Quote:
Originally Posted by HomerS
No, not considering Monmouth to be NYC suburb. But also not Cherry Hill or Cape May.
Plenty of people in that area commute into NYC every day. As we unfortunately saw on 9-11.
Monmouth doesnt have the brand recognition of NYRA tracks which is part of reason for handle discrepancy. I think they have a good brand, been underappreciated over the years. This year should only improve it.
People have discretionary income. Clearly alot of choices if you live in tri state area.
Look at Belmonts attendance. That is a shame. Put aside problem with current cards, even when they were putting out great quality racing people just do not show up in person there. They are missing out its a beautiful track. But they do get a lot of betting.
Monmouth has alot of two dollar bettors. Not that there is anything wrong with that. They just need to get more business from the heavier hitters.
Cardus- thank you
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I don't think Monmouth was underappreciated, it had to do with racing product that Monmouth gave us just not being very good. But the $2 dollar bettors (as you call them) just doesn't know the difference. They are there just to enjoy a day out at the track.
As far as attendence goes, it really doesn't matter as long as people are betting on the races from somewhere. Sure it would be nice if Belmont (or all tracks for that matter) drew big crowds on a daily basis. But there is alot of different entertainment options that Belmont is up against being in the biggest market in the world. I do also think logistics hurts Belmont with their attendence numbers, it's just easier to bet from your house or the local OTB. From many parts of the city/boroughs, Belmont is a gigantic pain in the ass to get to and from. I have to admit, that I used to live about the same distance between Monmouth and Belmont (being in Staten Island). And every time I chose to go to Monmouth. I had every intention of playing Belmont, but it was going to be from Monmouth Park.
"People have discretionary income" I don't think people have as much of this as you think.