Letter To The Editor: John Sikura

[Wandering Eyes]

Tom Ryan's observation that California graded stakes have been decimated by the graded stakes committee is spot on, but does not delve into the issue deeply nor address solutions. I applaud him speaking out against a system that adheres to a doctrine of the past, which evaluates many criteria while ignoring the fact that all graded stakes (save a select few) will be the domain of slot-enhanced, subsidized racetracks in the near term. The idea that the Breeders' Cup and/or Jockey Club could ignore this trend while sitting idly by points with clarity to why we should have little faith in our 'institutions' as champions of change.

Supporting California graded stakes through purse supplementation, freezing the downgrading of stakes while attempting to create stability, and restoring the prior status of fixture races like the Santa Anita Oaks and others with set criteria is actionable and necessary. The phrase 'too big to fail,' applied to the banking industry and automobile industry, certainly applies to California racing.

I challenge these organizations to prioritize the crisis and formulate a plan of action. Waiving registration fees and 'Win and You're In' won't save racing, but the loss of California racing will be felt in the sales ring and breeding shed in seismic proportions.

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