ARCHIVED DATA >>

• THOROFAN CHAPTER MEETINGS AND EVENTS
  -- ThoroFan - All Chapters
  

  THOROFAN-CALIFORNIA
           WHEN:   To Be Announced 
                     northenca@thorofan.com
                     southernca@thorofan.com

  THOROFAN-COLORADO
          WHEN:    To Be Announced 
                   Janet Squire, Chapter Chair
                   colorado@thorofan.com

  THOROFAN-KENTUCKY
                     Serving - Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio
            WHEN: To Be Announced
                     Jeff Cooper - Chapter Chair
                     kentucky@thorofan.com
  
  THOROFAN-MASSACHUSETTS
           WHEN:   To Be Announced
                    mass@thorofan.com
  
  THOROFAN-MICHIGAN
           WHEN:    Early June -   Date And Time To Be Announced
           WHAT:    Chapter Launch Party
                           Free appetizers, Free information, Cash Bar
           WHERE:  The Holly Hotel       http://hollyhotel.com/
                     michigan@thorofan.com
                  
  THOROFAN-MONMOUTH
          WHEN:     May 20th  (Sunday)    11:30am         
          WHERE:   Monmouth Park - place to be announced. 
          WHAT:     Discussion of  identified projects and planning for the chapter's
                            cooperative efforts with Monmout Park for the  meet  
                    We hope to see everyone there. 
                  Joe Carey,  Chapter Chair             
                  yeraceoj@msn.com    or   monmouth@thorofan.com
  
  THOROFAN-NEW YORK CITY
          WHEN:    To Be Announced
                   nyc@thorofan.com

  THOROFAN-SARATOGA
          WHEN:    To Be Announced
                  Bob Giordano, ThoroFan-Saratoga
                  saratoga@thorofan.com
  
  THOROFAN-SOUTH FLORIDA
           WHEN:     To Be Announced
                            They often do conference call meetings. 
                            Please email Laurie Ross to let her know you want to be included. 
                    Laurie Ross - Chapter Chair
                     southflorida@thorofan.com

         
  Please attend your chapter meetings. ThoroFan needs each and every one of us. 
                             FIRST AND FORMOST WE ARE ALL FANS

• NYS Racing and Wagering Board Chairman Reports on NYRA Take-Out Error Costing Fans Millions of Dollars
  05-01-2012 --
  

  Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, John Sabini, reported the Robert Megna, Chairman of the [NYRA] Franchise Oversight Board, that there are serious concerns his Board has with NYRA's handling of the statutory take-out requirements. He said his report is an Interim Report with more to follow.

  Read Full Interim Report

• DR. HANSEN PLEDGES PERCENTAGE OF DERBY WINNINGS TO THOROFAN AND NEW VOCATIONS
  04-24-2012 -- Paulick Report and Blood Horse
  Fans and Horses - What a Connection!

• OAKLAWN PARK--LET IT RIDE
  03-17-2012 -- Jim Melia
  ThoroFan and experienced racegoer, Jim Melia, suspended his bias for Tampa Bay Downs and made a trip last yaer to Oaklawn Park. His first ever. So ThoroFan asked him to record his expereicne and share it with other fans.

• GULFSTREAM PARK HOST FAN EVENT IN STYLE
  03-16-2012 -- Laurie Ross, ThoroFan-South Florida Chapter Coordinator
  Fan-Friendly Gulfstream Park does it again. Tradition in racing with big events and large crowds is the hallmark of some racetrack. Others earn their reputation the\ hard way, "they earn it." So it is with Gulfstream Park lead by the insightful efforts of Michael Nyman, their Marketing and Admissions Director. His subscript on his e-mail says it all, "CHANGING THE RACETRACK CULTURE ONE CUSTOMER AT A TIME". Last weekend, Michael showed that he walks the talk. Laurie Ross, ThoroFan-South Florida Chapter Coordinator tells the whole story.

• AQUEDUCT--NOT A BAD BET
  02-09-2012 --
  A recent trip to Aqueduct Racetrack was surprise. The VLTs have a positive impact.The purses are up and racing is better. But the food is the best bet.

