Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?

The obvious solution here is also the simplest: Just stop. Let the sport stand on its own and dwindle to whatever size its fan base supports. Instead, state legislatures keep funneling money to it. “The biggest fear that our industry has is that the states are going to stop subsidizing, using slot machines to subsidize the sport,” said Jeff Gural, who owns three harness racing tracks. “Without that, there is no sport.”

Shouldn’t that tell you something?

New York Times – Noah Shachtman – Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?

TRI Decoupling Bills Threatens 3.24 Billion Industry In Florida

Bloodhorse – Industry Collaborative Launches to Oppose Decoupling

TDN – Thoroughbred Racing Initiative Launched to Fight Decoupling

Paulick Report – Jennie Ross – Breeders, Horsemen Unite To Fight Florida Decoupling Bills

Tampa Bay Downs Affirms a Commitment to Live Racing

Bloodhorse – Eric Mitchell – Tampa Bay Downs Affirms a Commitment to Live Racing

Bloodhorse – Frank Angst- KEEP Emphasizes Building Relationships With Lawmakers

Paulick Report – Letter to the Editor: – Ocala Breeders Sales – ‘This Is Not An Isolated Florida Issue’: OBS Decries Decoupling Bill

California Considering Options To Push For Historical Horse Racing

Flatter: It is time for Florida to listen to ignored horseplayers

Ask Joe Anything: How Fast Is The Clock Ticking For Horse Racing In California?

Voss: Racing’s Pushback Limited, Disorganized In First Test Of Florida Decoupling Bill

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