Rate idea floated

The 2005 joint annual meeting of Harness Tracks of America/Thoroughbred Racing Associations wrapped up Friday morning, March 11, in Indian Wells, Calif. The 4-hour session was highlighted by a lively exchange about the role of the racetrack fan between Richard Shapiro of the California Horse Racing Board and Bill Hoge, a full-time handicapper who is a former California legislator.



Hoge said that although he now makes a living by betting on the races, he has cut down his racetrack visits to about four times a year from 70-80 trips a year. Shapiro said the problem is a result of "the tracks not taking care of their fans."



Although the two had several opinions that differed, they both agreed that one thing that should be looked at is lowering the pari-mutuel takout rate at the racetracks and raising it for the off-track sites. "Give them a higher payoff at the racetrack and give them a better show," said Shapiro.



Allen Gutterman, formerly of the Meadowlands and Yonkers and now the vice president of marketing for Hollywood Park, was part of a three-person panel discussionn on the impact of negative news in racing. Joining Gutterman was Bill Christine of the Los Angelos Times and Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council.



Just as it did during Thursday's opening session, integrity was discussed during this period. Gutterman said, "We can't live without integrity in this game. To give the public a fair shake is the most important thing we can do."

« Back