Horse Race Tracks...dropping out one by one
December 30th, 2013 at 8:55:50 PM
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Hollywood park has gone the way of Bay Meadows.
2 tracks in california that could not make it.
It seems to be a dying form of gamblling.
In the 70's a brand new Meadowlands Racetrack opened in NJ. Right next to Giants stadium....and Brenden Byrne arean which housed the nets and the devils
It was beautiful, Great food courst selections. Air conditioned in the summer. A non smoking floor. Pegasus fine dining resteraunt,.Very easy acess.
It was mostly harness racing. and had the big million dollar harness race in august...the hambletonian. In the 70's and 80's up to 1995..I was a regular patron. Almost weekly.
Moved to Ca, and visted it in 2003,,,,it was a dump, poorly attended....and more recently was closed by the state of NJ, and bought by a private group to try to salvage.
In 20 years, it may be that we will see just a select few tracks left.
RIP horse racing.
2 tracks in california that could not make it.
It seems to be a dying form of gamblling.
In the 70's a brand new Meadowlands Racetrack opened in NJ. Right next to Giants stadium....and Brenden Byrne arean which housed the nets and the devils
It was beautiful, Great food courst selections. Air conditioned in the summer. A non smoking floor. Pegasus fine dining resteraunt,.Very easy acess.
It was mostly harness racing. and had the big million dollar harness race in august...the hambletonian. In the 70's and 80's up to 1995..I was a regular patron. Almost weekly.
Moved to Ca, and visted it in 2003,,,,it was a dump, poorly attended....and more recently was closed by the state of NJ, and bought by a private group to try to salvage.
In 20 years, it may be that we will see just a select few tracks left.
RIP horse racing.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:01:41 PM
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Land values and natives killed both of the tracks in California. The same company bought and closed both, Churchill would still own Hollywood park if the natives wouldn't have fought them on gambling. Lots of blame to go around but bottom line is I am going to miss Hollywood park
December 30th, 2013 at 9:15:12 PM
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I will miss it too.
When I read about the closing, the article talked about Hollywood park consistantly getting crowds of 50k or more on weekends, and special events up to 100k...back in the day. Big movie stars would hang there. Sinatra, Sammy.
wow
I think the younger generation doesnt really want to read a race form and do simple math in order to compare races, or learn about the various items used in handicapping. They would rather pull a lever on a slot machine, or place some chips on red at a roulette wheel. And the video game generation certainly doesnt have the patience to wait 30 min between races. or even 2 minutes for a race to end for that matter.
It must be tough to be a young jockey...with the scarcity of mounts.
When I read about the closing, the article talked about Hollywood park consistantly getting crowds of 50k or more on weekends, and special events up to 100k...back in the day. Big movie stars would hang there. Sinatra, Sammy.
wow
I think the younger generation doesnt really want to read a race form and do simple math in order to compare races, or learn about the various items used in handicapping. They would rather pull a lever on a slot machine, or place some chips on red at a roulette wheel. And the video game generation certainly doesnt have the patience to wait 30 min between races. or even 2 minutes for a race to end for that matter.
It must be tough to be a young jockey...with the scarcity of mounts.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:57:23 PM
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Just two weeks ago while in Vegas I took a day trip to Southern Cal ... stopped in at Hollywood Park to see the place ( no live racing that day) just to say I was there. Didnt know at the time that the Saturday was to be the final card there.
More of a harness racing follower myself. Been to the BIG M many of times for the big races Meadowlands Pace and THE HAMBO
Was there other Friday and Saturday nights when they would have 20,000 in the stands.... remember one horse that always seemed to get the crowd pumped up GUTS kind of a cult following that horse
Ontario just pulled the slots handouts to horsemen this past year after 13 years and $4 BILLION from slots handed over to racetracks and horsemens purses... they did ZERO to grow the fan base in fact did lots to push the remain fans out the door. My home track became a dump under the new owners who milked the slots for all they could and put no effort into the live racing.
Expect to see PENN STATE and NY follow Ontario in the coming years which will end harness racing overnight.
