When I had that bizarre dream about horse racing this week, little did I know it would lead me to uncover a significant development in the horse racing industry. Equibase's decision to form a chart calling center in KY has sent ripples through the sport.

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby

In my dream, I found myself standing in the media corral at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby. The scene was vivid, with horses on the backstretch and a cannon firing in the infield. It was a surreal experience that made me realize the importance of every detail in horse racing.Equibase's announcement about the chart calling center has raised concerns among horse racing professionals. As one source pointed out, while the biggest tracks might be untouched, smaller tracks like Charles Town could face the loss of their on-site chart callers. This could lead to a dilution of information for bettors and a change in the way we consume racing data.

The Centralization of Charting

Equibase claims that having a centralized charting center will mean more people paying attention to all racetracks. However, in reality, it seems that there will be multiple eyes on TV screens rather than on the races themselves. This shift raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the information we receive.For example, think about how many times we have watched a track feed and wondered about the details of a race. With the new system, we may be left with only a logo or a wide shot of the track, missing out on crucial information about the horses and riders.

The Challenges of Video Feeds

There are also concerns about the stability of video feeds during races. What happens if the feed crashes? Who will be responsible for ensuring that we have access to the necessary information? These are questions that need to be addressed as Equibase moves forward with its centralized charting center.Moreover, not all tracks have stable camera setups or operators. Some tracks, like Ellis Park and Turf Paradise, have struggled with camera issues in the past. With the new system, these problems could become even more pronounced.

The Future of Horse Racing

As we wait to see the full impact of Equibase's decision, it's clear that this is a turning point for the horse racing industry. The balance between technology and human expertise is at stake, and it remains to be seen how this will play out.Some suggest that a compromise could be to turn race-calling into a solo craft, with a single person gathering information and writing the charts. While this may not be a perfect solution, it could help address some of the challenges posed by the centralized system.In conclusion, Equibase's chart calling center has the potential to reshape the horse racing landscape. It will be interesting to see how the industry adapts and whether we can maintain the integrity and excitement of the sport in the face of these changes.Comments below and at RonFlatterRacingPod@gmail.com are welcomed, encouraged and may be used in the feedback segment of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, which also is posted every Friday.