If the USTA really cared about bringing in new Fans

[Harness racer]

It’s like CLUB MED

Exactly!   

[seriously]

If they really cared about bringing in new fans, instead of the 60+ year old drivers that sucked in the 1980s that still drive, dig up some dead people and have them drive.  Also, maybe narrow the gene pool from 13 families to 6. 

[Open bridle]

The only time I see a lot of younger people coming to the races is Little Brown Jug day. But most are there only to drink, party. Not like the the old days where most of the crowd followed the sport.

[caddy]

The only time I see a lot of younger people coming to the races is Little Brown Jug day. But most are there only to drink, party. Not like the the old days where most of the crowd followed the sport.

Miami Valley used to draw a 20s and 30s crowd; BUT, this year [2022] w/ the switch to afternoon racing and eliminating Friday and Saturday .. well,  crowd's were smaller- and, instead of young adults it was a lot of older gents doing a little day drinkin'.

[Brown jug]

my following comment may not attract new fans but it might get current ones to tune in online more and wager more
for the most part the nightly broadcasts are absolutely horrible
specifically tracks like northfield, meadows, yonkers
they give a minute analysis or picks with very little detail or explanation
then they put on some music for 10 minutes, they have people tuned in and that's the best use of time, playing music ??
how about talking to one driver after every race win or lose to get his view/explanation on how the race played out, surely these guys have time between races, talk to a trainer before every race on his horse, its tendencies etc, he doesn't have to say if he will win or not
no analysis after they come on track pointing out some odds that might  be higher or lower than expected
no suggestions of why a favourite might be vulnerable etc
no suggested wagers
in other words no real help for what people are watching for....BETTING!! TRYING TO WIN SOME MOENY
as for the big tracks
mohawk tries but overall its just weak
the big m  has lots of information, they come on after the post parade, they talk to people in the paddock, wether you like the hosts or not is your call but their format is good

overall as an industry it is just very weak and a lost opportunity

[Open bridle]

my following comment may not attract new fans but it might get current ones to tune in online more and wager more
for the most part the nightly broadcasts are absolutely horrible
specifically tracks like northfield, meadows, yonkers
they give a minute analysis or picks with very little detail or explanation
then they put on some music for 10 minutes, they have people tuned in and that's the best use of time, playing music ??
how about talking to one driver after every race win or lose to get his view/explanation on how the race played out, surely these guys have time between races, talk to a trainer before every race on his horse, its tendencies etc, he doesn't have to say if he will win or not
no analysis after they come on track pointing out some odds that might  be higher or lower than expected
no suggestions of why a favourite might be vulnerable etc
no suggested wagers
in other words no real help for what people are watching for....BETTING!! TRYING TO WIN SOME MOENY
as for the big tracks
mohawk tries but overall its just weak
the big m  has lots of information, they come on after the post parade, they talk to people in the paddock, wether you like the hosts or not is your call but their format is good

overall as an industry it is just very weak and a lost opportunity

The bottom line is what's more exciting to bet on for the younger kids:  NFL / NBA / NCAA/ etc.  or some horses they know nothing about going around a track.  When we were growing up horse racing was the only exciting game in town to bet your money. Not anymore. USTA is fighting a losing battle to attract betting money and younger fans away from these other venues.

[Brown jug]

you are correct, no young people interested in harness, t bred has a bit more of a hope as they are trying to make it a place to be for young people, harness, no chance, still a hillbilly sport in their eyes and the sport does little to dispel that
in fact now sports wagering is at a whole new level
from a few years ago where pro sports leagues looked the other way to now promoting during the game
you are bombarded with betting options, props etc live or on the telecast