DONE WITH NYRA

[EMD4ME]

As the 15th biggest player in NYRA's NYRA REWARDS program, I feel compelled to broadcast how much I went from an avid NYRA advocate to a NYRA hater.

It all started 3 weeks ago when Mr. Travers called the top players to his office to discuss the Saratoga meet. It started as a discussion about the meet & how we could keep the Belmont players club open. After 2 minutes, he cut us off and said: let me cut to the chase, the room will be closed and the only place you guys could play is aqueduct. I objected, as did many others. Aqueduct has a disgusting element to it. Its depressing, cold, damp, dark and oozes of parasites. Your belongings can be stolen in a nanosecond. You are asked for 2 bucks every 5 feet, there is no preferred parking and to top it off, there are no windows. Who wants to spend August in a closet???

We explained this to Mr. travers and he was rude, abrupt and obnoxious. I asked him if it was worth ticking off the top players/clients. His logic was we don't have enough machines for both Belmont and aqueduct. My logical response was, leave 8 machines behind at Belmont. He said no, all available machines will be at Saratoga. I countered his illogical and stupid comment with : why dont we take a handful of the machines that you want us to use at aqu and place those at Belmont? He hated my logic.

Next... as a business man, I asked this ignorant prick, what the opportunity cost would be to keep the Belmont players club open. He stuttered and hammered like frog horn leg horn did in Looney tunes. I answered for him. It cost electricity, which is on at Belmont anyway. It cost, a ten dollar an hour employee to man the desk (we all said we don't need a guard anyway, we'll police amongst ourselves). It costs air conditioning. So in a nutshell, it costs nothing as Belmont is already open for simulcasting and the ac and electricity are already on and paid for.


So we want to risk pissing off the top 50 horse racing handlers in the nyra rewards program, in other words, the top 50 ON HANDLE WAGERERS AT BELMONT/AQUEDUCT so you can force us to wager from dirty and decrepit aqueduct?????

Why does this matter to me personally? It might be irrelevant to you and to NYRA but I actually like to have a good customer experience. Belmont is gorgeous. I go to the beach every race day, leave at 12 from the beach and get to Belmont in time for the pick 5. That is essential in August. Aqueduct is in such a condensed area that between extra travel, 25 lights, stupid casino traffic and chaotic parking (I didn't point out the fact that at Belmont, VIP players have reserved up front parking. At aqueduct, its first come, first serve and go duck yourself Mr/Mrs VIP).

I am now forced to either go to the beach or don't bet horses. Well guess what, the horses lost on sunny beach days.

Today was the doozie of all doozies. Today, I decided, due to no sun, that I will bet the pick 5 at the SPA and not go to the beach. I took advantage, for the 50th time, of the new NYRA easy way of funding your account, moneygram. Belmont's players club is closed, I refuse to go to aqueduct out of principle so that was my only choice.

I made my deposit 46 minutes to post. I knew something was wrong as the money was not in my NYRA account. I called NYRA and had the pleasure of wasting a portion of my life on the phone with people who dont know their ass from their elbow. They told me they would call me back. I called money gram, they told me NYRA rejected it. I called nyra back, was transferred ten times and after 30 minutes found the same incompetent idiot who had to call me back earlier. To his credit he did call me back as I was talking to some innocent employee up in Saratoga (got transferred upstate by some idiot downstate). He said he had no clue what's wrong but I can try again later. really???? You're in the business of collecting bets. I made a deposit with you, I have a confirmation number and that's how you respond???

I quickly fly to CVS to buy a money Pak to fund my twin spires account. Due to being delayed by NYRA's incompetence, my deposit goes in too late and I miss a 10,000 score.

If the room was open, I'm at Belmont, betting in person, make 10,000. Due to their ignorant attitude, I have a miserable day and don't earn the 10,000 that I studied real hard for.

I hate NYRA and most importantly Steve Travers. After decades of being loyal, they will lose my handle and other player's handle as well.

[Mineshaft]

now that freakin sucks

[EMD4ME]

I have experienced it all as a 30 year player. Today was the day of days. I am calm. I am not angry. I simply clearly see how no one in charge at NYRA gives a hoot about their clients. We are just horse playing scum to them. I didn't even mention how on Saturday, as I was watching the Saratoga feed, I WATCHED AN ADVERTISEMENT OF SOME SORT OF HOSPITALITY SPOT UP AT THE SPA. Guess who was talking..... Steve Travers!!!! Ive heard from many people at the track how he is a real scum bag but I never cared to know why. I mind my own business, place my bets and go home. Now that I had 1 interaction with him, I see why all these people always spoke of him like they did.

Mr. Kay talks of a high customer experience. Let's see him try and walk around the main floor at Belmont and aqueduct on a day when Saratoga is running. hHHHaaaa...he would shit in his pants of fear walking around his facility..... never mind have a good customer experience.

[davew]

I do not miss the days of fighting traffic to get my DD bets in. ADWs sure have made it easier.

[EMD4ME]

True, if they work. I never mentioned how I have a surface 2 and NYRA rewards is the only ADW that freezes every 5 bets with my surface 2. So let's recap..... can't go to the track to bet, can't fund (still don't know why-isn't that so pathetic? They don't know why all client's money grams didn't go through, not just mine) my account and when my account is funded, their tech team can't help my freezing problem.

[jballscalls]

sounds like a bad experience. One thing I was confused by in the original post was he said you guys had to go play at Aqueduct, but then you said later on that Belmont is opening for simulcast?

Is it a particular special room at Belmont they're closing but the rest of the place stays open?

Never been to Belmont so don't know the lay of the land.

[EMD4ME]

sounds like a bad experience. One thing I was confused by in the original post was he said you guys had to go play at Aqueduct, but then you said later on that Belmont is opening for simulcast?

Is it a particular special room at Belmont they're closing but the rest of the place stays open?

Never been to Belmont so don't know the lay of the land.

Great question, my fault. Belmont created a first floor simulcasting area for 7 day simulcasts. Hate to say it but you can barely walk 4 feet without being disgusted repulsed or smell someone. Same goes for aqueduct.

