Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great honor to welcome back the one and only Mr. Del Mar, Matthew Galbreth, the young man we first heard from last week with his accurate prediction of California Flag rising to the occasion in the Green Flash Handicap. He’s now returned to share one of his ideas for increasing public interest in thoroughbred racing.
I think it’s infinitely important that we listen closely to the 20-somethings we have been lucky enough to attract to the sport thus far so as to better understand what they (and folks like them) are thinking. Obviously the old ways aren’t quite working as they should, and in this age of “hope and change” it’s important to consider all opportunities we are afforded.
Of course, I must also point out that I do believe this marks the first time “cougars” have entered the discussion here at The Aspiring Horseplayer – a momentous occasion, indeed! 
Once again, here’s Mr. Del Mar, showing us that he’s more than just a one-trick-pony “handicapping machine.”
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It’s been said that girls make the world go ’round and it may well be true when it comes to our sport and it’s success. RACHEL ALEXANDRA and ZENYATTA have been at the forefront of racing for so long that I don’t know if I’m beating a dead horse or writing about a hot topic, maybe both. These ladies have so much star power that people bring signs to the track and are the only two horses I know who have such a following. It’s very refreshing to see fans take an interest in this sudden girl power phenomenon and horse racing finally have stars that aren’t going directly into the breeding world after a brief campaign… these girls are here to race.
The other girl power phenomenon is taking place at the track everyday and on TVG on Friday nights, it is the beautiful girls in attendance and the beautiful girls of the Del Mar Pick 4 Posse. Del Mar always has beautiful girls in attendance from fillies to cougars and it serves the track well by attracting the colts that may not have attended otherwise, our future horseplayers. I say we let the fairer gender take the reigns for a while and see if horse racing can build a younger audience, a new audience and be lifted back to it’s glory days. We all want to see these two horses face off, but the connections of each are treading lightly and that’s because these girls have very different styles and very big reputations to uphold. I may have an idea that would be fair to both camps… THE TRIPLE TIARA.
I became a true horseplayer by way of the hype and major network attention that is The Triple Crown, I’m sure many late bloomers have a similar story. From morning radio talk shows to ESPN highlights this crown jewel of racing gets more attention than an ill behaved child. It’s main strength is the lengthy spotlight that it shines on horse racing, a good three months of major coverage. I propose we have a similar feature and deem it THE TRIPLE TIARA.
We need to harness the star power of ZENYATTA and RACHEL ALEXANDRA so I say we have three races at three different tracks with the only requirement being gender, all age groups, any country or state of origin, just so long as the horses are female. It would be everything the Triple Crown is, but way better. We had a weak Triple Crown this year with the better half of the field not racing in the Derby and this may just make up for it.
Can you imagine the handle at each track if ZENYATTA, RACHEL ALEXANDRA, maybe GOLDIKOVA and throw in some other femme fatales from around the globe took all the debates to the ticket windows? Oh my fellow horseplayers it can be done with the right size purse and we will have very large pools to bet into.
Now for another way to grow our sport and it’s taking place everyday when tracks like Del Mar and Keeneland are open. Horse racing has become a fashion show for the ladies who enjoy visiting the track. Del Mar is especially strong with this maneuver and it’s the only reason many of my friends attend. I’m 27 years old and most of the people I know like making money, like pretty girls, but have little interest in horse racing. I get calls for handicapping advice everyday Del Mar is open and the rest of the year I hear nothing about horse racing from these gents. I say girls get in free, dress to the nines and we provide them with other things to do outside of watching the races. Shopping? I don’t know, but I do know that we have quite a few female horseplayers and I wonder if they originally got into horse racing by way of the track experience and the way many networks show the track fashions and it’s live models. Horses are amazing to watch, girls are amazing to watch and who doesn’t like making money. I say we take our sport to the next level by letting the girls be the show on the track and at the track.
Mr. Del Mar AKA Matthew Galbreth
In the 8th today Aug 27 at the SPA – look for MOHEGAN SKY – 10 days since last
jock A. GARCIA aboard.
If it matters and fitting with the theme of this post the trainer of MOHEGAN SKY is – LINDA RICE a fine horsewoman!!!
So your idea is to get Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta to race against each other? How novel.
This is a very sexist and anti women post. My wife loves the races and is as knowledgeable as any male who reads the racing form. She does not go to the racetrack to show T & A and have men ogle her. I can’t believe Kevin approved this sexist post.
I agree with Tony.
I had a feeling this might draw such a response – but thought it was important to let the younger crowd speak their mind and offer up their ideas – as we all want the same things -to grow the game we love so much.
As for “ogling” -I don’t think that’s what he’s saying at all – he’s simply calling attention to something that, whether we like it or not, happens to be true. Young men are more apt to be interested in going somewhere if their are young ladies around.
