Terrible Chain Reaction At Aqueduct Yesterday: Looks Worse Than It Was

Another chain reaction that wiped out most of the field occurred yesterday at Aqueduct in the second race. Only two of seven horses in the field wound up crossing the wires for parimutuel purposes, which mirrors what happened in a harness race at Woodbine Monday night (see my last post).
Private Details, a three year old filly broke her left front cannon bone at the quarter pole, and landed on her side causing the chain reaction. Amazingly, only one jockey was taken to the hospital (Eddie Castro), and he ended up with a bruised shoulder. Like I said, it looks way worse than it was:

I hate looking at these things. I can only watch them once, and barely once. But most people want to see these things at least once. Morbid curiosity perhaps? The same reason many people watch stock car races? I took psychology in university, but I forget why we seem to need to look at this stuff.
As for me posting it, I had second and third thoughts about it. This definitely doesn't do the sport much good, even though there is an old saying that any advertising is good advertising. The Eight Belles tragedy proves that statement wrong.
I'll admit, I want this blog to be read. I don't make much money on the blog, but I do want my main message about dropping takeout and growing the game to read by as many people as humanly possible. This is the main reason I decided to post the video. It is the main reason I set up a new Youtube Channel as well.
In fact, by putting up the harness accident from Monday night, I have so far received over 10,000 hits at Youtube. I'm not thrilled with many of the comments that criticize horse racing for being cruel, but it is better to know what the industry is up against so that it can be dealt with.


Let me lighten things up a bit. I did not see this hilarious commercial/promo for the series Jockeys until I found it doing a search on Youtube. It is a must see for anyone who handicaps horse racing:


It definitely doesn't take away anything from the intimidation that a newbie watching the video might have when it comes to thinking about giving horse racing a chance:)


It looks like Magna Entertainment will be entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy either today or tomorrow. Read all about it at the Paulick Report. UPDATE: Magna Entertainment Files Chapter 11


NY Lawmakers Trying To Prevent Track Takeout Increase
I don't want to beat my chest too hard, but I'm sure HANA has had some sort of influence in this decision, though the reasons cited makes sense as well. I still think the law will go through though.


February handle down 11%. The game is dying, but the racing execs are starting to get it I think. They know they have to change the pricing of betting, but will they, and is it too late.



Pull The Pocket busts some handicapping myths. Good riders waiting around for a late mount doesn't mean much.


Baymount Inc. provides fiscal update Hotel and water park on the way?

California Moves To Rescind Idiotic Anti-Rebate Rule

OK, So They Don't Mention HANA, But We Know, Nudge Nudge Wink Wink

Us troublemakers at HANA (the Horseplayers Association of North America) scored a small victory, as we pestered the California horsemen into moving towards rescinding their idiotic anti-rebate stance. Not so much directly, but on both the Pace Advantage and Del Mar forums, HANA members used common sense and told it like it is. Many of us sincerely avoided betting California tracks because they have shunned rebate shops in the past.

The main argument is why should California horsemen and tracks care what an ADW does with the money they bring in after they pay for the signal? They were perceived as either protecting non rebating ADWs or protecting major off shore ADWs, or both, all at the expense of dissing price sensitive bettors.

Rebates are here to stay. It is apparent that tracks will not drop takeouts, at least in the near future, so the way they have to compete and grow at this time, is to allow ADWs to rebate to their heart's content.

The tide is turning, as racetrack execs have at least taken notice of their customers. That is one of the goals of HANA. Click here to join for free.


Speaking of rebates. Ian Meyers has left Premier Turf Club. The unofficial reason cited was that the other partners wanted to take the ADW in another direction (huh?).
Does this mean that they will give lower rebates? Are they shopping around to be bought out? I guess we will find out.
Ian was a hands on man. He genuinely seemed concerned about his customers. And many PTC customers did business there because of Ian. Mind you, the rebates offered were outstanding (probably thanks to Ian). I wonder if they still will be.
Also, it is rumoured that Joe Riddell has left the company. They were the only two partners I knew about. Obviously, there are another couple of partners now running the show.


Brothers Charged in IRG Investigation
IRG was an offshore ADW owned by Youbet (they bought it in 2005). Allegedly, the Jalinsky brothers were laundering money as well as deciding what bets to book and what bets to lay off.



