Horsemen trying to get Derby betting signal released
 

From DRF.com

http://drf.com/news/article/84547.html

Horsemen ask Churchill to release Derby signal
By MATT HEGARTY

A group of horsemen's associations on Wednesday joined together in asking that Churchill Downs make the signal for Saturday's Kentucky Derby available to all account-wagering platforms.

The request was made by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. They asked Churchill Downs to make the signal available to Youbet.com and Television Games Network, two large account-wagering operations that have not reached an agreement with Churchill on the right to carry the Derby as well as the signals from other Churchill-owned tracks.

So..any chance it happens? I say yes, but I'm an optimist.

Youbet handled $3.7 million on the Churchill Derby card last year.

The potential for lost handle on the Derby is huge. The Twin Spires network is untested, whether Brisbet and Xpress Bet can absorb the Youbet handle is not known. Some of it will flow thru OTB and track outlets, but many people won't bother

I don't think they will open up the wagering. I think it's Churchill/Magna's intent to drive out the TVGs, Youbets, and Brisbets no matter what the short term costs are

You're probably dead on and it stinks. Give everyone access to everything and let the consumer decide who has the best rewards, service, interface. The idea we have to have multiple accounts to bet the races is dumb. It only benefits them, not the consumer.

Any updates on this?

I know Scav seems to know some "people" over at Youbet. Any rumblings?