I won't divulge much more than this - and it's from personal experience and investment:

the tracks don't give a hoot who sponsors what...I pay a LOT of money to have had an "official" X during the triple crown the last 5 years (I'm not VISA). Yeah, right, try and find the product when you ask for it. Even on the BIG DAY, it's not available at most outlets....sorry to be vague, but what little left we have to gain, I won't risk it.

So...to the point - why let ESPN be any different? At least Fowler called out the arabs for their BS - with no other rebuttals...ESPN will get away with it because there is NO NATIONAL AUTHORITY or governing body univerally respected by all the tracks...can you imagine the STL Cardinals making up their own schedule and ignoring MLB? That's the best analogy I can offer...

sincerely,
frustrated racing fan and sponsor