Hollywood Park Idea Makes No Horse Sense

I’m not a horse racing snob but I definitely enjoy the sights and sounds of live horse racing. It’s 10 times more appealing than the constant clanging of bells in a casino.

Yet, in response to the recent Breeders’ Cup scandal, where some marginally intelligent frat brothers cooked up a past-posting scheme on an unsecured tote system, Hollywood Park decided it would no longer allow bettors to replace their bets when a horse is scratched.

Decisions like this will only alienate those who genuinely enjoy live racing. Greed and the desire for big dollars through off-track betting may create greater profits and more gambling but they detract from the spirit of horse racing.

Michael T. Jarvis

Beverly Hills