Sport’s problems aren’t going away

I last attended the University of Arizona Symposium on Racing and Gaming in Tucson in 1993. I would like to tell you that 15 years later the subject matter, changes and reforms in the racing industry were like night and day. But, after recently returning from Tucson, I must say, no, that’s not the case.

Every segment of racing believes it is indispensable — the horsemen, the racetracks, the simulcast bet takers, the fans, the horseplayers.

And they’re correct. They all are indispensable, and that’s what makes the problems facing horse racing so vexing.

All parties involved want to be treated fairly and get an equitable slice of the revenue pie. Fifteen years later, the only difference I see is that pie is shrinking.

In 1993, alternative gaming was looked upon as the savior of the sport. Without slot machines, a dozen racetracks or so might have closed shop between then and now. A panel discussing the racino frontier asked itself if the millions of dollars in slot revenue has been used wisely. Again, I must answer no.

Granted, there have been well-intending educational programs to try to convert slot players into horseplayers. To my knowledge, none has succeeded. But as with the automakers in Detroit, these programs — despite their failures — are continued with predictable results. Where is the innovation?

Another scary thought is that state governments, strapped for cash, soon might question the wisdom of propping up the horse industry with slot profits. In essence, horse racing has been receiving a bailout for the past 15 years with little long-term growth to show.

Meanwhile, horsemen’s groups, racetracks and simulcast companies keep tearing into each other like starving animals. Trying to do what’s best for the entire industry is looked upon as a sign of weakness.

I wish somebody could lock the parties in a room and not let them out until they resolve the who-gets-what dispute. After 15 years, I still wait for common sense to prevail.

• RED ROCK — A closed qualifier for the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will take place Saturday at Red Rock. Only those who finished in the top 10 in a sub-qualifier are eligible to play.

The last chance in Las Vegas to qualify for the NHC will be Jan. 21 at Red Rock. Five seats will be awarded in that tournament.

Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.