Scientific Games Pondering Offing Racing Operation
The company operates many betting kiosks across North America, and got themselves in trouble last year because number 20 (Big Brown) was not included in any of their quick picks. Auto-tote is also a subsidiary of Sci Games.


The Walls Are Caving In At Magna Entertainment
Magna has received its first notice. This one from PNC Bank: “failure to comply with certain financial covenants relating to the financial position and results of operation of MJC and related entities.”

The bank reserves the right to come in for the kill at any time. I don't think this should be looked at as an opportunity for Stronach to try to get himself out of this mess though. I think the PNC didn't act yet because they are waiting to see what the Bank Of Montreal does on March 6th.

The resignation of three directors in the last week or so has made MEC non compliant to be trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The stock will be headed to the pink sheets from NASDAQ very soon as well. In other words, future financings are completely out of the question, and the company continues to bleed money. As each day goes by, there will be less and less for creditors to collect, so it is just a matter of weeks before we see a full fledged bankruptcy. I can't see it going Chapter 11 either, because of continuous operating losses. This means that tracks will be put on the selling block very quickly. But are there buyers out there?

For more on MEC, read The Business Of Racing.



Tragic News
Fort Erie owner/trainer Gordon Cowie died suddenly yesterday. He was only 44.

Cowie amazingly won an allowance race last fall with El Gran Brett, a horse that was getting beat up at Fort Erie in 5,000 claiming races. A private purchase for Cowie, the horse ran 2nd for him first time out in a 4,000 claiming race Sept. 7. He won on November 28th in an 8,000 open claimer with one week to go in the season. Cowie decided to run him back December 6th in a non winners other than maiden or claiming. He won. The purse was $76,000. And because he was a private purchase, and not a claim, and was Ontario sired, Cowie got the full share of the winners portion.


Fountain Of Youth
Free past performances for the race.
I don't do much handicapping for this blog (and after you see the results of the following picks, you'll probably see why).
This is a very interesting race. The controversial This Ones For Phil makes his first start in over a month. I just see "bounce, bounce, bounce" today for Phil. The undefeated Taqarub also has over a month between races, and he definitely ensures that there will be a hot pace. The best horse in the race could be Capt. Candyman Can. He looks like he has good tactical speed, and the mile looks to be a piece of cake for him. Two longshots could wind up in the exotics. Break Even Edison, second race off a layoff. Last year he produced a very good speed figure for a mile at Aqueduct. Also, Take The Points had a real good late pace number going today's distance at today's track 4 weeks ago. And besides, I really like his name.

For more free past performances check it out at Thoroughbred Blogger's Alliance



The newest issue of Down The Stretch Newspaper is available online. Lots of news and updates with a focus on the Ontario horse racing scene.


ORC signs agreement with State of Illinois Racing Board to share investigative information
'This information will include such things as:

* Investigative files of police officers, regulation agents, and civilian investigators, including interview reports, notes, and background checks;
* Veterinary records, such as reports, x-rays, samples, and invoices;
* Photographs;
* History before administrative tribunals and in court, including decisions, findings and orders.'




Reminder for Canadians. Jockeys continues on Animal Planet tonight from 9-10PM

It Was 40 Years Ago Today.....

It Was 40 Year Ago Today....
'Feb. 7, 1969: Diane Crump became the first woman jockey in America to compete in a parimutuel race when she finished tenth of 12 aboard a 48-1 shot, three-year-old Bridle n Bit, in the seventh race at Hialeah Park.' Also, on May 2nd 1970, Crump became the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby. More about Crump at her web site.

This leads to the documentary Jock The Movie. It is all about the history of female jockeys. To watch a very interesting trailer, click here and click archive when you get to the site.

I never had a problem betting on female jockeys. I was 19 when Valerie Thompson was the top apprentice in Canada. She completely owned Greenwood. And I remember cashing a lot of tickets on her during her apprentice reign.



Woodbine Give Fort Erie Trainers A Bit Of A Break

Woodbine has been granting temporary stall space to Fort Erie trainers, though they've been turning down applications for trainers who want permanent stalls in the 2009 season. They are playing it on the premise that there will be a 2009 season at Fort Erie.

It will be interesting if there is no season at the Fort. That would mean there is no such thing as a Fort Erie trainer anymore, not that it says "Fort Erie trainer" on the ORC license anyway.

News on the Fort
Not much to report, except a new article that states the Province in working hard to save horse racing (in Fort Erie). Click the link and watch the video showing George Smitherman's remarks.

