Gural Rooting Against Uncle Peter, Archangel And Stormin Normand

[Elgin]

Gural Miffed At Missing Drivers

Jeff Gural is not rooting for Uncle Peter in the
Hambletonian.
Gural ripped into the drivers
who dd not attend yesterday

[careless hal]

The man lives in his own small world.  I doubt his rooting for anyone will have any effect on the results.  Uncle Peter has to be the fav and should by all rights, win.  I have at least one longy up my sleeve, and no, it's not everyones fav longy.

[LVGaryD]

Sounds very shallow. These guys never, ever show up to watch a draw...and why would they?

[Jeremy]

Surprised he didn't ban the drivers until having a talk with them.

[AmyHollar]

 


I thought I was waking up optimistic and getting past all the bad racing luck on the family lately.......then I read this.

[Elgin]

I do think it

[badolpuddytat]

Surprised he didn't ban the drivers until having a talk with them.

[careless hal]

My impression of him is that he does not seem very friendly or approachable.  I sat at the table next to him at a banquet last year and at the surrounding tables where some of the top owners in the sport.  Never did I see him speak to anyone but those at his table.  Now, a new guy takes over, you would think he would stop and say "Hi, I'm Jeff Gural, glad to have you here".  But, no.
Does not seem to be the best way to win friends and influence people.

[Elgin]

At one time Stan Bergstein served as the face of harness racing, but in recent years there has been a void. Jeff Gural filled that space. Like him or not; he seems to be setting the agenda, whether that involves racing four-year-olds, hunting down cheats or driver loyalty.

[Headpole Dave]

He's trying his hardest to make things go, and make an impression so it's frustrating to him when he doesn't perceive that same effort from others. I understand why he feels upset... He put up his own money. If Jody can fly in from Toronto (where there are massive delays), why couldn't Ron Pierce be there?

I like his outspoken attitude. He's not always right, but who has tried harder for harness racing lately?

[maywoodmaniac]

The answer is no one, so good for him.  He's not always right but no one bats 100%

Was every driver informed of their responsibility to attend?

[The Giss]

Top harness drivers passing on a free meal? Unheard of. Assuming drivers were invited, they should have been at the press conference for the biggest trotting race in the sport.
Really goes to why w get so little mainstream media coverage.
While I realize these guys are private contractors, so it is a little different, the NBA, NFL and MLB have attendances requirements for media days prior to big events (Stupid Bowl, All-star, World Series, etc)

[Unknown]

Hoosier Park, best hosts ever, if you're lucky enough 2 have horse in Dan Patch. Private room high up with free food and own private bar. Owner of track comes in & thanks u personally 4 entering your horse. Send entertainers to room to make the kids happy. By far, best experience ever. One thing I noticed is that Amish people drink heavily. Probably due 2 that adversity 2 electricity.

[Just Saying]

Hoosier does an excellent job at hospitality.

I can see Palone not wanting to give up moneys drives, but anyone else who's a Hambo driver without drives that morning should have made the presser. It's polite and good for our sport. I know I never pass on an interview for our county fair; it's like getting an expensive ad for free.

Never met Gural so I can't pass judgement on his demeanor, but I know that without his investment & commitment there would be no racing at the Meadowlands. He's the one that stepped up with the bucks.

[pezz97]

Top harness drivers passing on a free meal? Unheard of. Assuming drivers were invited, they should have been at the press conference for the biggest trotting race in the sport.
Really goes to why w get so little mainstream media coverage.
While I realize these guys are private contractors, so it is a little different, the NBA, NFL and MLB have attendances requirements for media days prior to big events (Stupid Bowl, All-star, World Series, etc)

Jockeys are private contractors too, and they are there for the Derby draw..