tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post1713295944143366192..comments2024-02-27T17:43:37.207-05:00Comments on View From the Racetrack Grandstand: ...and Yada Yada YadaThat Blog Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487597769210721585noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post-35702168326264650202012-02-25T17:06:10.747-05:002012-02-25T17:06:10.747-05:00Yes, Jeff Gural is hoping casino gambling comes to...Yes, Jeff Gural is hoping casino gambling comes to the Meadowlands; there is no doubt about that and anyone trying to deny that is foolish. That being said, I do believe Gural does support harness racing and wants it to succeed. Remember, he owns racehorses and also breeds some as well.<br /><br />From those I know, I do believe he has done more to get people hooked on racing at Tioga than other track operators. That being said, he couldn't do it without slots.<br /><br />As for the attempt to get additional gaming, namely table games. Horsemen in PA got nothing from the table games but the installation of those games did increase slot play. There is no reason to think this will not be the case in NY.<br /><br />I do think horsemen need to step up to the plate, the casinos will be there if the horses are gone. Who has the most to loose. Now, let me clarify what I mean by stepping up to the plate. It doesn't only mean monetary factors, but things to make the game more attractive to new gamblers. A willingess to race in different distance races; monte racing; agree to tougher penalties to make the sports image better are also need. I do think giving up 5% of the slot revenue to marketing of harness racing only (not slots)and perhaps agreeing to use some of the purse account to seed wagering pools, offering guarantees and possibly accepting slightly less from a handle (reducing takeout) which is insignificant to the purse account is necessary.That Blog Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15487597769210721585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4684463172854959042.post-22687374544024360142012-02-24T17:23:33.624-05:002012-02-24T17:23:33.624-05:00Pacing Guy,
Jeff Gural and other "track owne...Pacing Guy,<br /><br />Jeff Gural and other "track owners" who run Racinos are not dependent on harness racing for a return on their investment. Mr. Gural is "gambling" on gambling coming to the Meadowlands with his and other money. <br />Please know that Mr. Gural and his fortune were "not" made without strong ties to political officials.<br />The argument that horsemen need to guide the ship and racetrack owners who received and profited from political "favor" can step back makes little sense. Regardless of purses offered, racetracks as a whole (including those of Mr. Gural) have spent marginally on promoting harness racing.<br />Take a look at NY where horsemen and track/racino owners are at odds over the next casino windfall project. Track owners are looking for a windfall with little to no concern over the good of racing.<br />While Mr. Gural has at least been vocal and in the front of the argument, he's not gambling "his fortune" on the future of harness racing. Somewhere along the way you have to realize those with political favor will always have an edge in profiting. Those without it (horsemen) will not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com