The horse racing industry is facing a critical need for transformation to remain competitive with other major sports. A significant point of contention is the current scheduling of the Triple Crown races—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—which occur within just five weeks. This tight timeline raises concerns about the welfare of the horses and the fairness of competition, prompting calls for a reevaluation of the racing calendar.
Mike Repole, a prominent owner in the sport, has voiced his desire for change, suggesting that if he were to become the “Commissioner” of racing, he would prioritize reworking the schedule. He believes that the demanding turnaround between races discourages top contenders from participating in all three events, as evidenced by the likelihood that this year’s Derby winners may skip the Preakness in favor of the Belmont. Repole emphasizes the importance of gathering input from various stakeholders in the industry to foster a collaborative approach to reform.
Additionally, Repole advocates for moving the Breeders’ Cup to Labor Day weekend to avoid conflicts with the NFL and college football seasons, which currently diminish its viewership. He argues that maintaining the event in November, particularly on Halloween, is counterproductive and results in embarrassingly low audience numbers. While the push for change may face resistance from traditionalists, Repole’s passion for improving the sport could pave the way for necessary reforms.
