General Issues Focus of Saratoga Preview

Though it lacked a representative from the New York Racing Association for the first time in recent memory, the annual preview of the Saratoga Race Course meet at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame the evening of July 20 drew a near-capacity crowd of participants that peppered panelists with questions on everything from how to attract a younger audience to racing to aftercare initiatives.

Panelists Ramon Dominguez, the retired jockey who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in August; Thoroughbred owner and Starlight Racing founder Jack Wolf; journalist Tom Law; and trainer Graham Motion took questions for an hour from a well-informed audience.

Without a NYRA representative at the preview, the conversation focused more on Thoroughbred racing in general than on the upcoming Saratoga meet or issues facing New York racing. NYRA president and chief executive officer Christopher Kay, however, is scheduled to address the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce July 21 during a breakfast event.

Though Motion and Wolf, neither of whom is based in New York, declined to offer opinions on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to maintain state control of NYRA for another year, Law, a Saratoga Springs native, said: "This is obviously an important issue that needs to get resolved. My duty as a Saratogian and a racing person is to hope that they protect Saratoga and the integrity of New York racing, which is obviously the cornerstone to the world's Thoroughbred industry."

In response to a question from the audience about Thoroughbred aftercare, Wolf, who was instrumental in establishing the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, said that while awareness of the issue is broadening, the TAA has been unable to meet its original goal of mandating funding at each level of the industry.

"We raise $3 or $4 million a year, and that just scratches the surface of what's needed," Wolf said. "The Jockey Club has been very helpful with seed money, and I would love to see them possibly make it a sizable amount to register a horse. Presently they're charging $25. If that could be something like $800 or $1,000, that would pretty much take care of the deal."

In regard to possible strategies for attracting younger people to the racetrack, Dominguez focused on the experience and relationships.

"We could be doing a better job," the retired jockey said. "The current demographic of people who go to the track is 50 (years old) and up; they're set in their ways and probably fine with the old model of racing."

Dominguez endorsed a move by racetracks to offer a variety of entertainment in the hope it increases attendance and leads people to become involved with horse racing. He also said racetracks could do a better job promoting jockeys, whose careers are much longer than those of racehorses.

"You will grow old following these guys, following a human, and being connected to this person," Dominguez said to a round of applause. "It's that human connection, which is really second to none."

Motion pointed out that people want to come to boutique meets such as Saratoga and Keeneland, where racing is "a spectacle." The trainer said given a smaller foal crop and the current number of racing days, some tracks will likely need to close in order to preserve the industry.

"Racing isn't a spectacle on a Tuesday at (Parx Racing)," he said. "There's too much racing and it's a real struggle to fill entries. It puts a tremendous strain on horses and horsemen."

Motion also noted the impact night racing, which has proven successful at several venues, can have on racing staff, but he acknowledged its ability to attract new customers.

"I think there's a great future for it," he said. "It's easier for people to go after work, and it makes racing a social event. But it's incredibly hard on the staff, who come in at 4:30 in the morning and don't finish until 8:30 or 9 at night. It's a tremendous strain on the outriders and the jockeys, too. But it's definitely a concept that has something to be said for it.

"It worries me. We run very late here (at Saratoga) now. It's a long day for everyone."

The 40-day Saratoga meet, which opens July 22 with racing six days a week, continues through Labor Day, Sept. 5.