For photos from the Meadowlands contact Lisaphoto@playmeadowlands.com

Thursday, August 16, 2012

From Advocates of Racing to Advocates for Gaming

I have retracted this entry as it has become obvious to me that I stepped into an issue with dynamics behind the scene which I was unaware of that went further than gaming issues in the letter to the editor.  It is now clear I didn't do enough research before commenting on the issue.  In no way was I attempting to disparage any individual or group. 

While a blog is an opinion piece, I regret not going further to get additional background information.  While some of the points I made may have had some validity, it is appropriate for me in this case to "throw the baby out with the bath water".

If I offended anyone with this posting, I apologize.  In no way was I trying to say all horsemen groups and specifically in this case the Cloverleaf horsemen's group is neglecting the horsemen's best interests.    Simply put, I screwed up.

I will strive to do better in the future and I thank you for your understanding..

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I find your commentary rambling nonsense. Where are your specifics? CSOA has designated spots on the board for owners and trainers and I don't know of a trainer who isn't also an owner. CSOA has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Maryland horseman. The new reality is that their are no owners able to operate a racetrack without some form of casino gaming.Promotion is of course a great concern with our industry. Thankfully, Ocean Downs has been one of the best attended racetrack in the country. In Maryland, the horseman's association actually owned the racetrack and could not survive. Even the Meadowlands survival is short term without the influx of gaming in the near future. CSOA has certainly not forgotten the little horseman.In Maryland the CSOA represents the horseman in a wide range of ways,by making sure they have snaps in the ship in barn to getting a fair percentage of the purse money.
You are being naive and greatly misinformed.
Dan Myer
VP CSOA

Anonymous said...

CSOA does not write the laws in Maryland. If we did a percentage of gaming money would be dedicated to the promotion of harness racing. But we don't write the laws. We don't have the money for large campaign contributions and multiple lobbyist. And if we do hire one lobbyist, horseman such, as Mr. Lisi himself, complains that it is a waste of money and that money should be put into purses.
Dan Myer
VP CSOA

That Blog Guy said...

Dan,

After reviewing the posting, I must admit it was poorly done and I have withdrawn it.

While I will disagree with regards to being naive, I clearly opined without having all the facts. For that, I apologize and retract my comments.

That Blog Guy said...

Please see my retraction above.

Anonymous said...

Thank you. Apology excepted. Thank you for giving us the forum to respond.
When I commented on false statements on the Preserve racing at Rosecroft fb page, my comments were deleted.
Keep up the good work.
Dan

Anonymous said...

I do understand your frustration. All horseman, in every state feel it. CSOA does what it can. It is an seemingly endless battle to encourage owners of racetracks to promote our product.