First off, I need to apologize to regular readers of The Aspiring Horseplayer. I know my blogging has been sporadic over the last few weeks – that daily (or in all honesty semi-daily) rush of content, analysis, opinion, and general randomness has been missing.
I assure you all that there are reasons. And no, I won’t bore you with my oft-used “but my wife is pregnant” or “I work long hours” routine. No, this time it’s an actual legitimate excuse and something I’ve been meaning to share with you all for quite some time.
Not sure if anyone noticed, but the NTRA put out a press release today that actually mentioned me and a few other TBA bloggers by name.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/46656.htm
That’s right, I’m part of a group that is headed out to Las Vegas next month in an effort to help the NTRA better understand how to attract the next generation of fans to our sport.
Obviously I owe a lot of thanks to those of you who stop over and here read my musings with regularity. I’m still amazed and convinced that that hit counter at the bottom right of the blog is wrong. Has there really been 70,000 visitors in the last year? I remember thinking just a few months ago that the only people who would ever find me here were folks that knew me or that I gave the address out to.
My how fast times can change.
Now I’ve got the opportunity of a lifetime for a horse racing fan. The chance to speak out and know that “they” are listening. So far the group’s going well. The Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance (TBA) is well represented. We’ve got our fearless leader, handride, and the always well-written Dana of Green but Game. Those guys (I should say ”guy and gal”) will be joining me in Vegas for the conference. And of course we’ve got other members in our larger “task force” group as well. I debated whether or not to list them here and will add to this post if desired, but felt that they might wish to keep private their involvement at this point in time.
With all of this in mind, I’d like to call upon you guys, the readers, to once again sound-off with any and all ideas you may have to help bring thoroughbred horse racing back to it’s rightful place of prominence. I’m not at liberty to discuss details of what we’re working on so far (so as not to create any false assumptions or promises), but I’ll tell you that two of the major things I”m pushing for are handride’s standings initiative and a little idea I like to call “Take Back Saturday” – which in summary is a model of how the NFL turned Sunday into “football Sunday”, a day of the week that they absolutely owned, and what we can do as a sport to copy that success by focusing on our marquee Saturday racing action.
So let slip the dogs of war, fellas! Let’s hear ‘em. I know a lot of you have shared some experiences and feelings in the past, and I pledge to do my best to represent as much of what you say as I possibly can. If this experiment goes well, I have the feeling it just may usher in a new era of two-way communication between the NTRA and it’s fans. What else can I say? The phrase “opportunity of a lifetime” doesn’t even really do it justice, does it?
Congrats man. I’m new to the blogging world but I’m a horse racing fan, or at least enjoy wasting some of my afternoons at the local track. I’ll definately be checking out some of the past entries in this to see if I can help my own performance.
Thanks Johnnypolo – always glad to meet another fan.
I’ll give you the quick rundown on me. I picked Colonel John in the Derby to continue my streak of failure since Barbaro (with the Colonel joining Bandini and Curlin in recent memory). I stink even worse at turf handicapping.
The good news is that I hit a pick 4 here or there and enough trifectas and exactas to keep myself afloat/turn a small profit from time to time – but I’ve stopped giving out a lot of suggested bets because I base so much more emphasis these days on eyeball handicapping. I’m trying to perfect that, and I’m usually still assessing right up until they go in the gate.
Edit: I should add to readers, that another in my littany of excuses for being distant these last two weeks is my mild obsession with Olympic beach volleyball babes Misty May Traenor (U.S.) and Xue Chen (China).
Wow, that’s Great!! Having met you (at Belmont for the Man ‘O’ War at the paddock) I’m sure you’ll be representing us fans enthusiam and love for the sport perfectly.
Go Curlin!!
By the way, are you going to the Woodward? I am, and I’m already really excited!!