More of a harness racing follower myself. Been to the BIG M many of times for the big races Meadowlands Pace and THE HAMBO
Was there other Friday and Saturday nights when they would have 20,000 in the stands.... remember one horse that always seemed to get the crowd pumped up GUTS kind of a cult following that horse
Ontario just pulled the slots handouts to horsemen this past year after 13 years and $4 BILLION from slots handed over to racetracks and horsemens purses... they did ZERO to grow the fan base in fact did lots to push the remain fans out the door. My home track became a dump under the new owners who milked the slots for all they could and put no effort into the live racing.
Expect to see PENN STATE and NY follow Ontario in the coming years which will end harness racing overnight.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:57:24 PM
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double post
December 30th, 2013 at 10:10:59 PM
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It takes 6 months getting hooked on slots and 20 years for horse racing with the rest in between. Tax structures for horse racing are the most burdensome for tax reporting and large bets suffer for average people who don't want trouble. This is just simple math bound to happen.
I am a robot.
December 30th, 2013 at 11:51:49 PM
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Horse tracks are valuable as condominiums and sources of slot machine income... .
December 31st, 2013 at 5:39:02 AM
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Larry -
You (and others) might be interested to know that the Meadowlands recently opened a brand new grandstand. It's located on the backside of the track. I haven't be there yet but friends tell me it's beautiful. Of course, compared to the old grandstand, it's hard to be anything but beautiful.
The old grandstand will be used in some manner for the SuperBowl.
After that, it's an empty building - perfect for conversion into a casino if NJ ever gets off its ass and allows gambling outside of AC....
You (and others) might be interested to know that the Meadowlands recently opened a brand new grandstand. It's located on the backside of the track. I haven't be there yet but friends tell me it's beautiful. Of course, compared to the old grandstand, it's hard to be anything but beautiful.
The old grandstand will be used in some manner for the SuperBowl.
After that, it's an empty building - perfect for conversion into a casino if NJ ever gets off its ass and allows gambling outside of AC....
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
December 31st, 2013 at 6:05:38 AM
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I've seen for myself both sides.
I come from Maryland, home of the Preakness.
MD has a rich heritage of horse racing With Pimlico, Laurel, Timonium and Rosecroft. All 4 of these tracks are struggling.
The actual facilities are falling apart.
I've seen 2 tracks close in MD, Freestate harness track and Bowie.
Unfortunately horse racing is dying in MD.
I move to Tampa, different story. Tampa Bay downs has a short season but the Facility is very good.
They get good crowds during live race days. A lot of horses so typically bigger fields then MD tracks.
They also have a nice poker room open year around.
Horse racing doing well in Tampa, dying in MD.
I come from Maryland, home of the Preakness.
MD has a rich heritage of horse racing With Pimlico, Laurel, Timonium and Rosecroft. All 4 of these tracks are struggling.
The actual facilities are falling apart.
I've seen 2 tracks close in MD, Freestate harness track and Bowie.
Unfortunately horse racing is dying in MD.
I move to Tampa, different story. Tampa Bay downs has a short season but the Facility is very good.
They get good crowds during live race days. A lot of horses so typically bigger fields then MD tracks.
They also have a nice poker room open year around.
Horse racing doing well in Tampa, dying in MD.
Its just a forum. Nothing here to get obsessed about.
December 31st, 2013 at 6:51:25 AM
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bQuote: FleaStiffHorse tracks are valuable as condominiums and sources of slot machine income... .
Yep, horse racing can't compete with the instant gratification the slots offer.
Hell, Churchill Downs loses money. The Churchill Downs Properties make money due to their acquisition of tracks
that offer casinos.....or more accurately casinos that offer horse racing.
The Racinos are nothing but welfare for the horse racing industry. Casinos are propping up a dying industry.
Horse racing has invited the enemy into their camp......because of casino subsidies we see little if any innovation
in the Sport of Kings.
Turfway Park closes at the end of this meet for good. Horseshoe Cincy across the river put the final nail into that dump.
