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Originally Posted by TouchOfGrey
Is there a reason that this track needs to stay open? Do they really think slots are going to revitalize that place? It is so run down and tired looking.
I don't follow the industry problems as closely as most of you so there are probably lots of points I'm missing, but wouldn't it make sense to turn Belmont's inner turf course into a surface suitable for winter racing and close Aqueduct? Surely NYRA could save a lot of $$ by only operating two tracks instead of three.
Are there any thoughts about this? I'm genuinely curious.
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John Nerud has maintained for years that consolidating Belmont and Aqueduct (at Belmont of course) is a must for the Association's financial health. There are a lot of things that would need to happen to make that work besides the installation of a 'winter surface', because the Belmont Grandstand/Clubhouse isn't 'winterized'.
One Nerud suggestion is building a winter Clubhouse by the training track and making that strip the 'all weather' surface. The facility would be a small, ultra-modern simulcast parlor. A grander scale concept involves rebuilding a new Belmont on the backstretch (opposite) side which would diminish the impossible wind/cold that renders the grandstand frigid, even in spring and fall, currently.
Obviously, these are involved options that aren't happening any time soon. As a result, buying 15-20 years to figure out the future by going ahead with the long-delayed Aqueduct casino is the most viable option. I like Aqueduct and have been there for many great moments. It's also a highly accessible attraction being easily reached via the A train. It would take with it a storied portion of racing history if and when it goes.