tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post5658394966705972011..comments2024-02-01T00:37:24.768-05:00Comments on PTP: ABR Lives In an Industry with No Clue Who It IsPull the Pockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082676049275768769noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post-85115392969971925032014-12-16T14:58:56.103-05:002014-12-16T14:58:56.103-05:00If ABR was a private venture no one would give it ...If ABR was a private venture no one would give it two thoughts, the fact that it was created/ funded by industry leaders is what is so scary and has people upset.<br />I posted on Ray's site, but I think you make some good points and I believe this discussion needs to continue for real answers to become obvious (especially to the old guard).<br /><br />I think the point you made in your title is the strongest- "An industry with no clue who it is". No other sport seems to be so lost as to what people are attracted to. <br />I know that one of the big things that attracted me as a kid, and that blows away friends when I bring them for the first time- is the athletes, these incredible horses- up close in the paddock and fighting all out down the stretch. There's drama and emotion there- which is what draws us to all sports. I believe that's the first hook- and the betting will follow. <br />But that hook falls apart when people know and hear about the drugs and mistreatment. Look at the way fans (many new) loved Zenyatta or Chrome- how do they then embrace the drugs and questionable trainers? We're allowing "bad guys" to hurt our stars, our draw. The industry has to deal with it if they want a new audience, and this is just speaking to the personal emotional side- not even broaching the bettors disconnect.<br /><br />The next incredible hook racing has is the gambling side- but again it's stuck in the dark ages. Vegas makes even Santa Anita look like county fair fare. Do they really need to charge for parking or entry? even on a Thursday when it's empty? Can they really not see the level of entertainment and flash Casinos have brought to the bettor. Is the best we can do hotdogs and beer in paper cups? <br />And then of course the biggest issue- who wants to play slots, cards, whatever with a 25% takeout? Stupid much?<br /><br />In the end this product needs to take a long look at itself, make some tough decisions, reinvest, fight off old thinkers and the tiny groups that are gaming/ hurting the system, it needs to gamble and loose some money at first to make a product that is strong and attractive. <br />It's an incredible sport and would be so easy to market- but it has to take a strong stand or it will continue to shrink, be looked down on and marginalized. It'll go the way of boxing- that's good for one or two fights a year...dfnoreply@blogger.com