Beyer for Hall of Fame

Horse Players are crucial to the Horse Racing Industry, yet a Player’s input, dedication or achievement has never been recognized by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. There is no Horseplayer more deserving of that recognition than ANDY BEYER.

Andy has been a well respected racing columnist with the Washington Post and Daily Racing Form, but it is his significant contribution to the art of handicapping that makes him the perfect candidate. His influence can be seen everywhere handicapping is described and applied.

Andy is most commonly associated with Beyer Speed Figures; the most important handicapping factor in the last thirty years. With the help of the DRF, he has made these figures available and affordable to horseplayers across the country. They have become the de-facto industry standard for trainers, jockey and owners to assess their horse’s ability and competitiveness.

Andy has willingly shared his vast handicapping knowledge and methods via books, magazine, television, movies and the internet. In a sport which has had tremendous difficulty attracting a new audience, Andy’s work has had a significant impact by introducing, encouraging and influencing a whole new set of players.

In recent years, the Horseplayer has inched forward with industry recognition. Thanks to Steve Crist, with the help of the NTRA and DRF, Horseplayers have achieved a significant milepost by having the National Handicapping Champion recognized and awarded at the prestigious, annual Eclipse Awards. However, that one award alone is not enough. Horseplayers still seem to be the most under appreciated and misunderstood group; the peasants of the great game of racing. Sometimes we bring that stigma on ourselves, but we also witness it perpetuated by media, films and TV shows.

Let’s all urge the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to recognize and induct Andy Beyer as the first Horseplayer. He has done so much to change the game by graciously sharing his knowledge, contributing his methods, and entertaining us with his colorful tales of horse race wagering. His impact will live on in the minds of all those involved in this sport.

THANK YOU, ANDY!

Written by 2011 NHC Champion, John Doyle