Wow great dialogue I hope it continues. Lots of different points to cover: 1) BCBC I was in the BCBC this past year with a partner and it was the best $5k I ever spent. We came in 11th and got dq'd up to 10th which makes us one of nine people ever to be moved up in a handicapping contest! That aside, for the 10k we put in we got 2 free clubhouse admissions both days with grandstand seats at the 1/16 pole which retailed for about $1,000. We got free racing forms, programs, lunch and about 15 free drink tickets plus access to a paddock bar that was for tournament players only that was beautiful and held a free champagne toast both days for BCBC players. We also got about $150 off our hotel room for being in the tournament. All told I thought it was about $2,000 worth of free stuff. Even if we came in last, I'm not sure how we could have spent a better 10k gambling the whole year.
2) Christian: Keep up the good work! You have the understanding of the contests and the stature to make a difference. I think the small contests where the winner gets a free entry into the big contests is the way to go. It's the dollar and a dream mentality the sport needs. I also agree about cash tournaments as opposed to the NHC tournament which forces you to bet certain races a certain way. the object of the game should be to maximize return. Hopefully, you and others can get in the ear of the NTRA and change that for good.
3) Our 31 year new player: The World Series of Poker is won almost every year by someone younger than 25 many of which played in small tournaments to get in. Take Christians advice and play these tournaments on paper until you hone your skills and then start entering the feeder tournaments. It will be a challenge and a low cost way to get started.
4) Advancing the game: So how much will Christian's Crusade help the game? Who knows but it can't hurt. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is horse ownership and how it almost impossible to make money owning horses. I own a small piece of about 15 horses some claimers some bought at auction and some bred. I would be happy to lose 20% of my investment each year but 40% is more like it.I do it because of my love of the game and the fact that my kids are out of college and I can afford it. Read Alan Schuback's article in the Paulick report about French racing. It's enlightening on the subject. Unless horse racing does something to make ownership more attractive, less and less people will buy and breed horses which makes the racing worse and the gambling less exciting. I would love to hear ideas on what racing could do.
5) Pegasus Handicapping Contest: I'm in and I'm issuing a challenge to Christian my score vs yours winner gets a free drink at the Breezeway bar. I'm sure I will be buying but considering my overall bar tab my accountant won't notice. Hope to get a chance to speak with you there and let me know what we can do as players to help these contests grow