Visiting Hollywood Park

[Oaklawn John]

Ok, Betfair Hollywood Park...

I enjoy going to different racetracks in my travels and Mrs. Oaklawn John is planning a trip to LA that coincides with the next (to last?) meet opening in April.

What's the best way to experience the races at BHP?

[usedtolovetvg]

body armor and an AR-15.

[kingfin66]

The poster asked a very reasonable question. Why the sarcastic response? It is true that Hollywood Park is not the best part of Los Angeles, but that can be said of many race tracks any more. If you have some information to give that is helpful, please do so. Otherwise, your one-trick-pony responses against Betfair/TVG have gotten tiresome. I will say this, you never miss your cue!

I would also like to hear from those with knowledge about the track as I have been considering flying down this summer for a Friday night of racing and music. It looks to me that the track is in close enough proximity to LAX and the surrounding hotels that one would not need a rental car and could just take a cab over to the track. True? Is the clubhouse worth an added price of admission? Will Vic let us visit him in the booth? Is the Chick-fil-a down the street worth its own trip for casual dining?

[wisconsin]

Hollywood Park is a nice track, been there. It's not that bad if you stay on the main drag getting there. Vic has often stated to let him know if you would like to visit the booth.

[Stillriledup]

body armor and an AR-15.

I was wondering if we could get past the first response before someone mentioned the 'area' that Hollywood Park is located in.

:D

[usedtolovetvg]

If you have some information to give that is helpful, please do so. Otherwise, your one-trick-pony responses against Betfair/TVG have gotten tiresome.

My response had nothing to do with BF. I actually think it was a shrewd marketing move to get the naming rights for next to nothing. Going to HP these days is not a great experience. During the weekdays it is nearly empty and the weekends draw small crowds and the clientele is not the kind that I feel like palling around with.

If you want to go there because of what it once was, that's all well and good. I was there when Inglewood was the sporting capital of L.A. and I experienced HP's grandeur. Its sad to see what it has become and it is a hollow shell of what it once was.

If they still have the BBQ by the walking ring, that's pretty good. Otherwise, for me, there are a lot more comfortable and better places to play the races.

[so.cal.fan]

Cards on weekends are usually very good. Oaklawn John.
Hopefully, the weather will be pleasant and you can enjoy the paddock, you get a close look at the horses out there in the open.
On weekends, they have early seminars in the paddock area, where very good handicappers go over the card with the fans...FREE.
I also enjoy using Pace Pals sheets, that are usually free, you can pick them up near the offices as you go in the front entrance of the grandstand.
I hope you have a very enjoyable trip!
I was a visitor to Oaklawn Park in 2000. I stayed 5 days in Hot Springs.
The people were very nice to me. There used to be a racing board called Hot Talkers, they had a group get together there at Oaklawn.
I hope you have a good time at Hollywood Park. Let me know if and when you'll be attending? :)

[v j stauffer]

John and King.

Here's the scoop.

We'd love to have you visit Betfair Hollywood Park this summer.

It's 4 miles from Lax so a rental car is not necessary.

Weekdays can be a little quiet. Just like all other tracks.

The weekend cards are always excellent with great opportunities to make a score.

It's a 75 year old racetrack drenched in tradition and memories. The infield is arguably the most beautiful in the country.

The neighborhood is working class. Certainly not Beverly Hills but in my 12 years on board I have never once felt in danger on the property or driving to and from. The real dicey sections are miles away and one never has to drive through them to get to the track.

The paddock is one of the best for horse players and the horses themselves in racing.

You'll have a buddy that works there. ME!!. I'll leave you as many passes as you need and find ya a free program as well.

If you like I think I can arrange a visit to the announcers booth for a race as well. He's a blowhard but means well.

Hope to see you this summer.:)

[so.cal.fan]

:) Besides being a nice guy, Vic is one of the best, if not the best, racecallers in America.

[Oaklawn John]

Actually, I don't mind the snarky comment about safety. I would have been disappointed not to see it!

Vic - thanks for the offer for the passes. A $2 bettor never passes up free! We'll have my nephew with us for his first trip to the track so we might as well spoil him with a trip to the booth. He'll think it's a regular part of the day!

As an aside, I ran into Frank Miramahdi last season and he invited me up to the booth. Pretty spectacular! Vic, I'll be in contact when our plans are firmed up.