• NEW YORK STATE TAKES LEAD ON STANDARDS FOR RACEHORSE AFTERCARE
  12-24-2011 --
  

   

  

   

  Over two years ago, the New York State Legislature established a Task Force to come up with recommendations to care for racehorses after their racing and breeding careers have ended. ThoroFan Advisory Board member and managing partner in Sakatoga Racing, Jack Knowlton, was appointed to this prestigious group. Dutifully, the group turned over ever stone trying to offer a comprehensive solution to the problem facing our industry and its retired equine athletes.

  This week the Task Force released their final report. The over 200-page-document delves deeply into the problem and offers a number of reasoned recommendations. These recommendation boldly ask everyone involved in the sport to give a little for the sake of our heroes.

  In 2012, ThoroFan will speak with Jack Knowlton about this Task Force’s, its efforts and their recommendations.

  Here is the link to the report: http://www.racing.state.ny.us/TFRR_ReportAndAppendicesFinal.pdf

   

  Click Here
  

• DRF AND NTRA ECLIPSE AWARD CONTEST
  12-16-2011 --
  

  

   

  The Daily Racing Form and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Inc are hosting a contest that will take 2 fans to the 41st Annual Eclipse Awards in California in January of 2012. Vote for your choice of Eclipse Award Horse-of-the-Year and be included in a drawing to win the trip. The trip for two includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations for 4 days and three nights, tickets to Eclipse award Dinner on January 16, 2012, box seats at Santa Anita for a day at the races on Sunday, January 15, 2012 and a $250 ground transportation voucher. The package is estimated to worth $3000.

  All you have to do is go to the special voting website, enter your e-mail and pick who you think will be the Horse of the Year for 2011. Your e-mail will automatically be added to the pool for the random drawing for the trip. How cool is that?

  The voting site, also, allows you to vote for other Eclipse Award categories including: Older male and Female, 3-year-old Male and Female, Juvenile Male and Female, Turf male and Female, Sprinter Male and Female and Steeple Chase. Voting for trainer, jockey and owner are not available.

  Although the votes do not have impact on the actual award decisions, it allows the fans' voice to be heard. Perhaps in a future year, the votes will count in the actual balloting. One way to encourage that is to have many fans vote and see how close we come to the actual winners.

   

  ENTER CONTEST HERE

   

• GIVE IT UP FOR THE BREEDERS' CUP
  10-11-2011 --
  ThoroFan is always on the look out for new fans. Here is one from across the pond who loves our sport and wrote a song about it. Take A Listen

• THOROFAN ESTABLISHES THE TIMOTHY "TIZNOW" REYNOLDS MEMORIAL FUND
  09-30-2011 -- Gene Kershner, ThoroFan Board of Directors Member
  

  I have been working with Stacy Berge, Director of Operations of Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stables to put together a Timothy "Tiznow" Reynolds Memorial Fund (for the benefit of his daughter, Lauren Reynolds) utilizing ThoroFan's 501(c)(3) designation to serve as the conduit of the funds.  Tim, an avid racing fan, passed away prematurely earlier in the week leaving behind a wife and 8-year old daughter. Tim was prominent within the Facebook horse racing community and was named Fan of the Year by the Horse Racing Nation website last year.

  During Thursday’s ThoroFan Board meeting the establishment of the Fund was presented and was passed unanimously. The Fund meets the stated mission of our not-for-profit organization whereas our articles of incorporation include a statement that we “promote charitable and educational activities that are of interest to fans of thoroughbred racing." This endeavor certainly meets the spirit of why ThoroFan was formed.

  The donations are tax deductible and will be segregated in a separate account to be disbursed annually on Lauren’s birthday to her current 529 plan or for vital expenses submitted on her behalf.  We are pleased to announce we have the approval of the Reynolds Family in announcing the establishment of this Fund.

  HOW TO DONATE

  By Mail: Donations should be payable to Thorobread Racing Fan Assoc. - Reynolds Memorial Fund,
                Mail to: ThoroFan  PO Box 603, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 
               To restrict the funds place Reynolds Memorial Fund in the Memo column of your check.

  By Credit Card: Go to the attached link on our Make a Donation page and fill out the donation form. Send an email to our Treasurer, Niki Lee Rowe (tiznow@thorofan.com) restricting the donation to the Reynolds Fund.

