The Last Post (at least for a while)

Thanks for reading Handride for the last 5 years. I'm going to "disconnect" from the internet blogging world for a while. I think I've done all I've set out to do, and whether those things catch-on or stick doesn't really matter as I had a pretty prominent perch to chirp from and I appreciate anyone who listened. For the record this is my final thesis in as few words as possible. ------- Single Entity is the way to go as it would afford the following to occur and give the sport a federal framework over the fragmented state issues. Many tracks form an LLC to purchase exclusive rights to their signals (television & wagering). The LLC purchases and sells signals (television & wagering seperate) based on qualities they want to see in racing (Give some bite to the NTRA's/BC's/TOBA's initiatives), levying rebates and taxes on the price that is either paid for or accepted for a signal. The LLC also comes together to produce a calendar of racing that makes sense: Gr III's lead to Gr II's lead to Gr I's, where tracks cooperate to get their best races on between 3:30-5:30 every Saturday so that they can receive more money from the LLC... because they set up an advertising arm that helps match up owners w/ national advertisers. Ads would appear on the saddle cloths and NO where else. The LLC takes the money from advertisers and splits it between host track, jockey, owner, retirement funds, and a % is saved to go to year end rewards based on standings. This creates a central regulating body in racing, increases cooperation, revenue, and profile. ------- Takeout should be run like Itunes: You know out $.99 cents the recording industry gets like $.65, the artist about $.10. So following that logic on a bet, 25% should go to the bet taker, 65% to the host track, 10% to the horsemen. Takeout is a complex issue to say the least, but I would like to hear more lip service given to the totes to MAKE money. Their margins are razor thin and until that is fixed you won't see real time quotes and/or any other upgrades. ------- Market the sport to the broad audience. Show them the photo finishes, the close-up angles, and the thrill of being there in HD over internet and TV channels. Once those new fans are there (either on the track or signed up for newsletters, ADW's etc) then let them know about gambling. Standings would be a key component positioning horse racing as a sport. I'd like to see accumulated points add up through the Graded Stakes and lead to gate choice in the Breeders' Cup (a little home field advantage per se). I'd like Win and You're In to be races that are only in September and October, and brand the Breeders Cup Challenge series as all Graded Stakes. I see this use of standings as a bridge to something more robust as mentioned above. ------- I'd like to see: Entries for big races made a full week in advance. Owners stop sacrificing horses in the Kentucky Derby. Equibase enter, at least, 2004 when it comes to technology and be a powerful content generator for other websites. The BC and the NTRA get back together as their are more synergies together than apart. Tote's get paid for performing a service and update their technology. Someone define subsidy in horse racing, and get that it's a short term thing. More poker/sports books than granma's and one armed bandits. Less racing with more quality Horseman's groups, track owners, and jockeys see the bigger picture. A permanent home of the BC somewhere warm on dirt. Something done about past performances: their cost, their buy-in, their structure. ------- The internet is a great communication tool & time waster. I'm afraid that they both go hand in hand w/ each other. I think I've grown out of the internet and I'm looking for more eye contact w/ real people. I think I've made my point and I no longer wish to harp on the point or continue to pick out my "proof." Like most bloggers I know I'm right ;-D, but now I'm comfortable enough to walk away and not worry about the outcome. The internet, this blog, tweeting, was proof that I somehow existed outside my mind. Now I'm confident I don't need to prove that anymore. I'm still a real person and I still plan on going to the track, and I still plan on getting more people to come with me. I just won't be using the blog as much. So, if you're ever in Monmouth County and you see a guy w/ a goofy t-shirt or shirt that looks like jockey silks you might have found me. Say hi in the real world. ------- I'm bored with it all.