According to the Monmouth Park site ( I tried to post the article and link, but I am not to computer literate) They have had at least 40,000 every year this decade. Including one year when they had 53,000. But keep this in mind. The two times that I have gone, it seemed like everybody had 8 hats. Meaning either they know someone handing out those damn things or they paid for 8 entries. I believe the latter. 53,000 no way, I can't believe 40,000.

Haskell Day
 

http://www.monmouthpark.com/sharedimages/HASKELL(1).pdf


Even if people are merry go rounding for free hats, they still have a huge crowd with nowhere to sit. It will be a great day. And by the way when was the last time anyone can remember 30 degree weather in October??:confused:

Last year ?
http://www.almanac.com/weatherhistor...06&searchtype=

I don't have anything to contribute to this thread but I just had to say - I loved seeing your screen name. Great old hard knocker when he was running in MD - brings back good memories. Loved to see Lexington Park run too. Combined they must have run 250 races - and won 80.....

Hey...it's Pam. Welcome aboard. Are you going to the Belmont?

PS: I was just rewatching that TC series you gave me...seeing John Henry gut it out was the star of all the races.

Hi Pam ! We'll be in Vegas watching from the Hilton sports book. Lyn called Diane as we were driving home from the Preakness and offered us tickets but we had already booked the trip to Vegas. Diane emailed her your cell # and email address and didn't hear back from her after one email bounced and another went through so we're not sure if she got your info.

Are you going? It should be a great day of racing topped off by another horse who was denied the Triple Crown via the Derby.;)

Great to hear from you! Hopefully we can get together in August:)

I'll send you his pps from '76-'83 if you want to email me through my profile.Unfortunately the file is too large to attach here.

Many seem to think the BC will be a disaster at Monmouth. I was at Point Given's Haskell. The place was packed. I didn't have a seat. There was no additionnal seating. I had a great time. My opinion is, if you want to go, to pay the $50 to walk in and not waste your money on a seat. Also I don't think the BC will draw any more folks that the average Haskell. Belmont gets about 50 K for the BC. I doubt Monmouth will draw more than 35K to 40 K. The extra seats are merely a means of the Breeders Cup bleeding people for everything they can. Hopefully they will all sell. It will give those of us that are hoofing it more room to move around

I live in the New Haven, CT area and will probably make the 3 1/2 hour drive, if the weather isn't nasty. Will reserve a hotel room somewhere up the road on the Jersey coast on the ride home

I'm going to continue to pick your brain on Monmouth Park. What's the deal with the Monmouth Cafe; is there any view of the track from the cafe? How about betting machines, etc. in the restaurant? Tried to call Monmouth, but of course they are closed until Wednesday. Thanks.

I think the Monmouth Cafe is on the opposite side of the track in the grandstand area. It looks like it is under renovation now. It has absolutley no view of the track. You might have a slight look at the paddock. But you would not be able to see anything good. If the Cafe is one one I am think about, then it is like a high school cafeteria. I have only been in there once or twice, but I do not remember seeing auto tote machines. They did have TV's in there but that was about it. The food was mediocre at best. I am not sure what they have lined up for the Breeders Cup. As far as the General Admission or Standing Room only goes, I do not believe that you will have any chance to see the track itself. All areas around the track will have temporary seating. I am guessing that they will have to put up big screens, like they have at Belmont and Saratoga all meet long. During the regular Monmouth meet they have nothing like that available. They do have these's mini structures where they have about 6 TV's with the different tracks going. I also know at Belmont in the picinic area they have large tents with screens in them where you could hide from the elements and watch the races. I don't think Monmouth has the room for any tents, and there are only a handful of spots where they could put the screens. Believe me, I want to see them pull this off. Monmouth is my home track and it would be great to see the Breeders Cup there every couple of years, but I just think that they do not have the facilities to pull this off. Not to mention that they can't have 7 panel races and the mile will be a mile and seventy yards. Personally I am debating what I want to do that day. Right now I think I just might go to Fridays card and stay at home on the big day. I would rather be in the comfort of my house and enjoy all the races than be stuck standing outside the grandstand area watching the races on a big screen there. That is if they have them.

I've been to the last few BCs except for AP & the most recent one at Bel. I went to Monmouth once & think it's a real nice track. I worry more about the weather than handling the crowds. While Bel is plenty big, I recall a miserable cold windy day in NY. Lone Star managed the crowd & the weather was great. Probably SA is the ideal place for the BC. Gulfstream has been destroyed by MEC & no longer has room for a BC.

Just my 2 cents:)

Hi Pam!

Will you be around in Aug? Also did Lyn contact you about the Bel tickets? I was going to suggest she get in contact with Silvercharm also if you couldn't use the tickets but couldn't find his email.
Be well & GLA
Diane

The last Haskell I was at was in 2003. The day at the track was fine but getting out of there was unbelievable. We literally sat in our car in the parking lot for over an hour with out moving out of the parking spot. Finally my wife drove through the lot and over the curb to get on the road. She swore she would not be going back to any more Haskell days. It's a shame because it really is the one day a year that there is decent card in NJ.

I hope I'm wrong, but only time will tell.

Monmouth used to be "my" track but now I prefer Belmont and that is where

Yes, I'm going and have Lyn's tickets. They're right behind the winner's circle! I'm so excited that my nostrils are flaring....I'm kinda looking a bit equine!

And, I am VERY grateful that Diane thought to ask me.

Unfortunately I'll be away in August, but let's do a big get-together for MD Millions Day. I just read that the purses are heftier.

Have you been following Southwestern Heat? I just got a message about another work out, so stay tuned for an upcoming race.

Maryland Millions sounds great. I really blew it by not using SW Heat in the exacta at that juicy price:o

Have a great time Belmont day and bring home some winners:)

I was at Monmouth on Sunday and I was talking to a lady that is involved with running the BC. She said that there will be betting kiosks and other concessions near the temporary seating that will be on the clubhouse turn.

That's helpful,thanks. I have my doubts about getting tickets because they stated they will give preference to requests for both Fri & Sat. I requested for only Sat. I was there once, nice track. It seems from what I heard, it's a big undertaking, but other smaller tracks have pulled it off successfully. There is always ebay.
I'm looking forward to the 08 BC at SA. Much roomier & I can drive there!