players discount the relevancy of the ratings because they focus on other issues.
For them, there needs to be an acceptable counter to the argument that CD has the same takeout rates as KEE, but in 2010 and 2011 conducted the three most entertaining days North American racing has to offer, and which some consider their best opportunities for profit whether or not they’re a core player.
Racing was conducted at CD on a traditional dirt surface most are familiar with, over longer periods compatible with more people’s schedules. With its short, but very sweet meets, KEE offers few opportunities for a second race over its polytrak surface. Yet KEE has received the promotional value of being rated #1 ever since the inception of the ratings
These players need to reconcile the popularity of SAR and DMR with the ratings, but how can we expect the already over-contributing and overworked volunteers to put out both and possibly draw more support? How can we expect the industry to change for the better if HANA cannot change either?
Thank you for your knowledgeable and entertaining individual contributions across many forums/websites that continue to enhance the racing experience in cyberspace for people like me.
18 Sep 2012 at 04:00 pm | #
John - have you ever considered hosting a forum with the above respondees, say at the West Side Stadium? I would like to meet “wmcorrow” and some of these other participants.
20 Sep 2012 at 03:39 pm | #
I’d love to meet these characters; I’m sure it would be lively. Two possible issues: 1) Not sure they serve Fosters. 2) Was supposed to meet a regular in the Jim Dandy bar one afternoon and he was a no-show, no e-mail, no explanation.
I don’t have a whole lot of time to waste these days. Ifsomeone put something like that together, I’ll be there. It WOULD be fun.