1,719 ... That's All (The) Folks!

[Sightseek]

It drives me nuts to see how many people will show up for a cheap sportsbag but won't show up for one of racings most historical races like the Whitney.

I hope somehow the NYRA finds a way to build interest in the JCGC this year...it's a perfect opportunity for them having the most anticipated match-up of classic horses, a talented sprinter and several top turf horses.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Cut take-out by 5% for those at the track.

[The Bid]

Great Idea Scuds

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

Cut take-out by 5% for those at the track.

That makes so much sense. Im sure they would never consider. The amazing thing is the average bettor dosent even understand this.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by jpops757

That makes so much sense. Im sure they would never consider. The amazing thing is the average bettor dosent even understand this.

Can the tracks afford to do this though?

[blackthroatedwind]

Do you understand the process NYRA has to go through to get the take-out changed?

I assume you realize when they tried to cut it a few years ago that OTB, which has no legal right to have any say whatsoever, blocked the move. Then, in order to be able to offer their rebate plan, which they had been trying to institute for a number of years, NYRA was forced to raise the take-out 1% ( on WPS ) to satisfy OTB.

So, while lowering take-out is a great idea, and hopefully will happen all around in the future, the off-hand suggestion in this case is unrealistic to say the least. Hell, it takes the NY State Racing and Wagering Board a year or more to approve even the minutest of changes. I don't think people understand how badly NYRA's hands are tied.

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Do you understand the process NYRA has to go through to get the take-out changed?

I assume you realize when they tried to cut it a few years ago that OTB, which has no legal right to have any say whatsoever, blocked the move. Then, in order to be able to offer their rebate plan, which they had been trying to institute for a number of years, NYRA was forced to raise the take-out 1% ( on WPS ) to satisfy OTB.

So, while lowering take-out is a great idea, and hopefully will happen all around in the future, the off-hand suggestion in this case is unrealistic to say the least. Hell, it takes the NY State Racing and Wagering Board a year or more to approve even the minutest of changes. I don't think people understand how badly NYRA's hands are tied.

I mentioned this on another NYRA thread ...

... some things they're to blame for ... and things like this they're not.

When you're treading water in the cesspool of New York State politics ... it's all you can do to stay sane.

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

Cut take-out by 5% for those at the track.

Give this man a kewpie doll ...

... best idea of the year.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

It drives me nuts to see how many people will show up for a cheap sportsbag but won't show up for one of racings most historical races like the Whitney.

I hope somehow the NYRA finds a way to build interest in the JCGC this year...it's a perfect opportunity for them having the most anticipated match-up of classic horses, a talented sprinter and several top turf horses.

I was at Saratoga for Whitney Day and it was just under 30,000. No giveaway, I think that is a very very good attendance. Saratoga is not a good example to use on this type of post. They will get from 15,000 to 20,000 during the week and from 20,000 to 30,000 on the weekends. Though weather and giveaways can play havoc on occasions with those numbers.

It's a trend not just at Belmont but all over the country. Look what Hollywood and Santa Anita will bring in during the week. One reason is summer's over and most are back to work and school. But having said that Belmont on the weekends should be attracting huge crowds. It's in the shadow of the country's largest city, a betting and racing fan city at that.
That I don't understand.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by boswd

I was at Saratoga for Whitney Day and it was just under 30,000. No giveaway, I think that is a very very good attendance. Saratoga is not a good example to use on this type of post. They will get from 15,000 to 20,000 during the week and from 20,000 to 30,000 on the weekends. Though weather and giveaways can play havoc on occasions with those numbers.

It's a trend not just at Belmont but all over the country. Look what Hollywood and Santa Anita will bring in during the week. One reason is summer's over and most are back to work and school. But having said that Belmont on the weekends should be attracting huge crowds. It's in the shadow of the country's largest city, a betting and racing fan city at that.
That I don't understand.

I was there on Whitney day (and every other big stakes day) and found it pretty startling that the sunday of the giveaway bag was far and away more crowded than those days and the racing card was terrible. But you're right, no track draws attendance like Saratoga. (and Keeneland)

Originally Posted by boswd

I was at Saratoga for Whitney Day and it was just under 30,000. No giveaway, I think that is a very very good attendance. Saratoga is not a good example to use on this type of post. They will get from 15,000 to 20,000 during the week and from 20,000 to 30,000 on the weekends. Though weather and giveaways can play havoc on occasions with those numbers.

It's a trend not just at Belmont but all over the country. Look what Hollywood and Santa Anita will bring in during the week. One reason is summer's over and most are back to work and school. But having said that Belmont on the weekends should be attracting huge crowds. It's in the shadow of the country's largest city, a betting and racing fan city at that.
That I don't understand.

We attended Mineshaft's Woodward; the place was an echo chamber. We are going to attend Bernardini's Jockey Club Gold Cup. I think the attendance will be better, but still pathetic. In the 1970's we regularly attended and were part of large crowds. The Marlboro Cup with 40,000 in attendance in 1978 stands out. We were there to see Seattle Slew and Affirmed hook up; it was thrilling. Simulcasting, OTB's proliferating, and at-home betting spelled the doom.