HRI Readers Awards Introduction
Soon after the silver anniversary edition of Breeders’ Cup, commentary regarding Horse of the Year 2009 began to appear not only at HorseRaceInsider but in newspapers and in blogs everywhere.
One of the primary reactions to this conversation was whether racing fans interested in having a voice should be allowed to participate in the Eclipse Award process.
The debate was spirited on both sides and clearly the editorial staff at HRI believed that fans--our readers, in particular--deserved to be heard in some forum.
And the idea for hosting the first annual HRI Readers’ Awards was hatched.
Some of the ballot questions consist of familiar Eclipse categories. But our readers tell us there’s much more to racing life than determining rightful equine and human champions.
HRI staffers began trading e-mails until a variety of worthy categories were recognized, areas proven to be of interest not only to our stable of regularly commentating contributors but to all our readers and racing fans in general.
What was racing’s biggest problem in 2008? Which track was the least fan friendly? What are the most profitable races to bet on?
The HRI Readers’ Awards Poll provides an opportunity to express opinions on what goes on here and elsewhere on the racing landscape.
Results of the Readers’ Awards Poll will be released early in the new year. Our hope is that it helps us serve the needs of the racing public better by giving HRI readers a voice in areas that concern all fans, as well as the aspects of the game they enjoy most.
Mostly, however, we just want to have some fun by showing our readers that we appreciate them, that what they have to say about the game we love is important, and that together perhaps we might make a difference for the better.
And, so, HRI Readers’ Appreciation Week begins with a tribute and commentary from Vic Zast, followed by Bill Christine’s thoughts on Thursday, and executive editor John Pricci’s impressions on Friday.
We’re making the poll questions available for the next several weeks so that voting will more accurately reflect the likes and concerns of all of racing‘s participants.
Obviously, the greater the response the better our assessment of current affairs can be. Write-In votes are available in all categories. Take advantage of it; it’s yours.
So, from the entire HRI Staff, Thank You, and let’s have some fun.
| Vote on HRI Readers Awards by Category | |
| Horses | State of the Game |
| Racetrackers | Synthetic Surfaces |
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