Where would we want to sit? Get a box?

[v j stauffer]

Actually, I don't mind the snarky comment about safety. I would have been disappointed not to see it!

Vic - thanks for the offer for the passes. A $2 bettor never passes up free! We'll have my nephew with us for his first trip to the track so we might as well spoil him with a trip to the booth. He'll think it's a regular part of the day!

As an aside, I ran into Frank Miramahdi last season and he invited me up to the booth. Pretty spectacular! Vic, I'll be in contact when our plans are firmed up.

Where would we want to sit? Get a box?

I would definitely sit in a box. The weather figures to be nice. Great way to take in the action. I can help with a nice one.

Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Cheers.

VJS

[Capper Al]

I went to the racetrack side. Next time I'll go to the Casino side to watch. No air conditioning on the racetrack side.

[so.cal.fan]

Unless it's July and you're out in the direct afternoon sun in the paddock, it's never HOT.
In April, it's never hot.
I've been going to HP since 1963 and never was looking for air conditioning.
The track is near the ocean.

The Casino????? I can't believe you made such a comment.
The casino is not somewhere I would suggest a horseplayer go.
:rolleyes:

[Capper Al]

Unless it's July and you're out in the direct afternoon sun in the paddock, it's never HOT.
In April, it's never hot.
I've been going to HP since 1963 and never was looking for air conditioning.
The track is near the ocean.

The Casino????? I can't believe you made such a comment.
The casino is not somewhere I would suggest a horseplayer go.
:rolleyes:

I'll take your word on that. I was there once when I wanted air.

[Jay Trotter]

John and King.

Here's the scoop.

We'd love to have you visit Betfair Hollywood Park this summer....:)Now that's classy! This is what makes the game great, the people. Hat's off to you v j. :ThmbUp::ThmbUp::ThmbUp:

[Oaklawn John]

I'm looking forward to it! And I'll be happy to host anyone who is lost in Arkansas this spring!

[ronsmac]

I would definitely sit in a box. The weather figures to be nice. Great way to take in the action. I can help with a nice one.

Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Cheers.

VJS
You're a cool dude.

[johnhannibalsmith]

Now that's classy! This is what makes the game great, the people. Hat's off to you v j. :ThmbUp::ThmbUp::ThmbUp:

Sharp post. :ThmbUp:

[thespaah]

John and King.

Here's the scoop.

We'd love to have you visit Betfair Hollywood Park this summer.

It's 4 miles from Lax so a rental car is not necessary.

Weekdays can be a little quiet. Just like all other tracks.

The weekend cards are always excellent with great opportunities to make a score.

It's a 75 year old racetrack drenched in tradition and memories. The infield is arguably the most beautiful in the country.

The neighborhood is working class. Certainly not Beverly Hills but in my 12 years on board I have never once felt in danger on the property or driving to and from. The real dicey sections are miles away and one never has to drive through them to get to the track.

The paddock is one of the best for horse players and the horses themselves in racing.

You'll have a buddy that works there. ME!!. I'll leave you as many passes as you need and find ya a free program as well.

If you like I think I can arrange a visit to the announcers booth for a race as well. He's a blowhard but means well.

Hope to see you this summer.:)
Vic, you are a class act.
I don't know if a trip to California is in my plans due to budget limitations, but if I could ever make it out there, I would like to shake your hand for being a nice guy.

[v j stauffer]

Vic, you are a class act.
I don't know if a trip to California is in my plans due to budget limitations, but if I could ever make it out there, I would like to shake your hand for being a nice guy.

That would be my pleasure. I'm a big fan of all REAL horseplayers and GENUINE lovers of our sport.

[anotherCAfan]

It's 4 miles from Lax so a rental car is not necessary.

The neighborhood is working class. Certainly not Beverly Hills but in my 12 years on board I have never once felt in danger on the property or driving to and from. The real dicey sections are miles away and one never has to drive through them to get to the track.
The taxi ride still might be ~$20 thanks to taxes and what not.

Ditto to what Vic said. In all the time I've spent, I have never felt unsafe on the racetrack premises and in driving on Manchester and Century. Granted, you don't want to drive 2 mph through the surrounding thoroughfares.

[v j stauffer]

The taxi ride still might be ~$20 thanks to taxes and what not.

