Twilight At The Spa ... Or Twilight For The Spa?

[pmayjr]

This topic does bring up something that has always confused me about horse racing. I know it's been talked about a few times over on the ESPN board as well. Why don't these tracks- at least on the weekdays- race at night? I mean the live on-track attendance would be higher. And would handle on track and simulcast handle really go down if there are more people with free time at night (after they get off work)?

I've heard excuses like horsemen putting in ridiculously long days if places race at night, and that sort of stuff. But at Canterbury Park they have $1 night. Admission, hot dogs, beers, and sodas only $1. The younger crowd that comes out for it is quite large.

I just don't understand why more tracks don't race at night.. it seems like a no-brainer to me. Oh yeah... Canterbury did the twilight thing too. On Saturdays. It didn't go over too well except for Claiming Crown Day. I think racing should either be at noon or 1, or wait 7 p.m. to start the race card.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by pmayjr

This topic does bring up something that has always confused me about horse racing. I know it's been talked about a few times over on the ESPN board as well. Why don't these tracks- at least on the weekdays- race at night? I mean the live on-track attendance would be higher. And would handle on track and simulcast handle really go down if there are more people with free time at night (after they get off work)?

I've heard excuses like horsemen putting in ridiculously long days if places race at night, and that sort of stuff. But at Canterbury Park they have $1 night. Admission, hot dogs, beers, and sodas only $1. The younger crowd that comes out for it is quite large.

I just don't understand why more tracks don't race at night.. it seems like a no-brainer to me. Oh yeah... Canterbury did the twilight thing too. On Saturdays. It didn't go over too well except for Claiming Crown Day. I think racing should either be at noon or 1, or wait 7 p.m. to start the race card.

very first thing that comes to mind is lighting...