What will racing look like in 10 years? We asked some of racing's best and brightest to give us their predictions. Want to submit an answer? Email suefinley@thetdn.com.Corey Johnson, Longtime track executive, Thoroughbred owner/breederAnyone who reads this publication understands that our sport has plenty of problems. Issues such as aftercare, ADW/CAW, decoupling, shrinking foal crops and the regulation of safety and integrity dominate the landscape and need to be solved. There have been some recent success stories in working together, so, I am going to focus on some developments which will positively affect our industry over the next 10 years.Triple CrownEvery sport needs popular, successful marquee events that cut through the clutter and gain national attention. Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown will be stronger than ever in 2036. Between the reconstruction of Belmont Park and Pimlico, as well as Churchill Downs' continued investment in its facilities, more than $1 Billion will have been spent. On track revenues will soar, along with greater rights fees. The competition to televise/stream championship sporting events will continue to grow. Rights fees and purses will increase.I believe with more revenue at stake, all parties will come together and solve the timing issues of the Triple Crown, thus making it a more competitive and interesting sporting event.InternationalThis prediction is easy… There will be more international growth in Thoroughbred racing. The demand for more turf racing will continue to grow. North American tracks will place a greater emphasis on grass racing. More European horses will come to the US. An increase in worldwide wagering will follow.In 10 years, technology will allow for a seamless betting system. I remember when our industry struggled with the many details involved with wagering on Canadian horse racing. Now, it is commonplace and seamless. By 2036, that will be the same with international betting.I have an interesting prediction about international dirt racing in the future. American breeders produce the best horses for that surface in the world. Lucrative purses for major dirt races will be offered in the Middle East, Far East and other markets still to emerge. So, international buyers will travel to the US in greater numbers to purchase top class dirt horses.Racing LeaguesOne or more of the racing leagues are going to be much more much important in 10 years. I'm not here to predict which one(s) and/or what concept will prevail. But, I believe it will happen, and it will lend itself to not only improving the sport in America but also on an international basis.Expansion/Racing CircuitsI believe there will be significant expansion of pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in the US. This will involve bringing online a number of new states.Many states without horse racing have sports wagering. People are already wagering on their phones and computers. So, it makes it easier to add advance deposit wagering and ultimately live racing to the mix. Before Lone Star Park opened for live racing in 1997, we were able to offer simulcast wagering for a year, which helped pay for construction and build up the purse fund.I predict a number of regional circuits will emerge and become a significant driver of purse money and breeders' awards. At the top of the list is the Mid-Atlantic. The $500 million investment in Maryland racing combined with its non-profit status and the investment by Churchill Downs in historical horse racing in Virginia will create new revenue that will strengthen the sport in the six-state region. As evidenced by the cooperation between Maryland and Virginia this summer, racing schedules will be coordinated.Jockey ClubThe Jockey Club and other national non-profits will take a greater role in the development, ownership and operation of live racing facilities in the US. The British Jockey Club took that approach more than a decade ago and saved many important racetracks in England.Political LobbyingOne of the reasons I paint an optimistic picture of the Thoroughbred racing in 2036, is the belief that we will effectively educate elected officials and the public on the economic benefits of a strong horse industry. Some recent examples are the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative in Florida, and the Kentucky Equine Education Project.I believe our industry has learned we need to tell our agricultural story. We are very vulnerable when we justify our existence only from gambling and pari-mutuel wagering tax revenues. We must present a bigger picture that focuses on the agriculture and tourism impact, and the jobs and economic investment they create.I worked at Arlington Park when the brilliant racing executive Joe Joyce was at the helm. Someday, he will be recognized as a Pillar of the Turf in the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport, with innovations such as the Arlington Million and off track betting. Being in the right place at the right time, I was fortunate he was one of my mentors. I was focused on the implementation of his many great ideas. However, he always warned that we could do everything right at the track but real change–good or bad–usually came through legislation.We can improve Thoroughbred racing. If you are a TDN reader, then you likely love the horse, receive some type of economic benefit and/or receive great joy from the sport. So, I am asking you to get involved in the political process and legislative affairs. Insist that your industry recognize this and spend time and money in this area. Contribute to industry PAC Funds and support horse friendly elected officials. Dedicate time to the process. Visit with your local Senator or Representative. Attend industry events or fundraisers.We have a compelling story to tell, so let's all get involved and make 2036 the best year ever for Thoroughbred racing.The post Racing In 2036: Corey Johnson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.