Each day is better than the next
December 31st, 2013 at 7:56:13 AM
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It would help if the dam VIG was no so high.
Its to bad this series got shut down, Luck trailer HBO - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lumAKUadBA
I really liked it. How can you miss with : Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Farina, Nick Nolte , Kevin Dun,Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick
Its to bad this series got shut down, Luck trailer HBO - YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lumAKUadBA
I really liked it. How can you miss with : Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Farina, Nick Nolte , Kevin Dun,Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
December 31st, 2013 at 8:27:23 AM
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During the filming of Luck, there were two or three catastrophic breakdowns. Hollywood/advertisers don't have the stomach to deal with the real world
of horse racing.
of horse racing.
Each day is better than the next
December 31st, 2013 at 9:07:51 AM
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Quote: AxelWolfIt would help if the dam VIG was no so high.
What them taking 30% off the top is too much?
http://www.sportsbettingacumen.com/horse-racing-track-takeout-chart.asp
December 31st, 2013 at 9:14:10 AM
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1. Horse and dog racing is too slow of a form of gambling to keep interest. I get to bet on an event that occurs for 30s to 2 min every half hour? WAY too slow compared to slots.
2. Takeout and taxes are high. 25% track take on Quinellas? It is incredibly difficult to win.
3. Animal "abuse" reports.
4. Decisions made by track owners that limited exposure on TV and other media.
5. The facilities are in poor condition.
There are tons of reasons, but I think the above are some of the most important.
2. Takeout and taxes are high. 25% track take on Quinellas? It is incredibly difficult to win.
3. Animal "abuse" reports.
4. Decisions made by track owners that limited exposure on TV and other media.
5. The facilities are in poor condition.
There are tons of reasons, but I think the above are some of the most important.
December 31st, 2013 at 9:45:29 AM
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Well off track betting facilities with less and less real tracks are the wave of the future...i guess until there are no tracks left. Maybe even running races without opening a building to the public may even occur....just for simulcast races.
When I look around me at the tracks....I dont see alot of new blood. Never have.
So when my generation dies out....there really wont be any significant interest in the races.
The successful slot palaces will keep the slots and dump the horses.
The aging mtv generation along with the current video game generation are into the fast moving, no waiting for gratification. They certainly are not into arrving at a track a hour or 2 early to get a form and do analysis. Or doing it at home the nioght before.
Even me, a past weekly visitor to the track, staying for all the races....enjoying the action, the atmosphere, the food....I have replaced my action with the other sports betting and poker.
I occasionally place a bet at tthe casino on a race for kicks...but nothing like I used to.
Golden Gate fields in CA may be the next to go if the real estate market turns around. Its located in an excellent scenic area overlooking the water. I can see a high rise condo being built, along with retail buildings.
When I look around me at the tracks....I dont see alot of new blood. Never have.
So when my generation dies out....there really wont be any significant interest in the races.
The successful slot palaces will keep the slots and dump the horses.
The aging mtv generation along with the current video game generation are into the fast moving, no waiting for gratification. They certainly are not into arrving at a track a hour or 2 early to get a form and do analysis. Or doing it at home the nioght before.
Even me, a past weekly visitor to the track, staying for all the races....enjoying the action, the atmosphere, the food....I have replaced my action with the other sports betting and poker.
I occasionally place a bet at tthe casino on a race for kicks...but nothing like I used to.
Golden Gate fields in CA may be the next to go if the real estate market turns around. Its located in an excellent scenic area overlooking the water. I can see a high rise condo being built, along with retail buildings.
December 31st, 2013 at 9:55:19 AM
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Ages ago, on my trips to Vegas, if I had time to kill I would sit in the sports book. During those times, I got into a habit of picking a post number, say 4, and playing that on each upcoming race at any track open and I would play it until it hit at which point I would pick a different number. I had a great 1st. day in doing that and then lost every subsequent time that I tried it. Just a dumbass way of killing time and having some action while sipping on a cocktail, or coffee.
