Here are their answers to the question, “What is the number one change racing needs to make?”

A local bettor, Christopher Woods, offered the following idea. “I think the mid-Atlantic tracks need to work together to create circuit-like meets. Less direct competition for horses will allow for more races with full fields and attractive betting options. I’ve always thought a Laurel/Pimlico/Delaware circuit would be great. Obviously coordination among the states would be the major obstacle.”

Rob Benefiel, from Kentucky, said, “As much as longtime folks are against a national governing body, I think the sport needs it: standardized rules, regulations, drug testing, and jockey rules enforcement. New bettors aren’t attracted to chaotic enforcement and cheating.”

Alan Schneider, also from Kentucky, spoke about the challenges of getting newcomers introduced to racing.

“I know the game as a whole intimidates newbies with the overwhelming amount of information and wagering options for new folks to digest,” he said. “Making a more concentrated effort to break that obstacle of intimidation would be a nice start.”

Stan Plastek from Delaware also concentrated his comments around marketing to new segments. “Racing needs to grow the sport by changing the demographics of the bettor,” he pointed out. “Patrons are predominantly older males. Without changes attrition will continue to shrink the fan base and along with it revenue.”

Russ Solis from Texas had a number of suggestions. 

Russ said, “Programs from every track should be free on their websites. The bettors aren’t getting any younger. I think countrywide rules and regulations need to be put in place. Get the corrupt people in the sport out for good. Make it a clean environment for everyone.”

Another bettor who concentrated on marketing suggestions was Tom Pardini from Delaware.

“Tough question, but I think that they need to market better. Take a look at the Pegasus commercial that was put out a few month ago,” he said. “A bunch of overly dressed people that have never been to the track.  Who the heck was that meant for? That is just one example. There are so many good jocks, and trainers, that the sport should highlight them to promote the game. In addition the gambling aspect of the game has to be promoted.”

Rich Scherr of Delaware, who started playing the horses in New York in 1968, had a succinct suggestion: “In this day of inter-track wagering, a greater effort needs to be made to not run races on top of one another.”

Albert Andrews of Delaware mimicked a line from The Graduate by saying just one term: “Low takeout.”

You can sense the feeling of many of those who commented that the game they love is not being marketed and run the way they think would be best.

In the final part of this series, I will use both my personal experience and what I have heard from bettors and insiders to present a list of the top 10 things racing should have done yesterday.