That question has often been posed and many people have strong opinions about wagering and horseracing. The famous gambler, Jimmy the Greek, thought that horse racing wouldn't last a day without wagering. Though I've never reached his level of proficiency as a gambler, I have been around horses and racing for many years and hold a different opinion.
That is like saying that other equine sports like jumping events and endurance events and rodeos depend upon wagering to keep them alive. While they don't enjoy the widespread interest of horse racing, they still have a devoted following and many people invest their time and money in those horse related sports.
The point is that there are people in this world who just love horses and doing things with horses that require skill and courage on the part of the horse and human participants. There are also many people who just plain love to watch horses in those events.
I think that is a good argument for horse racing and wagering, not against betting on horses. Because it shows that horse racing is more than just gambling. it is a legitimate sport that deserves respect and is an integral part of some people's lives and also a part of our heritage.
During wars and other disasters, horse racing has survived and people have devoted themselves and risked their lives to save horses. While some people love to bet on horse races, others love to race horses. Some owners and trainers don't even bet on their horses.
Is wagering a good thing for horse racing? I believe it is because it brings a lot of money into the sport that can be dispersed to the owners and people who care for horses. it encourages breeding and scientific research into the care and medication of horses. Some recent events in horse racing have pointed out a need for greater concern for the breeding of more durable horses and race track surfaces that are kinder to the runners.
The money for the development of better surfaces and better breeding practices will eventually come through the tote windows. One nice thing about wagering on horse races is that it keeps it from being an isolated or insular industry. Bettors get to vote with their money to support the tracks and owners who show genuine concern and a willingness to improve the sport for all concerned including and especially the horses.
In my opinion there will always be horseracing and people who love it, whether as bettors, participants, spectators or all of those factors combined.
About the Author
Learn how an insider handicaps horse races by visiting Bill's website at http://williewins.homestead.com (Horse Racing Handicapping with Willie's). To see the systems Bill uses, go to http://williewins.homestead.com/handicappingstore2.html (Bill's Handicapping Store) Bill Peterson has been in horse racing for 50 years. "Horse Racing is in my blood."
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