How We Can Help

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It has occurred to me more than once that this industry often worries about relatively unimportant things. A prime example is debating whether horse racing is primarily a sport or a wagering activity. Somehow the implication is that wagering is something to de-emphasize or even be vaguely embarrassed about.

This debate is largely a waste of time in my judgment and any defensiveness is equally misplaced. The fact that we are a combination of sport, entertainment, and agribusiness funded almost entirely by legal, state-regulated wagering is what makes us viable in the first place.

One consequence of earth-shattering events like the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 is that they cause almost everyone to revisit such basics: What things are important (or not)? What do I believe? What should I do? How can I help?

Particularly when the situation is as shocking as the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, there are no standard procedures. This complicated and terrible place was where our industry found itself Sept. 11-16, along with many others. Predictably, we have been unsure of how well our unique combination of entertainment and sport handled the situation. Movie theaters and casinos were open; the NFL and NASCAR weren't. Which were we, really?

The purpose here is to make a modest proposal: that we put behind us any differences on the decisions particular tracks or groups made about when or when not to resume normal business activity. Instead, we should focus on more important things that might actually make a difference.

We should gain motivation from realizing that our little piece of the national economy is quite important. It is reliably estimated that the horse racing business--and directly related businesses like breeding--has a $34-billion annual economic impact, provides 472,000 jobs, and pays state and local tax bills of $500 million. The faster we can restore all aspects of our business, the better off the U.S. economy will be.

In this context, the performance of the September Keeneland sale has been remarkable. A quarter of a billion dollars of commerce--in what Nick Nicholson points out is a "futures market"--occurred as planned (and necessary), even as the country plunged into tragedy and crisis. A crop came to market and was sold. Important.

Tracks, horsemen, networks, and fans all struggled with how and what to do, and when. All were motivated. No one was "wrong." Old friends in California and elsewhere debated over which course was best, i.e., details. Not so important.

Dozens of industry charitable initiatives sprung up, sponsored by racing companies, non-profits, state coalitions, individual tracks, local jockey groups, and more. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Web site devoted to the subject (www.breederscup.com/racingresponds/) has been barely able to keep up.

The Breeders' Cup and New York Racing Association dedicated this year's running of the World Thoroughbred Championships to the families of the victims, with a minimum goal of $2 million for the NTRA Charities--New York Heroes Fund. Before the account could be set up, owners started pledging unprecedented percentages of their potential winnings. The goal is certain to be exceeded by a wide margin.

Major owners and breeders have already made particularly extraordinary commitments. Others will surely follow.

The industry also provided valuable diversion and perhaps even group therapy when racing resumed. As the New York Racing Association's Bill Nader told the Boston Globe, "This is an important place for the people who come here day in and day out. This is where their friends hang out. That's a big part of the healing process, to come together again."

Who are we? An industry that's filled with generosity and class, but often too hard on itself. What can we do? Keep our specific part of the national economy functioning. How can we help? By providing a great spectator sport, marketing a great wagering option, and raising the great horses who ultimately define our business.

That these endeavors are not as important right now as some other things--like counter-terrorism or rescue work--doesn't mean that they aren't positive and worthwhile. As one of the rescued security personnel said, "Just because you aren't here moving a rock doesn't mean you aren't helping."

Now there's a man who worries about the right things.

TIM SMITH is commissioner of the NTRA.

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