Letter to the Industry | Horse Racing Free Tips

Letter to the Industry: Roderick Wachman

The Thoroughbred industry continues to shrink and has a massive damage control and marketing issue.

As things stand, we look like a passenger ship on a collision course with an iceberg. There are many screams, but no well-funded, established industry organization appears to want control of the wheel.

Clearly the anti-racing lobby is well supported and now getting prime time slots on mainstream media.

If you are making a living from this industry as a sales company, stallion owner, farm owner, trainer, agent, pinhooker etc; or a provider such as a vet, feed company, van company, industry publication, supply vendor etc, you have a stake in its destiny. This is our livelihood and you likely have a substantial investment that is in grave danger of being significantly devalued at the very least.

We've all seen what happened to Greyhound racing, and horse racing seems to be on the same fateful path.

Anyone reading this should be asking themselves: What drew me to this wonderful industry and what am I doing to insure its future?

It is time for the agenda-driven squabbling to stop and for everyone to put their shoulders to the wheel and try to take control of our industry's destiny.

Light Up Racing has been started based on the successful Kick Up For Racing model in Australia in an effort to find alignment and provide a voice through fact based resources for those who want positive change as well as to protect and preserve this industry for future generations. For more information visit www.lightupracing.com.

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Promoting the American Thoroughbred Industry: Letter to the Editor, Justin Casse

During the recent holiday season, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with my 13-year-old son, Max, about his future aspirations. As he approaches an age where decisions about higher education and career paths come into focus, we've delved into conversations about his collegiate preferences and professional ambitions.

It is not uncommon for adolescents at this stage to express a desire to emulate the occupational choices of family members. Max, in particular, has conveyed an interest in following in the footsteps of his father, cousin Norm, uncle Mark, and his late grandfather Norman.

Now over the past few days I have had time to reflect on the thoughts and proposals brought forward by Boyd Browning and Nick de Meric. I believe the appropriate route going forward is for American Racing to have a parallel initiative to that of AUSHORSE in Australia. AUSHORSE is the gold standard of Thoroughbred marketing globally. They are frequently advertising the amazing statistics regarding the most buoyant racehorse industry in the world. This is exactly what we need. An enterprise like this would aim to promote the American Thoroughbred industry, encourage investment from both domestic and international sources, and introduce new owners to the excitement of racehorse ownership. Funding the initiative would occur through a small percentage taken from purse structures, sales purchases, or commissions.

This type of initiative could bring several benefits to the American Thoroughbred industry:

Promotion and Branding: A centralized marketing arm can effectively promote the industry, showcasing destinations for racing and sales. As well as the heartfelt stories that occur within our industry (i.e. Cody's Wish) and the amount of jobs it creates and economic impact it has.
International Investment: By actively encouraging investment from overseas, the industry can attract a broader range of participants, boosting competition and raising the profile of American horse racing on a global scale. Again, American involvement in Europe both at their sales and at Ascot is at an all-time high. As well as Europeans shipping to Australia for the Melbourne Cup and other races. It's time we flip the script here.
Introduction to Ownership: Helping newcomers navigate the world of racehorse ownership can foster increased participation and interest in the sport. This could include educational programs, networking events, and other initiatives to make ownership more accessible and enjoyable. I understand we've tried this in some capacity in the past but to include this under one uniform umbrella could create a stronger reputation via a name and likeness to refer to when speaking to the layman about our industry.
Sustainable Funding: By allocating a small percentage from relevant revenue streams, the initiative can secure a consistent and sustainable source of funding for its activities. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the marketing efforts.

However, it's important to consider a few key factors in implementing such an initiative:

Industry Collaboration: Success would likely depend on widespread industry collaboration. Ensuring that major stakeholders and participants are on board is crucial for the initiative's effectiveness. But making sure that the funding comes from a broader scale and not from a few wealthier individuals will insure a non-bias representation.
Transparent Governance: As an independent, not-for-profit entity, transparency in governance is essential to maintain trust and credibility. Clear guidelines on fund allocation and decision-making processes should be established.
Adaptability: The racing industry is dynamic, and the initiative should be adaptable to changing circumstances and market trends. Regular evaluations and adjustments may be necessary to ensure ongoing success.

