BEYER: Racing still draws, just not to track..

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Terrific piece..

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports...9_story_1.html

In 1983, when the Belmont grandstand with bustling with activity, the average daily betting at the summer meeting was $3.46 million. Adjusting for inflation over three decades, that amount is the equivalent of $8.12 million today.

At the Belmont summer meeting of 2013, wagering averaged $10.1 million per day — exceeding the figures from the supposed good old days

The only issue I have with the number comparison is that in 1983 there wasn't a wide network of simulcasting like there is now. I'd be willing to bet that 95% of that 1983 handle came from NYS only. Of course the counter is that in 1983 NYC OTB was doing a ton of handle and this year has done zero.

But his point that racing at least in NY isn't dead is spot on