Crist Article on TV Coverage

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by tigerfan

A little over three years ago, I was flipping through the channels and I decided to watch the Florida Derby. I didn't know anything about horse racing. Some horse name Barbaro was suppose to be pretty good...I had heard. Not sure why, but I happened to watch the tv coverage and race. Barbaro and Sharp Humor blew me away. It wouldn't be hyperbole to say it was a watershed event in my life.
Three years later, I care enough to post messages on a horse racing forum, I became a Dee Tee partner and I go to the track/OTB a few times a month. I love this game.
If I wouldn't have watched that race on that random day, I may not have discovered how wonderful this game is.
I'm an optimist and I think somehow it needs to get on TV so more people can have the opportunity to see how amazing this sport is.

yes, stars can attract fans but what keeps it in business is gambling, real gambling, and because its such a poor betting product, so poorly mismanaged, and overly taxed its tough to keep customers.

[booner]

TV coverage doesn't do much to attract fans. 99.9% of the casual fans that I work with watched MTB win the Derby and RA win the Preakness don't want to go to the track with me. But those that have never been to a track that have gone with me have shown more interest. In fact, the ones that went to the track come to me will go to Kentucky Downs at least once a month.

The same happened to me. I never really cared much for horse racing until I physically went to the track. The atmosphere (good and bad) was much better than sitting on my couch watching from afar.