Why Horse Racing Handicapping Differs From Mindless Games Of Chance
Online, June 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - In an industry that is often divided over various topics and issues, there is one item that the majority of participants within the Thoroughbred horse industry can agree on. Horse racing needs to better promote itself and it needs to educate the public about what makes this great sport different than other forms of entertainment.
One former racing executive is trying to do just that. Rich Nilsen, who served as Director of Marketing for Brisnet.com for over 17 years and is a graduate of the University of Louisville Equine Business Program, has started a website devoted to horse racing education and promotion.
"The number one issue that has troubled me for many years is that the industry does not promote the skill aspect of the sport," explained Nilsen. "I was introduced to the sport as early as age six and really got into handicapping as a teenager in New York. The intellectual challenge of trying to pick winners got me hooked. To see gamblers pulling the arms on slot machines when they could be diving into past performances and using their brains is rather appalling. It's more fun, it's more challenging and the prospect of winning is so much greater."
Several top handicappers, such as Ross Gallo, Art Parker, Jude Feld and Anthony Kelzenberg have contributed educational handicapping articles for the site. Examples are Nilsen's recent piece "Five Point Checklist for Winners" and Feld's "The 5%" which examines three types of jockey changes.
"We need to educate the public that horse racing handicapping is a game of skill," says Nilsen. "Unlike the worthless casino games and lotteries, horse racing gives gamblers the opportunity to enjoy a great sport and put the odds more in their favor by educating themselves about the game."
Regular Weekly features on the site include "Off the Charts" Trip Notes and Horses to Watch from around the country, Future Book odds from Las Vegas, and the AGameofSkill.com Claimer of the Week.
