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Sunday, January 24, 2010 12:05 PM name = Debbie subject = Ky Tracks comments =
RIP for all Ky Race Tracks. It is a shame that these people are so blind. Why can't they let the people vote for the gaming in Ky. I thought we, as taxpayers and citizens, had the right to be heard! But I guess not. Well Ky will not be known as The Bluegrass State or their beautiful Horse Farms, anymore.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 12:28 AM name = billy woodrum subject = SWAYMI comments =
Well I have read a lot of articles on harness racing but this was right up there at the top!! I also remember FAIRMONT PARK like it was yesterday and also Sameness very well and to this day I have been in a many a win picture with my friends but the walk out there still gives me goose bumps after 33 years of going to Harness Tracks all over!!! GREAT ARTICLE AND I WISHED MORE PEOPLE LOVED THE SPORT OF HARNESS RACING!!!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:59 PM name = Aaron J Young subject = Swaymi comments =
Great view this week. Hope you stick around for the winter with some updates on the saga that is Kentucky harness racing. There should be some interest in the probable demolition of a certain track's entire barn area, Ohio slots, Indiana bankruptcies and more lack of common sense from leadership. Anyway, keep up the good work.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 8:05 PM name = debbie subject = The Swaymi comments =
U did a great great job on this "The Hawk ". I wonder ... have I ever met The Hawk ? I bet I have. Go get em Swaymi. These guys just don't know who there messing with.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:16 PM name = Billy Woodrum subject = HOMER REPORT comments =
I have to be the first to say that was a great report!! IF I could just add one thing - that country music thats being played outside like your at a rock concert instead of a racetrack (sure makes me want to run to window and add money to the pools) or run to the bathroom and puke!!
Monday, August 31, 2009 2:43 PM name = Ridge subject = First Up? comments =
To the guy who's name reads 1st up. Since when have Thunder Ridge not been dominating the normal card races? And please before you come on here to joke with someone learn how to SPELL.
Sunday, August 23, 2009 10:10 AM name = swaymi subject = the culliphers comments =
Debbie! The swaymi knows the diffrence between timber and brush. You don't develop horses like bad bert, castleton rowdy, dixie dragon, stone dragon, almahurst razzle, and manage horses like clydes moment, docs hop & many more because you don't know what you are doing. I consider the culliphers some of the best kept secrets in harness racing.
Friday, August 21, 2009 11:25 PM name = debbie subject = the swaymi comments =
I read ur comment on Best Boss's win for us. I want to thank you for the comment u made on us and Kevin Thomas. We do get up early and work hard...we always have. IT MEANS A LOT THAT THEIR ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT STILL BELIEVE IN US. Thanks again
Saturday, August 15, 2009 4:21 PM name = Ken Terpenning subject = Observations by Tom LaMarra comments =
Tom...I read your new column today. Loved it! We think a LOT alike with regard to the sport and VLTs. I have mentioned advertising and promotion as the key to re-firing the industry in the state. There is nearly zero of it done for the sport and if you want people to know something is there, you have to TELL people. Signs, ads, radio, tv, the internet, word of mouth (of course you have to have nice facilities and amenities/service to build a word of mouth network) are all ways to do this. Instead it seems like there is way too much writeoffs for taxes being done because of annual losses than interested track owners and managers actually looking to invest in their facilities and industry. I have said it before and I will say it again, even with expanded gaming being passed, it is only a short term fix in and of itself. More needs to be done. I look forward to reading your next "Observation".
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:43 PM name = first up subject = bad horses comments =
if a horse cant go 2.03 at red mile it should be on the list. but nobody dont want to make the thunder ridge people mad. they should write races like 2500cl not 1 2 3 4 5 last 3 starts every night. that would make better racing for cheat horses
Saturday, August 8, 2009 11:48 AM name = Jace subject = Poor performance comments =
What does Kentucky judges consider to be poor performance, and what does it take to be put on the list to have to requalify before racing again??? Does sitting in the 2 hole, never moving, and pacing 2:07 and coming home in 37 seconds consider poor performance???
Thursday, August 6, 2009 11:13 PM name = Degenerate gambler I GUESS subject = How bad are the drivers at the Red Mile comments =
I mean really, how bad can you be? Bobby Wilson leaves on everything, James Stiltner horses are dead as rats after winning everything at Thunder Ridge... And pretty much the other 5 drivers that are in most of the races are lost at all points in the race!! Read a program, feed your horses, or get out of the business!!