  By Pay Pal: Click on the link on this page. Note Reynolds Fund on PayPal

• YOU HAVE TO VISIT SARATOGA SPRINGS - ANY TIME OF YEAR - WATCH THIS
  -- Saratoga Chamber of Commerce
  

• IMPAIRED ON HORSEBACK
  09-22-2011 --
  

  With all the emphasis on prevention of drunk drivers, it seems amazing that those initiatives haven’t zeroed in on Thoroughbred racing. A 1200 pound, out-of-control horse can cause as much damage as an out-of-control 650 pound motorcycle. But that did not stop the New York State Racing and Wagering Board from saddling the issue. At their August meeting the Board approved a new rule for Thoroughbred racing in New York that requires racetracks to test employees licensed by the Board for blood-alcohol content at .05 percent or higher (BAC). The proposed rule is necessary to ensure that jockeys, other licensees and racing officials are not intoxicated or alcohol-impaired while performing their duties, thereby making certain that horse racing is conducted safely and that the integrity of pari-mutuel racing is preserved.  The rule is similar to the Racing and Wagering Board’s harness racing rule, which has been in effect since at least 1974.

  The rule requires all Thoroughbred Racetracks in New York to provide Breathalyzer equipment for use by stewards. Unlike the harness track rule it does not limit the location of the testing to the paddock. Licensed employees working morning workouts may be tested. The rule requires the tracks to make refusal to be tested a violation. It establishes exclusion and reporting requirements for positive test.

  The final step to making this the rule permanent at all tracks is a review by the New York State Division Budget for fiscal implications. Once that hurdle is passed, the rule will go into force. In debating the proposed rule the Racing and Wagering Board focused on the safety of the employees and the horses under their care as a justification for the rule.

  Many ThoroFan’s are horse owners. Knowing that the people entrusted to train and care for their investments are not impaired when doing so, will be relief. When galloping a horse on a crowded track, the riders, jockeys or exercise rider needs to have perfect motor coordination and perfect reaction time. We all know alcohol can affect these necessary attributes. One mistake can injury many and hurt a horse.

  Our cheers to the Board.
  

• ROSE COLORED HORSES
  -- A Year in the Life of A Crazed Horsewoman
  

• THOROFANS' VOICE HEARD
  09-02-2011 --
  New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini today announced members of the Racing Fan Advisory Council, which will provide input and advice to the Board on horse racing and wagering matters in New York state. Two ThoroFan members appointed to the Council.

• REFUND FOR RESERVED SEATS
  08-30-2011 --
  

  Now that hurricane Irene has passed the northeast and Saratoga Race Course is back in full operation, some are asking, “what is NYRA’s policy on reimbursement for purchased reserved seats for Sunday, August 28^th?”  According to Dan Silver, NYRA’s Director of Communication, NYRA’s policy is as follows:

   

  “Cash Sales” for [Reserved Seat]Tickets Dated, Sunday, August 28^th, 2011:

  • May exchange Sunday, August 28^th, 2011 tickets for a future date (depending upon availability).
  • May exchange Sunday, August 28^th, 2011 tickets for a cash refund.

   

  “Advanced Sales” for Tickets Dated, Sunday, August 28^th, 2011:

  • May exchange Sunday, August 28^th, 2011 tickets for a future date (depending upon availability).
  • May exchange Sunday, August 28^th, 2011 tickets for a refund check made payable to the original ticket holder (NYRA will mail to address on file).

   

  Take your unused reserved seat tickets for Sunday, August 28, 2011, to the Reserved Seat Ticket Booth at Gate A on Union Avenue to process your refund. More information may be obtained by calling NYRA at (718)-461-4700 and ask for Reserved Seats.

   

• THOROFAN-SARATOGA'S 2011 TRAINERS' SADDLE TOWEL GUIDE
  -- NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL THOROFAN MERCHANT SPONSORS
  See Saratoga Benefits page for participating merchants.

