There is a co-ed atmosphere around the track on those Friday nights, but no real difference in total handle. The energy crisis in California has curbed that experiment. If there were a czar to answer to, these problems wouldn't exist. Look at the big picture. The PGA has lifted its game up with the help of Tiger Woods and tennis isn't far behind with young stars like the Williams sisters making more than a splash on the scene.
Horse racing has nothing to grab onto as a star vehicle.
The jockeys are all independent contractors who mostly work regionally. Once in a while a superstar horse like Cigar comes along and grabs a few headlines. The sport does little to promote itself. It's each man for himself. Magna Entertainment, which is owned by Frank Stronach has feuded with the NTRA for years and they can't get it together.