Went to Aqueduct for the first time yesterday...

[pick4]

I went to Aqueduct yesterday too. We got there at 12:30 as the first race was going off. I had a good time as I was hanging out two friends. It was a warm day so we spent a lot of time sitting in the grandstand as all the tables in the Manhattan Terrace were taken.

I agree with the original poster that the place is in need of an upgrade. If they decide to do that there no reason why it can't be improved. Steve mentioned John Nerud's suggestion about closing Aqueduct and moving everything to Belmont. I said the same exact thing when we were on the Cross Island passing Belmont Park.

A racino at Aqueduct might not be the best thing. If you take the train out there, you know it passes through the worst sections of Brooklyn. If you are on the A or C and you are holding a copy of DRF you're screaming " I have a pocket full of money." I know people who ride that line but I prefer to drive when I go to Aqueduct.

Hopefully Governor Patterson names an operator of these slot machines. I have zero interest in ever putting any money into them. The only thing I risk my money on is the stock market and horse racing. It's been eight years since the state was suppose to have slots at NYRA tracks. I think 2010 will be a better year for horse racing in NY.

[Rudeboyelvis]

I don't think closing Aqueduct (regardless of the historical implications) will do a thing to enhance NY racing, from a business standpoint. You would simply wind up with "Calder North" and a ton of lost interest. The only legitimate option from my perspective would be to turn NYRA completely on it's head, winterize Belmont (at a ridiculous cost that could not be substantiated), and run a Spring - Fall meet at Saratoga, ala Keeneland - Chruchill.
Not going to happen.
Love it or hate it, the Aqueduct winter meet is part of the history and the lore. If nothing else, it gives us a reason to look forward to the spring. I personally enjoy the meet, and also really do look forward to the first turf racing at Belmont, but not because I think Aqueduct needs to go by the wayside. It simply helps mark time as we go through the season.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

I don't think closing Aqueduct (regardless of the historical implications) will do a thing to enhance NY racing, from a business standpoint. You would simply wind up with "Calder North" and a ton of lost interest. The only legitimate option from my perspective would be to turn NYRA completely on it's head, winterize Belmont (at a ridiculous cost that could not be substantiated), and run a Spring - Fall meet at Saratoga, ala Keeneland - Chruchill.
Not going to happen.
Love it or hate it, the Aqueduct winter meet is part of the history and the lore. If nothing else, it gives us a reason to look forward to the spring. I personally enjoy the meet, and also really do look forward to the first turf racing at Belmont, but not because I think Aqueduct needs to go by the wayside. It simply helps mark time as we go through the season.

I totally agree. Selling Aqueduct does not benefit NYRA since the State of New York owns it. I don't understand the hate for Aqueduct, it hosts the off season in New York and it is what it is visually, but it is not that bad. The casino will upgrade which is good, but frankly, I have no problem spending a day at the Big A.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by pointman

I totally agree. Selling Aqueduct does not benefit NYRA since the State of New York owns it. I don't understand the hate for Aqueduct, it hosts the off season in New York and it is what it is visually, but it is not that bad. The casino will upgrade which is good, but frankly, I have no problem spending a day at the Big A.

I agree. I swear these complainers must all live across the street from Sha Tin or something, because there are far crappier tracks in this country than Aqueduct.

[pba1817]

All history aside, the place really is a dive, but not any worse than another 10 or so tracks I have visited across this country...

[Patrick333]

When I go to a track the two most important things are can I get my bets down easily and are the restrooms relatively clean. As I get older the second is becoming more important than the first.