Not a horse racing fan here, other than the fact that they have 4 legs I would not know anything about them, and I would not miss it.
Not a horse racing fan here, other than the fact that they have 4 legs I would not know anything about them, and I would not miss it.
DO NOT blindly accept what has been spoken.
DO NOT blindly accept what has been written.
Think. Assess. Lead. DO NOT blindly follow.
December 31st, 2013 at 10:07:43 AM
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Quote: LarrySWell off track betting facilities with less and less real tracks are the wave of the future...i guess until there are no tracks left. Maybe even running races without opening a building to the public may even occur....just for simulcast races.
Golden Gate fields in CA may be the next to go if the real estate market turns around. Its located in an excellent scenic area overlooking the water. I can see a high rise condo being built, along with retail buildings.
I think that simulcast racing is probably the main reason tracks are closing. It used to be that if you wanted to bet on horses, you were limited to the track where you are at (except for New York and Nevada), but now, you just go to the satellite location and you can bet on horses pretty much all day. In fact, California has at least one track - Solano County Fairgrounds (its symbol (SOL) says it all) in Vallejo - that hasn't a race in something like four years, and is probably still there only as an excuse to keep the satellite betting area open.
As for closing Golden Gate Fields, I don't think this will happen - there's enough of a horse racing fan base in the San Francisco area to keep it open, especially as it's "the only track in town now" (not counting the three-week fair tracks). Bay Meadows was an exception because it was in Silicon Valley. There's plenty of bayshore land near GGF, but nobody has been interested in building on it for some reason. If any San Francisco area track would close (not counting Vallejo), I think the most likely would be Santa Rosa, because of the new casino that opened in that area recently; traffic to the track was bad enough as it was before the casino opened.
December 31st, 2013 at 10:18:56 AM
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I think there's a lot of generational change involved in how the animals are perceived, both horses and dogs. Every time a horse breaks down in a big racing event, using animals as objects and the risk of the horse's life to suit gambling needs gets roundly condemned. Non-winning dogs getting euthanized or just killed is also a big turn-off. It's common now to anthropomorphize animals, whether as food, focus of gambling, producers of byproducts like leather, and reject the premise that those are good uses of them. I don't see that changing, in fact I expect it will continue to grow in the collective consciousness. I think my generation (late boomer) will be the last that supports animal racing in any large amount.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
December 31st, 2013 at 10:21:39 AM
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How do you get new faces into the stands to wager on racing when the first question out of their mouths is likely to be.... do they really fix races?
And yes they do is the answer
And yes they do is the answer
December 31st, 2013 at 10:37:17 AM
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If you want to stop a runaway horse bet on it.
December 31st, 2013 at 11:28:59 AM
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Quote: coilmanHow do you get new faces into the stands to wager on racing when the first question out of their mouths is likely to be.... do they really fix races?
And yes they do is the answer
You could look at sports this way too. A big part of sports betting is knowing the let down/look ahead/sandwich spots for teams.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:10:29 PM
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Sad thread. With any luck, I'll be gone before racing is gone. Nothing but good memories involving a day at the track. Nothing in sport is more perfect than a dozen thoroughbreds rounding the last turn.
Then there was that day at Belmont when I got to watch the greatest athlete ever, perform. Only saw his ears from the infield at Churchill Downs.
Then there was that day at Belmont when I got to watch the greatest athlete ever, perform. Only saw his ears from the infield at Churchill Downs.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:51:28 PM
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The biggest problem with the horse racing industry is the high juice. It's very hard to compete against other forms of gambling when you are raking 17%+ off the top.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
December 31st, 2013 at 2:25:00 PM
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Quote: mickeycrimmThe biggest problem with the horse racing industry is the high juice. It's very hard to compete against other forms of gambling when you are raking 17%+ off the top.
When I was a teen I had one dog track nearby. Some church bingo. I'm not even sure where the nearest horse track was. Most people still have a set amount of money to spend and more ways to use it.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
December 31st, 2013 at 3:52:24 PM
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I really dont think the vig has anything to do with it. When the stands were filled with 50,000 people on a weekend at hollywood park, the vig was high as well.
