|
|
 |
|
|
|
#1
01-02-2010, 06:44 AM
|
||||
|
||||
Went to Aqueduct for the first time yesterday...
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.
__________________
"An Absolute Thriller!!" - Grassy wins a six-way photo finish, Saratoga 9th, 8-22-09 
|
|
#2
01-02-2010, 08:16 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
It would be thriving if VLT's were there
__________________
"Change can be good, but constant change shows no direction" http://www.hickoryhillhoff.blogspot.com/
|
|
#3
01-02-2010, 08:30 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Governor promises decision on racino
Paterson says he will endorse a bid next week to install gambling terminals at Aqueduct Race Track By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writer First published in print: Saturday, January 2, 2010 http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories...storyID=884057 ALBANY -- Governor David Paterson opened the governor's mansion to the public Friday by declaring that he will soon endorse a bid to install gambling terminals at Aqueduct Race Track. Paterson said that as soon as next week he would name a vendor to build a video lottery terminal racino at the Queens thoroughbred track -- and try to convince Assembly and Senate leaders to back the choice. Paterson and legislators have been unable to reach an agreement over who should run the racino. "If the two other leaders cannot come to a conclusion and a decision about which group should be the sponsoring organization, then I think I'll be forced, as I did last year, to announce my group and hope to persuade the two other leaders," Paterson said. Five teams have bid for the right to operate the racino, which is expected to earn millions of dollars in annual revenue for the state and the New York Racing Association.
__________________
All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind. ~ Joseph Conrad A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams can't come true. They are only afraid that theirs won't and yours will. ~ Robert Evans The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. ~ George Orwell, 1984.
|
|
#4
01-02-2010, 09:00 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
take a ride to yonkers a lot of what you say about the big a could have been said about yonkers pre vlt days , it was a tired old looking building without much flair and was running down , today the old building is still there and while the structure remains old it has been totally revitilized and given a facelift to modernize it. a new wing was added to bring more slots and entertainment to the facility .... to say aqu should close is a bit premature , if aqu has 1/2 the success that yonkers has it will still be a success for all invloved in ozone park
|
|
#5
01-02-2010, 09:04 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
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.
__________________
All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind. ~ Joseph Conrad A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams can't come true. They are only afraid that theirs won't and yours will. ~ Robert Evans The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. ~ George Orwell, 1984.
|
|
#6
01-02-2010, 09:11 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
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.
|
|
#8
01-02-2010, 04:05 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
You're from Elmont and you've never been to Aqueduct?
 It is perfectly suited for winter racing - the paddock is below the surface and mostly out of the winter wind that has a tendency to whip up off of Jamaica Bay. The Inner is a terrifically serviceable winter racing platform. I don't get the whole "we need slots to spruce up the place" mentality either. The clubhouse is just fine - and I've spent many pleasant and memorable afternoons at a table in the Equestris Resturant overlooking the track - Throw on a sportscoat and tie, and enjoy good food and great views. I could care less what the grandstand and the boxes look like - they don't get used by anyone and haven't been used since it became a primarily winter destination. It's silly to think that the slots are going to do anything at all to "spruce up the track". There will just be a huge casino in the parking lot.
|
|
#9
01-02-2010, 04:09 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I think Aqueduct is a much more enjoyable venue for racing than Belmont, espcially if you sit in the Equestris restaurant. The view is outstanding and teh food is really good too. It is kind of a hassle having to go down so many levels to get to the Paddock but all in all I liked it a lot more than Belmont.
|
Hybrid Mode
