Raffetto jumps! (UPDATE: Leaving NSA; Returning to MJC?)

[scanman]

BTW - For me, sadly, I agree with you. Perhaps, it's a cultural thing. In France, jump racing is not far behind the flat; in the UK, it is probably on par; and in Ireland, I get the sense that national hunt racing is more popular than the flat. Maybe our passion for racing here in the States is geared more towards gambling than the sport itself. For me, it's a 50/50 split. I've been to 9 of the weekend "hunt" meetings and plan to attend 7 this year. Do I wish that I could have a punt at these thrilling affairs, sure. But the fact that there is no gambling does not deter my interest in that type of racing, which I find superior to that on the flat.

I also agree with you that NSA needs to get their meetings "out of the cloak of darkness" and get their product displayed at established flat tracks. This is a common theme in Europe and works very well. A great many of the racecourses in Europe run mixed meets/cards with 4 or 5 over the flat and 2 or 3 over the sticks. Perhaps, one of our mid-Atlantic tracks (where most jump trainers have their base) could embrace this type of race day.

Kasept - Just listened to your segment with Mr. Raffetto. Glad to hear that you are and will continue to cover jump racing. It is the one area of thoroughbred racing in the US that has enormous potential for growth.

[blackthroatedwind]

I went to Auteil when I was in Paris, which is obviously a great place ( with a great paddock ), but there was no information available whatsoever. Paris Turf didn't have a write up of the races and the only thing available at the track was pretty much an overnight.

I guess we're not the only place that runs these races in the dark so to speak.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I went to Auteil when I was in Paris, which is obviously a great place ( with a great paddock ), but there was no information available whatsoever. Paris Turf didn't have a write up of the races and the only thing available at the track was pretty much an overnight.

I guess we're not the only place that runs these races in the dark so to speak.

Yes, Auteuil is a beautiful racecourse. I was there Spring '06. Really, Paris Turf didn't have any PPs? Of course, not PPs that we're accustomed to. They usually have the last 3 races and some type of summary on each horse. The thing about Paris Turf is that you need to get the issue the day before the races are held (i.e. racing on 1/2, the PPs are in the Paris Turf for 1/1) and only for the major tracks. The provincial/county tracks usually have some sort of limited PPs in the program.

Another lesson that the NSA could learn from their counterparts across the pond is to have a "dedicated" jump track like Auteuil (or Cheltenham or Aintree, etc...). Atlantic City racecourse is sitting empty all but a couple of days a year and for a time their couple of days were dedicated to jump racing. Otherwise, I wish there was someone/entity that would invest/build a dedicated jump racecourse in the US. Fair Hill, MD (across from the training facility) is the only thing that comes close, but they only use it once a year.

[blackthroatedwind]

I bought Paris Turf everyday the ten days I was there. They didn't have their usual write up for Auteil that they did for the other tracks.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I bought Paris Turf everyday the ten days I was there. They didn't have their usual write up for Auteil that they did for the other tracks.

Interesting. Racing papers and PPs in Europe are completely sub-standard to what we have here. It is definitely the one aspect of racing they could improve upon. Hopefully, that didn't sour you on French racing. All other issues aside (concerning France), their racing and racecourses are exceptional. Did you have the chance to visit any other racecourses during your visit?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by scanman

Interesting. Racing papers and PPs in Europe are completely sub-standard to what we have here. It is definitely the one aspect of racing they could improve upon. Hopefully, that didn't sour you on French racing. All other issues aside (concerning France), their racing and racecourses are exceptional. Did you have the chance to visit any other racecourses during your visit?

I went to Longchamp twice, Arc Day and the day before, and Saint Cloud once. I woke up too late to go to Chantilly unfortunately. Saint Cloud was great.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I went to Longchamp twice, Arc Day and the day before, and Saint Cloud once. I woke up too late to go to Chantilly unfortunately. Saint Cloud was great.

Sounded like an excellent trip. I've been to the other three that you mentioned. Too bad you missed Chantilly, it's probably the nicest of the four. I hope you get the chance to go back and visit the "home of French racing", as well as some of the excellent provincial racecourses.