JC / Railbird

Industry Archive

Positives

No, not for frog juice. (I’ll leave the negatives for another day.)

Grantland published a terrific interview with musician-chartcaller-reporter Bob Nastanovich that includes this great quote about why he’s working in racing:

So I started working thinking that I could make a positive impact on the sport at different levels, just because I love it so much.

Love the attitude, Bob.

Also praiseworthy: The Breeders’ Cup and Hello Race Fans, two organizations I believe are working in horse racing’s best interests (and not just because they both pay me), are partnering up on fan education. Nice work, all.

Posted in Industry on June 21, 2012 / Tagged Breeders' Cup, Hello Race Fans, Partnerships, Press Releases

The Missing McKinsey Recommendation

Breeders’ Cup president Craig Fravel:

I would love to see the industry create a venture capital fund to nurture new technologies directed at racing and gaming and in so doing utilize the expertise of the many talented people with experience in those areas who own and love horses.

Capital isn’t the only obstacle to innovation in the industry, though. Social gaming bonus points for all involved if unfettered access to Equibase data for the purpose of development were part of any incubator or fund.

Posted in Industry on September 28, 2011 / Tagged #freedata, Breeders' Cup, Good Ideas, Innovation, Technology, Venture Capital

Shuttered

Almost 10 months after NYC OTB closed its doors for good, the New York Times visits the defunct betting parlors, finding most remain empty and unmourned by neighbors. (“Thank God they’re gone,” says one.) There’s a slideshow, unlikely to induce nostalgia (even in me, quoted as an occasional former patron, pro-OTB community), except possibly for retro signage.

Posted in Industry on August 29, 2011 / Tagged New York, New York Times, Not-stalgia, NYC OTB, NYC Real Estate, OTB Parlors