Was Rachel Alexandra winning really the best thing for horse racing?

[Wabash Wonders]

Everyone has been talking all week about this filly running in the Preakness and how great it would be for horse racing if she won. Well, she did win but was it really the best thing for the horse racing industry? Not trying to take anything away from her great win, but if she doesn't run then Mine That Bird probably wins and we have the possibilty for a triple crown winner. Now that would be the best thing for horse racing. Unless Rachel Alexandra runs in the Belmont, which I doubt she will, The 3rd leg of the triple crown will now just be another race with no real excitement to it.

So, the filly winning the Preakness was definitely a good thing for horse racing, but was it the BEST thing for horse racing?...

[Chris46139]

Wabash I personally don't think they run her in the Belmont, if that scenario happens do you see Borel jumping back on MTB and we have a triple crown jockey without a triple crown horse. If thats the case it would be a great boost to our sport as it would get so many people talking. I've heard as long as I can remember that horse racing is dying and I think anything to generate interest is a good thing.

[Wabash Wonders]

From what I have read, the plan is to run her in the Belmont, which would definitely be good for the industry but maybe not good for the horse. The talk about horse racing dying is only because we have not had a triple crown winner for years. Lets face it, 90% of the general public only care about the triple crown races and thats it. The only time you can pick up a newspaper and read about horse racing is during the triple crown races and the Breeders Cup. Other than that most people don't realize horse racing is even going on. When I go to Keeneland every year, they are 25,000-30,000 strong almost every day of the meet. That tells me there is still plenty of interest amongst the true horse racing fan. The problem is there is no exposure in the media for horse racing except at the 2 times I mentioned. Without exposure, there is no fan interest.

No matter what happens now in the Belmont, whether the filly runs or whether Borel wins a jockey triple crown, the talk will last for a week or so and then fade away like it never happened in the eye of the general public. But if there were a triple crown winner, that just might keep people talking a lot longer. Especially if the triple crown winner was a gelding and sure to continue racing for years to come instead of being sent out to stud at the end of the year...

[Chris46139]

I agree with all of that. The major problem like you said is nobody cares except for the due hard fans. You see it here in the forum even. Basically its me you Joey p and wire 2 wire posting here all year along with a few others. I have no answer for the exposure problem especially since the networks are even cutting down. Frankly I would be surprised to see breeders cup Friday on TV this year. Sad problem and no real answers until interest returns

[Wabash Wonders]

Originally Posted by Chris46139

I agree with all of that. The major problem like you said is nobody cares except for the due hard fans. You see it here in the forum even. Basically its me you Joey p and wire 2 wire posting here all year along with a few others. I have no answer for the exposure problem especially since the networks are even cutting down. Frankly I would be surprised to see breeders cup Friday on TV this year. Sad problem and no real answers until interest returns

Yes, what you said about the Forum here reflects how it is everywhere. On a normal day, you lucky to see 5-8 viewers in this forum. Yesterday at 1 point I noticed there were 95 viewers!! It was the same for Derby Day and will be the same for the Belmont.

[Chris46139]

I was 10 deep in line at OTB on Derby day, learned my lesson for the Preakness went on Friday night for the advance wagering. Went in there today to play a couple things, counting myself and the 2 tellers there were 6 people there around 1 o'clock, lol. And the thing is, what the sport really needs is younger people to take an interest. These old timers, the ones that are barely keeping the sport afloat, are not getting any younger and won't be around forever

[Gobbler's Knob]

I remember going to Fort Erie Racetrack when I was 18 and had no interest in horse racing at all until I placed that first wager and walked out to watch the race. Gotta get people to the track that first time and they'll be back.

[Chris46139]

Originally Posted by Gobbler's Knob

I remember going to Fort Erie Racetrack when I was 18 and had no interest in horse racing at all until I placed that first wager and walked out to watch the race. Gotta get people to the track that first time and they'll be back.

Gotta get anyone to Fort Erie. They threaten to close that place every year but it gets saved at the 11th hour. Beautiful track there, decent facilities for an older place. My father goes all the time just to take pictures of the horses, he's gotten some beautiful shots. I absolutely love a day there. Every time I take people they always end up going back too.

[Wabash Wonders]

About 7 years ago I was one of those people who only followed horse racing at triple crown time. Then I took my wife to Ellis Park and she loved it so much she enjoys going to the track as much as I do. We go the Keeneland twice a year, and to Ellis, Indiana Downs, Hoosier Park and sometimes Churchill at least once a year. Makes it nice that she enjoys it since some days I am just sitting here all day watching TVG and HRTV betting on horses,LOL. I don't think a day goes by now that I am not looking at PPs somewhere studying races. Point being, if more people who actually enjoy the triple crown races would start watching other times too, they may get hooked also and start watching as much as we all do. It worked for me 7 years ago, so hopefully it can for others too...

[Gobbler's Knob]

TV doesn't do horse racing justice, gotta see it live to appreciate it.

[Wabash Wonders]

Originally Posted by Gobbler's Knob

TV doesn't do horse racing justice, gotta see it live to appreciate it.

Exactly the point I was making. My wife loved spending the day at the track and now loves going. She tolerates me watching it on TV, but prefers going to the track. Plus for the most part, its cheap to go to the track. It costs $5 for general admission for most days of the Keeneland meet. For some of the Graded Stakes races on weekends, I think its $10. We normally reserve a seat also which is another $5, so for $20 my wife and I can go to Keeneland have a reserve seat(we are always right on the finish line) and watch the races all day. Obviously betting can cost you more, but all that is your choice and you may even come out ahead. What other pro sporting event can you go to and get 2 people in for $20. Most will cost that much just for parking! Always had free parking at any racetrack Ive been to. I even see lots of families at the track when we go. The kids love seeing the horses. This Saturday we are going up to Indiana Downs. Free parking and free admission! I hope anyone reading this thread who has never been to the track, goes one day just to see what its like. But be warned, you may be hooked for life,lol...

[Cali Roots]

Originally Posted by Gobbler's Knob

TV doesn't do horse racing justice, gotta see it live to appreciate it.

Totally agree! Del Mar does a great thing to try and attract younger folks. Every Friday they start the races later and have a concert after the races. Th concerts are normally pretty decent bands as well. I live in Dallas now and have Lone Star which is fun as well, not nearly as good as Del Mar though. My wife loves going as well because it is such as fun live event! More tracks should follow in teh steps of Del Mar.

[BigdaddyQH]

Originally Posted by Cali Roots

Totally agree! Del Mar does a great thing to try and attract younger folks. Every Friday they start the races later and have a concert after the races. Th concerts are normally pretty decent bands as well. I live in Dallas now and have Lone Star which is fun as well, not nearly as good as Del Mar though. My wife loves going as well because it is such as fun live event! More tracks should follow in teh steps of Del Mar.

Del Mar and Saratoga are the two best places to watch a race, by far. Two class operations.