"Racing officials say an Indian casino in the Catskills would seriously impact New York’s harness and thoroughbred industries, probably forcing Monticello Raceway out of business."
It is truly sad because this is not only horse racing's fault, it is greeds fault. In the 1940's cash was there for everyone so they raised takeouts, then they allowed other gaming which cut into racing, so they gave them slots. Then they slowly take away slots for full casino's. What's racing left with? 22% blended takeouts which are the laughing stock of the entire gambling world, no customers, and big huge grandstands with no one in them. There is a lot of blame to go around, but I guess (for me) it all comes down to one simple fact: We were never treated or run like a gambling game; we are treated and run like a government experiment.
Memo to thoroughbred trainer Doug O'Neill: If you are going to say something to Ray Paulick, mind your p's and q's. Fascinating.
Rock n Roll Heaven calls it a day. He will be standing in New York (I hope he does not read the blog above) for $12,000.
Every year some three year old has to win the classic races. Every year people seem to want to coronate the champ to bigger and better things, and be bigger and better than they are. This year we don't have to do that because it is obvious - he is truly the real deal. And with the amazing success of his dad, this has to be a monster scoop for Blue Chip Farms. I do not like, nor would I have ever considered buying a first crop sire's offspring (it's for the rich and famous), but with him I would make an exception. Throw out the Beach, because he was a freaky horse, but put him against all the best of the decade on the track - His dad, Art Major, Mach Three, Bettors Delight, etc - and he holds his own or dusts them. Add to the fact that he lasted, is a grinder, and won races on racehorse will, not pure speed, and you have an excellent prospect, in my opinion.
Speaking of a grinder and a 100% racehorse (but with that Life Sign blood which seems to hamper some sires), Real Desire is off to Indiana. I notice Tell All's sons and daughters did not really light up the sales ring in Harrisburg. I would like to see him do well, because he deserves it and I think we need this line in breeding.
Discussed on R2 - the Paulick Report site changes. Don't mess with success, or change and grow? That is the question.
I notice there are two driver names for the O'Brien this year that are sons of trainers, or trainer drivers. Unlike any other sport, you can pretty much jump anyone into the spotlight if you give them good stock, and this is a prime example. When you are young and given some 3-5 shots to learn with, you will win races and get noticed. When you are young and have no stock, you are destined to come 8th every race (if you are lucky enough to get a drive) and never be noticed. It is bar-none, the hardest thing for a new harness driver to do - win races and get noticed. It is why we see so many sons of racers in the spotlight, year after year, and so few others. It often makes me wonder - some of the best drivers this sport might have produced, may be toiling as a groom, or at Wal mart selling electronics.
The old-guard in Australia is still priming the pump trying to hold on to the monopoly, despite figures showing the monopoly (and higher takeout) well, stinks.
"“It should be noted that turnover on Victorian thoroughbred racing has increased substantially since the introduction of corporate bookmakers,” Racing Victoria chief executive Rob Hines, said.
“Having these lower margin operators in the market has stimulated wagering and improved returns to the industry by attracting price sensitive customers to racing."
In the words of every reader here who bets - "well, duh"
Scott over at his blog analyzes. We need someone to send the link to everyone in racing over here.
1 comment:
Rock N Roll Heaven's move to Blue Chip has as much to do with the decline of racing in New Jersey as it does with the rise of Blue Chip Farms. Remember, he was originally supposed to stand at Perretti Farms, but who in their right mind would stand a stallion in a state where NJSS races may be contested for bunches of carrots.
That being said, with Rock N Roll Heaven's proven ability over a half mile track, his offspring will be in high demand for NYSS races where five of the seven tracks are half mile ovals.
With regards to a casino opening near Monticello, it needs approval of the Federal Government which has not been looking favorably on casino requests in states the tribes don't reside in. My suspicion is if the approval is given, unless the compact expressively forbids it, watch the racinos in NY become full casinos.
Post a Comment