Thank you for that.

I was more asking what the other criticisms were because of your wording...

... but this was interesting. :)

I've heard the attendance thing too with regard to Belmont, but that is ridiculous. There were more people at Belmont in 2001 and 2005 than there were on the Saturdays in 2003 (SA), 2004 (LS) and 2008 (SA). There were roughly the same amount there those days as there were in 2012 and 2013 at SA too.

Well I don't get why they haven't tried to get it the past how ever many years but I sure hope that they do again cause it was the greatest.

They could but can they really top the Breeders Cup in purses? It would hurt NYRA more than it would the Breeders Cup.

This years Belmont Stakes Card was stellar and at the appropriate time of the year.

As much as I enjoy going to Keeneland, I am not a fan of the Breeders' Cup going to venues where there is heavy reliance upon temporary seating. In the past (Arlington and Lone Star, in particular), most attendees were denied access to the main track building, even when pricey seats were purchased. And it's not like Monmouth worked out well (although BC had no control over the weather). A November date in Kentucky is likely to come with pretty chilly weather, and if large numbers are fans are required to be outside in the elements all day, the customer experience is likely to be greatly diminished.

But on a positive note, I'm sure that it will look great on TV.

They'd take the races off the turf if there was a threat of rain or cancel races if it is "too cold"

I think Steve has said that Breeders' Cup day is not usually a money maker for the track, so NYRA may not want the hassle. As a fan, and NY local, I also am disappointed it's not been here in a decade. :)

I went in 2005 and it was a great day. I didn't think it was cold, but I'm one of those who spends the day walking from the paddock to the window to the track, (repeat 12 times), so I was moving around which keeps you warm. The best part, though, was going out to the track early on Friday, to watch the last gallops and paddock schooling. Every time a horse came out with a purple BC saddle cloth, everyone would start whispering ("Who's that? Who's that?"). It was fun.

i was at arlington it was cold but in the temp seating i didnt have a problem getting food beer wagers .wagers 1/2 races before hand but thats expected on big days..cant wait for keeneland .was at s.a and churchill .sa was done very well..churchill was ok also..

This is how I spend my day as well. :) I hate seats and Belmont is such a great place if you enjoy walking about and being on the apron and paddock. I enjoyed the BC at Churchill, but my one strong criticism of the experience is that they don't open the track in the mornings for the week prior to the event. I haven't been to Santa Anita, but being able to watch the works every morning at Clockers' Corner sounds really grand.

I heard/read somewhere that NYRA no longer tries for the BC due partly to the date now coinciding with the NYC Marathon.

Well then it's clear to me that the NY Marathon needs to pick a different Sunday. Having attended both, the Breeders Cup is much more entertaining.

Is Repole still crying in his Vitamin Water about no BC?

Let's see. He already has the best race meet of the year in Saratoga. Now Super Belmont Day looks like it has made its mark. Give it a rest.