Look at the bars in any college town. The attraction isn’t the alcohol – you can sit in your dorm room and drink till kingdom come. The reason each bar is ridiculously crowded to the point of being unable to move from Thursday through Saturday nights is…..girls!
I’ll also share that the wife and I have had numerous conversations where we note that if more guys knew how many attractive single ladies show up at the track on major race days, you’d have to rope the place off to keep them out.
I guess to each his own, but at some point we do have to address that when “Joe Public’ closes his eyes and thinks of a race fan, they picture some sort of aging degenerate gambler, or Hank Goldberg from ESPN.
Contrast that to what you think of when you think of a poker player nowadays? Why? Because television has glammarized the various younger “characters”, ranging from celebs, to oddballs, to “attractive folks” that they want people to associate with the game – and it’s worked!
The Pick 4 Posse’s they’ve been doing on TVG lately seem to be a response to that- look at what they’ve been showing; young (usually attractive) folks – many of them women (in fact, the most memorable posse that everyone talks about was all women).
I recall seeing numerous “tweets” about how that was “great for the image of racing.”
My interpretation is that this is precisely what Matt is talking about.
Anyhow, it is what is – make of it what you will. I can’t control how anyone feels, but I think it’s a bit of a stretch to suggest that the intent was to be sexist here.
For the record – the only things I “censor” here are trolls and profanity. Tony happens to fall into that first category, and if you were privy to his comments that I’ve blocked in the past, I think you’d be hesitant to voice agreement with anything he says. I only let him through the filter this time because for a brief moment it sounded as if he was trying to be sincere – and if so I wanted to be fair and let him speak his mind. Upon further reflection, he was probably just trying to be a rabble rousing troll – especially given the fact that he’s tried to make some assified comments about my wife in the past.
We have many knowledgeable female horseplayers and I made mention of them, that doesn’t make them any less attractive. If calling a women beautiful is sexist then guilty as charged my good man. I just thought I’d let everyone know what brings a lot of my friends to the track since we are trying to grow our sport. I think this post is very complimentary to women and that was it’s intent. I’m suprised to hear sexism shouted from the mountain tops by a man, I think you ought to check your wife’s purse for something you might be missing.
I’m all for new and exciting ideas, but this post offered neither.
Have Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta race against each other and get more young people to the track? To quote a five-year-old, “no duh.”
I made mention that it may well be a tired topic, but I would hope to see everyone focus on the triple tiara rather than the two horses. I think if there was a prestigious series of races we may be more likely to see all the best female horses face off. Mr. Stafford did raise some concerns about some kind of backlash, but I speak the truth and stick by my comments. I can in no way understand why it’s so far fetched to believe that a woman can be a great horseplayer, intellegent and still admired for her beauty. I’m glad to see it at least got your attention.
NYRA already tried the Triple Tiara idea, and it tanked.
In 2003, NYRA put up a $2-million bonus for any filly sweeping the Mother Goose, Coaching Club, and Alabama. Spoken Fur won the first two legs and could have earned the bonus with a win in the Alabama, but she finished third.
There was no buzz for it. The mainstream media didn’t pick up on it, and Saratoga wasn’t any busier than it would have been on any other Saturday.
I don’t find this post offensive in the slightest. No where does it say to show T and A, it says “dress to the nines”. We all know when those women wear those fancy dresses and hats they are screaming look at me! Ogling is a fact of life that happens everywhere and if it can be leveraged than go for it. If you have it flaunt it, if not don’t be a hater just do your handicapping.
Nowhere does it say how you turn those oglers into investors either.
Yes, getting them in the door is an important first step but then what? How do you turn a casual fan of the atmosphere into a bigger fan of the game?
@EJXD2 – Great question – you know that I was part of that NTRA Online Task Force last fall that put together a 57 page presentation on exactly that question (“how to turn a casual fan into a bigger fan of the game”), right?
That’s why I’m always droning on about the whole “Take Back Saturday” idea – telling a continuous story from the Triple Crown through to the Breeders’ Cup.
To be honest, I thought I had mentioned it enough (especially recently) as to sound like a broken record if I brought it up again.
Would love to hear any additional/alternative ideas you have floating around about how to accomplish this – we all want the same thing.
Here’s a link to the presentation: http://www.ntra.com/creativeservices/content/NTRAOnlineTaskForce_080922.pdf
Note that as this was a “marketing” summit, we avoided issues like drugs and ADW, since we figured folks would just roll their eyes at us if we opened those cans of worms (and we were sort of instructed to avoid these issues as well).
Kevin great work you are still on this site. I have not been following horse racing as much anymore. I am more into soccer now.
Im hoping NNY can bounce back tomorrow. He is 7 yrs old now and not doing very much since his year off. He is just under $1 million money total in career earnings.