• RACING FAN ADVISORY COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
  06-29-2011 --
  In a historic move Chairman John Sabini of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board created by resolution the “The Racing fan Advisory Council.” The council, likely the first in the country, recognizes racing fans as stakeholders in the sport/industry. Chairman Sabini in moving this resolution referenced the unique cooperation and insight among the Legislature and the Governor Cuomo’s Office to recommend this council. The vote by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board was unanimous. Click to hear the audio of the passing the resolution. It was “number one” on the June 29, 2011’s agenda. The resolution specifically recognized the importance of the fan’s interests and opinions to the future of racing. It missioned the Council to provider input and advice to the State Racing and Wagering Board on all matters related to horse racing and wagering in New York. Click here to view the complete resolution. The Council will be composed of five members who will serve for five years and who have been selected….”based on their long term involvement, interest in, knowledge and devotion to the sport of horse racing as a fan” the resolution stated. All five members will be appointed by the Chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board with two of the five coming after recommendations from chairpersons of the Assembly and Senate Racing [and Gaming] and Wagering Committees. Michael Amo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ThoroFan, a national Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc. said he was pleased the Governor, the state Legislature and the Racing and Wagering Board decided to recognize the fan as an important stakeholder in racing in New York. Hopefully other states will follow their insightful leadership and create similar panels.”

• POST STAR GIVES 'BRAVOS' TO JEREMY EDGE
  06-13-2011 -- Post Star
  Bravos to Jeremy Edge, a part-time Saratoga Springs resident who has embarked on a 190-mile walk to raise awareness for two horse-related charities -- the Disabled Jockey Fund for injured jockeys and the Anna House, an educational center for the children of Belmont Park backstretch workers.

• GULFSTREAM OFFERS AFTERCARE PROGRAM
  02-18-2011 --
  

• TESTIMONY BY THORFAN BEFORE NYS SENATE RACING, WAGERING AND GAMING COMMITTEE
  02-08-2011 --
  

  Testimony before
  the New York State Senate Committee on Racing and Wagering
  February 7, 2010
  By
  Michael Amo
  Chairman of the Board of Directors
  ThoroFan

  Chairman Bonacic and members of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing and Wagering, thank you for inviting us. I am here representing ThoroFan to discuss how racing fans can be an integral part of the solution for improving racing and wagering in New York State.
   
  INTRODUCTION

  ThoroFan is a national, non-profit (501(c)(3)) Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.  that was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in the racing capital of the United States, Saratoga Springs, New York. 

  Our mission is, “To foster growth of the Thoroughbred racing industry by providing racing fans with an organization that will actively support their interests.” We believe that the fans of our sport are so critical to its survival that they must be engaged and embraced by the industry.

  But, first let’s talk about the fans. Thoroughbred racing fans are an interesting amalgam. We are of all ages, genders, social strata and professions. We love the horse, the experience and wagering on races. Some of us make a living in the industry. For some of us we follow racing the same way others follow baseball, football or any other of the mainstream sports.

  A study undertaken a few years ago collaboratively by NTRA and ESPN found that there were as many as 29 million Thoroughbred racing fans in this country. They included folks who watch the Triple Crown races each year to those that play the races regularly. Extrapolating from census data to New York State, it is safe to say New York has well over 2 million Thoroughbred racing fans.

  Another way to understand the importance of the fan is their participation in pari-mutual wagering. Nationally, fans wager approximately $12 billion per year on Thoroughbred racing. As some argue, with a blended take-out of approximately 20%, that portion of a wager that is sacrificed by the fan to the support the sport is approximately $2.4 billion. All this is to say that the fans in New York and across the country are serious financial stakeholders in the sport of horse racing.   Just as fans pay real money for Jets tickets or golfers pay greens fees, racing fans pay to go to the track.  That take out contribution - $2.4 billion a year, is fan participation. 

  Today, I have chosen from the list you provided three points of which the fans have knowledge to address:
  1. REBUILDING THE FAN BASE
  2. IDEAS TO BETTER THE SPORT AND
  3. INTERSTATE RACING COMPACT

   REBUILDING THE FAN BASE

  At the 2010 Eclipse Awards ceremonies last month the word used most frequently in acceptance speeches was “ fan.” The headline on an article about the awards in the Thoroughbred Times read, “ All About the fans: Eclipse Awards pay tribute to racing’s often forgotten crowd.” 

