Twighlight racing at Saratoga

blackthroatedwind · #1 07-18-2006, 04:02 PM

Actually, Gander deserves a LOT of credit for this. He started a thread ( I just looked it up ) on the morning of June 17th about this very idea, and it was that day that I gave my case for a twilight card that weekend. I am uncomfortable taking credit for this, as it was Bill Nader who made it happen, but it was Gander's thread that reintroduced this idea, which both Bill and I had discussed over the years.

All good ideas do not go unnoticed.

sumitas · #2 07-18-2006, 04:07 PM

When is the Spa meet going to start on July 1st ?

blackthroatedwind · #3 07-18-2006, 04:09 PM

That would qualify as a bad idea that will go unnoticed

.

Six weeks is already stretching things, as truly the track is pretty much only busy during the actual August dates, and diluting it further would really begin to erode the prestige of the meet. And, believe it or not, everybody doesn't LOVE going up there.

sumitas · #4 07-18-2006, 04:11 PM

I read somewhere NYS would like to see the meet start around July 1st. I assume some of the bids will propose that.

blackthroatedwind · #5 07-18-2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumitas

I read somewhere NYS would like to see the meet start around July 1st. I assume some of the bids will propose that.

I highly doubt this. I think people are underestimating the problems with the housing market associated with this. It would also create a large overlap with the Churchill meet which would delay, or even forfeit, shippers and severly dilute the quality of the meet.

It is not as simple as saying " if we build it they will come ".

Gander · #6 07-18-2006, 04:15 PM

I agree totally. Not only do not all people enjoy coming to Saratoga, but not all Saratogians love the town tripling in size for 6 weeks for horse racing. I am a huge fan but very glad when its all over too.

6 weeks is plenty and I think they have the ideal window (July 26th - Sep 4th) for it the way it stands now.

Labor Day may not be the most popular weekend of the meet, but I think its a great idea having racing here. I for one cant stand Labor Day, and without the track that weekend I'd go out of my mind. Love the somewhat recently added Labor Day weekend of racing.

Gander · #7 07-18-2006, 04:08 PM

Thanks BTW.

I have many more ideas, some you might find a little far out there, but I think they are worth hearing nonetheless. Perhaps over a beer or an ice cream at the track.

blackthroatedwind · #8 07-18-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gander

Thanks BTW.

I have many more ideas, some you might find a little far out there, but I think they are worth hearing nonetheless. Perhaps over a beer or an ice cream at the track.

Anything that CAN be done that will improve the racing experience is worth listening to.