Less or more... which do you want to see?

[DerbyCat]

Originally Posted by travelling_vic

If my first visit to a track was old Bay Meadows, after I rode the train to the track, where I used to get box E-9 every Saturday during the fair meet so we could leisurely SIT and still see the races after all the grandstand crowd stood up, the home of Tod Creed, Hap Logue (the poor man's Secretariat), Mel Lewis, and the inside paddock, I would have been sold on the GAME as well. San Mateo's best locale......I went to school in S.F. and would usually wind up there.

If I had gone there to see this ridiculous crap, I may not have come back.

TV - you are very wise, Bay Meadows was a magical place. I took Caltrain from San Carlos regularly. I too used to sit in a clubhouse box and knew that it was a special time... Was Jeanette the box usher when you were attending races? That woman could scare off drunk fans like nobodies business ;-)

[booner]

Originally Posted by jms62

If you think that fannies in the seats at the racetrack is important you are bound to be disappointed. Saratoga, Delmar, Santa Anita are a few tracks that still get a crowd. I attend the races only at Saratoga and a couple trips to Monmouth usually on a Sat when they have some sort of event (Concert, Food Truck competition). You are pissing against the wind if you are looking for racetrack attendance to be what it was. ADW wagering has killed attendance and it NEVER will recover.

As does Keeneland. Usually over 20k every day. And there aren't really any promotions. College Scholarship Day draws the same number as any other race day.

[travelling_vic]

What did Einstein say? The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

I rest my case as regards these moronic ploys to get people out to the track

1ell now it's time for sentencing...I, Coach Pants, find the defendant guilty of 1st Degree Romanticism, Attempted Longwinded Assault, and Vagrancy. Sentencing is set for Jan. 19th at 1 pm in Nerdy Trail Circle Jerk Court.

[travelling_vic]

ANOTHER with fecoliths in his circle of Willis

Tell us about the 1800's, Father Time.

[Oaklawnfan]

It seems that "Boutique" type of meets which feature good purses, some old fashion history and grace, quality livestock, a degree of limited exposure creating exclusivity, occasional promotional events for patrons and even some fashion awareness by fans for special races are holding their own in these times of waning recruitment of fans to the sport. I really think we are lumping in horse racing with all forms of gambling by using some of these promotional crutches. Gaming at the track is one of those rare times you can actually effect the quality and chances of your wager while handicapping the race rather then taking a chance on a pre-determined gambling game that requires little attention to work. I must agree with those who say promoting handicapping as entertaining, a way to hedge your bet and enjoy some of the benefits of horse ownership without having to pay the high cost of such might offer us one of the best opportunities for the future of the sport. Of course I am opinionated since my favorite track is Oaklawn. I do however remember the crowds with enthusiasm at Ak-Sar-Ben, Remington Park and even The Meadowlands in Bonner Springs, Kansas. I'll always fondly remember getting an autograph from the late Willie Shoemaker while visiting The Meadowlands on opening weekend.

[travelling_vic]

Oaklawn, Saratoga and Woodbine are the best run meetings out there and the latter incorporates the racino idea better than any I have personally observed. They promote racing, teach racing, provide contests for fans etc etc

[Gate Dancer]

Originally Posted by Oaklawnfan

It seems that "Boutique" type of meets which feature good purses, some old fashion history and grace, quality livestock, a degree of limited exposure creating exclusivity, occasional promotional events for patrons and even some fashion awareness by fans for special races are holding their own in these times of waning recruitment of fans to the sport. I really think we are lumping in horse racing with all forms of gambling by using some of these promotional crutches. Gaming at the track is one of those rare times you can actually effect the quality and chances of your wager while handicapping the race rather then taking a chance on a pre-determined gambling game that requires little attention to work. I must agree with those who say promoting handicapping as entertaining, a way to hedge your bet and enjoy some of the benefits of horse ownership without having to pay the high cost of such might offer us one of the best opportunities for the future of the sport. Of course I am opinionated since my favorite track is Oaklawn. I do however remember the crowds with enthusiasm at Ak-Sar-Ben, Remington Park and even The Meadowlands in Bonner Springs, Kansas. I'll always fondly remember getting an autograph from the late Willie Shoemaker while visiting The Meadowlands on opening weekend.

Agree with the post but I believe you mean the 'Woodlands' in Kansas not the Meadowlands.

[Oaklawnfan]

Originally Posted by Gate Dancer

Agree with the post but I believe you mean the 'Woodlands' in Kansas not the Meadowlands.

Forgive me, you are correct. I guess I've lost more brain cells than I thought. It might have been one of those track "value beverage" promotions or last summer's stroke. I can't remember which. My handicapping has improved however.