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Old 03-21-2008, 09:38 PM   #27
JimG
Grade 1
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 992
Quote:
Originally Posted by MIKE1121 View Post
There is this assumption that making your living at the race track is one of the most difficult occupations , is this necessarly the truth.
Boy I think so. Most conservative estimates are that 95% of the people that play the races lose. Takeouts do not help either. All I can go on is 30 years of personal experience. I have personally known many people over the years that played the races. Only a couple would I have classified as a long-term winner. I'm not saying it can't be done, because it can. What I am saying is be prepared that you could be wiped out. I would never go into this full-time unless I had several consistent years of winning part-time and did not have anyone but myself to support.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MIKE1121 View Post
Being a Pro better may not exactly guarantee you finiancial security but neither does being an employee or an employer.
True, but in most occupations, as long as you are employed, you are making money each day you work. Also, most full-time jobs include benefits, which become very important the older you are. Full-time play at the track affords no health benefits and does not guarantee a daily, weekly, or even monthly paycheck.

I think a person who wins with some consistency long-term at the races is not unlike a great ballplayer or recording artist. They work very hard perfecting their craft, but they also possess natural talent. Not everyone who would like to do it is cut out for it.

Jim
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