Just wanted to stop by and congratulate you. That is super news, Kevin. I’m very happy for you. It is obviously well deserved.
great news as my man Alex won’t give BELLWETHER PRODUCTIONS (we own four AMERCIAN BEAUTY’s also) the time of day…we have been telling them on the net & cell for five years…EXPOSURE, EDUCATION, PASSION & A PROMOTOR- a V8 BABY…the powers that be in T- Bred Racing couldn’t PROMOTE Chippendales in a womans penitentiary…i hope they get a gander @ this post…just keep your eyes on the state of MARYLAND the greatest HORSE PEOPLE on the planet…CAROUSEL OF LEGENDS & HORSE RACING WON OH! WON ( reitroduction & the FORGOTTEN history of T-Bred & Standardbrd Horse Racing) …all trademarked & copyrighted…will help bring the sport of KINGS back to the TIP TOP of the Sports world where it rightfully belongs!!!…stand by EARTH…Bellwether has SOLUTIONS…
Congrats Kevin
Great news, keep us informed!
Hi Kevin: Big congrats! The Take Back Saturday initiative is a great idea. There is a strong historical angle to play there. If you need any old images of packed grandstands to use as evidence I’d be happy to help!
How did you get chosen. What made you get chosed over other TBA members?
Is the forum open to the public. Is it free to attend.
Congratulations on the NTRA collaboration–sounds like it will be productive for both sides! Hope to see more about it on the blog.
@Brian A – Thanks man – just added you over on facebook as well. Loved getting to chat with you at the Belmont Paddock. By the way, you’re like the prototype for what the sport needs – young 20′s something guy with a passion for horse racing. Can we clone like 10,000 of you?
@thebeadden – thank you, thank you, thank you – really means a lot to me, my friend.
@Bellweather – persistence! They’ll (NTRA) be the first to admit they haven’t done a good job of listening to the fans over the years, so hopefully this encourages them to chang their tune a bit. So far they’ve been wonderful.
@John – I will indeed, my good man, I will indeed.
@Kevin – Thanks bro – by the way, saw you got mentioned by none other than Steven Crist in the Daily Racing Form the other day – now that, my friend, is MAKING it!
Belated congrats on that accomplishment. When I read that my jaw dropped. I’d frame that on my wall if I was you – but it’s well deserved for you – like I told you Belmont day – your blog is simply amazing, and to think that such a young guy is that dedicated to the history of the game – you do magnificent work for the sport.
@Fred – wish I could tell you. I honestly have no idea. I guess being involved as a blogger, and posting about horse racing everywhere I can they finally took notice. Believe me, I was the most surprised person on earth when they emailed.
@Stef – I’ll definitely keep you guys posted whenever I’m able to. Can’t wait to take some pics of Vegas. I’ve never been before so this will be my first trip.
Kevin, great news and congratulations, you will represent us well.
I’ll be out there the week before trying my hand at the Sunset Station NHC capping qualifier…and will scope it out for you!
congrats Kevin from Bellwether too & keep them on their toes…all eyes will be on Maryland racing soon as this is going to be one of the greatest comebacks in T-Bred Horse Racing History…WE are going to show the country how a National Treasure is suppose to be treated… Long Live The KIng & The Dirt!!!
LONG LIVE THE TROTTERS & PACERS TOO!!!
This is just so cool! I’m so happy for you. You are the perfect man for the job!
You’re a blogging celebrity now! It’ll be fancy clothes, fast cars and loose women from here on out. Don’t forget about us little folk.
kevin your going where and why ??? lol good for you but remember curlin would never beat point given and big brown is a fraud like home run hitters in baseball. zenada is the best horse around this year.
i will give you a nice list later on what needs to be done in racing. you are the best. GLC
@ Geno – look forward to the update! Hope you have a blast out there, buddy.
@ Bellweather – here, here! Long live Maryland racing! I’m hoping this is the year the situation turns around.
@Pentad – awe, shucks – thanks Tam!
@Glenvargas – fancy clothes? Like fancy pants? I’ve always wanted to be a fancy pants! The loose women I could do without (cough – secret code for “right on, man!” cough) – but I’ll always be little ole me.
@Gerald – Well said. I can’t wait for your list. Always love the stuff you come up with, my man. Plus, well – you know how much I value your opinion.