  Mike Repole, owner of two-year-old champion, Uncle Mo and likely Kentucky Derby favorite, said it best,” I want to thank the fans. You guys are the backbone of this industry. Without you guys, there is no sport.”

  We believe our sport would be vastly improved if we placed more of our energies and resources on fan base development. Give-a ways are a good way to attract customers. However, we must do more to introduce these new fans to our sport. They are the future of our sport we should capture them and cultivate them! Here a few ways to do that:

  Fan Education is an essential. A survey of racing fans by ThoroFan found that a friend or relative taught most people about racing. Although there are plenty of resources available, most racetracks have limited basic on-track fan education.

  In 2008, thanks to the support of NYRA, ThoroFan was able to run a free education program on-track for new fans, everyday during the Saratoga meeting. The purpose was to remove intimidation and to educate fans about our sport, how it works and how to enjoy it. Over 1,200 new fans came to our venue. Many of them were first-timers and were encouraged to ask us any question. I recall one person, who raised a hand and asked, “ What are the numbers on the starting gate for?” I thought, “ how many other fans are out there with that same need to know?” Therefore, we recommend an on-track venue that gives the fans the opportunity to learn and experience racing without risk or intimidation.

  New York’s community college system of non-credit courses is an untapped resource to teach the public about racing and its entertainment value. Our campuses’ high tech abilities could make such learning available on every platform from the classroom to on-line. In 2008, Thorofan offered such a course at Fulton-Montgomery Community College (SUNY). With the expansive college system in New York we could reach every part of the state simultaneously. Developing a curricula for fans that could be used throughout our community college system would be a positive move.

  We know rebuilding the fan base is a sizable and long-term project. However, it is one we must take on if we wish New York racing to have a future.

  [SECOND] IDEAS TO BETTER THE SPORT

  A recent headline in the Daily Racing Form’s Weekend edition asked, “Is Racing a Sport on the Ropes?” Using normal indices like wagering handle and attendance, the author suggests the sport might be approaching irrelevancy. We disagree.  True, a new business model is needed, but irrelevant we are not.

  Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Inc., in that same article was spot on when he said, “ We can’t spend our time arguing over who among the tracks and horsemen get what share of the pie. We have to figure out how to serve our customers. They’re the ones that matter.” From my perspective that should be “principle one” for creating a new model for racing in New York. Beyond that here are four (4) specific points on which to focus our efforts to improve racing:

  
  1. The Voice Of The Fan is Critical. Accepting the premise that the fan is a stakeholder and the “backbone” of our industry, we need to rethink our priorities. Other sports certainly have. For example, think of another sport where the owners and operators have the front row, courtside seats, while the average fan is not given access. That’s what we do in racing; the owners’ boxes are on the finish line while the fans sit up the stretch.

  Similarly, there needs to be more seats for fans on governing bodies, boards of directors of racing organization or government commissions. The “voice of the fan” needs to be heard in the boardroom, not just at the betting window. 

  2. Focus on Attendance At Live Racing. Winston Churchill has been credited as saying, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” This is especially true for racing. To watch a live race and to hear the pounding of hooves as they race to the finish line, is exhilarating and the best advertisement the sport has for a new fan. We need to find ways to share that with more people and our new fans.

  Many tracks have begun this, with night racing and concerts that attract a younger audience. Reconsideration of night racing for thoroughbreds, on nights when there is no NY harness racing, is a possible avenue.

  NYRA’s attempts to provide transportation to the track this year showed nearly a 30% increase in attendance in its initial going. Some tracks across the country offer free admission and parking. How about a lower take-out for on-track wagering? That would certainly entice those who might chose to stay home and bet on-line or with out-of-state ADW to “come out to the races.”.

  There still are plenty more opportunities to make a day at the races as enjoyable as any other form of entertainment. If you doubt the assumption that we can bring fans back to live racing, look at the crowds that pour into Newmarket (England), Deauville (France), or Sha Tin (Hong Kong). It’s possible to have large crowds at American racing again, if we want them.

  For those critic who might say these efforts may be detrimental to our state’s OTBs, I say they are wrong. Viewing live racing grows our fan base.  When fans cannot conveniently go the track simulcast centers, Racinos and OTBs with the necessary modifications offer a great alternative.

