By Leonard Miranda
The Thoroughbred racing community is at a crossroads. Our sport is one of the most exhilarating and cherished pastimes, and the participants are among the finest people one could ever hope to meet. Yet, we find ourselves in a challenging era, particularly in states lacking clear legislative support, where the future looks increasingly uncertain.
As a participant in Thoroughbred racing in California, I have closely followed the economics and politics of our sport for the past decade and have witnessed its steady decline. From hotwalkers to the executive staff of Stronach's 1/ST Racing, and from CEOs to board members of nearly every representative group in California, there is unanimous agreement that California racing is in critical condition, with an uncertain future. Everyone desires to see our sport flourish across the state, from the higher echelons to the grassroots level, but the consensus ends there, as opinions on solutions and objectives vary widely.
Historical Horse Racing machines (HHRs) represent a potential pillar for future sustainability, but the outcome for HHRs remains uncertain. The reality is that our industry faces significant tension and frustration, making meaningful and productive discussions challenging. Now, more than ever, we must unite under a single vision for California racing, considering the objectives of all sectors. Our strategy must present a united front to garner political support from our legislators, avoiding mixed messages and internal conflicts.
Former Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer remarked, “In the next five to 10 years, there are going to be states that have and states that have not. The 'haves' are states like Kentucky, New York, Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland–where they've built relationships with legislators and convinced them of the importance of the horse industry, achieving positive legislative wins. For states to survive, they must cultivate positive relationships with legislators and seek similar successes.”
The Stronach Group, or any other entity, does not bear the sole responsibility of “saving racing” for us. While Stronach's involvement is essential, we, too, must contribute and cooperate to preserve our sport. The task of creating jobs, spurring the economy, and preserving our sport's rich history lies with our legislators. Thoroughbred racing deserves bipartisan support, benefiting both legislators and our industry.
Fortunately, we have dedicated and talented individuals on our industry boards across California and indeed the country, working tirelessly to find solutions. However, we are not yet united. I urge Aidan Butler, president of 1/ST for Stronach in California, to engage with key stakeholders representing the various organizations in California racing. It is crucial to build unified support and dispel the perception of engaging only with pre-packaged corporate presentations.
Thoroughbred racing is at a pivotal moment. We will need to pull it together if we hope to secure a brighter future.
Leonard Miranda is an owner based in Southern California and the founder of Integrity Racing LLC.
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