There used to be a racetrack in atlantic city that i used to go to....but the instant gratification of casinos down the highway killed off the track...it wasnt the vig.
Where else but the track can you win 10k like I did on a 120 dollar one dollar 6 horse tri box
where else but the track can you make 3000.00 on a 50 dollar show bet.
the best thing about the track is that crazy things sometimes happen...and they sometimes happen in your favor.
I agree the vig is horrible.....but for alot of people for a good part of their lives it was the only way to put down a bet.
As far as being "fixed"....I hear that about soccer...yet people bet on it. I hear that about the NBA....out of the mouth of one of its ex refs....yet people still bet on it.
If it is fixed..maybe its fixed in your favor and you didnt know about it. People assume that a "fix" leads to a loss for us. Not always
There used to be a racetrack in atlantic city that i used to go to....but the instant gratification of casinos down the highway killed off the track...it wasnt the vig.
Where else but the track can you win 10k like I did on a 120 dollar one dollar 6 horse tri box
where else but the track can you make 3000.00 on a 50 dollar show bet.
the best thing about the track is that crazy things sometimes happen...and they sometimes happen in your favor.
I agree the vig is horrible.....but for alot of people for a good part of their lives it was the only way to put down a bet.
As far as being "fixed"....I hear that about soccer...yet people bet on it. I hear that about the NBA....out of the mouth of one of its ex refs....yet people still bet on it.
If it is fixed..maybe its fixed in your favor and you didnt know about it. People assume that a "fix" leads to a loss for us. Not always
December 31st, 2013 at 4:01:41 PM
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Ding, ding, ding!Quote: LarryS....but for alot of people for a good part of their lives it was the only way to put down a bet.
We have a winner!
THAT'S why horse / dog racing was popular and is no longer. Years ago, the only alternative for local legal gambling was the lottery and church bingo.
Hmmm.... Maybe the vig DOES have something to do with it. Of the three, racing has the lowest vig.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
December 31st, 2013 at 4:31:03 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearDing, ding, ding!
We have a winner!
THAT'S why horse / dog racing was popular and is no longer. Years ago, the only alternative for local legal gambling was the lottery and church bingo.
Hmmm.... Maybe the vig DOES have something to do with it. Of the three, racing has the lowest vig.
well of course, just as I said the atlantic city casinos killed off the atlantic city racetrack......the increse in indian casinos coulnt help over the years do the same thing accross the country.....along with overseas sports books. Local poker rooms.
Heck, tracks were ahead of the curve, letting people bet online from home legally for over a decade....to not alot of interest.
Tracks will go the way of the buggy whip. There is not alot of need for them....and they are deteriorating in condition year after year.
December 31st, 2013 at 4:43:43 PM
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Absolutely love Horse races. Always my fix when things were going bad. Actually started betting when the only exotic bet was the
Daily Double. PERIOD. and only on the first 2 races.
Full charts in the morning newspapers. Maryland racetrack were the big 3 Pimlico, Laurel, and Preakness. Minor tracks were Hagerstown HavreDeGras Timonium and Belair.
Race tracker owners thought there was a sucker born every day. 2 bucks to get in, 1 for a program, 2 for a racing form, $2 to park, high priced concession. This was in the 1950's when $60 a week was a good paying job. Says something about customer service when you are in business at same location over a hundred year and a competing business ( casino) opens up and you lose 90% of your customer base immediately.
And watching on TV SUCKS. Well except maybe Preakness. Bring back old days of parking cars on the front lawns of houses for $5 or $10 a pop. Some of those home owners were really pissed when they came home. LOL
Daily Double. PERIOD. and only on the first 2 races.
Full charts in the morning newspapers. Maryland racetrack were the big 3 Pimlico, Laurel, and Preakness. Minor tracks were Hagerstown HavreDeGras Timonium and Belair.
