Saratoga Handle And Att Decline

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Important:

It isn't that important. Yes there was a bad few days at the end, but all in all this was one of the better meets I can remember weather wise. How many turf races were lost this year compared to recent years? I'm guessing the number is pretty low this year comparatively.

[cmorioles]

I found it:

http://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-201...overall-handle

Despite the article claiming spectacular weather, there were less races taken off this year:

2013
Total Races: 420 Turf Races: 209 Off Turf: 24 (89.7% stayed on)

2012
Total Races: 417 Turf Races: 197 Off Turf: 27 (87.9% stayed on)

2011
Total Races: 398 Turf Races: 158 Off Turf: 41 (79.4% stayed on)

I'm not saying in any way that the meet was good or bad, but to blame the weather on the last day is a BIG reach.

[10 pnt move up]

Couple things I noticed with these numbers it just reaffirms to me that the economy has very little to do with Saratoga handle, especially on track. Why its slightly down is a bit confusing. In general I think people make it a point to bet Saratoga, where Del Mar for example I believe is tied more to the economy, that combined with the new ship in program really changed that probably to the best meat I can remember in at least a decade from a betting standpoint. It has been a great 6 weeks for the player.

[asudevil]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

Couple things I noticed with these numbers it just reaffirms to me that the economy has very little to do with Saratoga handle, especially on track. Why its slightly down is a bit confusing. In general I think people make it a point to bet Saratoga, where Del Mar for example I believe is tied more to the economy, that combined with the new ship in program really changed that probably to the best meat I can remember in at least a decade from a betting standpoint. It has been a great 6 weeks for the player.

That was opening day

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by asudevil

That was opening day

ha ha, wasnt that the Cougar II handicap day...

[PatCummings]

When 85-90% of all racing handle is collected off-track, why people think focusing on attendance as an important metric for anyone but those counting gate and concession revenue is beyond me.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

When 85-90% of all racing handle is collected off-track, why people think focusing on attendance as an important metric for anyone but those counting gate and concession revenue is beyond me.

OK, overall handle declined.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

When 85-90% of all racing handle is collected off-track, why people think focusing on attendance as an important metric for anyone but those counting gate and concession revenue is beyond me.

I disagree strongly. Lifelong fans of horse racing are created not by watching TVG but going to the track. I get the spinner phenom which Steve talked about so I have no problem if the numbers aren't apples to apples. But the idea that attendance at the most important meet in the entire nation is meaningless doesn't wash with me.

[ateamstupid]

No one's "blaming" today's weather for anything. I was just pointing out how small the margin was between 2012 and 2013 handle since some people only read headlines and extrapolate things like "Saratoga Handle Declines".

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

No one's "blaming" today's weather for anything. I was just pointing out how small the margin was between 2012 and 2013 handle since some people only read headlines and extrapolate things like "Saratoga Handle Declines".

I meant the article seemed to be blaming today. Given the weather and a few more races, "Handle Declines" would be pretty accurate in my opinion.