I don't get "But the industry has to do it's part to make horse racing an attractive and financially viable form of entertainment." Woodbine can't even do that, nor can any harness track in Ontario. How does Smitherman expect Fort Erie to financial viability? Without slots, Ontario would be doomed, as the racing execs don't have the foggiest clue when it comes to competing for the customer's buck.

Since when does financial viability have anything to do with horse racing in Ontario?

Note to Smitherman, just give Fort Erie an extra 7.5% for horsemen and Nordic each from the slot revenues, and quit grabbing air. It is the only answer at this time, barring a miracle where Nordic decides they will sell the place for fair market value.


Ontario may make it tough on Super Trainers

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency will begin testing for regulated anabolic steroids in horses beginning June 1, the agency recently announced.

'According to the agency's manager of veterinary services, Dr. Mike Weber, the testing program is being launched in June to give trainers and veterinarians time to adjust to rules that only allow for the therapeutic use of four anabolic steroids: boldenone, nandrolone, stanozolol, and testosterone. Like almost all U.S. racing states, the Canadian regulatory agency recently adopted rules banning all but those four anabolic steroids, which are permitted to be used only at least 30 days before a race.'

I'm not sure who is more nuts: California or Maryland?

Normally, I would put these stories at the start of my blog post, but the idiocy that goes on with horsemen groups and racing execs seems to be a daily event as they continue to drive the game to new lows.

We are in a recession. A big one. And racing interest and fans have been dwindling way before the economy turned to crap. Put on the news, and you'll likely hear one or two stories about stimulus packages. An economic stimulus plan in the real world is when consumers are encouraged to spend money. You know, like when taxes are decreased or other incentives are given by retailers (buy a car and get a fee trip to the Caribbean, where the trip is sort of a rebate to the consumer).

I'm not sure if racing gets it, but the bettors are the consumers. Racing execs, if you are reading this, write it down BETTORS ARE THE CONSUMERS.

So lets see how racing's top vizuzus stimulate betting:

Questions Raised on California Rebating

This was put on Bet America's (an ADW in North Dakota) web site:
*** Special Notice about our Santa Anita January Rewards ***
Our right to carry racing on Santa Anita requires that we receive the consent of the race track and of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the horseman’s group at Santa Anita. The Thoroughbred Owners of California notified us this week that it is their policy not to allow any marketing incentives on a California thoroughbred race track in excess of 2% of the amount wagered. As a result, we have reduced our January Santa Anita Rewards promotion from 3% to 2% for the balance of January.

Why does the TOC care if an ADW rebates to its customers 2%, 3%, or 12% ????? California gets its signal fee cut no matter what the ADW gives back to the customer. What is with the anti-stimulus package that will result in less revenue for California horsemen bottom line?
Is the TOC (or one or two of its high up members) protecting Elite Turf Club and RGS which rebate between 10-12% on California racing? Is he protecting other ADWs like Youbet or XPress Bet which choose not to rebate most players more than a couple of points?
How does California monitor whether Elite or RGS is giving rebates to only those who bet over a million each? And again, why does it matter?
Something stinks (if it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it is usually a duck), but getting back to reality, this does nothing for the average consumer who might bet where they get a bigger rebate (therefore ignoring California), and lets not forget, the bigger the rebate, the more likely the player will continue to be a customer.

See also Pull The Pocket: No Sales Allowed


Now for some more maddening bs:

'(The Maryland Racing) Commission granted a request by the Maryland Jockey Club to raise the takeout on two types of wagers, the Pick 3 and the Pick 4, from 14 percent to 25.75 percent.'
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All I can say is that HANA is growing, but just not quite big enough YET. If we were, I could see us formally boycotting Pimlico and Laurel. I do think most of the members will do so anyway.

Is it any wonder why racing is dying in North America, but it is growing in Britain and Australia?

For more on this topic, Pull The Pocket once more. Also, ThatsAmoreStable.net sums up the decision to raise takeout in three words, Stupid Stupid Stupid



Just another reminder, the reality series Jockeys will debut on Animal Planet in Canada Saturday at 9:00 PM. Richard Eng calls the first show riveting.



North America's top 20 bettor friendly countdown continues.

Bloodhorse has picked up the Top 10 Countdown

HANA continues to grow quickly:) Sign up if you haven't already (it is free). You could also check out the HANA store and order something. We could use the dough to steam roll ahead.