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Originally Posted by Kasept
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.
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The first suggestion is a pretty neat thought.
Absolutely agree with you on the bolded sentiment. I hope whoever does come in for the VLTs finds a way to preserve some of the history that is there in the way of photos and such and the place still feels like a racetrack. A lot of the racinos, while bringing in valuable upgrades (like restrooms!
) really make racing seem like the side-show.