12/15/2003

Symposium fizzles

Racing Sypmosium V (or whatever.....who really cares?) is in the books. So the local security guards can hang up their holsters, and everyone who took part can return to the status quo. For thoroughbred horseracing's annual get-together in the Arizona desert was a spectacular bust and really much ado about nothing, again.

Sure the would-be juice-regulators let off a bit of steam. But, as was forewarned in this space, their good intentions have just about the same chance of succeeding as those for world peace.

Then, on the betting front, insults were exchanged (Betfair called 'parasites') and everyone circled the wagons and agreed that it was a good thing that most racetracks have slots, or they would all be unemployed.

DRF chief, Steve Crist (who has come under fire at previous symposii) mocked the whole shebang.....the NTRA kept their heads down (wisely).....and everyone, agreeing to disagree, headed off into the sunset.....unfortunately dreaming of next year's freebie.

Quel dommage! But seriously....what an appalling waste of time and money.