Horseplayers’ loyalty staunch

If you’ve ever wondered what it is about horse racing that keeps us coming back for more, just look to the Iraqi people. A fascinating Los Angeles Times story on the Baghdad Equestrian Club depicts how horse racing in Iraq has rebounded from near extinction and is thriving.

Think about that, live horse racing in Iraq. This despite a war, the U.S. occupation, and even when al-Qaida was selectively killing patrons as they left the track — things our own U.S. operators haven’t even thought of.

It reminded me of a true story of fans taking a special train to the now-defunct Bowie racetrack in Maryland in February 1961. There was a derailment just short of the Bowie stop. Six people were killed and 130 were injured. Despite the carnage, scores of horseplayers refused medical treatment, continued on to Bowie and arrived in time for the daily double.

Stories like that reinforce my belief that horse racing in this country can rebound, too. No matter what is done to the sport, people still want to participate. The fan base is much larger than given credit for, extremely loyal and willing to step up if only the industry leaders would pull their heads out of the sand.

There are companies and individuals with great ideas that could reach new fans. And there are things that can be done to tweak the sport and make it more palatable for the current fan base. I believe fresh concepts like betting exchanges and mutual fund-style investment are also a part of the solution.

I read a press release this week announcing, with great fanfare, that the Breeders’ Cup is switching to colored saddle cloths so fans can follow their horses more easily. In racing, this is what passes for a fresh idea — one that was floated more than a dozen years ago.

I invite you to send me e-mails with some of your ideas and thoughts. I’ll use them in a future column.

• AMERICAN RACING MANUAL — I just received my copy of the 2009 American Racing Manual published by the Daily Racing Form. It’s a must-have compendium for any race fan. The guide is $40 and can be ordered at www.drf.com or by calling 1-800-306-FORM.

• BALLY’S — The renowned Bally’s race and sports book will reopen Aug. 26 after closing five months ago. It remains to be seen if bettors will return, like lemmings, to what once was one of the best books in Las Vegas.

Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.