Ghost of its Former Self

[Fairmount1]

Northern Cali didn\'t apply for Racing Dates in 2025 (Golden Gate now closed also).

Laurel set to close after Pimlico is remodeled.

Aqueduct set to close I assume once Belmont is finished?

Gulfstream setting the stage to end racing in So Fla.

Hawthorne\'s days are numbers by several accounts.  

California racing (which is now So Cal racing only) needs a major boost to survive by most accounts from out west.  

Foal crops down and wagering numbers down (both down Huge if being fair looking big picture) esp if you removed the CAW money from the mix.  

I think it is fair to say that we are watching the Collapse of major components of an industry in real time.  Very hard to believe.  Enjoy it the best you can live I\'d say as soon racing will be associated with words/phrases like extinct, relic, and antique era in many places.  Horseplayers will be associated with words/phrases like dinosaurs and endangered species.  (I\'m generally pretty optimistic but just calling it how I see it).

[billk5300s]

It was easy for them when they were the only game in town.  With the boom of casinos, slot machines popping up everywhere, and sports betting, people have choices should they choose to gamble.  From a loyal horse players perspective, they did this and continue to do this to themselves.  CAW’s and super trainers have ruined the sport.  Nothing hurts more than handicapping a horse that’s at a great price, only to get run down by a horse that looks below average but benefits from a magic potion from one of these people.  Like you’ve stated many times, “he’s the first one at the compound every morning and the last to leave” sarcastically pointing out the irony. Great post Fairmount1, I guess we’ll drink the good stuff from the bar while the ship is sinking!

[trackjohn]

Couldn\'t agree more Richie... IMO .. if you fast forward the clock 5 years this is what we will see:

A \'new Belmont\' (only if they get their casino license..

Saratoga will still be there...it might be a water downed version if they continue to expand the dates

FL racing GONE...the only hope is if they build up Palm Meadows which I don\'t think they will...there is another answer to this, remind me when we are at the FOY..

CD will be THE major player (obviously important to the breeders)

CA - GONE

Fairgrounds - will be on life support

Oaklawn might be a significant player but the weather in Arkansas will be a huge negative particularly between January - late February... This is why FL racing is important particularly through the run-up for 3 yo racing

Most of the smaller tracks will be gone (only those associated with the casino Will survive)

I don\'t see how ANY of the sport will survive without the major players (CD. NYRA, major breeding operations) formulating a plan to save it... Unfortunately I don\'t see that happening (unless their survival instincts kick in.

Let\'s try to enjoy it while we can...

Comments?

John (Track John)

[Roman]

Makes you want to vomit. Especially Hawthorne for me. Chicago was a great circuit in the mid-west. We once had six tracks running and are down to one, and that one has no grandstand or clubhouse.

I was at Turfway the day after x-mas, and was told by a retired jockey that Kentucky will be the only state with horse racing in 5 years.

Hard not to believe him after your post Fairmount.

[johnnym]

As I get older I understand more and more why old men get grumpy.
All there toys get taken away.

Looking forward to FOY
GL
John

[TGJB]

The tracks that will be around in 5 years are the ones that are being subsidized, one way or the other. Kentucky, NYRA, Parx, Oaklawn, Louisiana, Delaware, maybe a few others. The breeders and horsemen in Florida represent a lot of jobs and tax base, they’ll race somewhere down there. California is probably screwed— the Indian tribes have a lock on the legislature, and my guess is the land around Santa Anita is pretty valuable. How does Del Mar work without a year round circuit?

[shanahan]

Four thoughts for solutions:
1.  No reason Del Mar can\'t run regular meet and another of similar duration in lieu of the abreviated Crosby meet.
2. Perhaps this will revive talk of Oaklawn adding turf?  Or too close to KY for horsemen?
3. New light on AZ for the winter?
4. If Texas legislature gets it\'s head out of it\'s ass, it\'s in a pretty good spot.

[trackjohn]

One potential answer to FL could very well be Tampa Bay Downs...NYRA could very well provide a solution... Tampa Bay Downs currently has a relationship with NYRABets...The current plant is small (kinda similar to Monmouth Park( but can be updated...they have plenty of space to expand (Oldsmar)... The main problem is that it\'s about 25 miles north of Tampa (not exactly Gulfstream which is situated in the middle of everything)... BUT with minimal expansion (particularly the barn area) it could provide a solution at a fraction of the cost of building a new track at Palm Meadows... IF  NYRA is smart... Oh... Sorry... That\'s an oxymoron...

John

[bobl49]

The last live racing track in Michigan closed in 2024. It does not have a license for 2025 and may never get one. Michigan was once a great racing venue-but no more.The industry needs a champion to lead us out of the death spiral we are in-but nobody is stepping up. It hurts.

[Fairmount1]

Per Grening, NYRA carding 7 races for Thursday.

[Gary Irish]

Okay. \"When the world is running down, you make the best of what\'s still around.\"

Any thoughts on the fine GP Saturday card? Good weather and good racing.

I did a race on the other board, but I could have done others. The chalks look vulnerable (to me). An opportunity.