Belmont has a really nice players club for clients who wager 300,000 a year or more. It is manned by security, an attendant who is there for all your needs and all players know each other real well. It has assigned seating, you face the paddock (and the sun) and have glass windows not thick dark walls. If you feel like taking a walk to the back yard to tan between races, you can. If you want to walk to the apron and just hang out , you can. You can do all this while your belongings ($1000 lap top, notes, cell phone) are safe in that air conditioning sun filled room.

You don't have that feeling of security and comfort at the Aqueduct version of this room. Aqu is available via public transportation (subway and bus) and has that disgusting racino attached to it so it attracts all sort of scum.

[jballscalls]

Great question, my fault. Belmont created a first floor simulcasting area for 7 day simulcasts. Hate to say it but you can barely walk 4 feet without being disgusted repulsed or smell someone. Same goes for aqueduct.

Belmont has a really nice players club for clients who wager 300,000 a year or more. It is manned by security, an attendant who is there for all your needs and all players know each other real well. It has assigned seating, you face the paddock (and the sun) and have glass windows not thick dark walls. If you feel like taking a walk to the back yard to tan between races, you can. If you want to walk to the apron and just hang out , you can. You can do all this while your belongings ($1000 lap top, notes, cell phone) are safe in that air conditioning sun filled room.

You don't have that feeling of security and comfort at the Aqueduct version of this room. Aqu is available via public transportation (subway and bus) and has that disgusting racino attached to it so it attracts all sort of scum.

Gotcha. I'm always shocked how often people take pp's, food or other things on peoples tables in OTB areas while they're up. I once watched a guy go up and grab a slice of pizza of a woman's table while she was up making a bet.

[EMD4ME]

Ive been so spoiled by the nyra rewards rooms that I forgot what its like to be at the track in the normal areas. After being on the first floor of Belmont for 30 minutes opening weekend, I went home. I felt like I was at a homeless shelter. I couldn't place my tablet down for a second as it would be stolen. Never mind put a drink down.....

Make a bet?? Ha! Who could possibly concentrate with all the pick pockets walking around and peddlers asking for a cigarette or two bucks as your constructing $750 weighed out pick 6 tickets.

It's insane that they treat their top clients like this

[Milkshaker]

Right on!

I can see from your multiple long postings that you are "not angry."

I am not quite at your level of play yet, but I can envision how going from having "an attendant who is there for all your needs" to NOT having one is a huge, life-altering inconvenience.

[stringmail]

Right on!

I can see from your multiple long postings that you are "not angry."

I am not quite at your level of play yet, but I can envision how going from having "an attendant who is there for all your needs" to NOT having one is a huge, life-altering inconvenience.

You may enjoy the smell of urine and body odor as well as the risk of having items stolen but clearly the OP does not and is incredibly frustrated. I can't imagine have to pack up all my items if I wanted to place a bet or go to the bathroom without fear of having stuff stolen.

It sounds pretty darn frustrating from what has been experienced and I can empathize. The on-track experience is one of the reasons I stick to the home office.

...so while not the life-altering inconvenience that you sarcastically suggest, I'm sure it is a huge pain in the arse.

You put through greater than $300K in handle, they can do something for that $60K you are "giving" to the industry.

[Stillriledup]

You can't ever love the "suits" acting in this fashion, but i want to say that i think you need to keep separate the incident with "Dean" Travers and the inability of the customer service to process your money. Now, i guess that if you had gotten your money in there and hit for the 10 grand, you wouldnt be as mad at the Dean, but what he did is not something i agree with, you have to cater to players. What i don't understand is if he didn't care, why would he ask you and the others to meet with him? Why not just do what he was going to do anyway, i don't get why it was necessary to tell you to your face that you are going to be stuck in the corner (like baby).

[DelMarJay]

Customer service in EVERY conceivable corner of America has shrunk over the years to the putrid levels we all experience today. But in this case, you'd think money talks loud. Guess incompetent leadership trumps logic and reason.

Seriously, it's hard for a $10 buck a race lifer like myself to imagine your levels of play, but I can understand your valid feelings. Not even sure of solutions here. Almost wish the horse industry realized they and they alone have CHOSEN to die slowly instead of giving a shit and fought to market the greatest sport ever.

Retain your undying loyal fans(like OP and everyone here) by listening and reacting. Create growth by marketing the passion and excitement to the young people. And lastly realize that while ADW's have a large role in the success of racing, the live racing experience and the social gathering of the Off Track Parlors have still got to be above par activities. So that's my penny's worth. And for F sakes, get rid of the beggars and parasites.

[thaskalos]

Customer service in EVERY conceivable corner of America has shrunk over the years to the putrid levels we all experience today. But in this case, you'd think money talks loud. Guess incompetent leadership trumps logic and reason.

Seriously, it's hard for a $10 buck a race lifer like myself to imagine your levels of play, but I can understand your valid feelings. Not even sure of solutions here. Almost wish the horse industry realized they and they alone have CHOSEN to die slowly instead of giving a shit and fought to market the greatest sport ever.

Retain your undying loyal fans(like OP and everyone here) by listening and reacting. Create growth by marketing the passion and excitement to the young people. And lastly realize that while ADW's have a large role in the success of racing, the live racing experience and the social gathering of the Off Track Parlors have still got to be above par activities. So that's my penny's worth. And for F sakes, get rid of the beggars and parasites.

The track owners and the horsemen already have an image in their minds of what the "greatest sport ever" would be...and the horseplayer is an unnecessary and unwelcomed participant in it. It's an image of an ocean of intoxicated slots players merrily and mindlessly lining up to entirely take over the responsibility of funding the purses which necessitated the toleration of those aggravating and forever complaining horseplayers all these years.

For years they've wanted to get rid of us...but they didn't know how to manage it. Well, now they do...and they are not shy to tell it to our faces.

[thaskalos]

"The problem are all the addicts and idiots crying because they lost a $2 bet, and then demanding a level playing field. It will never be a level playing field. There are a lot of things people don't know...and won't know."

"If you bet on horses, I would call you an idiot. I don't bet, there is a reason they call it gambling. I train to win and that's all I care about. It's not my problem (if the general public is deceived). They ought to bring in slot machines, then we could run our horses and make a living without worrying about some crybaby calling the stewards and raising a fit."

