In Maryland, a bitter drink for the thirsty
By Cricket Goodall

“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.”
— James Branch Cabell

The Magna Entertainment Corporation (MEC) bankruptcy has dealt Maryland horse racing a body blow. With many others, we are asking how we got here. MEC’s empire was vast, and the consequences of this bankruptcy will reverberate in the horse industry for years to come. How did this happen? Mr. Stronach had a vision?–?he invested in the industry, loved breeding and racing Thoroughbreds. When he began collecting some of the marquee tracks across the country, he believed he knew what was best for racing. But here we are shaking our heads, stunned by this turn of events and worried about the future.

If you are reading this, horses likely are your passion and possibly your livelihood. This predicament, not unexpected, is shocking nonetheless. Now it’s time to squeeze the lemons and make lemonade. The problem is, it’s got a bitter taste, and will it quench our thirst? We believe that our horse industry will survive, but at what cost? It will be further compressed, with less racing, fewer farms, fewer horses. Perhaps most importantly, not as many people will be able to make a life with horses.

As Calvin Coolidge once said: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Marylanders are nothing if not persistent, and our horse industry will carry on. History has tested horse racing before, and it has always found ways to adapt. That is the answer now, but the challenges are many. The immediate indulgence is to pass the buck, so let’s try that. We need to blame someone, and Mr. Stronach did not do this on his own. So let’s spread it around. The following list includes some of the most obvious parties who contributed to this mess:

• Lawmakers and regulators
• National industry leaders
• Consolidation of ownership
• Year-round racing
• Marketing
• Other gambling opportunities
• Technology
• Track owners
• Politics
• Industry groups
• The media
• This miserable economy

Having pointed fingers, we need to work together to address the considerable problems we face. Ultimately, the blame will land with those not contemplating the future in constructive terms. It is time to make plans, to dare optimism, to cultivate opportunities, to summon persistence and to make our own destiny. Adapt to survive as Darwin would advise. Search hard enough, and we will find that half-full glass.