Friday, July 24, 2009 8:02 PM name = Spellchecker subject = The Swaymi comments =
Do you mean "The Swami"?? or are you using the "y" in there for a reason that I am not familiar with?
Sunday, July 19, 2009 10:32 AM name = walter subject = the swaymi's view comments =
the swaymi is the bomb.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 8:56 PM name = Martha subject = Green Grass comments =
Would anyone ever thing they would live long enough to see grass growing in the middle of The Red Mile.
Monday, April 20, 2009 10:25 PM name = Ken Terpenning subject = Charles comments =
"And then you woke up and "Charles in Charge" was cancelled...ohhhh too bad."
Sunday, April 19, 2009 12:27 PM name = Eddie Blair subject = KHHA comments =
Thanks Ken. Thanks to everyone that supported me. I offered some ideas at the last meeting and received good support. I am in the process of working on some things right now. If there is any way I can be of assistance to anyone feel free to e-mail me at fastpace_01@yahoo.com.
Monday, April 13, 2009 8:51 PM name = Charles subject = New Programs comments =
Gabe is partially right with this one. Everyone else is wrong. A business has to do what is best for their bottom line. Most Gambler/Handicapper/Bettors couldn't pick the winner of the replay much less the actual live race. The new program isn't going to hurt in that fashion. All it can do is help. Less to analyze. Quit complaning about the price. It's only three bucks. You can always gegt free programs off the net. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 6:31 PM name = Ken Terpenning subject = KHHA Election results comments =
Congrats Eddie Blair! A good addition to the board!!! Best of luck...maybe you can bring some fresh ideas to the table.
Monday, April 6, 2009 12:01 AM name = Fellow Watchdog subject = Gabe comments =
Gabe,
Thank you for your comments... I will, however, have to correct you on my reporting, with the utmost respect for you and anyone else. The list of patrons receiving free programs at the time the information was gathered was 5, as seen with this reporter's own eyes. The fact it is now more makes the situation less fair to the rest of us that are loyal, hard working, money spending patrons that do not have $100,000 to spend per year but do spend their fare share at this facility. If the track is going to expand the list of free programs exponentially, then they can afford to do so for the remaining 26 of us or whatever that small number has become. On the topic of the crosstown track...I was referring to Keeneland's simulcasting and not the live meet when I mentioned the $2.50 program fee. They DO NOT charge admission during non-live race days to wager on simulcasting (unless you are eating, sitting and watching races in the Equestrian Room which is $3 to get in). Thought I needed to clarify that point. Something to think about...when you shop in a store, does the store charge you for a list of items to choose from? No. When you invest in the stock market, do thousands of internet sites or the company's website you are going to invest in charge you to get the company's financial information before you decide to buy stock in that company or not? No. I understand the business of operating a racetrack has many different facets to it, and the track should make something for the cost involved in supplying the programs to their patrons (cover the costs of paper, ink, and labor), but they are providing their customers with an opportunity to invest in their product, harness racing, and providing a worse product then they were before AND charging more for that bad product is horrible business...especially when there are so few patrons to begin with, as you made a point of, 26 patrons in Wagers on one afternoon. If there were hundreds or thousands of patrons there like years ago I could see charging for programs to the extent they are currently, but does it really hurt the track's bottom line that much to provide such a small service to such a small audience? I do not need my business degree to know that...it just makes sense. The purpose of the article on the programs was not to "stir the pot" as Gabe titled his comments. It is merely to point out the issues patrons were complaining about at the onset and Red Mile's response to the situation and the complaints. Like the issues with the companies on the stock market and the ailing U.S. economy...EVERYTHING that occurs in this also ailing sport of harness racing we ALL love, including those of you that responded to the article, should be scrutinized if we hope to figure out exactly what is wrong with the sport and figure out how to fix it. Perhaps it is too late, perhaps not. I do not have the answers on how to bring that about, but if all of us come together as fans, horsemen and women, track managers, whatever we are, and share our ideas, perhaps putting them all together just might get the job done. If we bury our heads in the sand and do or say nothing, then harness racing will be extinct like the Dodo bird...one day they are here, the next they are gone!