-- Jeff Mullins, 2005

[Stillriledup]

The track owners and the horsemen already have an image in their minds of what the "greatest sport ever" would be...and the horseplayer is an unnecessary and unwelcomed participant in it. It's an image of an ocean of intoxicated slots players merrily and mindlessly lining up to entirely take over the responsibility of funding the purses which necessitated the toleration of those aggravating and forever complaining horseplayers all these years.

For years they've wanted to get rid of us...but they didn't know how to manage it. Well, now they do...and they are not shy to tell it to our faces.
This....is pretty accurate.

[Stillriledup]

"The problem are all the addicts and idiots crying because they lost a $2 bet, and then demanding a level playing field. It will never be a level playing field. There are a lot of things people don't know...and won't know."

"If you bet on horses, I would call you an idiot. I don't bet, there is a reason they call it gambling. I train to win and that's all I care about. It's not my problem (if the general public is deceived). They ought to bring in slot machines, then we could run our horses and make a living without worrying about some crybaby calling the stewards and raising a fit."

-- Jeff Mullins, 2005

Here's the famous "mullins unloads" thread. Enjoy.

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18430&highlight=mullins

[tanner12oz]

How many nyra bashing threads we going to have before someone acknowledges there is an issue?

keeneland are about the only suits I trust in this game

[Tom]

"...oozes of parasites..."

Well, the bright side is that you probably don't care when someone helps themselves to your pizza!

Does seem like a rather odd business model altogether.

[pacer]

I just prefer to play in my house over the track any day I live NY and Don't like going to belmont unless there is live racing and doesn't matter if they r live at aqu that place is a horror show.

[pacer]

Also I use a checking account to fund my Nyra acct it is free agree the website not the best. also use xpressbet and never have a problem.

[alhattab]

I believe admission is free to the AQU and BEL simulcasts. The OPs warranted desire for special treatment is understandable given his level of play. For the lower end players,a lot of the issues would seemingly disappear if there was an admission charge, refundable based on certain levels of play. We often comment about how racetrack admission should be free, but in certain areas that allows access for some undesirables, even if it is the harmless person looking for a handout or someone more dangerous.

[classhandicapper]

I haven't had any bad experiences at the Belmont simulcast. Granted I wouldn't leave an expensive laptop or IPad around, but that's true in general.

[spiketoo]

I believe admission is free to the AQU and BEL simulcasts. The OPs warranted desire for special treatment is understandable given his level of play. For the lower end players,a lot of the issues would seemingly disappear if there was an admission charge, refundable based on certain levels of play. We often comment about how racetrack admission should be free, but in certain areas that allows access for some undesirables, even if it is the harmless person looking for a handout or someone more dangerous.

May be a bit steep but it could be adjusted accordingly. The old sportsbook at Caliente (where you could 'pick your odds' before co-mingling of pools - kinda the predecessor to exchange wagering), 'charged' you a $50 voucher for admission.

[johnhannibalsmith]

What is really uninspiring is that the OP's "really bad day" portion would probably constitute the pinnacle of local wagering convenience and attention to detail if we weren't nine furlongs behind the OP's state where I am.

[DeltaLover]

To be honest and fair, Aqueduct has done a ton of progress lately. The new player's room, is one of the best places in racing I have ever seen from any way you can see it: luxurious seats with very clean environment and very polite and helpful NYRA employees, clean restrooms and a nice bar. I really see no reason to go to Belmont or any other place to play horses...

[LottaKash]

I haven't had any bad experiences at the Belmont simulcast. Granted I wouldn't leave an expensive laptop or IPad around, but that's true in general.

Anywhere on the planet, at any time ....:eek:

[dilanesp]

Anywhere on the planet, at any time ....:eek:

There are sometimes comparisons made between horse racing and other forms of gambling.

Compare the stories of petty (racing form) and non-petty theft at horse racing venues in this thread to the fact that in a licensed poker room you can leave $3,000 sitting on a poker table with 9 total strangers you have never met before, get up, come back 15 minutes later, and every single dollar of it will still be there.

It's 2014 and pickpockets and thieves have hung around horse racing facilities for over a century. It's time something was done about them. It really isn't that hard to do with some competent security.

[PhantomOnTour]

There are sometimes comparisons made between horse racing and other forms of gambling.

Compare the stories of petty (racing form) and non-petty theft at horse racing venues in this thread to the fact that in a licensed poker room you can leave $3,000 sitting on a poker table with 9 total strangers you have never met before, get up, come back 15 minutes later, and every single dollar of it will still be there.

It's 2014 and pickpockets and thieves have hung around horse racing facilities for over a century. It's time something was done about them. It really isn't that hard to do with some competent security.
But isn't there a dealer and/or pit boss present at every poker table?
Who would steal with those guys at the table?

[dilanesp]

But isn't there a dealer and/or pit boss present at every poker table?
Who would steal with those guys at the table?

There is a dealer who isn't allowed to even do anything if there is theft.

And there is a floor supervisor who has 5 to 10 tables to watch (and who also has little authority when it comes to theft).

The key is that they have cameras pointed all over the place and trained security guards watching the action. Which is how you do security in 2014.

[PhantomOnTour]

My point was that the non theft at poker tables is due to surveillance and security, and not the higher integrity of poker players over horseplayers.

[DeltaLover]

My point was that the non theft at poker tables is due to surveillance and security, and not the higher integrity of poker players over horseplayers.


I have been taking a laptop to the track for many years.

I usually stay in the player's room and never had any issues about a stolen device even if I go out for a smoke (many times with the original poster Emerald, who happens to be my friend)..

If anyone, it is only myself who can be blamed for robbing me...

[dilanesp]

My point was that the non theft at poker tables is due to surveillance and security, and not the higher integrity of poker players over horseplayers.

That was my point too. The security at racetracks sucks. There shouldn't be anyone at a racetrack who isn't there to watch the races or bet on them. It's 2014.

[Stillriledup]

That was my point too. The security at racetracks sucks. There shouldn't be anyone at a racetrack who isn't there to watch the races or bet on them. It's 2014.

Another "Parasite" is the person who stands at the SAM machine "swishing" ticket after ticket that he found on the floor while blocking the lines of the people who actually bet.

[Track Phantom]

"The problem are all the addicts and idiots crying because they lost a $2 bet, and then demanding a level playing field. It will never be a level playing field. There are a lot of things people don't know...and won't know."

