What the NTRA & BC are trying to do now through, among other things, the creation of the Wagering Technology Working Group, according to NTRA Pres. Tim Smith. The matter is being treated with "the utmost seriousness of purpose" added DG Van Clief, Pres of the BC. In response to a question from ABeyer, both men said that they honestly did not know how much damage had already been done. However, Sherwood Chillingworth of Oak Tree noted that the pk6 handle on Wed & Thurs of this week was larger than it was for the comparable days last yr. No one asked about or discussed overall handle, & a big drop this weekend would be a sign that my assessment that there is a deteriorating confidence level among serious players is on the money. We shall see.

Security changes are being made, it was emphasized, right now. At Santa Anita, they include such high tech items as changing the locks, adding a security guard, & installing a security camera in the tote room. I know these guys have good intentions & are dealing with a situation they didn't create & have been trying to fix for a number of yrs, but it's hard not to think that these are the kinds of things which were introduced at 7/11s quite a few yrs ago. To be fair, the big tracks are also coming up with a checklist of min standards & each of the tote cos is going to be asked to voluntarily submit to a full computer security audit.

As to player reps on the task force, my input came shortly before the conference started, so it's unclear if it will come to anything. It did seem to me, however, that Jim Quinn has already been designated as the player rep & there is some sentiment that that ought to be enough. It isn't, & not because I was interested in or felt myself qualified to play the role. If you feel the same way, the websites of NTRA, BC & the Jockey Club are few clicks away.