Archive for the 'Our Philosophy' Category
A Break From Data, A Rekindled Love For Racing
Yazan: Derek | 15 April 2012 | 7 Comments
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
I’ve been a fan of racing since I was about eight. Many of us who fell in love with the sport have similar stories. Going to the track for the first time, seeing the brightly colored silks and getting caught up in the excitement of a stretch run. At that age, it wasn’t even about [...]
Young Blood
Yazan: Paul | 04 March 2012 | Comments Off
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
The following post, which originially appeared on ChicagoNow , is a counter-response to an article, which appeared on Yahoo! sports and appeared on Twitter on Tuesday Feb. 27. The full article is available here. The Yahoo! Author lays out six points to explain why horse racing is experiencing a decline among those under the age [...]
Can Aristotle Make You A Better Handicapper?
Yazan: Steve | 15 February 2012 | Comments Off
Categories: Handicapping, Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
In an attempt to explain why things happen Greek philosopher Aristotle developed an analytical scheme known as the “Four Causes.” It included 1) Material 2) Formal 3) Efficient 4) Final. Aristotle believed his framework had widespread applicability and it may be a useful framework for handicapping horse races. 1) Material – meaning what an object [...]
Betting Alone While At One With The Universe
Yazan: Steve | 28 December 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
Like snowflakes, our thoughts are by nature individualistic and unique. However, within our innate uniqueness, lies an underlying similarity of consciousness – that we alone are the only ones in the universe, the only ones capable of knowing what we know, and feeling how we feel. A sense that is both overpowering and frightening. It’s [...]
The Business of Thoroughbred Rescue: My Interview with Caroline Betts, Director & President of Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue
Yazan: Derek | 13 November 2011 | 1 Comment
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
One of the most informative of the weekly thoroughbred business Twitter chats I participated in recently was on the subject of thoroughbred rescue and retirement. The chat was hosted by Caroline Betts, an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Southern California, and Founder, President and Director of Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue [...]
Racetracks Need to Get Social – The Fans are The Real Stars
Yazan: Derek | 20 April 2011 | 3 Comments
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
Too much of the discussion on racing and social media focuses on racing promoting their “stars,” whether it’s horses, trainers or jockeys. Racetracks need to go beyond this to promote their racing product and on-track experience for both experienced and new fans. Hinging a promotion or campaign around a star horse can be a slippery [...]
Betting on Horse Racing
Yazan: Steve | 18 December 2009 | 5 Comments
Categories: Horse Racing, Our Philosophy
There’s plenty of speculation as to why horse racing declined as a major American sport since its last heyday in the ’70s. Was it the decision not to broadcast races on network TV, the spread of state lotteries and Indian casinos, endless industry infighting, changes in demographics, or even the relaxation of clubhouse dress codes as this writer suggested? Regardless, the most [...]
We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For!
Yazan: Steve | 05 August 2009 | 1 Comment
Categories: Our Philosophy
“We are the ones we have been waiting for”; this gets to the heart of something that’s been bugging me about the state of racing, and the racing industry, for a long while now. There are millions of racing fans and horseplayers out there who are die-hard followers of the sport and most of them seem unhappy with the sport’s current direction. However, these passionate and sophisticated individuals are a powerful resource that the industry has by and large ignored. We all know racing has tons of problems that go beyond image and perception. However, instead of waiting for someone to come along and save the day, it’s up to us; the fans, the horseplayers to drive change and shape the future. The time is at hand.