"If you bet on horses, I would call you an idiot. I don't bet, there is a reason they call it gambling. I train to win and that's all I care about. It's not my problem (if the general public is deceived). They ought to bring in slot machines, then we could run our horses and make a living without worrying about some crybaby calling the stewards and raising a fit."

-- Jeff Mullins, 2005

I remember this Mullins quote but didn't remember it verbatim and didn't recall his comments about slot machines. Wow! That is pretty revealing and I would bet that a vast majority of the horsemen and track management feel the same way.

The problem is there are two segments of horseplayers at the track. The first, of which I am a part of, are those that go to the track, keep the themselves, don't complain or demand, and are basically anonymous to track management. The second, for which most perceptions are built, are those that live at the track, complain, demand, are often rude, disrespectful and irritating. If I worked at a track and dealt with these kinds of people daily, I would be jaded, too.

[pat]

Ive said it before thats the type of people you get when you dont charge admission.
The homeless hang out at Aqueduct in the day and JFK airport terminals at night.
I work security for an airline when i arrive at 5am the people I see at Aqueduct at 11am I see at 5am with a small carry on bag sleeping in terminal ( pre TSA ) making believe they missed their flight and are waiting for next am flight.
We need to charge admission and with the price of admission you get a program or a reduced rate on drf, that way if your not betting neither item would benefit you.
Therefore having no purpose to enter with paid admission.
I attend racing daily in Ny Friday thru sunday Im at belmont Monday,wednesday and thursday Aqueduct.

[Cholly]

...I work security for an airline when i arrive at 5am...I attend racing daily in Ny Friday thru sunday Im at belmont Monday,wednesday and thursday Aqueduct.

I want your life!

[Stillriledup]

I want your life!

Pat is the EF Hutton of PA, when he posts, its a good idea to listen!

[Cholly]

Pat is the EF Hutton of PA, when he posts, its a good idea to listen!

He certainly has the scheduling thing smartly dialed in...reminds me of my uncle, who played golf almost every afternoon of his life. Uncle told me this, "If a man has a job that doesn't make him a living by noon, then he needs to find another job."

[Grits]

I remember this Mullins quote but didn't remember it verbatim and didn't recall his comments about slot machines. Wow! That is pretty revealing and I would bet that a vast majority of the horsemen and track management feel the same way.

The problem is there are two segments of horseplayers at the track. The first, of which I am a part of, are those that go to the track, keep the themselves, don't complain or demand, and are basically anonymous to track management. The second, for which most perceptions are built, are those that live at the track, complain, demand, are often rude, disrespectful and irritating. If I worked at a track and dealt with these kinds of people daily, I would be jaded, too.

Its been a long time since reading this quote. Its still hard to read these words. To think trainers or others in the industry, whose livelihood, bettors support feel this way -- his remarks are quite loathsome.

[EMD4ME]

You can't ever love the "suits" acting in this fashion, but i want to say that i think you need to keep separate the incident with "Dean" Travers and the inability of the customer service to process your money. Now, i guess that if you had gotten your money in there and hit for the 10 grand, you wouldnt be as mad at the Dean, but what he did is not something i agree with, you have to cater to players. What i don't understand is if he didn't care, why would he ask you and the others to meet with him? Why not just do what he was going to do anyway, i don't get why it was necessary to tell you to your face that you are going to be stuck in the corner (like baby).

SRU. For the record, they are two separate incidents and I have separated them, however, they are linked. I would not have attempted to use the money gram feature that they advertise if the room at Belmont was open.

Response #2. Buddy, believe you me, I don't care if I hit for 4.2 Million, I would 10000000% still be upset at Mr. Traver's poor communication skills, business sense, decision making capabilities, SARCASM and I would most definitely file my complaint with anyone who cares at NYRA.

I don't know why he brought us down for a discussion. After 2 minutes of humane, interactional, 2 way communication with his "clients", he rudely cut off a high roller and said "fellas let me cut to the point. We spent 7 million on Aqueduct and it's going to work". In other words, I don't really care to discuss your opinions or your attempts at negotiation. One player immediately asked if this is open to discussion. To paraphrase him, he said no. I asked him politely about the possible opportunity cost of his decision and his response was sarcastic (he told me that I can go to Belmont & play on my thousand dollar laptop if I don't like aqueduct-as their wont be any machines for me to wager on up in the room). (I had made a prior reference that I can't go to aqueduct because my laptop can be stolen at any time there-he used my valid concern, sarcastically, in his later response to me).

Real professional....

At that point, I said I will reduce my handle to nill and if they want me to go away, I will.

[EMD4ME]

Customer service in EVERY conceivable corner of America has shrunk over the years to the putrid levels we all experience today. But in this case, you'd think money talks loud. Guess incompetent leadership trumps logic and reason.

Seriously, it's hard for a $10 buck a race lifer like myself to imagine your levels of play, but I can understand your valid feelings. Not even sure of solutions here. Almost wish the horse industry realized they and they alone have CHOSEN to die slowly instead of giving a shit and fought to market the greatest sport ever.

Retain your undying loyal fans(like OP and everyone here) by listening and reacting. Create growth by marketing the passion and excitement to the young people. And lastly realize that while ADW's have a large role in the success of racing, the live racing experience and the social gathering of the Off Track Parlors have still got to be above par activities. So that's my penny's worth. And for F sakes, get rid of the beggars and parasites.

Quite frankly, it's not about my handle or anyone else's handle. It's the principle of how a client should be treated and how they are spoken to.

I have nothing against Mr. Travers on a personal level. I do however, have the right to speak up (and this is the only way I know how) when I feel mistreated. If he turned around tomorrow and was a true gentlemen and a true professional who I truly felt cared and acted upon the concerns of his clients, I would be his biggest advocate. I sadly do not think that will ever happen. I see the writing on the wall, 1 less player who was dedicated to NYRA & no one who would even notice.

You are right. The parasites and beggars should be thrown out. I don't exactly know how. Maybe through client complaints (secretively to protect the players) but they need to go.

It just boggles my mind how you can have a dying (literally) on track crowd and you take your TOP clients in for a conference and tell them: (paraphrasing) I don't care what you want, why you want it and how you want it but you will eat this dog poo poo, you will like it and you will come back.

No I wont.

