I wish the money was split 3 ways. The track, the horsemen and guaranteed betting pools with reduced takeouts.
I think that's the way it's always been, and has to be. The problem comes down to the percentages.
a. The takeout has to be low enough to encourage betting.
b. The track has a huge expense in maintaining the facility, the taxes taken out, and has to show a profit or go out of business.
c. Horsemen have to make enough to stay in business.
The problem always comes down to someone in the trio (or quadrangle...govt) getting greedy and killing the golden goose.
jmo