12/9/2003

Symposium stymie

Members of the North American thoroughbred racing brains-trust gather in Arizona this week to debate the many issues that blight their sport. However well intentioned these gentlemen maybe, though, reforming out-of-control use of medication and harnessing revenue from foreign betting interests are regretably going to be matters about which very little can be done.

In the case of medication, local horsemen's benevolent and protective associations (HBPAs), most vocally championed by people like Marty Maline and Kent Stirling, are going to object to any changes, arguing that their constituents could not make a living without the assistance of drugs. And besides, the way things are right now with 4 and 5 horse fields where everyone gets prizemoney, why would they want to change?

So this is simply a matter of the inmates running the asylum.

The off-shore betting and rebating issue is altogether a different kettle of fish, albeit equally tough to deal with. For the Internet is ungovernable and any local legislation to restrict American usage of foreign betting opportunities is likely to be as ineffective as the Maginot Line was for the French, back in 1939....people will simply fly over it

However this time, at least there might be a collective will, in the best interests of racing. But it would appear that the only equitable solution will be based upon the principle that ' if you can't beat 'em, you might as well join 'em'.

Now this would result in a betting free-for-all. But racing would get positive publicity for once: and, in the long run, it would be the size of pools that would count.....and hopefully those in charge of racing would at least be able to ensure that they provide them.

This might be wishful thinking.....but there's no harm in hoping.