subject: Why Are the Fields So Small IN California Thorobred Races [print this page] Why Are the Fields So Small IN California Thorobred Races
The short fields, often only five horses, and that's before scratches take their toll, in races in California has been a mystery for many years. If purses are the key to bringing in a lot of horses, then why aren't those juicy purses bringing more horses to the Golden State? If you're a handicapper, it's nice to have a field size that is manageable, say seven to eight horses, but four and five horse races is not attractive.
On the other hand, for the trainers, it is ideal. The way the purse money is disbursed, everybody gets a check, though the win money is obviously a lot more than the other positions pay. One theory that has been put forth is that there aren't many trainers especially in the Southern part of the state. Why would a trainer with a good horse in the race run another good horse against it? You're going to disappoint one of your owners.
Why don't more trainers move in and get part of that money? One of the reasons that has been opined is that the state is remote and it is hard to ship in and there are no other tracks to draw from. That may be true, but still, why not just set up a base of operations there?
One problem is taxes. When I lived in Los Angeles there were taxes on top of taxes. It is a wonder that anyone does business there. Yes, they may handle a lot of money, but when you're also paying taxes to the federal government, the state, county, and city, it gets ridiculously expensive and you realize that the high prices you receive for your services are just going into the tax man's pocket. Then there is the actual cost of just living there.
Have you tried living in Southern California? It is a very expensive place to set up shop. Imagine what it costs to keep a horse or horses. Land is so expensive that a few acres is considered a ranch. Then there are all the other costs, such as feed, and hired help. Labor and workman's comp costs are very high. All these expenses are passed on to owners. So the question then is whether or not those purses are really so high or should be adjusted even higher.
It would be nice to see more horses racing in the Golden State and to see racing thrive there, but with all their fiscal problems, they don't seem to have thoroughbred racing high on their agenda. As they scramble around trying to squeeze more money out of everyone, it is more likely they will increase the cost of doing business and racing horses there.
Why does the government need so much money in California? That is a political and social question best answered in another place. Illegal immigration has been cited as one cause, but since my area of expertise is horse racing, I'll leave that topic to the experts in that field.
