REALISM Vs. “SIM”
Being a relative newcomer, I am not sure that I have the right to weigh in on the subject. Although I have read many articles and threads on the subject. Of which, I think most are ridiculous! Like complaining that a real life stakes event is not held on the same week in “SIM” or run at the same racetrack. I do however think that realism plays a most important factor in the game.
The biggest difference I have found, that really matters, is the carding of races. If you examine the program at any race track in the USA. You will find the majority of races are claiming races for 3 or 4 yr. olds and up.With, the “Sim” writing so many allowance races instead of claiming races, We are falsely inflating the level of racing and the value of our horses. How many races for 3 year olds, NW2L, do we need? I assume this is an effort to keep these horses in the game and to give them value? In RL these horses go back to the farm or they go to a bush track, where the class of racing is lower. Example: If a horse can’t make it in So. California? They either go up north to Golden Gate or ship to Turf Paradise in Arizona. In New York if they can’t run at Belmont or Aqueduct, They Ship to Finger Lakes, The Meadowlands, or Penn National.The economics of racing is the reason for this. You can only keep them running, where they can compete. I am not complaining! Because I am not sure this can be fixed. But it is a valid issue up for discussion!
To me realism is a huge factor! and this Game is the closest thing I have found on the Net. It is also why in most of my articles, I try to blend RL & the”Sim” into my writing. Realism is also something we also try to bring to our Residency. The Testbarn Residency accomplishes this, by running contests based on RL racing and by giving away horse racing “memorabilia” as Prizes! At the time of writing, we have contests running based on the Dubai “World Cup”, The Louisiana Derby and the Road to the Roses.
If you are interested in RL Horse Racing and are playing in the “Sim”? Take a moment and come visit our web site. www.testbarnresidency.com For more information. I bet, you will like what you see. We support Local Bred Racing, with our “LIKEN IT LOCAL” Stakes Racing Series. By years end we will have sponsored the running of 25-40 races. Our next big event, will be The Testbarn Triple Crown Challenge. An event that will be open to the “Sim” at large. With contests and racing, running continuous. You are guaranteed to find something to do!