Well, That Was Fun

There was an article last week in HRU (pdf) about the new direction in the LPGA. Falling on hard times, the new commissioner started a plan for 2012, called "Growth". Each letter corresponded to a strategy. The last letter, "H", meant have fun, because if you're having fun, fans at home and in the stands will have fun too.

I think it isn't a stretch to say that horse racing may be the most traditional, stodgy, almost funereal in its presentation, sports' in history. Often times you'll see customers complain on chat boards wondering if North American jocks or drivers care if they win or lose. Owners are rich for the most part, and seem detached. It's not a very good marketing avenue.

Well today, there was no doubt that someone cared. The jockey on Dubai World Cup winner Monterossa let go one of the coolest celebrations I have ever seen in horse racing. About 50 yards or so from the wire, in a can't lose spot, the horse slowed to a canter with him standing up and letting go some youthful exuberance.

He's a young jockey, a rising star, and he hasn't got the memo yet that he's supposed to win $10 million dollar races and look like he's just got a tooth pulled. In addition, he'll likely get fined by someone, too.

I hope he doesn't read the memo, pays the fine, and then does exactly the same thing again next year.

Weekend Racing

Well we had some protests, some New York Times stuff and plenty more this week. However, thank goodness for racing, because we can actually hang out tomorrow - from morning to evening - and watch some.

As a reminder, an event I tend to take for granted - the Dubai World Cup - starts bright and early in the morning. It's on TVG in the US and HPI up here. Scott has a look at some of the races, and there are a billion links/PPs on Goatzapper about it.

I went through it, and I may play a few races.

I think Lucky Chappy may run well in the UAE Derby, and might bet $5 if he's odds. The former Canadian horse, Maritimer, looks neat at a price.

In the Turf sprint, I've always been a Regally Ready fan. He seems like he has a shot.

Giant Ryan seems like a wise-guy play in the sprint. I might play him.

In the big one, there are a ton of possibles. People seem to be wanting to discount Royal Delta, but I'm not. If she's value (and she likely will be, she's 11-1 at Betfair), I'll pop $2 on the mare.

In the Florida Derby later in the day, I'm looking at Take Charge Indy, hopefully holding off a fast closing Union Rags, with Reveron coming third, off a cheesy angle play I like.

In the evening, the second leg of the Spring Championship happens at Woodbine, along with the second race back for Horse of the Year San Pail in the Glory's Comet. At the Meadowlands, there's a pick 6 carryover of decent size.

Holy cow, I just realized I could be playing racing from dawn til midnight. Life could be worse.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Jockey Club Steps Up To The Plate

Do you remember the Domino's Pizza video's of employees committing food violations that went viral on Youtube? It was a crisis for the pizza chain, and although slow to respond initially, their management strategy was very sound after that. They immediately issued arrest warrants for the offenders, they took responsibility, offered no denials or excuses and they worked hard to get their customers back. Marketing 101.

All week in horse racing we've been reading from industry pundits seemingly the exact opposite strategy after the Times article came out.

But tonight that changed.

The Jockey Club issued a statement as a direct response to the Times article.

They are proposing two main initiatives:

• Raceday med ban
• Lifetime Bans for Repeat Medication Offenders

The interesting thing, this time these have a shot.

Jim Gagliano has shown leadership on this and is really the first to do so. After the McKinsey Report, the Jockey Club has become, in my opinion, this sports de-facto commissioners office.  The way they handled things this evening, by not making excuses and by extolling leadership and vision, it shows they might not be a bad choice.