Horse racing is one of few sports which continued successfully even during COVID '19 pandemic in many countries with total safety and without any hurdle though without spectators and with new guidelines and the concerned race clubs ensured the well-being of all horses and the interest of owners and the public. Race clubs have funds like benevolent, welfare and charity, medical and health for trainer, owner, jockeys, syces and other supporting staff and attractive stakes for horse-owners and the legalised betting is the main attraction and popularity of this equestrian based thoroughbred racing for punters, though  entry is restricted with entree fee, so no person of dislike for racing compulsively or unwillingly enters. If a person attending races by paying entree fee - what does it means ? He is attending with his free will and consent or forcibly ? His success and failures in betting or rash betting is a different issue. If one is becoming rash and his is betting remains  irresponsible than who is responsible ? Who is to be blamed ? 

     Race clubs have framed many guidelines and rules for bettings on tote and for bettings in bookmakers ring at race clubs. First rule no one below 18 years of age allowed to bet . This rule is relaxed at some race courses where tourists are coming but not for betting, only for entry if such persons are accompanied by their parents. A person coming to races by paying entree fee and he or she is not forced for betting, so  it means it is a option open for he or she to bet or not and if yes how much and on how many horses to bet also to be decided by the individual . He or she is at liberty to select tote or bookmakers option for betting but everything is at his or her sole discretion. In this scenario if one gains or looses - who is responsible? Conclusion is - you are only responsible for your gain and loss. If you undermine the risk factor or take things granted for - than no one can help you or come forward to rescue you.  Ex. if a particular thing is not good for me or injurious to my health and knowingly the consequences if I proceed further or proceed beyond to my permissible limits than I am bound to fall. Than what is the use of crying foul later  ? We read many caution notices - smoking is injuries to health, drink responsibly ( referred for liquor consumption) , similarly play responsibly in horse racing, in cards, in lotteries because nothing is assured or guaranteed.

     Now we take a example of betting on tote. You may dispute the increased taxes or suggest for lowering of taxes but tote pool collections are punters collection and you cannot deny this fact. . Race club is deducting their legitimate commission and govt taxes as levied and after deductions distributing net collections among successful punters in which some are gaining and many are loosing. But clubs are not taking the net collections for themselves . If no one solves the pool, the unsolved  net pools are carried forward and added to collections of some other race meeting as announced by them . The same thing is with lotteries. Your collection is only coming to you after many deductions. But sale of lotteries not decreased. Lottery is purely based on luck but  racing is based on some other parameters  including luck. As far as bookies are concerned that option also rests with you. Whether you want to bet with bookmakers or on tote.

    If bookies are abolished and only tote betting option remains to the punter and proposed online betting comes into force than I think upto a extent punters will be in their limits.  This is also a undeniable fact that horse  racing is not meant for everyone. You have to be clear and choosy . What exactly you want ? If you are uncomfortable you can leave this field and search for other field of your liking , but if you are comfortable, you can continue. Every year many punters are retiring hurt due to their own negligence and mistakes and due to taking things too lightly or granted and many newcomers are also joining at the same time - that's the reason popularity of racing is not coming down.          Turnover and tax collections are fluctuating due to tax related issues like increase in GST rate etc., but popularity remains same. How you view horse racing it's upto you and  your view point --exciting, competitive, entertaining, thrill, gain or loss and accordingly you can proceed the way you wish.  As far as myself is  concerned I once again clarify that I am very happy. I enjoyed my whole racing career of 37 years as a owner, as a breeder, as a punter and as a consultant and I never advocated against anything nor engaged myself in any campaign against racing. It all depends upon your personal liking and satisfaction. When you want to gain something  you have to be prepared for losses and risks and you must be aware of your chances of success . You can't win all jackpots but try and may get few ones.  Always hope for the best and be optimistic. Life is for enjoyment and celebration, so gamble wisely.
   Stay safe and take good health care of yourself and family members. God bless you all.