Editor’s Note:

OK.

We have finally come to recognize that people can’t — or, simply, don’t — take very much time to read these days. So, in an attempt to reach these folks with some educated thoughts in a world where opinions are aplenty, but reason is not, we are going to start a near-daily ritual where we offer you just 60 words of some “thoughts,” that should require only 60 seconds of your time to cover and digest.

For six days out of the requisite seven that are needed to qualify for a full week, we will attempt to provide some insights into the world of Thoroughbred racing; some out-of-sight convictions about the goings and comings; a few things that we believe in, even if we are the only ones that believe.

Take a spin.

You may like it.

Or you may not.

But, if you don’t like it? Just think. It only took about a minute to read.

Start your engines, and stopwatches…

Bill Finley and Randy Moss: Join the Muck Pit:

I hate to write it for public consumption, but if you are going to put nonsense on the world-wide web, then you deserve to be called out. Plain. Simple. And, that is what both Finley and Moss are, as well. Plain. Simple. As well as, well…muck pit worthy.

Both of these self-proclaimed experts recently blasted Churchill Downs and NYRA for creating and developing a series of 3YO races to help promote Thoroughbred racing throughout the Spring and Summer — after the world-famous Kentucky Derby — and, in case the Commonwealth of Maryland doesn’t do something to resolve the on-going, literal mess with Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes.

Never mind, that both CDI and NYRA have spent billions in the industry. Never mind, that both institutions have invested in the future of what could be a new Triple Crown, and, at the same time, protected and enhanced over 150 years worth of history.

Never mind, that both CDI and NYRA have waited and waited for years now for either the Stronach Family or the state of Maryland to fix the track and the image of the race.

Never mind that both of these institutions — CDI & NYRA — have already spent billions to improve their own real facilities, and even more on building their respective purse structures to the best the industry can provide.

Never mind that the new series — of 6 Stakes Races — will have a bonus connected to it and could promote the industry in a whole new way and light.

Never mind that Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes are now, both, just memories in the wind and places that nobody wants to go to, or be seen visiting.

Never mind the facts.

These two so-called “experts” cried foul.

But that’s what they do best.

Cry. And, cry. And, cry some more.

First, Finley.

Right after the announcement by Churchill Downs and NYRA, Finley wrote that the newly proposed series of races — which won’t even be contested for the first time until 2027  — was the death knell of the Triple Crown. Already. Dirt nap time. He wrote an obituary, of sorts.

Yet…

Before you believe anything this guy opines, just realize three things:

  1. The only publication that will print his dribble is The Thoroughbred Daily News, which is owned by his ex-wife, for God’s sake. Guess someone has to keep him afloat.
  2. Truth is, despite what Finley wants you to believe, the Preakness Stakes and Pimlico’s spot in the Triple Crown series is — like it has always been — up to Maryland. Just invest in a first rate facility to host it. Just invest in a first rate purse structure to boost it. Do exactly what Churchill Downs and NYRA have already done. Step up. Or step out.
  3. And, get this, and this says a lot…Finley once told me — seriously and right to me, as I sat next to him — that the old, rickety, burn-worthy River Downs in Cincinnati, OH was the best racetrack in the entire free world. When I started laughing hysterically, he looked at me and said, “I am serious.”

Enough written. Any person who thinks that the old River Downs — which even the state of Ohio thought was best to plow to the ground and rebuild as Belterra — is the best racetrack in the world? Well, you can’t take the guy seriously.

Now, Moss.

After the announcement, Moss took to his podcast mode and blasted both CDI and NYRA as being self-centered; money-hungry; and totally focused on punishing Maryland at the game’s expense. Or thereabouts.

Never mind that the only job that Moss can hold onto is one for NBC, which announced a new TV deal with Pimlico just a day or so after the announcement.

Was he supporting Pimlico and the Preakness Stakes — who are truly indefensible — or simply protecting his only job?

No conflict of interest there, pal.

Transparency. Ethics. Truth.

Today’s world of journalism is void of the most basic of elements.

Certainly, Finley and Moss are void.

Now, you can add sound judgment, as well.

Well, that’s more than 60 words.

But it doesn’t take much more than a minute to read.

Unless you are Moss and Finley.