What Horseplayers have been saying about the Keeneland Takeout Increase

I've been getting lots of comments and emails about the Keeneland takeout increase.

They tend to fall into two categories:

Category #1:

--No need to boycott. Just make everyone aware of the situation and let people decide on their own.

--I believe HANA should go on a campaign to inform the handicapper of these hikes using all of its marketing power. 

--Yes, this is a stab in the back to horseplayers. But there's no need to boycott. Just let the market do your talking for you.

Category #2:

--I am livid Keeneland did this. Definitely boycott. And keep boycotting until they reverse their decision.

--And boycott Churchill too while you're at it.

--Use the playersboycott.org website and spread the word for bettors nationwide to not bet a dime with Keeneland.

--Boycott. Maybe pressure from HANA and another meet of declining handle will force management to reverse this decision. 

My thoughts and comments:

The above selected comments were cut and pasted from emails that I received. They capture perfectly what a lot of horseplayers have been telling me.

If you're a bettor you shouldn't be surprised that I've been getting about two emails that belong in category #2 for every one email that belongs in category #1.

Based on that - and the numbers from the survey:

I'm beginning to suspect Keeneland may have vastly underestimated the amount of player badwill they've created over this.

--Jeff Platt, HANA President