  3. Knock Down Barriers between the fan and the athlete. Sometimes in this business of racing we forget the sport and the athlete. If without the fan racing would be in trouble, then without the horse, it wouldn’t exist. The barriers between the fan and the horse must be broken down. Fans need to see and experience the horse, more. Better access to watching a racehorse work out in the morning is a sure path to “fandom.” But this is impeded in New York with layers of rules. Most fans are denied access to the backstretch, yet with a minor investment in a partnership most anyone regardless experience around the racehorse or prerequisite orientation can obtain a license from New York State. We must find better ways to connect the horse with the fan and still have a safe and secure environment. Other tracks across the country do it. We can in New York, too.

  4. Promote Racing in New York. To introduce the public, especially a younger generation to our sport, requires a concerted and integrated effort. This effort requires all stakeholders including all branches of government to work together. We need a theme for racing in New York that brands the sport, not just one track or one Racino, but the entire sport. This theme could be used in public service announcements, cooperative marketing campaigns, local media coverage and through social networking. New Yorkers, with our help, can learn about our sport and its entertainment value, not just its wagering value. They can learn about the potential careers available in racing, as well. Sound familiar? Yes! We need an ”I Love New York Racing Campaign”
    

  [Finally] NATIONAL INTERSTATE RACING COMPACT

  The industry needs national leadership. When we think of baseball, basketball or hockey, we think of a national commissioner. With racing we have individual owners and track operators, regulated by each state. Can you imagine if last night’s Super Bowl was played by “Texas rules” and not “NFL rules?”  We need a central body that is empowered  to move racing forward. The Interstate Racing Compact does that. We only ask that you include recognition of the fan’s voice, fan education and fan base development in your legislation. Racing is a people’s sport! We need to make sure all our efforts are aligned to bring the people back to our sport.

  SUMMARY

  I hope in the last few minutes you have come away with the understanding of how important the fan is to racing and how necessary it is to include their perspective in any solution crafted.

  I hope all segments of the industry will join with the fans and work to save our sport. For too long we have been operating as silos or worst, boats rowing in different directions. Now is the time for us to come together as one group of fans, owners, horsemen and operators. Now is the time to drop “ME” from our verbiage and replace it with “US.”

  Together, we can bring more fans to our sport. With a repopulated , vibrant fan base the entire industry benefits. With new fans come new players and future owners. New York can once again be the national leader in racing. It is up to “US” to TAKE the first step, today.

  We are ever mindful of our respected ThoroFan Advisory Board member and Hall of Fame trainer, Nick Zito, who said when he agreed to join us:

  "FIRST AND FOREMOST WE ARE ALL FANS.”
  

• WATCH VIDEO STREAM OF THOROFAN TESTIMONY BEFORE NY STATE SENATE
  02-09-2011 --
  The link is for the entire 11 presentors. However, if you are interested in just the ThoroFan testimony, it begins at the 1 hour and 14 minute point in the video stream.

• NEW YORK STATE SENATORS TOLD THE FAN IS IMPORTANT TO FUTURE OF RACING
  01-26-2011 --
  

  New York State Senators Told the Fan is Important to Future of Racing

  Rebuilding the Thoroughbred racing fan base was one of many topics discussed at the first meeting of the New York State Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee  on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. Expecting the typical governmental babble, it was refreshing when Senator John Bonacic, Chairperson, asked the  Chairman of the New York Racing and Waging Board, John Sabini,  what he thought was needed to rebuild the fan base in racing. Even a greater surprise followed. Chairman Sabini said it was important to build the fan base for the future of racing. Further, he applauded the efforts of ThoroFan to help bring people back to racing.

  The Chairman went on to mention and comment about what he believed to be key elements in getting more fans involved in racing. Interestingly, neither handle nor take-out was mentioned. The following is a synthesis of his points.

  Physical Plant  Too often our racing venues are not pleasant places to be. If we want new fans we must focus on making the environment more enticing. Perhaps with Gentings New York investment in Aqueduct fans will want to come to the track and go racing. Belmont Park is cavernous. It served its purpose when built but these are different times for racing. A new strategic plan for Belmont Park that mixes racing with another enterprise needs to found.

