Over the past year, we’ve engaged with press members and industry leaders on various subjects, but in our final 2025 Breeders’ Cup Forum, the spotlight is on you, our readers. Through social media, we asked a straightforward question: What is one attainable goal for the thoroughbred industry in 2026?
Themes like Horse Racing Integrity and Computer-Assisted Betting (CAW) sparked extensive conversation. Nearly all feedback on HISA was negative, with calls for its repeal common, though a positive comment about the industry beginning to accept and improve HISA received notably high approval. To bring clarity, we’ve grouped similar comments into categories, and we thank everyone for sharing their visions for thoroughbred racing in 2026.
Collaboration, Collaboration, Commissioner
Suggestions stressed the need for better regional date alignment, a united governing board free from ego, and collaborative innovation to harmonize the sport. Calls for a strong commissioner with decisive leadership were frequent, emphasizing how central leadership could streamline scheduling and optimize race day participation and purses. There was also a focus on attracting younger audiences and making famous venues like Saratoga more family-friendly and affordable.
Enhancing the Racing Product
Many supporters want to boost opportunities for lower-level racing, ensuring a robust foundation that encourages breeding and expands entry chances. Calls were made to revise purse distribution to benefit more participants fairly. Others favored increasing two-turn and turf races, encouraging longer horse careers, and reintegrating marathon races to promote soundness in breeding. Some hope to adjust traditional race schedules for greater impact.
Innovative Ideas
Ideas included publishing horse weights for better analysis, adopting NFL-like replay systems with improved camera setups, and using shared resources like airplanes to ease horse transportation. More transparency in veterinary decisions and smarter entry and purse frameworks, especially in Southern California, were also suggested.
Criticism and Mixed Views on HISA
HISA drew harsh criticism, with calls for its abolishment due to perceived overreach and lack of understanding of stable operations. Concerns about unfair penalties and ineffective veterinary assessments were raised, along with pleas for better oversight of HISA’s actions. However, a contrarian view urged acceptance of HISA and improvement from within.
Concerns Around Computer-Assisted Gambling (CAW)
Many voiced the urgent need to address CAW’s negative impact, proposing exclusion of CAW from certain betting pools and restricting bet timing to limit unfair advantages. Some suggested integrating lower-stake races to retain retail bettors and emphasizing realistic spending in influencer marketing.
Developments at Belmont Park and Breeding Priorities
There were calls to complete the new Belmont Park swiftly and celebrate its grand opening. Breeding-focused goals included expanding foal production, conserving genetic diversity, and establishing financially sustainable aftercare programs to reduce reliance on charity rescues.
Uncertain Future Changes
Some hoped for changes in Kentucky Derby qualifying races and a major rescheduling of Triple Crown events to support stallion development and align with global racing calendars.
Single-Goal Focuses
Suggestions ranged from full transparency and democratic voting for industry positions to expanded marketing targeting varied demographics and promoting economic studies on the long-term impact of retired Thoroughbreds.
Marketing and Customer Experience
Enhancing live race broadcasts and forging new media partnerships were seen as vital to fan engagement and revenue growth. Industry insiders emphasized fairness for all participants while older demographics were identified as a key audience for promotional efforts.
Pessimistic Views
A few expressed doubts about the sport’s future, highlighting declining attendance, slow reforms in doping and ethics, and the high costs of horse ownership. Still, the hope remains for survival and recovery by the coming year.
Fan Take:
This comprehensive reflection reveals how much horse racing fans crave meaningful reform across integrity, governance, and audience engagement to secure the industry’s future. If these goals gain traction, 2026 could mark a turning point toward revitalizing horse racing’s appeal and sustainability.