If implemented thoughtfully, a marketing initiative like this one could contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the American Thoroughbred industry.

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Fasig-Tipton’s Boyd Browning Urges Industry To Join In Action In 2024

Editor's Note: The TDN received this letter from Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning.

2023 was certainly a year of many challenges for the Thoroughbred industry. Much has been written and spoken about the issues we face, although very little action has taken place.

As we enter 2024, I believe it is imperative we make meaningful efforts to improve our sport. Every component of the industry must pledge to do a better job. We must find common ground and set aside our egos.

We must commit (at a minimum) to the following actions as an industry:

1) Establish a public relations plan that: (a) provides a spokesperson to speak for our industry in times of crisis; and (b) addresses the issues and concerns regarding equine safety and aftercare. This will require resources-money!

A new initiative, LIGHT UP RACING, is being launched to address these issues and Fasig-Tipton is committing $50,000 for the initial launch and proof of concept for this initiative. In addition, we will commit $200,000 over the next three years to support organized industry efforts regarding public relations.

2) Implement a plan to utilize wearable technology and install PET scan machines at major racetracks. We have no choice but to embrace these concepts and work together to provide these as cost effectively as possible.

Fasig-Tipton has no financial stake or interests in any providers/vendors of these products; however, we are willing to commit to an investment/expenditure of $250,000 over the next three years to assist in these efforts if joined by other industry interests.

3) Improve our betting product. On Christmas Day, my three sons-in-law and two of my daughters were wagering modest sums on NBA and NFL games in progress.

They wanted action and engagement and were easily able to make understandable wagers on their phones. They could bet on a team, the number of touchdowns, who would make three-point shots, etc. and try for parlays that would produce significant payouts.

Relevant statistical data is available for FREE to encourage participation. The gambling world has exploded–yet our game has not.

We have many extraordinarily talented and successful people involved in our great sport. In addition, we have institutions and organizations with significant financial resources that must make investments today for the good of tomorrow.

I urge the Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, HISA, racetracks, stallion farms, sales companies, owners, breeders and trainers to make a commitment of both talent and resources to invest in our future before it is too late.

–Boyd Browning, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fasig-Tipton Co.

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Brereton Jones: Longtime Supporter of Old Friends

Anyone who ever knew Brereton C. Jones can stop reading now. I won't be telling you anything new. He was smart, kind and compassionate. And that is a rare trifecta. But he was so much more than that.

Nearly two decades ago, when I first started Old Friends, I made an appointment to see him at Airdrie Stud, a farm as modest and forthright as he was. “Let me get this straight,” he said. “You're going to get these horses, including stallions from Japan, and you're not going to race them or breed them or sell them. What exactly are you going to do with them?”

“I'm going to put them in my yard and hope people come to visit.”

He tried his hardest to disguise his incredulity, reached into the lap drawer of his antique desk, pulled out a scraggly checkbook, and wrote a check to Old Friends for $5,000.

“Good luck,” he said, as he shook one hand, and handed me the check with the other. That, to paraphrase my favorite movie, “Casablanca,” was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Without him, Old Friends might have never existed. And it wasn't just the money. That was the least of it.

Over the years, we retired several Airdrie stallions, including You and I, Patton, and Afternoon Deelites. And, he made several trips to the farm to check on how things were going. Years later, his filly, Lovely Maria was running in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland. I ran into him a few days before the race and he told me that if she won the race, he'd write Old Friends a check for $25,000. She did. And he did. And it wasn't because of me, it was for the horses and horse racing.

I have two wonderful, hand-written notes – one from our late veterinarian, Doug Byars, and one from Brereton C. Jones. If we ever have a fire, I'm going to grab those notes first and come back for the rest of the stuff.

It's very unlikely that anyone like Governor Jones will ever come around again. I'm just grateful he was here once, and I was fortunate enough to stumble across his path.

Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends

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