Attheracesandbeyond

[TGJB]

The boys are doing a show about things that need to be done to fix the game. My segment was 4:30 to 5, it runs to 7 pm. I focused mostly on drugs. They archive the shows, you should be able to listen to my rant at some point.

http://www.attheracesandbeyond.com

[Saddlecloth]

Jerry,

While I dont always agree with your opinions I agreed with what you said and thought you did a solid job on the show, thanks for the effort!

[TGJB]

That radio show was just the beginning. Well see what happens over the next couple of months with some discussions I have initiated, but I think it will come down to horseplayers taking matters in their own hands. I\'ll keep everyone informed.

[Kasept]

Want to take the opportunity to thank JB for his contributions to \'Mutual Interests\', our special presentation Wednesday.. Based on the responses I\'ve heard so far, his comments were the ones that hit home with the listeners the most. Below find direct mp.3 links to the three seperate hours of rather intense conversation with 6 of the industry\'s most provocative minds and voices.

We continue at \"At the Races and Beyond\" to try and make the show \'important\' by providing a forum for horsemen and industry-related devotees, and what Jerry had to say is the kind of message I\'m hoping we can continue to deliver.

Hope you\'ll listen and tune in...

SIRIUS 125, M-F, 4-7pm EST, replayed 1-4am and 4-7am EST.. (Note: MOVING TO SIRIUS 126 on February 14th!) or Listen Live from our website...



\"MUTUEL INTERESTS\"

Andy Serling, Jerry Brown:
http://www.attheracesandbeyond.com/stream/13107a.mp3

Ted Mudge, Steve Crist:
http://www.attheracesandbeyond.com/stream/13107b.mp3

Maury Wolff, Andy Beyer:
http://www.attheracesandbeyond.com/stream/13107c.mp3

[fkach]

Thanks for pointing that show out.

I\'m going to take a slightly contrarian position though. (it\'s my style)

I don\'t think enough was mentioned about the people that suffer the most because of the illegal drug issue. IMO, it\'s the honest owners, trainers, assistant trainers, vets, grooms etc.... that can\'t compete and earn the living they deserve. People like that are being forced out of the game.

As I\'ve already said, I don\'t think the drug issue impacts me much at all as a gambler. I spend some time looking for trainer strengths and weaknesses. I believe that effort allows me to compensate for or even take advantage of some of the cheating that goes on. I know other horseplayers that feel the same way.

So while I agree 100% that illegal drug use is a major long term problem for the sport, I sense too much emphasis being put on horse player issues and not enough on other aspects of the problem.

Overall though, it was a great show.

Edited 2/1 (9:56)

[Boscar Obarra]

I haven\'t yet listened to the shows, but I disagree with prev post.


  I have a distaste for playing in crooked games where I\'m not the crook.

  I don\'t care if I KNOW who the crook is, I still don\'t know his plans, only he does.

  Better to leave the table. And find an \'honest\' one.

[Boscar Obarra]

Just listened to the JB segment, and I\'m glad to see he has addressed  all the relevant issues.

 Sadly, they are the same relevant issues from 30 years ago.

[shanahan]

listened to it sat AM, and decided I would do something about it...anytime I see an Assmussen entry, I pass the race...same for Norman of course.  we don\'t see much Pletcher in these parts.  There\'s no problem finding another play with so many tracks running...none at all.

Jerry - you could get a lot of help in funding the cause with wearables and the like...happy to help design if needed.

[bobphilo]

Fkach,

For a change, I agree with most of what you say on this issue. You make an excellent point when you say that the ones who suffer most are the honest trainers, owners, grooms, vets, etc., though the horses and jockeys whose lives are endangered by illegal drug use may suffer even more.
It is indeed possible for bettors to adjust and even profit from the drug problem but I, and I suspect that most handicappers and bettors, would much prefer a fair game, as Boscar has pointed out. Personally, as I primarily handicap for recreation, I got into the game for the fun of predicting a fair athletic contest and not a game of  "spot the crooked trainer".
Of course, I have to take the juicers into account in my handicapping. I'd just rather not have such despicable practices that endanger lives and drive honest people out of the sport as a source of my profit. It just takes a lot of the fun out of the game.

I do agree that there are others more affected than gamblers by the drug problem, but I also think the majority of bettors would like to see the sport cleaned up as well.
I also think that the bettors, as the ultimate consumers, have the unique power to change things, and as those who profit from the sport, have an obligation to use this power to protect the honest trainers, as well as the horses and riders, who give us this sport.

Bob

[fkach]

bob,

I don\'t disagree with anything you said.

I never said I enjoyed betting on horses that recently moved to a \"suspect\" barn etc... or that I prefer to play a crooked game. I said I have long studied tainer strengths and weaknesses anyway. Doing so has allowed me to adapt to these conditions and to continue playing a winning game. I know several other people like me. Point being, that until the situation is corrected, we can play and win despite the conditions. I don\'t see that statement of fact as interfering with the goal of changing things or suggesting that I like things this way. I don\'t think others should either because it\'s not true.

[bobphilo]

fkach,

I was in no way trying to imply that you were enjoying the adjustemnts that have to be made given the way things are. My point was that most horseplayers, you included, wish it were otherwise. Sorry if it seemed I was saying something else. You are definetley sensitive to the problems created by illegal drug use for everybody.

Bob

[ditz]

I believe NYRA, and  or whomever it is that will be taking over the running of this franchise will put the horses first on their list of prioritys.For if it was not for these athletes there would be no racing,therefore their well being should come first and foremost.So if that means cracking down on illegal drug use,more thorough checking by vets morning of race,especially those taking such obvious drops in class,and making sure that track is in tip top condition,which I do not belive it is kept as well as it once was in the past,how could it be with  such a mild winter and all the card cancellations ,something is up.Thankfully the jocks will recover from  this past weeks incidents,my prayers to them and their families.but who is standing up on behalf of those thoroughbreds who lost their lives.I guess insurance will compensate those owners.Unfortunately business is business to some.

[ditz]

I meant I hope they will put horses first ! Worded my thoughts wrong !

[Boscar Obarra]

Just heard Andy use the same 30 year figure. Scary.

  Comes from being around too long.

  Hey wasn\'t my 3rd cousin twice removed Oscar Barrera the first really blatant juice man in NY?

[Boscar Obarra]

Finished up the last of the 3 hours of show. Great to be able to skip past those idiotic ads.

  Also, great to hear Steve Christ thinks the drug thing is overblown and the standings are always dominated by a few misunderstood resident genii.