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Originally Posted by scanman
That being the case, then surely, Presque Isle Downs would have never come into existence.
As most people know, Mountaineer Gaming is only using the track as a means to generate income from the slots in an area where no slot gambling is available. A smart investment move by Mountaineer.
Did racing need another track in northwestern PA? Absolutely not. With 7 tracks within a 5 hour drive (Penn National, Mountaineer, Thistledowns, Beulah Park, Finger Lakes, Woodbine and Fort Erie), why in the world would racing need another track in an area where tracks already struggle to fill their races? It doesn't. But since Presque Isle Downs will become a reality, let's look at the positive effects it will have on racing.
1) Excellent purses that will benefit everyone involved in racing (owners, trainers, jocks, stable staff)
2) Economic boost to the agricultural industry in the area, as well as a positive employment impact.
Will it generate great racing? Doubtful. Have to wait and see. Surely the large purses will/should attract better horses, but next year when they run their meeting (May-Sep) they will be competing against Bel/Sar, WO, AP and to a lesser degree Pen, Pha, Del and Mth. Just not enough good horses to go around, so yeah, racing will be diluted. But I don't see where that's a big deal, because a genuine fan should/will appreciate racing at all levels. Racing is racing. Within the last year I've witnessed great enthusiam for racing equally in the grandstands at the "great" Churchill Downs and the "lowly" Flagstaff.
As far as slots being a prop for racing, (it is), but I don't see a problem with that either. Anything that puts money into racing to keep it going or to stimulate growth is a good thing.
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