In a recent op-ed column on ESPN.com entitled 'Pointing the Finger Back at the Horsemen,' writer/horseplayer Jeremy Plonk has said many things that people in the horse racing industry will surely get their backs up over
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"No one is entitled to anything," Plonk wrote. "Try telling that to horsemen in any state in America, who seem to think because they simply chose to compete in this sport that they are entitled to framing every business decision made. It's like a guy on the Pro Bowlers Tour investing $85,000 in a Winnebago to hit the road and somehow now feeling obligated to make decisions for the bowling alley -- when they can open, how much they can charge customers, how much oil they can put on the lanes."
He went on to say, "horsemen have staked themselves as veritable business partners with the racetrack owners. It's a relationship that historically has bogged down the horse racing industry, as we all have seen entities with too many self interests share absolutely no sense of common good, much less a workable business plan. Meanwhile, racetracks have been forced to cut other revenue-generating avenues to compete in the gambling marketplace, namely parking and admission, as well as absorb huge losses in concessions because of the consumers' move toward off-track and in-home wagering. The tracks' bottom lines have been forced to become more reliant on the betting handle as well. Something has to give."
To read Plonk's piece in its entirety, click here.
(With files from ESPN.com)
This article provokes
This article provokes thought. The golf analogy is interesting. A multi billion $ industry where millions of people sustain it while playing simply for enjoyment. They make there living 9 to 5 and help sustain the industry during their leisure time. Seems everyone involved in horse racing believes they are entitled to make a living at it. The grassroots interest in horse racing is gone (whose fault this is matters not), therefore; noone striving (young kids), no celebrities, no hype, no endorsement $, as stated in this article. To the outsider it seems like a self sufficient members only "insiders club".
Think of the other sports (all of them), that distribute prize money which is not derived from wagering on their product - How do they do it! If only we could couple their methods with our added bonus of wagering revenue. Long live the sport of Kings!
The truth hurts but he has
The truth hurts but he has hit the nail on the head. Too many losers in this game have too much control over its future.
I would encourage everyone
I would encourage everyone to read the ENTIRE article.There are some very telling points that help to explain how we got into the mess that horse racing is in at the moment and why it is difficult for our industry to move forward.