6/19/2009, It was HOT!,,, It was HAPPENIN'! It was CHURCHILL DOWNS!!!!
 

We get home Friday from working all day in Frankfort and the A/C at home is not keeping up. I am talking to Steve on the radio, about that Jerk David Williams and already sweating. I am not looking forward to sitting in a box at Churchill in 95 degree weather and 90 percent humidity. Fortunately, the car A/C works its magic and calms me down. Until,,,,,, we get to Central ave. It take 45 minutes to go the last 1/2 mile into Churchill. They are doing it again I think They are not prepared again! The parking lots are full and there is minimal traffic control. Typical, can you tell I hate Churchill? Well, I don't hate Churchill really, I hate the way they run the business, They sell the Derby, Make money off the Derby and the rest of the year, they don't care about the horsemen, jockeys, employees or the $2 bettor. I know, I have been one for 40 years.
Anyhow,, I digress.
Let me say this:
IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT FOR HORSE RACING IN KENTUCKY! IT WORKED!
great crowd, lots of new age bettors, good lighting but Damn it was hot.

The churchill A/C could not keep up. They ran out of food in several areas, they ran out of beer at several stations and the food and beer lines were 50 to 100 people long.
This is not new for Churchill, Last Breeders cup they ran out of food, Last Thanksgiving they ran out of food, they run Derby and Oaks like clockwork and can't seem to get the rest of the year right. My guess is Those two events are so big its hard to lose money but make it marginal and they dont know how to run it.
It reminds me of why I no longer take the family to Churchill for Thanksgiving. A table of ten is $600. OK, I can do that, The last time we went to this white table cloth event, they had switched to plastic plates and utensils and our waiter had never served food before.
I'm sorry
I got negative again.
Let me say this,
IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT FOR RACING IN KENTUCKY!

here is a link to the local paper with the story.
http://www.courier-journal.com/

Going to Kentucky next week...I'll be sure to get there early to avoid the parking lines - thanks for the forewarning!

Wait a second...Where were the slots? Oh so racing in KY was terriffic on its own merits imagine that.

I wonder why lights at Saratoga has never been tried? The weather is perfect, the crowds would be huge. It would shake things up a bit and be just the thing to bring in new fans. Attended Hollywood on Friday nights and its wonderful. Such a great mix of young and old, gamblers and casual fans, etc. Perfect transition into the nightlife (which Saratoga doesnt have much of, but hey its Upstate NY not Manhattan...we go to be early here).

Friday night would be the perfect night. They could have post time at 6pm and run half the races in the daylight and the half under the lights. Gates could open at 4pm with great Happy Hour Specials, providing an alternative for those people who are sick of Caroline Street. We need something else to do here at night...the harness track is just plain pathetic.

These were the attendance figures for Fridays at Saratoga last year and note that the 8/8 program was cancelled because of weather. Remember also that the 1st and last Fridays had sunset post times. Do you really think the crowds will be that much bigger?

7/25: 20,626
8/1: 19,435
8/8: 12,928 (CANCELLED)
8/15: 20,098
8/22: 22,988
8/29: 18,195

NT

When they first came out with the twilight concept a lot of the downtown businesses voiced concern over how it would affect them - plus you have the surrounding neighborhood to answer to.

There was a lot of opposition when they tried to host a concert after the season was over on the grounds.

In simulcast dollar land night racing is way behind daytime racing in terms of volume.

It was absolutely packed last night. Probably at least 40K people, maybe 50k. Parts of the track that are only open for derby and oaks were packed dlast night. There were so many different places to to see, a huge dance floor (where Chip Wooley was seen in his cowboy hat bobbin his head to snoop dog and lil jon), a beer garden, live bands, ect. The lighting was really cool around the paddock. Main problem is that at times the beer lines were 45 minutes long. Also, general parking filled, which never ever happens there.

I was there as well last night and agree that it seemed like there were at least 40k there. lines for beer were at least 30 deep the entire time. i had to leave after the 8th race b/c it was just to crowded. When i got there i tried to buy a seat on the 3rd floor and was told that it was sold out which was stunning b/c that has never happened on a normal day. it was a festive atmosphere i dont know what the handle was but there were people everywhere and very hard to move around but all in all was fun.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/104852.html
The usual,no one betting,which is what they need.This happens at CBY all the time when they do "Gimmicks",people show up,but nobody bets.Huge lines for beer,but you can walk right up to a window.

hey how you can you say such a thing. You are killing racing

Agree with all that was said already, we were already in town for the day so were there early (didn't have to fight the traffic) but wow, wall to wall, long lines ... I don't know if I'd do the Friday night thing again without a reason. I agree, it did seem a younger crowd that usually doesn't come to the track - they didn't bet, but sure seemed to be having a great time! Will be interesting to see if a "Friday night" crowd develops. Hot, geesh, it was hot! :(

Black Jack in grade schools could really boast auto industry. Just a few kids passing some time with some left over lunch money.. Everybody is doing it, time for folks to get off their high horse, and allow kids some freedom. GM needs this to compete with Toyota not sure what the hold up is although I suggest we call Obama's office at 1-800 FRE-EDOM. Or email your thoughts to BJforkids.com

prime time racing

now if we could only broadcast it as a betting game, on a free cable channel...

I don't know why the NBA decided to run their basketball games on tv and promote their players. They could have more easily held bingo night.

You just don't get it. But thanks for trolling.

But the NBA doesn't have another NBA 3 hours down the road that has bingo...SO your retarded logic is debunked, you fat moron.

:D

I really think a lot of tracks should experiment with night racing. If you work days, there is no way you can go to the track at noon. Del Mar and Saratoga should have a few fridays with night racing in mind.

More training hours then too!:{>: