More on racing’s ills

I was surprised to read HRU feedback from Mike Kozuchowski and Manny Guagliardo (full story here) because each cast a critical light on harness racing. Too often different opinions are suppressed, unwelcome or outright dismissed. I echo their observations. The on-track experience is cold and uninviting. Lately, horses with driver involved ownership win too easily (unless it is an odds on elimination race). The pari-mutuel pools are embarrassing and easily manipulated. While good in theory, dressing drivers with stable colors is a failed experiment. Nothing more needs to be said when a veteran announcer gets tongue tied calling a race because race colors defy the driver — a main ingredient for the gambler. And the post parade drag, theoretically it expands the wagering pool but it is a complete turnoff. Belmont. Gulfstream. Santa Anita. Oak Lawn. These big league tracks honor post times. Besides, horses circling aimlessly in front of massively empty grandstands and track aprons is not a good look. Give the supporting public a modicum of credit, and some respect for their time. Herald the basics: integrity, build the betting pool, and don’t screw the fun bettor, the loyalist or the gambler.

Vincent Lee / Chicago, IL