If the horse racing industry wants to compete with other big sports, it must change. The thrilling sport must alter the present Triple Crown race calendar, among other crucial adjustments. Currently, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—the three most prestigious events in the sport—occur over a mere five weeks. Because of the limited time frame, legitimate concerns have been expressed about the competitors’ well-being and the fairness of the competition. A few days after the Kentucky Derby attracted the biggest crowd since 1989 (21.8 million viewers on NBC and Peacock), one of the most well-known and prosperous owners of the sport shared a touching message on social media. One of the sport’s most vocal speakers, Mike Repole, spoke at a vital change he would make to the out-dated Triple Crown schedule if he was installed as “Commissioner”.
Together, let’s attempt to alter this game and restore the excitement of racing! Fans, horseplayers, trainers, owners, industry executives, the media, and others should all express their thoughts and opinions on this topic, in my opinion. With more than 20 million watchers, this year’s Kentucky Derby set a record for viewership. Reworking the racing calendar is one of my plans as commissioner of racing. Because of the Preakness Stakes’ difficult turnaround, Repole thinks the top three finishers in this year’s Derby will all choose to miss it and go straight to the Belmont Stakes in June. “Even as 4-year-olds, you need to relieve the strain on all trainers and owners to make these horses run for longer periods of time a mistake and run a horse back too soon,” Repole added.”
Noting that Friday’s championship races this year will take place on Halloween, the 56-year-old owner would also like to relocate the well-liked Breeders Cup away from clashing against the NFL and College Football in November. The week before the NFL season begins and a few weeks before college football kicks off, I would reschedule the now waning @BreedersCup to the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Regretfully, the obstinate Breeders’ Cup leaders appear to be committed to their November dates, holding championship races on a Saturday during the college football conference season and on a Friday (this year on Halloween), when the majority of America is working and uninterested. The Breeders’ Cup is shamefully watched by fewer than one million people. It goes beyond logic to keep it in its current place.”
Industry luminaries Uncle Mo (2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Champion), Vino Rosso (2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion), Mo Donegal (2022 Belmont Stakes Champion), Fierceness (2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Champion), and Stopchargingmaria (2014 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes Champion) are all products of Repole. He is therefore aware of the requirements for dominating the sport for many years. Although I am aware that not everyone will enjoy my approach, I am passionate about improving this game for everyone. It won’t be simple to overcome those who like to stick to the sport’s “traditions.” I can only hope that one of the most successful owners’ passions and visions will lead to the required reforms as a horse racing aficionado.
