Bellagio Bash

The Racing Congress conferences began yesterday at the magnificent Bellagio in Vegas. Mike Tanner made his first appearance as the USTA's new "Head Honcho" and we wish him well. He seems bright, forward thinking and motivated and he makes a good impression in conversation.
Your humble servant did not attend, but will play along at home. It has been my observation, on those occasions I have attended such meetings, that too many topics are addressed in too short a time to resolve anything. Clearly, the business is in a delicate state and there are a number of issues that need to be not only discussed but followed through to a resolution. These important topics are reduced to a 45 minute panel discussion and then it's on to the next item. Even if you have the right people in the room, you can do no more than scratch the surface in the allotted time. Then focus is directed to the next issue and one of two things happen. Either you continue to think about what has just transpired and your attention is diverted from the new topic or you focus on the new panel and you take on the previous is diluted. It seems a shame that a more effective format cannot be devised for these important issues.

One that hits close to home for the Squirrel is Jeff Gural's initiative to keep horses racing past age 3. I am of the opinion that the subject is worthy of implementation. The fan response to SBSW's multiple appearances in Canada should dispel any notion that the personalities don't make a difference.

I think I understand the pros & cons to a large extent and the opposition raises some valid points. At the end of the day, the preservation of a quality product trumps the fortunes of the few, IMO. What do think?