Friday, April 3, 2009 2:27 PM name = Gabe Prewitt subject = Pot Stirring Committee comments =
Let me be the first (or second or tenth, I didn't read all the comments) to say that I hate the new programs. They are very hard to read, very hard to locate separate tracks, and very very hard to handicap from. With that being said, who is to blame the track for making this "business" decision? Obviously the other way was a big drain due to the lack of funds that were being generated by program sales. The number one goal of any business is to make a profit. Enough on that. I have such a hatred for the new programs, that I rarely even pick up my 'free' one. However, the few times that I have picked it up, I can assure you that there are many more than 5 people on the list, at least 3 times that if not more. I sign the list and see the other names with my OWN eyes. I am not getting MY information second hand from disgruntled tellers and 26 patrons sitting around wagers. I actually have started printing my own programs online. I get to pick exactly what track, races, and style that I like. Maybe you should try the same. Anyway, I think the $100,000 mark is a completely fair way to do things. There is no grey area as before. Either you bet $100,000 or you don't, it's that simple. No hard feelings either way. However, if you are a loyal patron to the track and play consistently at a decent level they will reward you with free programs. It is not in the best interest of the track (or any business) to take a loss on the programs with clients that do not provide them with an adequate return on investment. Finally, my last problem with your reporting. It is painfully obvious that you have not done your homework on our crosstown racetrack. What you forgot to mention about purchasing your $2.50 progam at Keeneland (I think it may even be higher), is that you have to pay a $5 admission just to get in the front door and buy that program. Yes, even in these downward economic times that you so vividly discuss, Keeneland has instituted a 67% admission increase. That, unlike programs, is something that cost the track absolutely nothing. Yet they found it in their best interest to not only keep charging admission, but to raise those prices. Hope everyone has enough left over for those bargain programs!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2009 1:56 AM name = Ken Terpenning subject = billy woodrum and Aaron comments =
Amen to that Billy! The programs suck and Julie's comments and I quote...." (Red Mile Management)felt the improved quality (of the programs) far outweighed the additional cost to those patrons". Improved quality? Let's see...you covered the page and track issue...how about the horrible print, the missing information, like trainer changes, lifetime earnings records, non-USTA standard track codes, etc?? Let's just say it has been a downgrade in program for an increase in price. Best of luck to you Billy in your handicapping and to all those that go to the Red Mile to bet, race, or to their new condo that will be built there in the years or months to come. I can see the ads now..."Welcome to Red Mile Terrace...your dream home awaits!" Heck, that will be the second track I have seen get turned into something else in my lifetime that I have been close to (Roosevelt Raceway being the first). Which leads me to Aaron's comments...very heartfelt and wise thoughts for a "barely high school grad". I couldn't agree more with what you are saying. The owners and the management of the Red Mile should do what is best for the business as that is their job. However, wouldn't you think they should be looking for ways to improve their product, draw newer fans and customers, and support the sport they are in business for in the first place?? A good many of their decisions are questionable nonetheless as to the real motives...I just wish there was someone higher up for them to answer to, and I do not mean God...a commissioner of harness racing would be a start...oh wait...that hasn't worked in baseball either...oh well, I give up trying to figure things out...I do not have the answers either and I have two college degrees and am working on a third...and I too LOVE harness racing, hope to have dinner with my family and race my horse(s).
Sunday, March 29, 2009 7:57 PM name = billy woodrum subject = watchdog or ken comments =
ME personally, don't care about getting free programs as i have always helped as many as possible get there program. As for the new programs, it would take a idiot to like them or the cost. I give mine to somebody when i get it. You cant get to program pages and in my opinion it hurts handle of people trying to handicap more than 1 race with short time to post!! I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THE RED MILE IS DOING NO DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER BUSINESS IN REWARDING BIGGER PLAYERS. I have and always will have the opinion all bets big and small are vital, but you and i know just as if you had 2 owners 1 had 1 horse you were training and the other had 20 you were training who would you not piss off or do a little extra ass kissing that is just life, but again i don't like new programs and still think all programs should be free and hope patrons would come and use there dollar at the windows!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009 5:19 AM name = Aaron J Young subject = I'm pissed off comments =
It’s amazing that my one little comment and a stupid reply can make me feel like I do right now. When I comment on this website, it is usually what I am thinking at that particular time. I don’t hide my thoughts behind a fake or anonymous name, JOHN. Our supposed leaders and representatives keep letting us down. The thing is, they don’t really seem to care. Governor Beshear got my vote because I believed him. Well, that won’t happen again. Now every legislator in Kentucky has to prove who’s D??K is bigger instead of doing what is needed, a little compromising. Ellis Park is planning on closing next year, yes, next year if things don’t improve. What makes me think that The Red Mile’s plan is any different. They can get a jump start on development in case slots don't pass next year. It just amazes me that people think that any racetrack management and owners are really about helping the industry. They are all about business and what is best for them. I don’t blame them, that is what America is about. Get yours, I can’t say I’m not guilty of that in some ways, but my position in this whole mess doesn’t amount to crap. I don’t sit on any boards, I have friends in Frankfort but they were not elected, I’m not thought of as an industry leader nor am I paid a salary plus bonus to run a corporation into bankruptcy. You know what John, I don’t have the answers to our problems in Kentucky. I barely graduated high school, failed out of college, can’t train a duck to swim and I don’t have two nickels to rub together but I love harness racing. I want to know that I can live in Kentucky, race horses, and eat dinner with my family. I don’t see how all three of those are going to be possible in the near future without some changes.
