Quote:
Originally Posted by classhandicapper
Andy,
Virtually the entire reason CA racing is on the fast track to oblivion is the politics of the state. Right or wrong the costs are higher than elsewhere in the country (in part for political reasons) and there is no casino money supporting the purse structure (for political reasons).
If we can’t discuss why CA is failing, we certainly can’t fix it.
Who in their right mind is going to want to own and race horses in CA when the economics of the sport for owners are even worse in CA than elsewhere?
Most owners are going to lose more money than they can tolerate and get out. Others will see the bad environment and not get in or go somewhere else where it makes more sense like OP.
To get more handle you need large competitive fields and a competitive track take. You aren’t going to get the former unless you make it attractive to own and race horses there. That’s not going to happen unless the politics of the state change. Tinkering is not going to get it done. I don’t even think lowering the take a bit will add enough to the bottom line to matter.
My personal politics have nothing to do with my opinion. I personally think CA is correct to not use casino money for racing. I don’t think any state should be. There are better economic and societal uses for that money. I think racing should stand on its own and the best managed tracks should win market share and the rest close. None of that changes the realty of why CA racing is likely doomed longer term.
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I was hoping to see your response, Classhandicapper. IMO, spot on!
