do we need owners in racing?

@rob faux:
'The thread is about WHO has to own them FFS'

Dubai might not have punters & gambling?

Yet, what bets are laid off-shore with bookies? And, the TV rights....? Of course...shhhh!!!!

You also right about the ff:

'You can badmouth bookmakers as much as you like but words aint going to change anything!'

In a short reply, yes we do need owners thats what makes it personal to racing and horses... The bond between the horse and owner adds to this game. I couldnt see it any other way. And i dont own by the way just a dream.

Maybe the punters should start getting involved in virtual racing. Then there are no expensive mouths to feed, and bets can still be struck.
Those that want to own horses and race ( as Barry says - even against their neighbour if necessary) they can keep the flesh and blood creature.
I guess it also makes a huge difference as to why one is involved in racing. While the sport/industry may be the same, thr satisfaction that a punter vs. A owner get out, are very different.

I watched a few virtual races when in England and was absolutely bored with it and would never bet on it.

Racehorse ownership is great but is best in the hands of parties who can geuinely afford to do so.To this end the NHA should ensure a strict credit control is maintained at all levels but I would think that, for the foreseeable future,affordability will reduce as it is difficult to see stakes keeping up with costs.
It is for this reason that looking at other types of ownership in less traditional forms may become more and more necessary.Breeders retaining and perhaps the RA and operators buying,thereby creating a large pool of horses that are leased to "owners" to cover 'running costs' may,for instance,be feasible but it may become necessary for operators to become owners as well!
The point is that for as long as the tote fails to provide value,and operators fail to find ways to get back ownership of their betting product it will be necessary to find strategies for going forward.Looking back in self pity is pointless,as is complaining about things that will not change unless some form of compromise is reached.