In a candid interview, leading New York-based thoroughbred owner Mike Repole shared his concerns about the state of California's racing industry and his bold vision to reinvigorate it. Repole, a 55-year-old beverage-industry billionaire, likened the North American racing industry to the Titanic closing in on the iceberg, with California being the first state to jump into a lifeboat. He called for urgent action and a collaborative approach to address the sport's challenges and secure its future in the Golden State.

A Clarion Call for Change in California Racing

Addressing the Downward Spiral

Repole highlighted the alarming trends plaguing California's racing industry, including declining field sizes, lower purses, and a lack of public interest. He pointed to the stark contrast between Del Mar's meager 53 entrants in eight races this Friday, with maidens chasing just $54,000 purses, and the robust 100 entries in nine races at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, where maidens run for $120,000. This downward spiral, he warned, is a vicious cycle that must be broken.Repole attributed California's racing woes to unique challenges, such as the state's inability to easily draw horses from other major racing states due to geographical isolation, the rapid growth of competition in the sports and gaming markets, and the lack of subsidies from other forms of gambling due to the power of Native American casino operators.

Calling for a Collaborative Approach

To address these issues, Repole is taking a proactive approach by sending some of his horses to Santa Anita-based trainer Michael McCarthy. Seven horses from Repole Stable have already run 21 races at Santa Anita and Del Mar in 2024, with three of them earning wins. Repole's efforts have yielded promising results, such as the impressive 15-length maiden victory of his 3-year-old filly Accuracy at Santa Anita, which earned a Beyer speed figure of 107, the second-highest by a female this year.However, Repole recognizes that his individual efforts are not enough. He is calling on other East Coast owners to follow his example, even if it means short-term economic sacrifice. Repole believes that a collaborative approach is essential, and he is working to convene "10 executive leaders of the sport all in one room" to build support for financial incentives and explore transformative changes that could revitalize the industry.

Transforming the Sport's Future

Repole's vision for the future of California racing extends beyond just addressing the immediate challenges. He envisions changes that could be as transformative as baseball's rules to speed up the game. Repole believes that bold and innovative solutions are necessary to reinvigorate the sport and attract a new generation of fans."What I'm trying to do is (create) a little more urgency, a call to action," Repole said. He acknowledges that his outspokenness on industry issues has earned him both friends and foes, but he remains motivated by the goal of helping racing.

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

While Repole's efforts have been well-intentioned and constructive, the path forward is not without its challenges. Bill Nader, the president and CEO of Thoroughbred Owners of California, acknowledged that Repole's words are not just idle, as he has backed up his calls by sending horses to California. However, Nader also questioned whether Repole's vision is truly actionable given the complex economics of the game.The stakes are high, and the challenge of reviving California's racing industry is multifaceted. Repole's quest to lift the sport in the Golden State will require a sustained and collaborative effort, as well as a willingness to embrace bold and innovative solutions. The future of California racing hangs in the balance, and Repole's call to action may be the catalyst needed to spark a much-needed transformation.