Value Tech Blog

Betting on horse races past? Tells me the action-craving mentality of many fans…

Kentucky approves ‘slot-like’ gaming for one race track – FOX41.com Louisville News Kentucky Indiana News Weather Sports
http://www.fox41.com/story/15084926/kentucky-approves

For the first time ever, The Kentucky Horse racing Commission will allow ‘slot-like’ machines at a state horse track. The commission will allow what’s called ‘instant racing.’ It’s expected to produce extra revenue, and it’s a decision Churchill Downs is paying close attention to.

Part of the thrill of horse racing is the live action, but ‘instant racing’ capitalizes on replays. Gamblers bet on old horse races without the help of knowing the horses, jockeys or trainers. Right now, it’s only used in Arkansas, but Governor Beshear has lobbied for it…

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Sign of the times?

Horse people rally against shutdown
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/125526213.html

On the groomed front stretch of the track at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, a riderless horse wore a handwritten sign across his withers that said, simply: “Let me run.”

Hundreds of racetrack workers, family members and politicians rallied at the horse track Wednesday in an attempt to get it reopened after two weeks of state shutdown.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

I remember my first visit to Keeneland. Every man in the Clubhouse was wearing a jacket or jacket and tie. Felt like A Hollywood set or a throwback to a more genteel time.  

Keeneland ready to celebrate historic anniversary
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/13/2313015/keeneland-ready-to-celebrate-historic.html

The fall meeting at Keeneland will be devoted to celebrating the historic racetrack’s 75th anniversary. The meet will run from October 7 through October 29.

“This fall will be particularly special for Keeneland as we commemorate our 75-year history and reflect on the many champions — both human and equine — that have graced this race course,” said W.B. Rogers Beasley, Keeneland’s vice president of racing. “Keeneland is a jewel of American racing, and we take pride in continuing its legacy of offering the highest quality racing possible.”

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Governor Christie sticking to his guns…

Horse-racing subsidy / End to the madness – Press of Atlantic City
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/horse-racing-subsidy-end-to-the-madness/article_cb94e912-f113-5671-9cd7-404238e0bf76.html

Posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:01 am

Let’s hope this is, in fact, the end of it.

Let’s hope that Gov. Chris Christie’s recent veto of the New Jersey Racing Commission’s minutes finally puts to rest the ridiculous practice of having Atlantic City’s casinos subsidize the horse-racing industry.

Christie, who is not shy about using the considerable powers of his office, nullified $15 million in purse money that the commission was attempting to distribute.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

I remember that race very well. I wrote about it in a ValueCapping Rant the day before that race where she paid $80 and change to win. Black Magic: The Ultimate Handicapping Software had her on top, and she ran brilliantly. 

Champagne d’Oro seeks return to form at Summit of Speed – Thoroughbred Times
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/07/summit-of-speed-calder.aspx

Champagne d’Oro blossomed into a serious contender for an Eclipse Award last year—either as champion three-year-old filly or female sprinter—with consecutive wins in the Betfair TVG Acorn Stakes (G1) and a 4½-length romp in the Test Stakes (G1), but she is unplaced in four races since that Grade 1 double and looking for a return to glory in the Princess Rooney Handicap (G1) on Saturday at Calder Race Course

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

I wish them well…

Breeders’ Cup launches Classic marketing campaign
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/07/06/breeders-cup-classic-marketing-campaign.aspx

Seeking to capitalize on the publicity generated by Blame’s thrilling victory over Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs, Breeders’ Cup Ltd. is launching a series of marketing activities focused on the 1¼-mile race.

The initiative includes consumer promotion encouraging fans to own a virtual share of winners in Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series races in the Classic division, expanded television coverage of the Challenge races, a website and social media campaign, increased branding of the race’s international prestige as America’s richest race.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Online Betting Now Legal at Louisiana Race Tracks
http://www.katc.com/news/online-betting-now-legal-at-louisiana-race-tracks/

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Legally, perhaps, the correct ruling. But how about the State authorizing a private group of responsible citizens to oversee the racing until the MRC is back in business?

Canterbury appeal denied, forced to cancel holiday cards
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/07/02/canterbury-appeal-denied.aspx

Ramsey County (Minnesota) Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin on Saturday denied Canterbury Park’s request that the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) continue to operate during the state shutdown.

Talks between Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and the legislative Republican majority fell apart earlier this week over fundamental political differences regarding taxing and spending, forcing the anticipated government shutdown that was announced early Friday morning. Although Canterbury is a privately owned entity—not dependent upon state money—it is overseen and regulated by a government agency, the MRC.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

In what was a politically unpopular thing to do, I think Gov. Christie did the right thing. Self sufficiency-not handouts-is what the thoroughbred industry needs!

Christie vetoes horse racing subsidies – Dailyrecord.com
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20110702/NJNEWS10/307020003/Christie-vetoes-horse-racing-subsidies?odyssey=nav%7Chead

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed a move by the New Jersey Racing Commission to provide $15 million in state subsidies for horse racing purses.

Christie’s veto message issued Friday says the commission’s action contradicted his goal of making the industry financially self-sufficient.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology