Is There Too Much Emphasis On Money In Horse Racing?

SAN DIEGO -- It is the thrill, the crowds and the big bets that gets horse racing fans excited.

"People who are in this game are in it for the rush for the thrill of winning a race," said Joe Harper of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. "These horses are racing for pretty good purses. Here at Del Mar are some of the highest purses in the country."

Opening Day at Del Mar is an exciting event for many, but some San Diegans said the game has changed.

About 40 percent of San Diegans said when it comes to horse racing there is too much emphasis on money.

Horse trainer Howard Zucker has been working with horses for 35 years, and said, "Here, we live on hope … from one race to the next ... from one winner to the next."

Zucker lives on hope and said only a few trainers and owners make money.

Drew Couto, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, said less than 50 percent of owners break even. He said owning a horse is not cheap.

"On average, it's going to cost you roughly $3,000 a month …," said Couto.

Out of those who do break even, Couto said less than 25 percent make a profit.

Trainers and owners said they do what they do because they love horses.

Zucker said, "But if they can just break even on their bills and maybe get lucky and come up with a big horse and have the thrill of having a big race, that's payback for the money that's spent."

It is money well spent to some who said there is no better feeling than seeing your horse cross the finish line first.