We keep hearing the warnings...it's just a matter of time, they say. Admittedly I don't pay much attention to what transpires in Iowa on a regular basis but the state faces a dilemma that could mimic certain harness racing jurisdictions in North America
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Harrah's wants to keep running the casino part of two racinos while dropping the racing, and they are willing to pay $70 million over seven years to do so. They speak of subsidizing a dying sport. An industry without much of a following. Wagering on the decline. No one in the stands to watch.
Does any of that sound familiar?
I came back from this past weekend's O'Briens with a great outlook on harness racing. It was a great night, I had some great discussions with some people I hadn't met before and great talks with people I don't get to see as much as I'd like to. We have great people in our sport. Those great people have great stories. But without a great deal of help from external sources, we are in a great deal of trouble.
In his Cam Fella acceptance speech, Ross Galbraith implored everyone involved in harness racing to do one thing to make it better. Just one thing.
We asked on the SC website if people had a harness racing-related New Year's resolution. Those without one were in the majority, at 58 per cent. There are more of us that believe they need to do nothing differently in 2010 and things will be just fine....
Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.