[EMD4ME]

The track owners and the horsemen already have an image in their minds of what the "greatest sport ever" would be...and the horseplayer is an unnecessary and unwelcomed participant in it. It's an image of an ocean of intoxicated slots players merrily and mindlessly lining up to entirely take over the responsibility of funding the purses which necessitated the toleration of those aggravating and forever complaining horseplayers all these years.

For years they've wanted to get rid of us...but they didn't know how to manage it. Well, now they do...and they are not shy to tell it to our faces.

Sadly, I hate to admit it but you are 100% correct. It's a shame but you are 100% correct.

[EMD4ME]

I just prefer to play in my house over the track any day I live NY and Don't like going to belmont unless there is live racing and doesn't matter if they r live at aqu that place is a horror show.

To be extremely forthright with you I'll tell you why. When I was 3 1/2 years old, I was found to be a mathematical talent. I was advanced for my age. I was at Charles Town, picked up a racing form and was calculating turn times at the ripe old age of 4 or 4 1/2. No joke. Some would call that a curse and some would laugh.

Long story short, as I've gotten older, going to the track is an opportunity to rekindle old memories of mom and dad taking me to Charles Town when I was 4. I pick up my mom a Tele (that's what a racing form was called back in the day for those that don't know) for the next day's card, give her something to look forward to and pick her up the next day to head to the track. Now before you assume she can't handicap, she can and she's excellent at it. She doesn't handle more than 50,000 a year but she is an excellent handicapper and money manager.

It is a crying shame that I can't bring this elderly lady to a hospitable and warm environment because Mr. Travers doesn't see the value of opening a LOW COST ROOM for his top players.

Mom stays home now. No Saratoga for her. No wonderful feeling of I'm going somewhere on Saturday to break up this boring routine called retirement.

That's what a good live experience means to me. Since Mr. TRAVERS and the company that he represents don't care, how could I care about NYRA anymore?

[EMD4ME]

To be honest and fair, Aqueduct has done a ton of progress lately. The new player's room, is one of the best places in racing I have ever seen from any way you can see it: luxurious seats with very clean environment and very polite and helpful NYRA employees, clean restrooms and a nice bar. I really see no reason to go to Belmont or any other place to play horses...

Delta, you know I love you. There is no but there. To each his own. However, as human beings we all have our preferences. If you really need to know why I, personally want and need to go to Belmont, please see below.

Major inconvenience (during the Spa meet, I like to go to the beach and them the track. Going to Aqu eliminates that possibility)

Call me crazy but I do not like sitting a dark room with zero windows during the 7 hot and beautiful weeks of the Saratoga meet. I like to visit the beautiful Belmont back yard, with my tablet and get sun while I play the Spa.

Lower handle. It takes 1 hour to drive home from Aqu (11 miles from home). It takes me 17 minutes to get home from Belmont and it is 16 MILES from my home). I'm an avid Emerald Downs player. That extra 53 minutes is two races that I don't wager on at Emerald (at the conclusion of the spa card).

Crowd-Layout. The Aqu room is nice if you are a casino fan (darkness-no windows-strangers all around). Yes, you are in a "secure" environment but it is not secure. Anyone can walk in to the players club as the door is not manned. My $1000 laptop and tablet (with thousands of personal items on it) can be swiped in a nano second at Aqueduct. At Belmont, we all know each other, the guard stands by closely, the attendant knows everyone. It's night and day different.

VIP parking. For 11 months, I am privy to a spot up front at Belmont. Now I am told go to aqu and place your car in an unattended lot and it's first come first serve? Excuse me????

You and I both know that people have been murdered and attacked in the aqueduct parking lot. I do not feel comfortable walking 500 yards with 10,000 on me to my car at aqueduct. Call me scared but I do not. At Belmont, yes.

Sorry for the rant. There is no I'm right your wrong. To each his own. I respect your opinion immensely. I just hope you respect mine.

Hope to see you soon but unfortunately it wont likely be at aqueduct.

[Stillriledup]

SRU. For the record, they are two separate incidents and I have separated them, however, they are linked. I would not have attempted to use the money gram feature that they advertise if the room at Belmont was open.

Response #2. Buddy, believe you me, I don't care if I hit for 4.2 Million, I would 10000000% still be upset at Mr. Traver's poor communication skills, business sense, decision making capabilities, SARCASM and I would most definitely file my complaint with anyone who cares at NYRA.

I don't know why he brought us down for a discussion. After 2 minutes of humane, interactional, 2 way communication with his "clients", he rudely cut off a high roller and said "fellas let me cut to the point. We spent 7 million on Aqueduct and it's going to work". In other words, I don't really care to discuss your opinions or your attempts at negotiation. One player immediately asked if this is open to discussion. To paraphrase him, he said no. I asked him politely about the possible opportunity cost of his decision and his response was sarcastic (he told me that I can go to Belmont & play on my thousand dollar laptop if I don't like aqueduct-as their wont be any machines for me to wager on up in the room). (I had made a prior reference that I can't go to aqueduct because my laptop can be stolen at any time there-he used my valid concern, sarcastically, in his later response to me).

Real professional....

At that point, I said I will reduce my handle to nill and if they want me to go away, I will.

I'm not sure what was the point of bringing you guys in, it would have been better if he just didnt answer his phone when you called to ask "what happened".

The customer is always right within reason, and what you're asking for is not unreasonable. Bad job by them.

[thespaah]

True, if they work. I never mentioned how I have a surface 2 and NYRA rewards is the only ADW that freezes every 5 bets with my surface 2. So let's recap..... can't go to the track to bet, can't fund (still don't know why-isn't that so pathetic? They don't know why all client's money grams didn't go through, not just mine) my account and when my account is funded, their tech team can't help my freezing problem.
What is a "surface 2"?
Why not just switch to another ADW? Or Keep funds in your NYRA Rewards account to at least get you through your first few races?
Why do you use moneygram or these other prepaid cards to fund your account? Why not just use your checking account? Are you concerned with security?
What is wrong with the regular Belmont simulcast area?
I am asking these things because, I believe you and I process things differently. To me when things don't go according to plan, I vent my spleen cuz I'm pissed. Then I find a solution and get it done.
For example...Ok, no Belmont Club room? Ahh, no biggie, I'll just bet 'over there"....I'm not seeing a problem here. But that's just me.

