NY

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

There were other tracks in NY earlier in the century that were all competitors. Jamiaca, Empire, Belmont and a few others that I dont recall. Nyra was formed in the 50's to have all the NY tracks under one organization. Aqueduct was a very popular track in the 60's and I believe that the Belmont was even held there while Belmont was being renovated. Aqu is located in Queens not too far from Brooklyn and is on the subway lines from Manhattan and as such was easier for people in these area to reach. Dont forget there was no simulcasting or OTb's and Belmont was a long ways away from the city.

Gotcha. I often forget how big New York is. But in todays world is it silly to have both of the tracks? Or is Belmont not suited for winter racing?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by whodey17

Gotcha. I often forget how big New York is. But in todays world is it silly to have both of the tracks? Or is Belmont not suited for winter racing?

There are a lot of politics in play. Aqu is a NYC track but Belmont is not and I'm sure that NYC would lose a lot of revenue were Aqu be shut down and turned into another parking lot for JFK. But it (NYC) will rake in money if the slots are put there.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

There are a lot of politics in play. Aqu is a NYC track but Belmont is not and I'm sure that NYC would lose a lot of revenue were Aqu be shut down and turned into another parking lot for JFK. But it (NYC) will rake in money if the slots are put there.

Makes sense to me. Cannon if you were in charge what would you do with the 2 tracks?

[slotdirt]

Belmont is actually half in the five boroughs and half in Nassau County.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Belmont is actually half in the five boroughs and half in Nassau County.

true

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by whodey17

Makes sense to me. Cannon if you were in charge what would you do with the 2 tracks?

There are so many factors that are beyond my comprehension of the situation that I really dont know what can be done. I suppose if I could have a free rein and the political types would do what I wanted I would continue to operate both tracks with slots. A northern winter track is never going to draw much and you can use most of AQUeducts grandstand for a slots parlor. However I would signifigantly upgrade the area that is used by the horse players. Pretty much the same plan for Belmont which only gets large crowds for the Belmont when a TC is on the line.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

There are so many factors that are beyond my comprehension of the situation that I really dont know what can be done. I suppose if I could have a free rein and the political types would do what I wanted I would continue to operate both tracks with slots. A northern winter track is never going to draw much and you can use most of AQUeducts grandstand for a slots parlor. However I would signifigantly upgrade the area that is used by the horse players. Pretty much the same plan for Belmont which only gets large crowds for the Belmont when a TC is on the line.

So basically take the grandstands and make create a slots parlor. I like this idea. But are slots the cure all for racing?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by whodey17

So basically take the grandstands and make create a slots parlor. I like this idea. But are slots the cure all for racing?

Who asked them to be a cure? If we are getting a piece of the action and it is put toward making our sport better aren't we better off than if we get nothing but unfair competition?

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Who asked them to be a cure? If we are getting a piece of the action and it is put toward making our sport better aren't we better off than if we get nothing but unfair competition?

I agree with you. Let me rephrase the question...other than slots, what else can be done to help make horse racing better?