Like the oil spill in the Gulf, horse racing continues to lose ground
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Numbers released by Equibase last week show year-to-date betting on thoroughbred racing down $3.8 million, or 8.4 per cent. And that included the appearance of Rachel Alexandra and the Kentucky Oaks, run on the last day of the April reporting period this year instead of in May as usual. April was still down -- 2.5 per cent below a year ago -- but that simply seemed to reflect two fewer racing days in April this year.
One sign that was extremely encouraging as the new month began was a rip roaring Derby and the highest television viewing since 1989, and U.S. purses held steady. The TV audience of 16.5 million was the best since Sunday Silence’s 18.5 million 21 years ago. There is life in the old gal yet.
(HTA)
Attendance and interest is
Attendance and interest is up but the bet continues to decline. Horse racing as a sport is not in trouble but the present wagering model is heading to extinction. The real question is whether the horsemen and racetracks will figure it out before the sport is permanently damaged.