  Exercises of the Mind The cerebral nature of handicapping should be promoted to a younger, educated crowd. Handicapping a race is the “ puzzle of all puzzles.”  Finding ways to reach fans with this interest will pay off.

  Integrity in Racing   New fans will not tolerate a game that seems less than honest or right. Why engage in a sport for which one feels at a distinct disadvantage? Whether perceived or real, racing must find ways to assure and publicize the integrity in the game. Clearly, standardized policies for illegal drug use and severe penalties for violations would be an excellent place to start.

  Human and Equine Safety   The new fan is not going to stay with a sport that does not do everything to eliminate accidents and injuries on the track. We all know of the public’s reaction to the death of Barbaro and Eight Belles. When a horse because of an injury has to be euthanized in front of the grandstand, racing from the new fan’s perspective will take two steps backward for everyone it takes forward. More needs to be done to study and understand injuries and to prevent them. We are just beginning to develop an injury database from which to draw solution for prevention. That must be continued and encouraged by owners, trainers, track operators and regulators, alike.

  Racing to Breed   In a different era, the foundation of racing was the breeding farms like Calumet. Here generations of experimentation were committed to finding the perfect bloodline. The hope was to yield a long line of fine racehorse champions. Today with the greater profit in the breeding shed and owners focused on their return-on-investment (ROI) many can no longer afford to continue this practice. Rather their goal has to be race to breed. For the sport and the fan, that limits the time an equine hero is public. Big Brown was a household word for only four months. His spectacular win in the Florida Derby had Triple Crown written all over it. His failure to succeed by finishing last in the Belmont Stakes coupled with his sub par performance in two races at Monmouth Park sent him to the breeding shed in 2009. The industry needs to find ways to get back to “breeding to race.” It is a fan imperative.

  
  These five elements when coupled with a lack of new fan education, strains the industry’s ability to attract new fans. Yet the future is far from bleak. Each of these issues can be realigned if we have the will.

  Let’s hope the racing industry in New York State accepts the challenge.

   

• NOT ALL APPROACHES TO HANDICAPPING ARE THE SAME
  01-22-2011 --
  ROAD MAP
  HANDICAPPING
  Learn the Game from the Best
  Thoroughbred Handicapping
  Consultant in America!
  Al Bozzi uses his sixty years of expertise in the reading and understanding
  of the Daily Racing Form.
  He fills the road Map with his Winning Points, Plus and Minus Factors that lead the player to pick the best fit and ready horses that finish up in the top three slots 40% to 60% of the time at any track in the country!
  Al gives away his secrets on his fantastic rainbow betting
  that spots those hard to pick longshots.
  Get in on his Bucks ‘n Deuces betting that returns
  some big bucks on the exotic betting.
  Follow his easy methods on picking the winners in the
  Hard to handicap maiden races,
  that most handicappers shy away from.
  Al has the heartbeat of a thoroughbred! He gives you the
  love and feeling of the game.
  “Road Map” is a Big Winner! Bet Me! To Order: AlBozzi@optonline.net

  P: 845.928-4854

  $49.95

  
  AL Bozzi is a real character who has been making his living, legally and otherwise, at the racetrack for years. Although he is not a professional writer he knows Thoroughbred racing. His age-old approach is contrary to what you might see in print today, but don't let that bother you. His appraoch is uncanny in finding longshots that he calls his "Rainbow Bets." I have found his approach refreshing when I feel overwhelmed with PP data.

  Michael Amo
  

• SHEDROW BY DR. DEAN DELUKE
  12-13-2010 --
  

  

  Dr. Dean DeLuke’s new book, “Shedrow” is the subject of a piece in ThoroFan's Featured Articles segment. Dr. DeLuke is a ThoroFan member. Some photographs on the book's website which was produced by Equus Media were taken by Barry Bornstein, ThoroFan’s Director and website photography editor. Check it our.

• NTRA ALLIANCE MEETING
  08-20-2010 --
  

  ThoroFan,

  Thanks to your responses to our recent survey, I was able to represent you well at today’s Advisory Board Meeting of the NTRA’s Safety and Integrity Alliance. The agenda focused on the NTRA’s racetrack accreditation program. The program was designed to help promote national standards compliance for racetracks. From the fan perspective, meeting standards is one way to assure integrity and good horsemanship at a racetrack. The following is  the report that I prepared for this meeting. Your comments to infor@thorofan.com would be appreciated.

