Campaign for Better Dress-Codes at Saratoga

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

are trendy types that want to be seen going to head over to Ozone Park in the afternoon?

which tracks in the US do you envision people flocking to at night as an alternative to a Martini bar or a lounge? Mountaineer? Lone Star? LosAl? Balmoral?

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

Wimp!

the problem is not getting people to the track --- or making the track trendy or popular --- IMO, it's about educating them on a game that is tremendously intimidating and complex.

[brockguy]

I like the idea of getting dressed up for the big meetings... I think its a fine suggestion by the creator of this thread! It won't and shouldnt work for the run of the mill race meetings, but for the bigger ones, it would be nice..

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by brockguy

I like the idea of getting dressed up for the big meetings... I think its a fine suggestion by the creator of this thread! It won't and shouldnt work for the run of the mill race meetings, but for the bigger ones, it would be nice..

Someday I'll see you at Royal Ascot!

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Wimp!

the problem is not getting people to the track --- or making the track trendy or popular --- IMO, it's about educating them on a game that is tremendously intimidating and complex.

I think the problem is twofold. You'll always draw people to Saratoga, but I think a lot of tracks do suffer by not being the trendy or popular or respectful place for people who are not fans yet to attend. Saratoga doesn't suffer for the reasons that it is all of those things and yet also has a very casual and family friendly side. (SARATOGA RULES! ) What do you think is the general public perception of the racetrack? The answer does not lie in better dress code (although since everyone is treating it like a business and not a sport shouldn't they be dressing like it?), but if you build an atmosphere in which all people want to show up than you'll have a group of people that you can educate on racing.

I definitely agree that they need to find ways to educate people at the track.

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

you're right, but these are just isolated cases. there are only a few niche areas that could cater to this type of crowd. Keeneland and Sarotaga are high end marquee meets that are really events to themselves. Hollywood and Arlington to an extent have drawn in the youth crowd with some success. but to revive our sport and make it grow these are just drops in the bucket.

[brockguy]

I think Del Mar have done a good job getting a young crowd. When I was there on opening Friday, there were plenty there. Sure they might have been there mainly for the concert afterwards but still..

[packerbacker7964]

I could see if it's a Graded Race to dress better but for a non winners since All. come on guys.

[NoChanceToDance]

Horse Racing is the 'sport of kings' but in America it it usually treated like the 'sport of bums' with what many people wear to the track.

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by NoChanceToDance

Horse Racing is the 'sport of kings' but in America it it usually treated like the 'sport of bums' with what many people wear to the track.

that 'king' concept didn't go over so well over here. in fact, we booted them out over 200 years ago.

[viscount26]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

that 'king' concept didn't go over so well over here. in fact, we booted them out over 200 years ago.

That's because we didn't want it.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

you're right, but these are just isolated cases. there are only a few niche areas that could cater to this type of crowd. Keeneland and Sarotaga are high end marquee meets that are really events to themselves. Hollywood and Arlington to an extent have drawn in the youth crowd with some success. but to revive our sport and make it grow these are just drops in the bucket.

Unfortunately what more can be done if racing continues to not cater to the fan by early retirements, the wagering mess and the preceived dishonesty of trainers among other things?

I wish I lived near Hollywood because from what I was watching on TV it looks like they were really trying their best to bring a good product to their customers.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I wish I lived near Hollywood

You would not want to live too close...

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I wish I lived near Hollywood because from what I was watching on TV it looks like they were really trying their best to bring a good product to their customers.

no you don't, trust me on that one.

flying into LA is like watching a scene from a nightmarish borg planet. concrete everywhere extending in all directions for much further than the eye can see, even from an airplane.

hours of traffic to get anywhere. pollution, stupid people, and constant noise.

though, inglewood, the town HP is in, is a lovely place. it's amazing what iron bars over every window and door can do to pretty up a place!

you can get really good ribs at least down at mr. jims. you need no teeth to eat our beef!

best bbq i've ever been to.