Post Time Drag

Quote from SC Upstate on March 7, 2025, 9:11 AM

Great in theory but unless every track goes along, it won't last.  And with all the "problems" in harness racing, the biggest is tracks and states refuse to work together for the better of the sport.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on March 7, 2025, 4:59 PM

All things are possible.  We just need the right person(s) with vision and influence.  I honestly think that the  cooperation between tracks and states will come from the magic area of Ontario, PA, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.  If those jurisdictions can come up with some new concepts and show success, the east coast will follow.  Call me an optimist.

Quote from Purple Aura on March 7, 2025, 9:46 PM

Optimist.

 

I worked in a mutuel department for over 40 years. Drag is always going to happen that's how business is done and oddly enough why fewer and fewer go to the track these days. They drag them because they want to sell as many 8.00 beers as they can and have you eat a menu from from the 60's and hot dogs that are gross and cost way too much. The drag isn't the issue anymore really, if it disappeared. Fantastic. The problem is CAW until that issue is decided, especially in harness racing the game is going to remain troubled. 

Quote from Lonnie on March 8, 2025, 10:05 AM

Call me the Eternal Optimist.

But, I see a point in time that CAW is going to kill itself.  Those large swings in odds "post" post time, when their analysis is based on the current odds at the "posted" post time, ruins the value of their play.

But, the downside if that does occur is that handle will drop precipitously.  Though (I love arguing with myself), the track and purses are supported by the casinos.  Until that goes away.

Now, I sound like a pessimist.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on March 8, 2025, 2:04 PM

I get it.  But it isn’t rocket science or finding a cure for cancer.  Finding a cure for stubbornness and stupidity, yes.  On further reflection, maybe I should be a pessimist.  Just park me in a lawn chair at a local fair, where there is never a shortage of entertainment and good company.

Quote from Purple Aura on March 8, 2025, 4:05 PM

You're both right. If they kill CAW it's going to crush their business. If they don't it lessens a sports integrity that can't afford to lose any more of it's integrity. My heart is with harness racing, but it's so boring now, they drag the races and put even older people to sleep who are onsite. The race finally goes off and the leaders go to the front and no one pulls. It's boring on top of boring. Zzzzzzzzzz. 

I used to play Mohawk every Monday night ( most trot races). I had to stop, I understand Canadians are nice. But they've gotten so nice they don't tug the right line to challenge anymore. Sidenote: They weren't so nice when Crantini left out of the 10 hole and was parked the mile in the Mohawk Million hehehe. 

I've found myself really enjoying thoroughbred turf racing. They drag the races even more but the pools are much higher. Races are close, exciting. Someone save the sport I love. 

A lawn chair at the local fair is the best. See you at Bowling Green and the Jug. ( sorry for the partial rant, I love this sport and have watched it decline in all my years of working and it hurts)

Quote from SC Upstate on March 8, 2025, 4:35 PM

Somewhere between optimist and pessimist is realist.  Trending the wrong direction for 20? 30? 40 years?  I wish for a miracle but time has passed the sport by.  Want fans, run ten races in two hours.  I know, I know, it's impossible, kills handle etc etc.  But that's the attention span of the crowd we need to capture.   Going back ten, twenty years ago, we'd bring neighbors, friends, co workers for a night of racing at Pompano.  First reaction, they were amazed that harness racing even existed, that alone was sad.  Two races later we were out the door.  Bored with no interest in handicapping.  Back to the ten rapid races ..... look at baseball.  Innovation has cut the game by over thirty minutes and attendance has increased three or four years straight.  With continued increase this year they can return to levels not seen in ten years.  Another problem is there's a large percentage of people that think the sport is cruel.  "Those" people killed greyhound racing in Florida.  I know there was decoupling and political reasons.  But the protestors were on the news and in front of the admission gates regularly.  It would take massive changes, massive advertising and massive money to turn things around.  Unfortunately NO one or group is pouring millions to save harness racing.  (maybe Jeff Gural but he's ready to move on also) I'm not sour, frustrated yes.  And like everyone following the sport and those on this site - we're going to lose a valuable hour of sleep tonight!

Quote from SC Upstate on March 8, 2025, 4:44 PM

One last thought.  Look at TheStable.  Over 900 clients!  Yet how many people are in the winners circle?  I'm amazed at how many empty pics.  With empty grandstands behind them.  I get it, we don't all live near Northfield, Meadows, Mohawk.  It's cold, it's snowy, it's raining.  Just seems like out of 900-1000 people, someone should be in there with a guy and his horse.  Full disclosure, I haven't been at a track since last October.  Proving my own point.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on March 8, 2025, 6:19 PM

My last comment…if every track, owner, trainer, driver, breeder, etc. would act in a micro level and do their part, then some traction could happen.  I believe that a particular jurisdiction would need to lead the way and show some tangible success.  At least AMac is trying.  At times, I believe Ohio is the perfect place for it to happen, but then I get in a conversation with someone of influence and the confidence wanes.

So let’s do our part and agree to meet up at Delaware or elsewhere and have a time.  Good luck to all tonight.