Atlantic City closing 1/16; New suitor appears for RC

[saratogadew]

Tough news. I always thought the 6 day meet would lead to brighter days ahead. Just like Garden State Park, the owners probably believe the land is worth way more than the profit they can generate through racing. The story of the closing was just on channel 6 news. "Officials blame the closing on the lower horse population, and the lagging economy surrounding Atlantic City".

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

"Officials blame the closing on the lower horse population, and the lagging economy surrounding Atlantic City".

Quoting Colonel Sherman T. Potter from M*A*S*H, "Horse-hockey".

While Monmouth's extended meet (and the turf racing at the Meadowlands) might suffer from the overall decrease in nationwide breeding, ACRC carded full fields for all of their races with better than 68 head entered on a daily six-race program. ACRC carved a very unique niche in the horse racing calender for cheaper Parx horses looking for a turf option in addition to being an end-April/early-May launching pad for horses returning to the races for a new season.

[jnunan4759]

That's all true Scott. Another note is that Greenwood has only been offering simulcasting of ACRC (it's own property) for a couple of years. It used to be if you wanted to bet AC, you had to go there. Most of the on-track customers come from Philly.

Most fans and horsemen(women) I know wanted more of the AC meet, even though it was a drive and had no stables. They liked the good turf course much better than Parx.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

Quoting Colonel Sherman T. Potter from M*A*S*H, "Horse-hockey".

While Monmouth's extended meet (and the turf racing at the Meadowlands) might suffer from the overall decrease in nationwide breeding, ACRC carded full fields for all of their races with better than 68 head entered on a daily six-race program. ACRC carved a very unique niche in the horse racing calender for cheaper Parx horses looking for a turf option in addition to being an end-April/early-May launching pad for horses returning to the races for a new season.

To that end, you could run a lower level turf horse off the winter layoff without fear of losing it as I don't believe (this may have changed) they had the mechanisms in place to allow actual claiming

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

To that end, you could run a lower level turf horse off the winter layoff without fear of losing it as I don't believe (this may have changed) they had the mechanisms in place to allow actual claiming

Correct. Races carded at Atlantic City were run under Maiden Special Weight, Starter Allowance, or Allowance conditions.

[jnunan4759]

Yes, could take a fairly cheap horse and maybe cash a check. Turf course was very nice. They just cut the grass and it was always a good course. Unlike Parx which is a hell-hole. They made money there. Maybe not from racing 6 days, but they could have made much more.

If I was the king of the world I'd have closed Parx from June 1 until Labor Day and raced at AC and kept the dirt track and barns. I loved it there. People came from Philly since it was a 45 minutes drive for most.

Steve mentioned a good thing today, about racing days. I know in PA it's all about revenue. The Racing Commission is a political vehicle for revenue. I worked for years on the PA Breeder's Board and wanted reduced dates and reduced takeout. It made sense and still does. The handle at PARX was $56,000 on Saturday. That's nine races and about $6,000 per race. That's horrible.

Del Park is also reducing days, not for Profit-Loss but just because they hate racing. Many of the operators just hate racing. It's a scab on their arm. They make millions in slots and casino and make thousands in the racing. It's hamburgers and hot dogs.

But I do know it's never going to go away. Every kid I've taken to the track loves it. I love it.

[Kasept]

MONMOUTH APPROACHING GREENWOOD ABOUT ACRC

http://www.examiner.com/article/monm...e-racing-dates

When asked if Monmouth Park would use the Atlantic City dates, Dennis Drazin, advisor to Darby Development — operator of Monmouth Park -- said in an exclusive statement to Examiner.com yesterday, "We are all very sad to see ACRA with its glorious past end its days as a racetrack. I do not anticipate adding days at Monmouth but rather we will make an effort to lease or buy the racetrack in order to preserve live racing in south New Jersey."

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Is it really worth it to "preserve live racing in south New Jersey"?

If Drazin can make money with it, then so be it, but "preserving" a six-day meet, or some alternative?

I don't see it.

Would have to think there is a certain (sizeable?) chunk of MTH handle associated with ACRC facility. That might figure in. And of course with Drazin still expecting the sports gambling to ultimately happen, having an outlet that much closer to Philadelphia feels attractive.