[WP1981]

Another "Parasite" is the person who stands at the SAM machine "swishing" ticket after ticket that he found on the floor while blocking the lines of the people who actually bet.

Worse. On busy days at Los Al the SAMs get backed up and spit your remaining balance out about 5 seconds after your ticket. I have lost two. One they tracked and froze right before the guy tried to cash it and once it was cashed within 30 seconds.

It makes me want to scream at everyone in the vacinity. This is still theft.

[thespaah]

Great question, my fault. Belmont created a first floor simulcasting area for 7 day simulcasts. Hate to say it but you can barely walk 4 feet without being disgusted repulsed or smell someone. Same goes for aqueduct.

Belmont has a really nice players club for clients who wager 300,000 a year or more. It is manned by security, an attendant who is there for all your needs and all players know each other real well. It has assigned seating, you face the paddock (and the sun) and have glass windows not thick dark walls. If you feel like taking a walk to the back yard to tan between races, you can. If you want to walk to the apron and just hang out , you can. You can do all this while your belongings ($1000 lap top, notes, cell phone) are safe in that air conditioning sun filled room.

You don't have that feeling of security and comfort at the Aqueduct version of this room. Aqu is available via public transportation (subway and bus) and has that disgusting racino attached to it so it attracts all sort of scum.
Ok..I get the lap top thing and the rest of it....
Here's an idea. If you have the wealth that you can run $300 large through the windows in a year then you can hire someone to take care of your personal security. How much can it cost? $100- $150 for the day to have someone sit or stand nearby and watch over you and your stuff?
ONe other question...Why not just bet from home like 90% of the other larger players?

[thespaah]

Ive been so spoiled by the nyra rewards rooms that I forgot what its like to be at the track in the normal areas. After being on the first floor of Belmont for 30 minutes opening weekend, I went home. I felt like I was at a homeless shelter. I couldn't place my tablet down for a second as it would be stolen. Never mind put a drink down.....

Make a bet?? Ha! Who could possibly concentrate with all the pick pockets walking around and peddlers asking for a cigarette or two bucks as your constructing $750 weighed out pick 6 tickets.

It's insane that they treat their top clients like this
Come on....There's what maybe 3 or 4,000 people in attendance. Heck you could walk through the grandstand and not come within 20 yards of another human being.
What about dining areas in the Clubhouse?
Look, I'm not trying to start anything with you here, but you seem to have certain expectations and may have gotten used to certain things and it pains you to not get the treatment you think you deserve. I sit on the fence here. If your approach is the experience, I agree with you. If you are focused on your handicapping/wagering, well there I differ. If I need to make things work, I figure out how to make them work and that's that.

[thespaah]

Ive been so spoiled by the nyra rewards rooms that I forgot what its like to be at the track in the normal areas. After being on the first floor of Belmont for 30 minutes opening weekend, I went home. I felt like I was at a homeless shelter. I couldn't place my tablet down for a second as it would be stolen. Never mind put a drink down.....

Make a bet?? Ha! Who could possibly concentrate with all the pick pockets walking around and peddlers asking for a cigarette or two bucks as your constructing $750 weighed out pick 6 tickets.

It's insane that they treat their top clients like this
Oh..One more thing..If you look at my posting history on here, you'll note that I have always supported the idea of tracks copying the casinos in treating their best customers to a VIP experience.
I think racing management is missing the boat on this...

[Hoofless_Wonder]

EMD4ME, your post reads like the unfortunate sequence of events often preceding a plane crash. Your beef with NYRA customer relations is valid. The fact you missed out on $10K of profits is mostly on you. I guess you weren't in the Boy Scouts. Being a New Yorker and with the recent events of Super Storm Sandy and the DRF outage just this summer has me believing you're not paying attention.

Surely in your lifetime there's been a power outage at Belmont?

[EMD4ME]

EMD4ME, your post reads like the unfortunate sequence of events often preceding a plane crash. Your beef with NYRA customer relations is valid. The fact you missed out on $10K of profits is mostly on you. I guess you weren't in the Boy Scouts. Being a New Yorker and with the recent events of Super Storm Sandy and the DRF outage just this summer has me believing you're not paying attention.

Surely in your lifetime there's been a power outage at Belmont?

This aggravation and disappointment was in place before and after the 10,000.00. Quite frankly, it's not about the 10,000.00. Please reread my other posts in this thread and you'll see what it's about.

Thank you sincerely.

[EMD4ME]

Oh..One more thing..If you look at my posting history on here, you'll note that I have always supported the idea of tracks copying the casinos in treating their best customers to a VIP experience.
I think racing management is missing the boat on this...

Belmont is now condensed to a tiny small area called the Belmont café. You have nowhere and I mean nowhere to sit. No where to stand. I'm not a spoiled brat and I am not a sissy. I am a new yawker. Picture NYC OTB at it's worst and that's what you find there during the spa season.

[EMD4ME]

Come on....There's what maybe 3 or 4,000 people in attendance. Heck you could walk through the grandstand and not come within 20 yards of another human being.
What about dining areas in the Clubhouse?
Look, I'm not trying to start anything with you here, but you seem to have certain expectations and may have gotten used to certain things and it pains you to not get the treatment you think you deserve. I sit on the fence here. If your approach is the experience, I agree with you. If you are focused on your handicapping/wagering, well there I differ. If I need to make things work, I figure out how to make them work and that's that.

Surface 2 is the tablet that I utilize (besides my laptop). There is no clubhouse dining area. We're all jammed into a tiny corner on the bottom floor. There is no admission cost. It's the size of a medium sized OTB. It's 1 floor. Limited seating that is piranha style. First come first serve, get up you lose the seat. Machines are 5-6 deep with .10 straight super players handicapping at the machine with their .40 cent voucher. Screaming and yelling so loud that an insane asylum is where you go to get some peace and quiet. No joke, not exaggerating.

[EMD4ME]

Ok..I get the lap top thing and the rest of it....
Here's an idea. If you have the wealth that you can run $300 large through the windows in a year then you can hire someone to take care of your personal security. How much can it cost? $100- $150 for the day to have someone sit or stand nearby and watch over you and your stuff?
ONe other question...Why not just bet from home like 90% of the other larger players?

