The New York State Gaming Commission has slapped American Pharoah’s jockey, Victor Espinoza, with a $15,000 fine for having worn promotional branding on his racing silks and boots during the $1.6-million Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, August 29.
As an article by the Paulick Report explains, Espinoza donned pants which featured his name down the thigh. He also wore boots that had the logo for ‘Monster Energy Drink’ on them.
The Paulick Report article cites a report that indicates that Espinoza was specifically instructed by stewards before the race that he was not allowed to wear clothing that displayed promotional material.
NBC Sports aired the Travers on Saturday, which saw the Triple Crown winning American Pharoah lose to 8-1 outsider Keen Ice. American Pharoah had made the front early and was on the lead with favourable fractions. He was softened up a bit when a horse took a run at him on the final turn, but American Pharoah dug back in through the stretch. Keen Ice had the Triple Crown winner well measured, and came calling late for the win.
(With files from the Paulick Report)
Mr Leber, Ontario harness had
Mr Leber, Ontario harness had that deal, it was called SARP.
Why do you think pro teams get these stadiums, Mr Leber? Because the city or state gets the money back when the fans fill the stadiums when they buy a ticket and have to pay tax on it. They get the money back when the fans buy the beer, hot dog or souvenirs and have to pay tax on it. They get the money back when the players pay the taxes on the wages they make. The government gets the money back when the tax comes on the huge tv contracts that networks have with the leagues/teams.
You are a sport without fans, that barely buy beer or hot dogs at your game, and in many cases, like Dresden or Kawartha or small places like that, with the handle as low as they are, and after the government might get $1000 in taxes from a card there.
You do not deserve the same deal until you can generate a TON more in taxes.
(dont give me the "we pay taxes" or "what about the taxes in horse care products or farming products". That is a totally seperate conversation and is money spent AFTER the fact, and the points I have made are taxes generated at the BEFORE stage)
Sadly.... you wont be able to get AP to Canada with no grade 1 races over a mile on the main track left at Woodbine this year. He might have 1 start before Breeders Cup, and then will be off to the breeding shed. All too often this happens and really ruins it for the fans. I think I might be the first owner that would not care if my horse was gelded or not, I would not retire my champion horse to the shed. The fans deserve better than to see these champions just 6 times, then retire.
As for the fine, any corporate money that gets into the game is a good thing and as long as it does not become ridiculous, they should well enough leave it alone. This is the kinda crap that makes the average fan think horse racing is foolish.
Let's bring American Pharoah
Let's bring American Pharoah to Canada, and retire him here like his great great great grandfather. This will give racing a boost like it did in 1973 when Secretariat came to town. Whatever it takes to get him here, even if it's two or three million guaranteed to race, win or lose. Allow the connections of this horse to bring any advertising along in the race with him. Who knows, maybe Monster Energy will help with purse money. Let's make it happen, let's get him here to Canada. (How monstrous would this be?)
Good deal. He got 50000 to to
Good deal. He got 50000 to to do it
Seems to be a Thoroughbred
Seems to be a Thoroughbred problem. Most if not all the top drivers have some sort of branding on their colors.
Horse Racing continues to
Horse Racing continues to refuse to evolve. Look at golfers-you couldn't find one without advertising. There's advertising in every sport except racing. Is it because the people running our game can't make deals and want their share?
Anyone who says anything about government funding better rethink that. Pro Sports teams are virtually exempt from taxes and get arenas and stadiums built for them. Somebody give me that same deal.
Georg Leber-ICR Racing
In reply to Horse Racing continues to by Gleber
George Leber you make a great
George Leber you make a great point. When at my local race track I don't see any advertising really. What would be wrong with drivers wearing advertising on their silks? Heck what would be wrong with advertising on the wheels and more of the racing bikes? I love horse racing and want it saved and if doing certain things like I mentioned or what the guy did in that race would help then do it.