Saratoga Meet so Far

[XIIPointStables]

Originally Posted by Gander

Gales:
Foot traffic is not down. Car traffic is way up but that could be attributed to the new growth via all the condos. Track attendance appears (at least to the eye) to be about the same. I dont see any kind of suffering.
The majority of people that go to the race track are either passionate racing fans or degenerate gamblers, so I dont think the economy is going to make those people do otherwise.
Restaurants are as crowded as ever. I dont do the late night bar scene anymore, just too much trouble at that time of night for me. Waste of time and money for me and just too old to be hanging out with 22 year old kids.
I will tell you from my early morning runs through town, the garbage and cigarette butts left outside in front of the bars lead me to believe they arent hurting for business.

I'm not sure about suffering, but the #s are down a good chunk whether you believe your eyes or not. Quoting from the Times-Union, Attendance is down nearly 17 percent and on-track handle is off by almost 9 percent after the second week of the Saratoga Race Course season.

My only two cents would be I believe that people are traveling less with the gas prices and sour outlook on the economy. And yes, it is affecting business in Saratoga and many other places. A nice woman at the NYRA store told me they were off about 25% from last year in terms of sales on track, for whatever that is worth.

The rain Opening Day (week), this past Sunday afternoon and in general has had en effect. I'm not sure there's any blame to lay at the feet of NYRA, racing, etc. In my two trips this year I have nothing but positive reviews. The addition of Restaurant Row and that Hattie's place was a straight gland slam.

But I think the weather/economy have combined to affect the attendance, handle, restaurant business, hotels (surprised to see vacancies this past Friday night)...all of it. I don't think that's being negative, just honest.