Friday, March 27, 2009 2:00 AM name = Fellow Watchdog subject = John comments =
I think the Red Mile has to do what it has to do to survive...is it the end all be all answer? NOOOO! I will say though that neither is expanded gaming...it is just a band aid to a growing problem KY and OH face as well as the industry. Last point I will add...do you have the answers? It's great to sound off on here and question peoples' postings, but it would be better if we used it as a forum to discuss ideas and maybe one will actually BE the answer?!? My suggestion...make the game more fan friendly...how about instituting a breaking rule where if the horse breaks anywhere from the start to the 1/8th pole and is completely out of contention then the track issues a refund? I believe that would draw those that bet on tbreds to the sport by eliminating a risk tbred bettors HATE about the sport and the #1 reason why they won't bet on it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:53 PM name = aaron young subject = John comments =
John, maybe if they raced on days where people might show up, uh, Fridays and Saturdays. Other businesses build clients with good customer service and advertising. Ask anyone of the usual patrons and they will have a story about bad service at the track and if you complain, management doesn't seem to really care. The only advertising for the track last year was done by the racing commission for the sires stakes finals. The President and CEO, Joe Costa, goes on the radio and speaks about a track of the future but instills absolutely none of those ideas at his current track. Unless other parts of what The Red Mile management is doing changes, the capital raised from building on the property won't amount to anything. So, until they show me how this actually will be beneficial to horse racing in KY, I will be skeptical of this decision.
Monday, March 23, 2009 6:32 AM name = John subject = aaron young comments =
Do you have any better suggestions Mr. Young? Coming from a guy that has all the answers.
Saturday, March 21, 2009 10:33 PM name = Ken Terpenning subject = I heard it through the grapevine... comments =
The new race secretary will be Billy Perkins, according to Marc Guilfoil. Marc said, "...the horsemen will be very pleased, he is a good race secretary as well as a good person."
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:23 AM name = aaron young subject = The Red Mile comments =
Let the dismantling begin.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 7:00 PM name = Fellow Watchdog subject = I heard it through the grapevine... comments =
Red Mile will have a new and better Racing Secretary this year as Frank Bruno has been replaced. Anyone know who he or she is and if they are any good writing races for us KY horse folk with NO Grand Circuit stock???
Thursday, February 26, 2009 12:16 PM name = Debbie subject = Asleep at the Wheel comments =
When you read this article ,please pay attention. Don't be just waking up from your afternoon nap. This article says it all. It is explaining what needs to be done to help the horseman. We need leadership. We don't need people sitting at meetings agreeing with each other just because they don't want to be belittled by others or just plain scared to disagree with them. I was really pleased with this article. It says it all.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 7:23 PM name = connie subject = Donna sue comments =
I ;m at home and junction city GIVE ME A CALL
Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:22 PM name = donna murphy subject = connie sue comments =
Connie sue where are you?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 3:51 AM name = It's me subject = Mike Kravchak comments =
has anyone heard from Kravchak? Where is he.
Monday, February 9, 2009 9:41 PM name = Jansen Smith subject = Trainers hiring? comments =
Was wanting to know if any trainers were looking for any help?
Saturday, January 24, 2009 2:44 PM name = Billie Raleigh subject = Vote comments =
I urge all persons interested in horse racing to call or email their congress person and urge passage of HB 158 and VLT. We are losing the battle of harness racing in the state.
Friday, January 23, 2009 2:39 PM name = Tannor subject = Bluegrass comments =
Bluegrass opens in a couple months. Anyone have any information regarding post time and things like that. I cant wait to come down this spring.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 9:56 AM name = Jon subject = Racing at Bluegrass Downs comments =
Thanks so much William for the info. Good luck this racing season :-)