Fate of racing in hands of big tracks

5/17/2009 8:50 AM  | troyrecord.com
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The uncertain fate of several of America’s top racetracks threatens to undermine the entire thoroughbred industry, New York Racing Association says.

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is eliminating Wednesday racing at its spring meet, joining the likes of Del Mar in California and Ellis Park, the home of Kentucky’s summer meet, that have already cut back on racing dates. Read More

 

What the Nation is saying about Fate of racing in hands of big tracks ...

I agree! Someone needs to step up and save racing. Whether it be Sheik Maktoum or Bill Gates or whoever, although I'd prefer it be an American. Why? Because racing is an American tradition. This is why the Kentucky Derby is the biggest race in the world. It doesn't have the biggest purse, but generates the most excitement and interest. If we lose racing we've lost an American tradition along with a little piece of ourselves.
This is really scary. Ellis Park running less days is one thing. Same with Gulfstream and Del Mar cutting out Mondays. But Bay Meadows closing, and now Churchill and Hollywood cutting dates... this is downright scary. Is anyone else concerned that racing is imploding?