The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Any of us that grew up before twittering, texting and utube remember the classic movie, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly starring, of course Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef among others. Such a cast can be compared to the current state of horse racing in the US.

The Good:
Hats off to Monmouth Park in Oceanport, NJ for taking the reins and doing something new and positive for racing. Their innovative plan is simple, fifty million dollars in a fifty day racing season. The results will be measured after the meet but some of what’s already happening is that they are attracting the best of the best. Jockeys, trainers, owners and all others that make up the sport are headed to “Joisey”.

Large purses, quality people and horses and a clean venue make for a successful business in horse racing. If you don’t believe me just take a look at what makes Keeneland and Del Mar so successful. Good luck to you all at Monmouth Park. Bravo!

The Bad:
Can you say NYRA? The New York horse racing concern that is all but busted. In business we all learn the #1 success rule: location, location, location. Well in New York, where they are abundantly blessed with a massive population looking for somewhere to spend their entertainment dollars, the racing business is bankrupt. The politicians and the NYRA fat cats have regulated, skimmed and schemed the golden goose and now it’s up for slaughter. Anyone who knows anything about running a business can take a look at the facilities in New York (except Saratoga) and see why they have lost the customer base. Good news for the bad situation is that it can be turned around but they need some energetic, insightful, hard working and unselfish leadership. Donald Trump? Regis Philbun? Somebody? Superman!

The Ugly:
Magna Entertainment=very ugly! This Canadian company has all but destroyed horse racing in their effort to own it all. Take the latest in California. Oak Tree is a racing meet without a track. They have been leasing a track to hold their meet from Santa Anita(one of the many Magna tracks). Here comes the money grubbing Magna asking for more lease money than originally agreed to in an industry that is struggling. Luckily, Hollywood and Del Mar have offered to help Oak Tree find a venue for their meet.

Now that just sounds like a simple business transaction except for one side issue. Oak Tree is a “not for profit association” and all its profit after the season is given to charities.

Sorry Magna, a charity you are not, by a long shot! Your company has already divided and monopolized the industry, do you have to gouge charities too?