Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Getting to Gether to HelpOur Sport
5/11/2026
RACING NEEDS FANS
For fifteen years I have felt ignored by some in the racing industry. As one of the founders of the grassroots, non-profit ThoroFan, I hoped that industry would embrace and support our efforts. I thought we were not offering any relevancy to the sport that I loved so much.
Although in the beginning, I felt accepted. The New York Racing Association’s CEO Charlie Hayward introduced us to the Saratoga crowd. Hall of Fan trainer Nick Zito stopped me in the Saratoga Clubhouse, calling me the “Fan Guy.” The Breeders’ Cup welcomed us with media credentials and complimentary reserved seats on one Friday at the cup at Santa Anita. Our membership grew exponentially. All of this was short lived.
Soon we felt non-existent. The first blow came when I was nominated to be a member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association but rejected by board vote because I was a volunteer journalist, not paid. Media credentials for the Breeders’ Cup ended when I was told they no longer recognized internet-based groups for credentials. Although ThoroFan remained consistent with efforts to grow and support the fan base, financial support from the industry dried up. Most times the rejections came sugar-coated with the explanation, the industry’s revenue could not sustain funding. Since we believed we were offering positive products for the industry, like a weekly newsletter, handicapping education, fan support, and the iconic, free ThoroFan Towel Guide at Saratoga, I could not understand the lack of support.
Recently, I began to see I was not alone. In a Google search of Thoroughbred Racing Fan groups, ThoroFan was the only one listed. What happened to the others I encountered? There were a few industry support groups, especially for animal safety and aftercare. Then I read an article where Tina Bond, President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen, expressed frustration for lack of financial support for a non-profit she established. It seemed most of the industry praised her for her efforts but were unable to assist financially. Sounded familiar to me. Then I heard that the popular Light Up Racing was exploring turning out their lights unless they could find support or a viable merger. So, I guess ThoroFan was not alone.
Thinking about these examples I drew one conclusion. It cames from a military saying, (paraphrased) “No one is coming to help us, we have to do it ourselves.” This may have been the message the racing industry is giving to us but, because love the sport, we were not hearing it.
If I am correct those of us who believe in our passion for the future of racing need to open dialogue. We must explore how we can bring our ideas, efforts, and limited resources together for the greater good of Thoroughbred racing before it is too late. We could merge into a larger group with a stronger voice. Our fundraising could be collaborative rather than all of us competing for the same limited funding. If we can, we might realize, as a Jockey Club study once estimated, that there are over twenty million racing fans across the country. I suspect many are in search of support and comradery.
What do you think? Email me at michael@thorofan.com with your thoughts and comments. All communications will be kept confidential except for responses directly to the you.