Race tracker owners thought there was a sucker born every day. 2 bucks to get in, 1 for a program, 2 for a racing form, $2 to park, high priced concession. This was in the 1950's when $60 a week was a good paying job. Says something about customer service when you are in business at same location over a hundred year and a competing business ( casino) opens up and you lose 90% of your customer base immediately.
And watching on TV SUCKS. Well except maybe Preakness. Bring back old days of parking cars on the front lawns of houses for $5 or $10 a pop. Some of those home owners were really pissed when they came home. LOL
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 31st, 2013 at 6:34:46 PM
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Quote: LarrySWell off track betting facilities with less and less real tracks are the wave of the future...i guess until there are no tracks left. Maybe even running races without opening a building to the public may even occur....just for simulcast races.
When I look around me at the tracks....I dont see alot of new blood. Never have.
So when my generation dies out....there really wont be any significant interest in the races.
The successful slot palaces will keep the slots and dump the horses.
The aging mtv generation along with the current video game generation are into the fast moving, no waiting for gratification. They certainly are not into arrving at a track a hour or 2 early to get a form and do analysis. Or doing it at home the nioght before.
Even me, a past weekly visitor to the track, staying for all the races....enjoying the action, the atmosphere, the food....I have replaced my action with the other sports betting and poker.
I occasionally place a bet at tthe casino on a race for kicks...but nothing like I used to.
Golden Gate fields in CA may be the next to go if the real estate market turns around. Its located in an excellent scenic area overlooking the water. I can see a high rise condo being built, along with retail buildings.
Hate to say it but this comment has a lot of merit. I am by far the youngest player at my local OTB (I'm 40 and the next youngest is in his mid 60's) we are all comfortably wealthy not rich but fine. I study the night before but when these old guys kick who is there left to play? My dream of retirement to to sit out with the boys. Unfortunately they will all be dead. I think horse racing will be or close to being gone by then
December 31st, 2013 at 6:36:30 PM
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Quote: ThatDonGuyI think that simulcast racing is probably the main reason tracks are closing. It used to be that if you wanted to bet on horses, you were limited to the track where you are at (except for New York and Nevada), but now, you just go to the satellite location and you can bet on horses pretty much all day. In fact, California has at least one track - Solano County Fairgrounds (its symbol (SOL) says it all) in Vallejo - that hasn't a race in something like four years, and is probably still there only as an excuse to keep the satellite betting area open.
As for closing Golden Gate Fields, I don't think this will happen - there's enough of a horse racing fan base in the San Francisco area to keep it open, especially as it's "the only track in town now" (not counting the three-week fair tracks). Bay Meadows was an exception because it was in Silicon Valley. There's plenty of bayshore land near GGF, but nobody has been interested in building on it for some reason. If any San Francisco area track would close (not counting Vallejo), I think the most likely would be Santa Rosa, because of the new casino that opened in that area recently; traffic to the track was bad enough as it was before the casino opened.
The other reason it is practaly Oakland. Oakland = ghetto as hell
December 31st, 2013 at 6:43:05 PM
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Quote: JW17The other reason it is practaly Oakland. Oakland = ghetto as hell
Which explains why Pixar decided not to move to Emeryville, which is somewhere between Golden Gate Fields and Oakland.
Oh, wait...
December 31st, 2013 at 6:54:26 PM
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Some geniuses about 10 years ago decided to build a hotel near Pimlico race tracks. They built it on Park Heights Avenue. Guess they did not do any market research or wonder why no one else had that bright idea. It's now low income housing. I used to collect in that area in the 60's. Not even this white guy would walk alone in that area, day or night !
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 31st, 2013 at 6:55:32 PM
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albany/GG FIELDS is closest to Berkeley.
i never heard anyone call Berkeley "ghetto"
in fact Berkeley is closer to oakland than albany/GG field is.
Cal univ is not in "the ghetto"...not close
i never heard anyone call Berkeley "ghetto"
in fact Berkeley is closer to oakland than albany/GG field is.