  Michael Amo
  Chairman of the Board
  ThoroFan

  ****************************************************************

  NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance Advisory Board Meeting

  August 20, 2010

  Agenda: Increasing the Number of Alliance Accredited Racetracks

  Survey Questions:

  ThoroFan surveyed a sample of over 400 ThoroFan members and supporters asking them three questions:

  1. How should NTRA's Alliance communicate their accreditation program to fans?
  2. If NTRA's Alliance were to institute an incentive program for fans to visit or play accredited racetracks, what are some benefits they should offer?
  3. As a fan, what value do you believe accrediting a racetrack might have?

  Introduction

  To begin we linked the survey to NTRA Alliance’s website so respondents would have a frame of reference and some background information. Comments associated with the questions suggested many knew very little about the accreditation program. Therefore our   “first recommendation is to educate racing fans about the Safety and Integrity Alliance.”

  Education of Fans

  When we asked them how the Alliance might be most successful in educating fans about the racetrack accreditation program. Since both accredited tracks and the Alliance would benefit from education it is recommended that “ NTRA and the accredited tracks partner to educated fans."  Respondents suggested the following approaches should be explored:

  1. Advertisements in track programs;
  2. Announcements through on-track closed circuit and simulcasting television programs;
  3. Direct mailing (e-mailing) to fans and general public;
  4. Stories about the Alliance’s accreditation program and its value to fans in Daily Racing Form or other trade news publications
  5. Ads and stories in local media sources (press releases) affiliated with all race tracks (Comment)
  6. Thoroughbreds racing websites with incentives for fan to attend or wager on horses run at accredited tracks (Comment)

  
  Incentives to Visit and Play accredited Tracks

  Respondents thought that NTRA should work with accredited tracks to drive fans to them. Everyone would benefit. Tracks might see handle and attendance increases, Alliance would build a public constituency base for the accreditation program and fans would be incentivize to play accredited tracks. As a long-term strategy, non-accredited tracks would see the benefit of accreditation and likely explore participation.

  Fans felt that some incentives that would draw fans to accredited tracks might be:

  1. On-line discounts coupons for track admissions, programs, past performance data and parking at accredited tracks;
  2. Discounts at accredited tracks' gift shops

  Value of Accreditation to Fans

  Fans, interestingly and in significant percentages, felt that the true value of a racetrack accreditation was:

  1. Safer conditions for horses and jockeys (91.2%)
  2. Better medication practices (71.9%)
  3. More responsible aftercare for horses (64.9%)
  4. More confident about wagering integrity ( 56.1%)

  The alignment between fans and NTRA is obvious and should be maximized. Although tracks appreciate the value of accreditation, the cost to be accredited may be prohibitive unless consequences of not being accredited are clear.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  
   

• THOROFAN RECEIVES 501(c) (3) IRS NON PROFIT STATUS
  08-17-2010 --
  

  The IRS letter dated August 12, 2010 states
  
  “We are pleased  to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. ………” "Contributions to you are deductible......" " You are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts...." " ...you are a public charity........"

  Thank you so much to our ThoroFan Gene Kershner (coordinator of Handicappers’ Corner)  and his firm that have given so freely of their time and expertise to help us in this process.  And, thank you to all of our other volunteers who have offered help and advice. Any of you who have gone through this application process know that it is cumbersome and time consuming and needs expert knowledge.

  Now we will be able to do more for Thoroughbred racing, those who work in the industry, the horses who provide this enjoyment for us and for all our fans.

  Thank you to all our members for continuing to help ThoroFan grow as we learn and mature into a successful national organization. And, thank you to our Saratoga Chapter for working so hard to provide the basis for all other chapters to come.

  Niki Lee Rowe
  National Sec./Treas.
  

• THOROFAN CORNER OPENS for 2010 at SARATOGA RACE TRACK.
  07-23-2010 -- Open to ALL THOROFANS with a current/valid membership card.
  

• THOROFAN-MONMOUTH CHAPTER MEETING SET FOR JUNE 12 AT MONMOUTH PARK
  -- email - monmouth@thorofan.com