I was on a conference call about a racing-related project I’m doing with non-racing people. After mentioning that a horse I’d given to clients of my handicapping analysis of Saratoga had won and paid over $10, I got what is among my top favorite questions…
If you’re such a good handicapper, why do you even need a real job?
He said it in jest and I totally get the sentiment: regular people assume that folks in the game can make stacks of cash through the windows. And people are often stunned to find that I a) don’t bet every day, and b) consider myself a $2 bettor. Yes, I’m getting more and more brave when it comes to playing multi-leg exotics, but I’ve still never put in a ticket for more than $36 without having partners. To this day, my biggest score was a $146.50 exacta in the 2004 Mother Goose, when I played $2 on Stellar Jayne straight over Ashado. I also believe the fractional wagers ($.50 Pick 3s, 4s, and 5s and $.10 supers) are the greatest innovation in the game since the safety rail.
But answering the question of why don’t I make my living gambling isn’t just a case of frugality: I know too much. The fun for me is the validation that a morning work was as good as I thought or that I read the Form right. If I make money, all the better.
The conversation yesterday comes on the heels of reading an article on NorthJersey.com. The writer hadn’t been to the track in ages and took her family to Monmouth for family fun day. But the family apparently didn’t fully enjoy their experience because they didn’t come away driving a Brinks truck.
I spent the summer of 2007 working at Monmouth, so I can attest to the phenomenal job that particular track does to make it a day at the races for everyone. From the sand castle competitions, to the picnic area, to the layout of the facility – it’s impossible to not have fun there.
I believe that you have to get kids in on the fun of racing early – but why focus on the wagering side?
When asked how new fans should be introduced to the game, my answer is simple: get ‘em in the gates and stand ‘em on the rail at the 16th pole. They’ll be hooked because you cannot not feel the energy of the final strides of a race – it doesn’t matter if it’s a Blind Luck/Harve de Grace photo finish or a Smiling Tiger runaway victory.
Horseracing is about beautiful animals running in a pack at breakneck speed – it’s raw power, athleticism, and grace. Teaching kids financial responsibility – as the author of that piece did – by not betting more than you budgeted for is a fantastic idea. And the idea that they didn’t win massive amounts of cash is probably a good thing – it’s super easy to get seduced by first timer’s luck.
I worry that her kids will miss the point. Going to a football or baseball game is fun because you cheer for your favorite team and they either win or lose. Racing is the same – we just give you more chances.
But I have to ask … when did winning become fun only when monetized?