I like to pick up my elderly mother and take her out for a day at the races. Been doing so for 35 years. Don't want her in that element. I don't want to be in that element. That is why a good environment is needed and why I go to the track, plus I like the track, the smell of horse shit, seeing a race live, leaving the house, interactions with fellow horseplayers etc.

[MOG4023]

EMD4ME - I completely get where you are coming from. There is nothing worse (ok there is) than being snubbed by an establishment that you patronize so heavily. If it were a private enterprise you and your group would not have been treated with such contempt.

As always - it's not just what they have done - it's the manner in which it was conveyed.

I am sure they could have done exactly what they wanted to do / did and still kept you happy if they had got the message across.

Many a war could have been avoided with a little tact.

[BettinBilly]

OP:

Thanks for the thread. I'm shocked at your recent experience at NYRA, however, as someone mentioned, it's not surprising in America these days where customer service is consistently sorely lacking.

Frankly, I am not at your level of play, even though I have the same amount to time into the sport as you do. However, I am an avid Horseplayer, and an Entrepreneur that runs two businesses. I started my companies pounding the pavement and busting my ass making sure my customers knew that THEY were the reason I was in business. I kissed their butts daily. Groveled and schmoozed and took grief by the bucket loads all in the name of customer service. That is why today, I am reaping the rewards. There is a lesson in that for NYRA, or so it seems from reading this thread. And for TOP TIER customers? Get the lips ready for schmoozing. They are 80 percent of your business. 80/20 rule.

I'm a former New Yorker and used to frequent many of the tracks back in the day. Today I only make a yearly trek to Saratoga. I'll still do that, but after reading your posts, It's not quite the bright shiny penny it once was to me. Slight paradigm shift for me.

People may not have thought much of Beulah Park, but at least being there, I could get up from my desk in the "Clubhouse", go out in the main area, place a bet, use the toilet, get a beer and a hotdog, chat with a few other Horseplayers, then mosey on back to my desk. ALL of my items would be there, even my laptop. I never worried. I'll miss Beulah.

Thanks again for posting. Sorry about your experience.

[thaskalos]

What some people don't understand is that it is INSULTING to have something taken away from you when you have complied with your part of the agreement which got you this "comp" to begin with.

If the big bettors are given their own room where they can place their wagers in relative secrecy and safety, and they continue to wager the amounts to satisfy the original agreement that they've made with the track...then losing this room is -- in no uncertain terms -- the track's way of telling them that their action is no longer appreciated.

[dirty moose]

Surface 2 is the tablet that I utilize (besides my laptop). There is no clubhouse dining area. We're all jammed into a tiny corner on the bottom floor. There is no admission cost. It's the size of a medium sized OTB. It's 1 floor. Limited seating that is piranha style. First come first serve, get up you lose the seat. Machines are 5-6 deep with .10 straight super players handicapping at the machine with their .40 cent voucher. Screaming and yelling so loud that an insane asylum is where you go to get some peace and quiet. No joke, not exaggerating.

This is pretty funny, mostly cause it's true...:lol:

[thespaah]

Surface 2 is the tablet that I utilize (besides my laptop). There is no clubhouse dining area. We're all jammed into a tiny corner on the bottom floor. There is no admission cost. It's the size of a medium sized OTB. It's 1 floor. Limited seating that is piranha style. First come first serve, get up you lose the seat. Machines are 5-6 deep with .10 straight super players handicapping at the machine with their .40 cent voucher. Screaming and yelling so loud that an insane asylum is where you go to get some peace and quiet. No joke, not exaggerating.
Ok..I now can make a mental picture of the environment.
Now I see why you object to those surroundings. I'd stay away too.
So why not just bet from home?
Oh, in your rather testy exchanges with this Travers fellow, there was a quote that I find to be aggravating "we spent 7 million"....In other words, they have spent money and come hell or high water out decision is getting rammed down your throat"....
At that point my response is "Oh really?> You can have my answer now. Nothing. You get nothing. You just lost X hundreds of thousands of dollars of handle. And please realize this. I have lots of friends who also bet very large who I will have no trouble persuading to do the same. Have a wonderful day."

[taxicab]

Four years old doing turn times at CT.
Very impressive.

[EMD4ME]

EMD4ME - I completely get where you are coming from. There is nothing worse (ok there is) than being snubbed by an establishment that you patronize so heavily. If it were a private enterprise you and your group would not have been treated with such contempt.

As always - it's not just what they have done - it's the manner in which it was conveyed.

I am sure they could have done exactly what they wanted to do / did and still kept you happy if they had got the message across.

Many a war could have been avoided with a little tact.

Thank you for your great point. It's true the delivery was terrible. However, no matter what the delivery was, the action enacted, caused me to say enough is enough. You crossed the line. I will not bend over backwards to feed your mouth when all you are doing to me is impacting my life negatively. It's the principle here. It makes me sick but yes the delivery was the cherry on top.

[EMD4ME]

OP:

Thanks for the thread. I'm shocked at your recent experience at NYRA, however, as someone mentioned, it's not surprising in America these days where customer service is consistently sorely lacking.

Frankly, I am not at your level of play, even though I have the same amount to time into the sport as you do. However, I am an avid Horseplayer, and an Entrepreneur that runs two businesses. I started my companies pounding the pavement and busting my ass making sure my customers knew that THEY were the reason I was in business. I kissed their butts daily. Groveled and schmoozed and took grief by the bucket loads all in the name of customer service. That is why today, I am reaping the rewards. There is a lesson in that for NYRA, or so it seems from reading this thread. And for TOP TIER customers? Get the lips ready for schmoozing. They are 80 percent of your business. 80/20 rule.

I'm a former New Yorker and used to frequent many of the tracks back in the day. Today I only make a yearly trek to Saratoga. I'll still do that, but after reading your posts, It's not quite the bright shiny penny it once was to me. Slight paradigm shift for me.

People may not have thought much of Beulah Park, but at least being there, I could get up from my desk in the "Clubhouse", go out in the main area, place a bet, use the toilet, get a beer and a hotdog, chat with a few other Horseplayers, then mosey on back to my desk. ALL of my items would be there, even my laptop. I never worried. I'll miss Beulah.

Thanks again for posting. Sorry about your experience.

