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

[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.

[Bigsmc]

Not a NSA event, but a blow to Steeplechase racing nonetheless....

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humanin...r-2010/1035546

[scanman]

Disappointing to say the least. It's a fantastic day of racing and they have one of the best grass racing surfaces in the country. Too bad they can't work out a cooperative agreement with Tampa Bay Downs. I'm sure the logistics would be complex, but it's tragic that this surface isn't used on a more frequent basis.

[MaTH716]

Saw this the other day.
http://monmouthpark.com/event_detail.aspx?id=2311

[scanman]

Mr. Raffetto has done an excellent job of trying to increase the awareness of steeplechasing in the US. I understand it's never going to reach the popularity that it enjoys in Ireland, France or the UK, but the more exposure it gets will generate greater interest and hopefully an increased fan base.

Saratoga was/will continue to be a great platform for steeplechasing and while they can be a little tricky to bet, if you were able to catch a winner on a few of those races, you were well rewarded (3 out of 6 winners were double-digit odds).

Now, Mr. Raffetto is following up Saratoga's success by staging a mixed-meet at Monmouth Park. This used to be the old Monmouth County Hunt, but it makes perfect sense to run this meet at Monmouth Park in conjunction with 4 other flat races. Great exposure and should be a wonderful day of racing. I wish I could be there but will follow/bet it through my ADW.

MaTH, I hope you (and other DTers in the area) have the opportunity to attend and enjoy this exciting day of racing. Additionally, I hope it will generate a few more recruits/fans to the jump game.

Also to note - Belmont has a Grade 1 on Sunday's card, 1st race. Should be a fantastic race with most of the top steeplechasers in action.