Hud,
Sorry I've been slow responding.. Appreciate the encouragement expressed above. Satish's comments indeed felt like an invitation to try and create a wider grass roots movement that could help stem the tide of negativity, and inactivity, that seems to dominate many arenas of the sport. I like to think that via everyone's participation in DT, Dee Tee and ATR, something positive along those lines is somewhat established...
- There are 900+ Derby Trailers here that form a community that has been more convivial and harmonious on an ongoing basis than any other racing-related website/message board.
- More than 130 players/fans are now owners through Dee Tee Stables since 2007, creating about 20-25 track outings annually that have brought perhaps 1,000 partners, their families and friends through turnstiles at 13 tracks in 8 states.
- And for 4 years, ATR has delivered 60 hours of racing news, entertainment and handicapping education to an estimated 30,000 monthly on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and the Internet.
So despite attempts by certain disparagers of the positive message about racing and its' joys which I try to espouse, something appears to be working. There are countless ideas and concepts which can benefit the sport and positively impact its' future greatly. Satish Sanan, Charlotte Weber and similar influential stakeholders around the sport will support viable concepts if we as dedicated believers in the game provide a unified front and champion them. I'd be pleased to provide a forum and voice for an effort of that kind here and on ATR.
Anxious to hear what people think we as horseplayers, fans and small owners can do to steer the industry in a progressive direction. As Andy Reid says, "The time is yours..."