I pretty much agree with what you wrote. I’m a 21 year old and enjoy the same things most other young people like. I think what Mr. Del Mar is suggesting here is obviously not that we have the “girls” turn up scantily clad in order to attract guys who ogle and revel in as much revealed skin as possible. He’s talking about creating atmosphere, like going to a fair, carnival or out-door BBQ. Churchill Downs did a little of this when they opened up for the first ever evening races this year and it was a booming success, attracting loads of younger people just out to have a good time!
I don’t think he’s suggesting a “perverted type” view where it’s all about the physical, he’s talking about having fun, dressing up in style, adding flair, color and excitement. I know for a fact that my sister and mother love the opportunity to dress for occations, whether it’s a cocktail style dress or tank tops and jeans. My sister was thrilled to learn that she could buy a hat to wear to the 2007 preakness stakes and not look out of place, it was actually the style. Years ago women didn’t even think about not dressing up to go to an occasion or the racetrack, they dressed to impress. It’s one of their ways to make a statement and express themselves in a more colorfull way.
I think far too many people get touchy when it comes to anything they think is sexist. Such as opening the door for a lady, standing untill they are seated, removing your hat when you enter their house. I was taught all these things when I was growing up and stand by them as good, honest principles. It’s a way of showing respect to thier greater wisdom, and a way of showing courtesy. There’s nothing demeaning about it.
Nothing demeaning at all! Well said Brian A. Going to the track should be about having fun and if you make money in the process that is a bonus. No one wants scantily clad women running around. Kev and I bring our 5 year old with us, he loves seeing the horses and a scantily clad woman is the last thing I want him to see. We are talking about girls who like horses and are they for the horses nothing else! And if these girls help lure more men to the track and make it more socially acceptable than that is a bonus as well.
“It’s about having fun and if you make money in the process that is a bonus.”
Exactly Amy! The first time I decided to try betting it kind of felt like playing a mind game, I just fooled around with $1 and $2 win bets on all the races and went home having turned $20 into just over $80, it was a blast! I love the way you and Kevin think!
Are you going to be attending the Woodward? I’d love to see Kevin again and meet your family.
Mrdelmar was not being sexist in any way. He was just stating the truth.Churchill downs had three night racing dates this year and everyone i talked to at the track said did you see all the chicks. And the dollar beer was just a bonus.The place was jam packed. first night 26,000 second 28,000 third 36,000.
I don’t understand why people are commenting that Mr. Del Mar’s idea is so great.
It’s not his idea. It’s been done, and it’s been done well.
Here’s my idea: Dime superfectas. Isn’t that great?!!
Unfortunately, we will not be able to make it, that is Randy’s first week in kindergarten.
To Ejxd2, At least Mr Delmar is trying, what are you doing besides being sarcastic??
He’s not trying, though… he’s throwing out obvious ideas.
Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta and getting younger people to the track aren’t trying. The trying part is coming up with the ideas that make the Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta race happen or getting younger people to the track.
What, you think places like Thistledown haven’t tried getting younger people to the track?
To EJXD: Don’t be jealous dude, why are you such a little bitter critter? We get it, you’re not a fan. In fact it is so irrelevant to you that you can’t stop talking about it. To everyone who enjoyed my article and understood what I was trying to get at, I thank you very much for all your positive feedback. I’m new to writing, but I suddenly enjoy it.
Mr. Del Mar,
I think it’s very important to discuss new marketing ideas and what will bring our peers (we’re about the same age) to the track, and I’m lucky enough to be in a position to discuss those ideas with lots of people on a daily basis, which is why I’m very interested to hear your ideas for actually bringing these young people to the track.
To EJXD2: I’ve got plenty more ideas, I just think that if my article is to lengthy then people won’t take the time to read it. I hope you warm up to me over time, I really am an okay dude. I’m very grateful to have an oppurtunity to share my ideas and I’ve got Mr. Stafford to thank for that. I’m very enthusiastic about this game and I hope one day I can talk about horse racing with my friends the same way I can football and other sports. I love this game! I’ve been reading about the take back Saturday program and some other ideas from Kevin and he’s right on track. I’m not an English major, but I feel obligated to at least try to grow this sport and Mr. Stafford has given me a chance.
See – I knew we had common ground.
I know eddie (EJXD2) from around the net and twitter and I know he’s a good guy at heart, so I’ve never doubted he means well.
EJXD2- Just realize that some of the previous comments came across probably not the way you intended. No harm, no foul – and given your position (which I won’t reveal since I suspect you’d like to keep that private), I know you’re interested in solving the same issues we all are. I thank you for clarifying with your last comment as I was getting worried that today might have been one of those “wrong side of the bed” days that we all experience from time to time.
