Hypothetical....

[Scurlogue Champ]

If the following scenario were to happen to horse racing in America, what would everyone's opinion be? Would it be more successful? Or less?


8 major tracks: (Churchill, Keeneland, Santa Anita, Del Mar, Belmont, Saratoga, Gulfstream, Arlington)

Purses in excess of $200,000 for every race. Grade One races would be 5,000,000 minimum. Breeders Cup races $10,000,000 plus. Breeders Cup Classic $20,000,000. Kentucky Derby $10,000,000.


Only running on weekends at the major venues and more turf racing incorporated into our race cards.

A small amount of "feeder" tracks to let horses who couldn't compete at the top level earn their way up or break their maidens during the week. Significantly smaller purses. Essentially barrier trials to see who gets to come to town.

A major cull of mediocre/poor horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners. Just getting all four of these out of the game entirely.

Ongoing cull on horses who couldn't compete.

A cull on the breeding industry of unsuccessful stallions/broodmares.

A maximum number of licensed trainers and jockeys who are allowed to do business in America.

One organization overseeing the entire industry, from who gets a trainers license to jockey suspensions, etc...

No State rights, all tracks under one jurisdiction. (NTRA for example)

How do people on here feel about this type setup? Think it would work?

[pba1817]

Some decent idea's except...

Originally Posted by moodwalker

A small amount of "feeder" tracks to let horses who couldn't compete at the top level earn their way up or break their maidens during the week. Significantly smaller purses. Essentially barrier trials to see who gets to come to town.

A major cull of mediocre/poor horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners. Just getting all four of these out of the game entirely.

Ongoing cull on horses who couldn't compete.

A cull on the breeding industry of unsuccessful stallions/broodmares.

A maximum number of licensed trainers and jockeys who are allowed to do business in America.

Putting people out of business just because they do not attract the top tier of talent is a bad idea. It's like saying we should have no minor league baseball, no nationwide tour, or no busch series.

I am probably in the minority here, but I can be just as much of a fan of a cheap claiming horse and trainer as I can a Grade 1 winner, especially when its for an owner who inst a multi-millionaire with a trainer like Pletcher or Baffert.