Ditto to what Vic said. In all the time I've spent, I have never felt unsafe on the racetrack premises and in driving on Manchester and Century. Granted, you don't want to drive 2 mph through the surrounding thoroughfares.

It is just about $20 with tip. I've taken it many times when I fly in from home on Thurs. mornings. They get you with $4.50 right off the top with some sort of airport fee thing. Still much easier than a rental car.

Wish opening day was tomorrow!

[thespaah]

That would be my pleasure. I'm a big fan of all REAL horseplayers and GENUINE lovers of our sport.
Well, hopefully I can make it out there. We'll see.

[elhelmete]

I grew to really like Hollywood Park these past few years. It helped that I worked pretty close by, on the west side of LA.

The weather is almost always great at the times of year they run.

Never felt unsafe, although I always paid for the clubhouse admission. I spent plenty of time, though, by/in the paddock.

Get a box for sure.

Friday nights I really got to enjoy the food trucks. I could get some really great and varied dishes from the trucks and then bring them back to my box and get a couple beers. Much better than the normal track fare (not singling out HP here, I think most tracks have crappy food).

[v j stauffer]

I grew to really like Hollywood Park these past few years. It helped that I worked pretty close by, on the west side of LA.

The weather is almost always great at the times of year they run.

Never felt unsafe, although I always paid for the clubhouse admission. I spent plenty of time, though, by/in the paddock.

Get a box for sure.

Friday nights I really got to enjoy the food trucks. I could get some really great and varied dishes from the trucks and then bring them back to my box and get a couple beers. Much better than the normal track fare (not singling out HP here, I think most tracks have crappy food).

Racetracks are rarely dining destinations.Of course I'm a bit biased but I think our food at BHP is pretty darn good. Two of my favorite spots are the grill just next to the paddock. " Hamburger Annie" takes great pride in making sure your burger is cooked fresh and you get just what you want. You'll also probably run into Tom Quigley publisher of horseplayer magazine. See him there a lot. I think he might have a crush on Annie. Or maybe it's the burger? Both?

I also like Whittingham's Pub. Great carved sandwiches, fresh salads, lots of good stuff. Really! I promise I'm not shillin. We get lunch vouchers in the Pressbox. I'd say 80% are used there.

[thespaah]

Racetracks are rarely dining destinations.Of course I'm a bit biased but I think our food at BHP is pretty darn good. Two of my favorite spots are the grill just next to the paddock. " Hamburger Annie" takes great pride in making sure your burger is cooked fresh and you get just what you want. You'll also probably run into Tom Quigley publisher of horseplayer magazine. See him there a lot. I think he might have a crush on Annie. Or maybe it's the burger? Both?

I also like Whittingham's Pub. Great carved sandwiches, fresh salads, lots of good stuff. Really! I promise I'm not shillin. We get lunch vouchers in the Pressbox. I'd say 80% are used there.
I took Mrs Spaah to Keeneland a few years ago. Fellow poster "mainmediamogul" offered an invite to the Bluegrass Room on which I was more than appreciative.
The buffet was outstanding.
Keeneland is a beautiful place. First class operation.

[usedtolovetvg]

Keeneland is one of the few tracks that reflects and revers the past while embracing the future. If racing is to survive it will be because of tracks like Keeneland.

[thespaah]

Keeneland is one of the few tracks that reflects and revers the past while embracing the future. If racing is to survive it will be because of tracks like Keeneland.
:1: !

[anotherCAfan]

Racetracks are rarely dining destinations.Of course I'm a bit biased but I think our food at BHP is pretty darn good. Two of my favorite spots are the grill just next to the paddock. " Hamburger Annie" takes great pride in making sure your burger is cooked fresh and you get just what you want. You'll also probably run into Tom Quigley publisher of horseplayer magazine. See him there a lot. I think he might have a crush on Annie. Or maybe it's the burger? Both?

I also like Whittingham's Pub. Great carved sandwiches, fresh salads, lots of good stuff. Really! I promise I'm not shillin. We get lunch vouchers in the Pressbox. I'd say 80% are used there.
No love for the mac 'n' cheese? With a little bit of Tapatio, it is amazing. I too like the burgers from the paddock.

elhelmete has a good point about the food trucks though -- where else can you enjoy the races with Vietnamese Coffee or gyros?