Tracks Get It

I was checking out the entries for SAFC, and I was pleased to see mentioned standings in many of them. The #1 problem with the sport is image. I agree. And so do the people in charge. It's small steps that will fix the problem for sure. Unfortunately, the "image" of standings isn't a small step. Many remember the TCT & ACRS, many even lump it in with the Breeders' Cup. Curlin's owner Jess Jackson even talks about the need for a professional league. The first two mentioned were failures, and Mr Jackson's idea is still just that (though I don't think anything is impossible w/ the people out there.) The image of standings is control. The BC shows up at your track, takes over, takes the money, and puts on a wonderful show. There's a lot of good that comes out of it, but don't think it's all rosey. The TCT tried to form around a few tracks, and I'm thinking the ones left out were non-plussed. And ACRS, tried to do what the BC does, but on a weekly basis. Take over. Ouch! Those are bad ideas They are not the ideas laid out in the marketing report, and I can't speak for the SAFC plans, but I doubt they are about control. We're talking about standings only. Just context, don't read into more than that. I had great conversations with people who work at the track, and they see it as a way to benefit their state-bred (or multi-state bred) programs. They see it as a way to get more ink in the paper. Results and entries aren't coming back, so racing needs to do more to generate stories. Standings do that. If you like standings let people at your track know. Drop me a line of support. Post it at SAFC.