The Grassroots Speaks

With a sincere thank you to HANA President Jeff Platt, we have a database and email capture interface finally done. This was a huge step for us. It was difficult to capture all of your names and handle figures in the gmail interface and this makes it easy. Although we have mentioned we will not pester you with piles of email - we hate that as much as anyone - we would like to get an email newsletter, possibly on a quarterly basis sent out to members. This way we can update you and offer out some member benefits (we hope!).

One of the neat things about the interface is that we can read and respond to some of the comments we have received when you all signed up. We are going to reproduce some of them here, only with state and initial, as we respect your privacy. We think the comments are interesting and they do show our group has a broad spectrum. We should have some statistics done on the list soon, but at first glance this really is a grassroots movement. For those who filled out handle figures we have a good range of small players in the $1000-$5000 per year area. Then we have another set of $5000-$30000. There are sign ups from virtually all over North America as well.

Here is a smattering of some of your comments. Thanks to everyone who signed up, and remember to tell a friend if you can!

Great idea to unify the fans, long overdue. Thanks.
F, LA

Why are windfall scores taxed??
J, NJ

lets get this game cleaned up.I'm an owner who would like to see the playing field leveled.
R, FL

I hope you will start with a more mainstream approach first because not only will it attract a greater level of support from the non-professional horseplayers such as myself but also it enables the organization to be able to hopefully start achieving goals sooner rather then later. As a CPA I am aware that the tax code is rather unfriendly to horseplayers and effect to remedy that should be put on the forefront. In addition, the current mess on the ADW front is issue which should be put front and center on the agenda. Both of these issues are contributing to a contractionary environment for handle and the industry as a whole needs to be focused on being expansionary in their policies instead. Lowering takeout is part of the equation, but that is a complicated area where unilateral action alone will not be successful.
T, VA

I would love to have uniform betting. Like for the pick 6 and alternate scratch betting in all betting places. And ten cent betting for all bettors. At the local track no ten cent betting is allowed for anyone for any track. How nice!!!!!!!!! If you complain they kick you out.
G, WV

Love your idea, heres hoping we can make an impact.
G, MA

Let me know how when and where I can help.
R, NY

Good work initiating this.
D, OR

27 years old, my favorite sport is slowly being killed off.
J, Ontario

Being a handicapper is like being the Maytag repairman, it is a lonely business. I am glad to see these groups forming because there are some huge issues facing this sport. I'm not sure the industry wants the opinions of the players, but maybe a united voice can help. It's like chicken soup, it couldn't hurt!
J, OH

LONG TIME PLAYER(43 YRS)FULLTIME PRO@TIMES.MEMBER OF PACE ADVANTAGE.THIS IS LONG OVER DUE.TAKE OUT IS KILLING THE GAME; AMONG A LOT OF OTHER THINGS.
G, FL

I like the idea of someone finally appreciating the folks who keep the races going. On ADW I think the Kentucky horsemen are just plain greedy. Seems they don`t just want a share of the betting, but they want to be a partner.They are actually hurting racing at a time that is`nt to wise to do so. Good expression here is, They are cutting of their noses to spite their faces.
D, CA

I am now disabled. ....... we players are always referred to as "bettors," not customers. That in itself has to change. I play horses on my computer now as I can not drive 60 miles to play a horse. I am fed up with all the recent stories regarding our game--They are the same headlines we saw 25 years ago. Hope I can assist by joining your organization.
S, MN

I live in Texas and I have not been able to bet on the California tracks since the Santa Anita meet. I used to live in Los Angeles, so most of those tracks are my favorites and I understand the trends there. This ADW dispute is senseless considering the fact it is the bettor that turns the "machine." You can't get more from less. This debacle is just a matter of egos and lack of communications. If we as horseplayers could agree to miss some action and stage a strike to show our displeasure, I think the message would be loud and clear. Get the message out for a one day event.
W, TX

I am glad someone has started this. Let's keep the momentum going and improve horse racing on this continent.
R, Ontario

Good to see an organization for real horse racing fans that wants real reform in the thoroughbred industry
R, NY

Hopefully this org. will have some positive effect on the industry.I for one have reduced my handle by half over the last few yrs simply because of all the BS.I now find myself doing things I would rather not do like betting offshore but that is where the tracks are forcing me to play
M, IN

Enthusiastically agree with the list of current issues.
W, NJ

This is "The Sport of Kings" and needs to be protected. I am completely in favor of the horseplayer having his say in how racing is conducted in all countries.
W, Alberta

I'm not sure how active I can be in HANA at the moment but I support what you're doing 100%!
D, NY

Let's help clean up this sport to make it safe and fun for the horses. This is in the best interests for us players too
C, OR

I enjoy your blog and very much enjoy horse racing.
C, PA

Would like to see the amount taxed on exotics changed to $1200 Same as slots in casios.
C, NY

I just want to be able to bet without having to go through hoops
S, CA

If you're trying to help the bettor/fan I'm behind that effort. My suggestion is not to lose focus by tackling too many side issues. Good Luck.
D, NY

I worked 10 years for a Horsemens Group and learned some of the ins and outs. As a betting customer in additon to my experience in the equine industry, I could perhaps add some valuable insight or perspective to your organization.
KN

Long overdue; and your efforts are most appreciated. A sincere Thank You
D, FL

Sick and tired of what horsemen and track management are doing to the game that I love. Lower the takeout or implement rebates for everyone. The game needs to be competitive with other forms of gambling. End the signal wars. Treat customers as if they MATTER and amazingly
handle will grow.
J, CA

If I could legally bet online from Connecticut my handle would go up significantly.
J, CT

Lower takeout, only way to save the game. Unfortunately, tracks are not in position to do this, nor do they have the will or leadership. In the current economic environment cant see good things for racing. But it is the greatest game. Good luck.
M, NV

I work for a XXX firm and would be happy to discuss ways that our company could help spread the word for HANA to the media and generate press for issues and events.
D, NJ

We thank everyone for their comments, good or bad. Let’s hope we can make a difference.