by John Berry

I frequently speak with my “BDHC” (Broken Down Horseplayers Club) members, many of whom have a unique insight into the affairs of the world beyond just putting $2 or $20 on the nose of a bay 6-year-old gelding going behind the gate.

Indeed, they are a potpourri of folk from as close as the simulcast floor at the casino to those that work from the dark hours before the sun rises until the darkest hours of midnight.

They possess a certain wisdom different than most, with an opinion from both sides off the aisle that deserve our attention and philosophical ear.

Longtime BDHC member Smitty, a former educator from the Midwest, came up with the above headline when confronted with today’s situation in our world.

The conversation turned to “polly-ticks” and the probability and promise that “things will work out great for everyone, but it will take some time.”

That’s when Smitty chimed in with the headline, “How long can you hold your breath?” 

“If it’s like [19]29, it will take years, and many of us don’t have years to wait, whether it be because of age or finances.”

That’s true.

“If you’re under water, how long can you hold your breath before you drown?” he said.

“The millionaires and billionaires are not affected one iota by this turmoil.

“They will eat well, drink well, and live well, basking in their wealth but the other 98½ per cent don’t share the same comforts as the rich and their struggles will get worse as the turmoil continues.

“I am retired now, get a bit of a pension but, having said that, my $20 and $30 plays have become $10 or even less, just trying to have some fun, enjoy the sport and, maybe, hit the big one! [He hasn’t yet.]

“I’ve loved this game for 60 years and still love it today. It’s great therapy and has kept me in the ballgame of life, as they say.

“Prices have escalated in every area of my life, from condo fees to the grocery store to medical costs and, don’t forget, gas isn’t 49.9 cents [a gallon] anymore.”

Smitty’s situation has spread to infect millions and, through the years, pari-mutuel handle has taken a hit as inflation and turmoil have set in, along with the vast competition for the gambling dollar.

Las Vegas doesn’t have the casino monopoly that it had as the strip developed, as 44 states now have some form of casino gaming with the number of casinos probably over 2,000, not including our Canadian neighbors.

And, of course, the lottery and sports betting have drained dollars away from the pari-mutuels, as well.

On the other side of the coin, Bob W sees it a different way, “I think the President has good intentions in strengthening our trade status but I think it’s a matter of the age bracket you are in.

“I’m still kind of young [39], with two kids [5 and 8 years old], and I am hoping we’ll have this whole thing straightened out in a few years.

“Yes, I lost substantial value in my 401(K) account, but I am confident that, when I am ready to retire, it will be just fine.

“I understand that some older people are in a bad way but I think this is a way to help balance the budget and keep things in check.”

Bill K says that he’s taken a huge hit on his 401(K) but, as he related, “I’m in for the long haul and the market has always rebounded bigger and stronger than ever and I think the same will be the case here.”

Bill K is due to retire in 2069.

Mike from the Bluegrass State, where things are blossoming due to legislative action and some casino revenue sharing, said, “Yes, things are going well, thus far, here, but that has invited others to buy property and move their operations here and that competition had been detrimental to some of us little guys who have lived here all their lives.

“Remember, 0 per cent of a $100,000 purse is still 0, and we have the same expenses that everyone else has.

“Look at it this way, when we raced for $10,000 years ago, that winner’s share of $5,000 went a long, long way.

“Now, with prices escalating and the competition getting really tough, it’s a tough grind to make a living and there are only so many 1:53 trotters and 1:48 pacers to go around.

“We’re up at the barn at 4 or 5 a.m. and work long hours caring for our horses — feed, shoeing, vet work, training — we probably spend 70 hours a week making sure our horses are healthy, competitive and ready to go, and at the end of the week — if we can race every week — we have one minute and 53 seconds or less to make a living with our horses.

“Everyone says, ‘If you can’t make it, get out and do something else.’

“But this is all we know and has been a lifelong love and, at our age, what am I going to do?

“It’s not easy satisfying owners today, either, as they pay some of the bills and, yes, you can brag to them that his horse paced in 1:50 this week and ‘raced really great’ but the bottom line is he was sixth, 10 or 12 lengths away.

“They would like to see some profit somewhere along the line but, as I said, it’s a tough go.”

Phil S from the Chicago area said, “I can’t afford to be patient [as I am] in my late 70s, and the crisis that the world is facing with this tariff stuff, it shouldn’t be my problem.

“When prices go up, what? 100 per cent when this takes effect, we’ll be suffering even more. I didn’t deserve to lose so much in my retirement account, and in such a short time.

“None of us deserve this.

“The citizens of this land shouldn’t be at war with our neighbors.

“We have more important things than renaming the Gulf or putting another President on Mt. Rushmore or on a $100 bill, or fighting with our neighbors.”

NOTE: The opinions shown here are not necessarily the opinions of Harness Racing Update or the author.

MAY THE HORSE BE WITH YOU