tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post7382994034246673809..comments2024-02-27T17:43:37.207-05:00Comments on View From the Racetrack Grandstand: The Killing Fields?That Blog Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487597769210721585noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post-35120184885556266252012-04-28T15:58:29.120-04:002012-04-28T15:58:29.120-04:00Anon, I have always thought the plan was put out b...Anon, I have always thought the plan was put out badly; I suspect to keep racing from launching a preemptive strike against the proposal. Fine; at least if you are going to cut the cord, at least come out and say 'this is what we are going to do as a result'.<br /><br />If you have read this blog since its inception, you know I have been torn over the whole slots program throughout North America, wherever it has been put in place.<br /><br />I realize slot 'rent' or 'subsidies' (depending on how it has been structured), has allowed the industry to revive itself on the supply side of the equation. However, I also know the industry has squandered the opportunity to do anything to improve the industry for the gamblers (the demand side).<br /><br />When slots at tracks first came out, it was supposed to be temporary support as racing got its house under control. Organizations have paid for reports and seemingly done nothing after paying for them. Horsemen have been asked to put some moneey into a marketing account by Standardbred Canada only to be rebuff their own trade organization. Horsemen seemed unconcerned they were racing in front of empty stands and with hardly any handle, yet they refuse to race shorter meets to reduce competition between the tracks. In effect, racing forgot the wagering mattered.<br /><br />I understand many tracks don't want to do anything either, but this is what you get when you make a deal with the devil.<br /><br />Yes, people are going to be hurt badly (though I think horsemen are over-reacting), but there comes a time where you have to decide is this industry capable of saving itself and sadly, the answer seems to be no. Hence, I can see why governments want to cut off the payments; why throw good money after bad? Sooner or later, you have to say 'enough'.<br /><br />That being said, there is a responsible way to end support. You don't cut cold turkey; you allow the industry to transition to self-sufficency (or extinction). You provide aid for farmers to allow them the opportunity to change from equine to grain or other livestock production in an orderly fashion.<br /><br />The sad truth is racing had a golden opportunity yet seemingly squandered a good thing.<br /><br />That being said, I love the sport and I will be here as long as it exists.That Blog Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15487597769210721585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post-60930810898387444972012-04-28T01:38:50.462-04:002012-04-28T01:38:50.462-04:00At least you have your head out of the sand bar an...At least you have your head out of the sand bar and realize that there was no thought put into this by our government when to comes to the people they will put out of work and possibly have to support or subsidize in some other way -- It is not just about the horses it is about an entire industry and a way of life, If people only understood just how large the horse indusrty is and how much damage this will do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post-61289878184351025942012-04-27T22:55:27.431-04:002012-04-27T22:55:27.431-04:00Only ones at fault are the lowlifes euthanizing th...Only ones at fault are the lowlifes euthanizing these foals. What a disgrace.<br />I wonder why I even follow this sport? The more this type of crap comes out, the more it pushes me away.Harry Larenoreply@blogger.com