Harness Racing's Reality Check
Defending Jeff Gural's stewardship at The Meadowlands highlights why passion alone can't save a sport in decline.
A recent "letter to the editor" in HRU sparked concern, as the author, a breeder disappointed by poor sales results, implied that Jeff Gural should be replaced as the steward of The Meadowlands Racetrack.
The irony of this demand is hard to ignore, especially when considering the historical context and current realities of the sport.
Fifteen years ago, The Meadowlands was on the brink of closure, with its future uncertain and its significance for harness racing in New Jersey and the US hanging by a thread.
Jeff Gural's intervention saved it, and without his financial commitment and vision, The Meadowlands would no longer exist.
Author's summary: Passion is not enough to save harness racing.