Mr Del Mar is obviously a very passionate fan – and one in exactly the target demographic I keep hearing our sport is interested in (27 years-old/ found horse racing through ESPN and the Triple Crown coverage). In fact, his story reminds me so darn much of myself (I’m 31 now so I have a hard time qualifying myself as “youthful”….I’m getting near the age where the draft won’t even be a threat), that I thought it would be nice to give him an opportunity to speak here.
I still remember fondly the folks who took me under their wing and taught me all I know at roughly the same time (early to mid 20′s) and how much of an impact that had. They encouraged me to speak up, and so I see it as my duty to pass on that torch while I sill have something resembling my wits about me (if I had any to begin with).
So far he’s made me very proud of the decision to give him the opportunity to speak. I love that he stands by his word and that he’s not afraid to speak his mind. We, as horseplayers, are nothing if not the most opinionated bastards in the universe!
Which is why it’s often so difficult to get us all to play nicely in the sandbox.
I’m glad to see clearer heads prevailing here.
We all want the same things – and we all want them yesterday.
As for how we accomplish these tasks?
I’ll leave you with the wisdom of the great abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass:
“Agitate, agitate, agitate.”
And of course, what better platform for rampant agitation hath man been blessed with than the blogosphere?
Go forth, wise readers, and agitate the hell out of the powers that be, for the critical moment is upon us and we can remain as we are no more.
We must either retreat into obscurity, or advance boldly.
I choose the latter.
I thank all of you for your support, I also wanted to thank Brian A. That was well put and we need more people like you in the world. I think you nailed it and in the age of MTV and similar networks it’s good to see someone who understands how to conduct themselves. We’re a dying breed my friend. Go against the grain and do what you think is right. I really was impressed with your take on things.
Thank you!
Horse racing is so exciting, all aspects of it. Unfortunetly most people I know don’t give the sport a second thought, untill I drag them to youtube and show them races like Rachel Alexandra’s Haskell, Kentucky Oaks or Personal Ensign’s Breeders Cup Distaff in 88 they show little to no interest. When they see the heart and courage these horses and jockeys put into their races, the whole scenario changes. One interesting thing I’ve noticed when showing people clips of horse races is that when they can hear the shouts of the crowd in the background they respond much more positively than when it’s just the commentator. It gets them really excited to hear thousands of other people all shouting for their horses to come home first. If you can get someone who is not actively following horse racing to follow just one race horse, chances are they will seek more from there. Many people just think of it as a sport where horses run around a track, win and it’s over.
Brian A – he (Brian) is and has been one of the best kept secrets in horse racing – and much like Mr. Del Mar I sincerely hope he takes to writing about the sport regularly at some point in time (I know I’ve hinted at that in the past….hopefully one day it’ll come to be – god knows I’d read you every day!).
Brian, you struck on something I’ve been thinking about casually as well. Watching the replay of Rachel’s Preakness – you can HEAR the roar of the crowd at the beginning of the race. It sends chills up my spine. I wish more replays allowed for that accoustical brilliance.
Listen to the crowd here (especially early on) – this is what it’s all about!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRbF1kZQLjA
Also noted that in CarlyKaiser’s “Curlin” video, during the thrilling Rags/Curlin stretch duel of the Belmont, the camera is panned back enough that as the race sweeps from left to right, the viewer is treated to a sea of raising and shaking hands – you can literrally FEEL the excitement.
Note the hands – culminating in the young lady shaking with excitement at the finish – captured from 4:16 – 4:38 in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6RpTZKJ1uI
Great stuff guys – thanks to all who sounded off today.
Wow Kevin, all I can say is…thank you! That means an awful lot coming from you. I’m starting my first semester as a Communications major next week, it focuses on media, radio, journalism, marketing etc., I have always had horse racing at the forefront of my career feild choice, so who knows… (-:
I watched those two videos and you were so right. Especially with Rachel’s Preakness, the crowd is so extremely boisterous and excited that it’s completely impossible not to be swept up in the moment. I got goosebumps all over!
Hello The Presence of Fillies at the Track,
I’m currently doing research for an equestrian client of ours,
and your site has been a great resource for me. Thanks for all the really informative content. At the moment, I’m working on a social media strategy to promote equestrianism to youth online and would love to hear your experiences with youth riders (if any).
If you don’t mind, I’d like to get in touch and ask a couple questions. You can contact me through my email below. I would really appreciate it.
Many thanks,
Nicola
nicola@wearevi.com
http://learningaboutequestrianism.blogspot.com/
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Some people just are just not smart enough to understand what Mr. Del Mar is saying. Give me a break “sexist”? These guys are probably offended when TV shows stopped having couples sleeping in separate beds. Welcome to the new millennium one where we are mature enough to understand a good analogy. Keep Rockin’ it Mr. Del Mar, we are listening.
Appreciate the reasonable open mind NEW RACE FAN! We need more of it in the world! Plus all girls are beautiful and all should be told so!
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