“tim’s 1980 predictions.”
C R I T I C A L T H I N K I N G
My chosen profession was that as a stockbroker. To be successful in that profession, one must be able to visualize future trends applying critical thinking, and then be able to capitalize by investing into the future. No, I did not become wealthy, but I did earn a comfortable living.
Critical thinking means making reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out. It is a way of thinking in which you do not simply accept all arguments and conclusions to which one is exposed, but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments, comparing differences of opinions, and then making conclusions based on all evidence.
For instance, until about four decades ago, Nevada was the only U.S. state that has casino gambling. Many states allowed legalized wagering on horses, but the thought of casinos was naughty. As a critical thinker, I asked myself what the moral difference was between dropping coins in a slot and wagering on the outcome of a horse race. There is none. Bingo! A light went off in my head. I told myself it would not be long until others realized what I had, and that more states would begin to legalize casinos. Next, I ask myself what this would do to the sport of racing horses – particularly Standardbreds (I owned Standardbreds at the time).
In the early 80’s, as in investor in US industries, I began to acquire shares in slot machine manufacturers, and in casinos. I became an expert in the gaming industry, learning that slot machines are extremely profitable little machines. They work at their task 24/7, do not belong to a union, keep about 17% of their revenue, only eat money, and need little maintenance. As an investment, casinos are further ahead financially installing slot machines than hauling manure, maintaining barns, etc. That does not mean that a racetrack cannot be operated profitably if operated intelligently and creatively.
Throughout this website, you will find my many suggestions to give rebirth to the sport of Standardbred racing. I was a business forecaster professionally for many years, so please have respect for my opinions. If you love Standardbred racing like I do, you will begin to make the necessary changes NOW. I can help, but I cannot do it alone.
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I TOLD YOU SO … NOW POMPANO PARK … WHO IS NEXT ?
B y T i m F i n l e y
Approximately 40 years ago, I wrote several articles that appeared in Hoofbeats, two which appear two paragraphs down, but please do not go there yet. Both articles predicted the intense shrinking of Standardbred racing. Admittedly, when I wrote the articles, I was not perceptive enough to realize that casinos would deviously weave their way into so many states by promising to subsidize horse racing. Slick move on their part. Granted, harness racing received some benefits from casinos, prolonging the demise of the sport, but believe me when I tell you that eventually the casinos will convince lawmakers that hauling manure is a drag on their bottom line. It is referred to as decoupling, a term which will soon destruct Pompano Park. After you read my two articles, I believe you will agree I was spot on. You see, I am a critical thinker.
Utilizing critical thinking, I was able to predict harness racing dying a slow death evidenced by the shrinking numbers of USTA members, Standardbred foals registered, and fans. The recent fiasco at Pompano Park is clear evidence the trend continues. BUT WAIT! Hopefully, you will agree I have some talent thinking and forecasting. Utilizing “critical thinking”, I can envision Standardbred racing growing beyond one’s wildest dreams, even to the point of dwarfing Thoroughbred racing. I am currently composing that plan, although I doubt if anyone will take the bull by the horns. We have no leadership!
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LETTERS TO HOOFBEATS, AS FOLLOWS:
January 7, 1980
Dear editor:
Can you imagine the chaos as the crowd flocks from the stands of the local racetrack if an announcement was made that there would be no more betting for the remainder of the program, although the remaining races would still be run? What I am driving at is that I think most of the fans at a racetrack are not genuine fans. Face it, the so-called fan is not interested in horses. He is a wagerer.
For years the bingo games and racetracks have had a monopoly on legalized gambling, but times are changing. Thirty seven states are considering further legalization of some form of gambling. This is definitely a threat to horseracing because the wagerer is limited as to how much money he has with which he can gamble. Casinos are now legal in Atlantic City as well as Nevada. And New York recently estimated that with the opening of casinos in their state it would create 107,000 new jobs and $600 million in new taxes. Further legalization of gambling throughout the United States is inevitable
I am an investment consultant professionally with a standardbred avocation. We horsemen have been spoiled for years with our monopoly. I am of the opinion that this further legalization of gambling is a giant threat to the horseracing industry unless we get with it. So, what do we do?
First, as I stated earlier, I don’t think the fans are genuinely interested in horses. Let’s get the public enthused! The sport must draw greater attention. The general public must be made aware of what a great sport harness racing really is. This promotion could be done utilizing the media. This may be difficult to get started, but of course anything worthwhile is always difficult.
Now that we have promoted our sport, let’s clean it up. Many times, as an observer, I have overheard the fan next to me complain about cheating. If we took a survey, we would probably find that 99% of the public thinks that racing is “fixed. ” Many people who see a driver attempting to rate a puller think the driver is holding the horse back. Stop and think about it, it does look that way. Another thing, I have also heard that because the driver is not whipping his horse coming down the stretch, he is also cheating. However, a horseman knows that many horses quit if you hit them. There are so many things the public cannot see from the grandstand. The public should be educated as to what is actually happening out there. Therefore, if a driver is caught cheating, it should be highly publicized, accompanied by a severe penalty. I am not trying to be a moralist but trying to improve a fine sport.
Next, let’s treat the gambler as if he is royalty, because he is. I have never purchased a drink or tobacco in a casino because they are furnished free of charge. As a matter of fact, casinos will provide free transportation and lodging to get the wagerer to patronize their establishment. Please remember, without the gambler we are out of business. Give him the royal treatment that he highly deserves.
Last but not least, let’s get owners, then take good care of them. It is a great feeling to be in the winner’s circle. At times I wonder if it is the monetary reward or the trip to the winner’s circle that keeps owners around. Regardless, take care of the owners.
I have not gone into detail simply because that is not the purpose of this letter; however, I definitely am of the opinion that we (horsemen) better get off our laurels and promote this fine sport. The monopoly is over — So let’s get with it!
Timothy D. Finley
Delaware, Ohio
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We Hoof Beats welcomes letters to the editor, but insists that they be signed and include the address and phone number of the writer. We also reserve the right to edit long letters as available space dictates.
114 HOOF BEATS FEBRUARY 1980