Cal univ is not in "the ghetto"...not close
December 31st, 2013 at 10:53:18 PM
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I remember when Yonkers raceway in New York would get 30,000 people a night. When the meadowlands opened, they had to turn people away. People were actually hopping the fence. Back in the day, if you made a buck at the race track you could do something with it. The old saying - if I had a million dollars, I could retire.
If you made a five or six hundred dollar hit you could pay the mortgage for a couple of months. A monster hit was a down payment on a car or maybe a full payment. There's no value to money especially at a race track. It's still possible to make a big hit, but some crazy combination has to come in for someone playing their birthday or something. If your gambling heavy at the race track it just doesn't seem like the return is worth the investment anymore and the loss seems to hurt more. The cost of money to participate in what life has to offer seems to be all out of whack.
If you made a five or six hundred dollar hit you could pay the mortgage for a couple of months. A monster hit was a down payment on a car or maybe a full payment. There's no value to money especially at a race track. It's still possible to make a big hit, but some crazy combination has to come in for someone playing their birthday or something. If your gambling heavy at the race track it just doesn't seem like the return is worth the investment anymore and the loss seems to hurt more. The cost of money to participate in what life has to offer seems to be all out of whack.
December 31st, 2013 at 11:14:28 PM
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Quote: duckston09I remember when Yonkers raceway in New York would get 30,000 people a night. When the meadowlands opened, they had to turn people away. People were actually hopping the fence. Back in the day, if you made a buck at the race track you could do something with it. The old saying - if I had a million dollars, I could retire.
If you made a five or six hundred dollar hit you could pay the mortgage for a couple of months. A monster hit was a down payment on a car or maybe a full payment. There's no value to money especially at a race track. It's still possible to make a big hit, but some crazy combination has to come in for someone playing their birthday or something. If your gambling heavy at the race track it just doesn't seem like the return is worth the investment anymore and the loss seems to hurt more. The cost of money to participate in what life has to offer seems to be all out of whack.
I remember the glory days of the meadowlands. My wife and I would go their weekly mostly in the grandstand..but sometiimes Pegysus or the trackside resteraunt.
The second floor had stadium seating and was non smoking which I loved. Going outside for the races was thrilling seeing them up close as they hit the finsih line.
The food available for general admission was great, Nathans, Carvel, Pizza, clams, corn on the cob, soup. boston market type chicken dinners,. knishes, dunkin donuts, mrs fields cookies/brownies.
It was clean well lit. Great atmosphere. Even had a little playground with picnic benches for families and kids.
If a sporting event let out they accepted the ticket to the sportibng event as admission late in the card...so they could get even more of the betting public interested.
They were the premier harness track. They hosted the Hambeltonian and other big high patying cards. They attracted the best trainers/horses. Had the best purses. Full 10 horse fields almost always'
But it all went downhill ...very quickly/
January 1st, 2014 at 6:11:10 PM
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I heard a funny horse racing story today.
I was introduced to someone today and he mentioned that he lived near the Race Track. He loved to bet the horses.
We started exchanging horse stories and he told me the story of when he took his young grandson to the track. He told his grandson, "if you behave, I'll let you bet $2 on the last race." When it came time for the last race, he gave his grandson the program and told him to pick a horse. The grandson looked at the program and picked number 11.
The race went off and number 11 won!!!
He asked his grandson "Why did you pick number 11?"
The grandson replied that he saw that number 11 was the only horse that hadn't already run that day. He thought that all the other horses were tired from running all day and number 11 was the freshest horse in the race.
I was introduced to someone today and he mentioned that he lived near the Race Track. He loved to bet the horses.
We started exchanging horse stories and he told me the story of when he took his young grandson to the track. He told his grandson, "if you behave, I'll let you bet $2 on the last race." When it came time for the last race, he gave his grandson the program and told him to pick a horse. The grandson looked at the program and picked number 11.
The race went off and number 11 won!!!
He asked his grandson "Why did you pick number 11?"
The grandson replied that he saw that number 11 was the only horse that hadn't already run that day. He thought that all the other horses were tired from running all day and number 11 was the freshest horse in the race.