Level of play is irrelevant. It's not the point but I understand it does impact things. I totally sympathize with your Beulah days. Management just doesn't get it. If I can't satisfy what I need to be a regular client, I won't be a client. I'm not a drug addict. I don't need their heroine. I'll find some other circuit to focus on and will definitely bet via the ADW's that have solicited me with better rewards recently. I'll be fair though. I expressed my concern to the Chris Kay. I'll see what the response is. If it's fair, they get a second chance and a new biggest fan. If they don't make amends, whatever. Goodbye

I appreciate you getting it. You obviously are successful for a reason.

[EMD4ME]

What some people don't understand is that it is INSULTING to have something taken away from you when you have complied with your part of the agreement which got you this "comp" to begin with.

If the big bettors are given their own room where they can place their wagers in relative secrecy and safety, and they continue to wager the amounts to satisfy the original agreement that they've made with the track...then losing this room is -- in no uncertain terms -- the track's way of telling them that their action is no longer appreciated.


You're name is so perfect for you. Thaskalos is just perfect. You remind me of very few wise people that I have learned so much from. I could not agree more with your statement. 100000% nailed it.

[EMD4ME]

This is pretty funny, mostly cause it's true...:lol:

Mr. Travers told a whale, that he has no idea what he means by element. (the whale said he will never spend a spa season at Aqueduct as it has an element to it. Meaning people who come in for shelter, who beg for change, cigarettes etc and who will stand at a machine for 5 minutes wagering their .40 cents that they begged off someone). Multiple players said you've got to be kidding. His straight face response was what element, I never noticed.

I love aqueduct more than anyone, the racing is awesome and I have no problem going there in the winter when there is nothing to do (out doors like go to the beach, BBQ etc) but don't tell me I have to go there in August when Belmont is open, electricity is on, ac is on, employees are there but you just want me to use 1 specific room at Aqu because it's vital to someone's agenda.

[EMD4ME]

Ok..I now can make a mental picture of the environment.
Now I see why you object to those surroundings. I'd stay away too.
So why not just bet from home?
Oh, in your rather testy exchanges with this Travers fellow, there was a quote that I find to be aggravating "we spent 7 million"....In other words, they have spent money and come hell or high water out decision is getting rammed down your throat"....
At that point my response is "Oh really?> You can have my answer now. Nothing. You get nothing. You just lost X hundreds of thousands of dollars of handle. And please realize this. I have lots of friends who also bet very large who I will have no trouble persuading to do the same. Have a wonderful day."

I like to take my mother out for a day away from retirement, she loves the track. She loves the beach. I take her to the beach then Belmont in time for the first. Now, it's just the beach. Why? BC it's an extra 40 plus minutes to get to Aqu from the beach which means I miss the early pick 5 and pick 4. No reception at the beach, can't bet from the phone either. No VIP parking at Aqu, no windows (sunlight) etc. Etc. Etc.

Yes, his 7 million response was repulsive. When I said I will still come to Belmont and hang out on the second floor, he told me to visit the closed room and play from my $1000 laptop as there will be no betting machines in the Belmont VIP room. Real sarcastic employee. Perfect for racing sadly.

[EMD4ME]

Four years old doing turn times at CT.
Very impressive.

I don't know if it was impressive! I learned how takeout and breakage suck the life out of you at a young age LOL! :bang:

[dirty moose]

Have you tried "Long Shots" inside AQ? Don't they also have a high roller room? I was in long shots the day it opened (Wood Memorial day) I think. I really enjoyed it inside there. Not sure how it is this time of the year.

[EMD4ME]

Have you tried "Long Shots" inside AQ? Don't they also have a high roller room? I was in long shots the day it opened (Wood Memorial day) I think. I really enjoyed it inside there. Not sure how it is this time of the year.

Thank you for your thought. That is exactly the room that I don't want to be in during the month of August. As to why, please see my multiple posts from earlier. (I feel terrible being so redundant, I explained it many times earlier)

[iceknight]

Ok..I get the lap top thing and the rest of it....
Here's an idea. If you have the wealth that you can run $300 large through the windows in a year then you can hire someone to take care of your personal security. How much can it cost? $100- $150 for the day to have someone sit or stand nearby and watch over you and your stuff?
The fact that someone is able to run 300 large thru windows in a year does not mean they have to large amount of wealth. Churn is not accounted for accurately here.

If you are willing to pay that much or anyone for that matter I will gladly do that job till Emerald downs' last post. But notice that it works to about $35k if you are talking even 350 days of racing. Less for fewer days. That is ~12% of 300k. A huge dent on any kind of roi.

Besides that this is expensive, it should be the responsibility of the track or casino to provide a secure environment.

[EMD4ME]

The fact that someone is able to run 300 large thru windows in a year does not mean they have to large amount of wealth. Churn is not accounted for accurately here.

If you are willing to pay that much or anyone for that matter I will gladly do that job till Emerald downs' last post. But notice that it works to about $35k if you are talking even 350 days of racing. Less for fewer days. That is ~12% of 300k. A huge dent on any kind of roi.

Besides that this is expensive, it should be the responsibility of the track or casino to provide a secure environment.

Correct. I overlooked that comment. Thanks for commenting on it, 100% agree.

[dirty moose]

Thank you for your thought. That is exactly the room that I don't want to be in during the month of August. As to why, please see my multiple posts from earlier. (I feel terrible being so redundant, I explained it many times earlier)

Sorry, I didn't go thru the whole thread. Something to do with security I gather?

[WP1981]

Sounds like a real shit storm.

I was thinking about casinos, they always have a single digit edge and this is how they build empires. The casino can also be "housed" from time to time, someone finds an edge and hammers them.

This doesn't happen in our game. The takeout is set and at the end of the day the only person we can harm is one another. Chances are, we have all swapped money at some point.

Leave that as it may, what really bothers me is that not only are you guaranteed a win to feed your facility and horsemen, but I also have to pay $15 to park, $10 to enter and whatever else for pp's? Plus the laughable food and beverage prices?

We are all involved in a very -ev game no matter which way you shake it. We are in essence busto before we even place a bet.

With that said, why not move out to Emerald OP? I spent a year there and loved ever minute of it. Parking was free, place had minimal riff raff and decent food. I rented a place in Puyallup and always dreamed of going back, it is just not feasible with what I do for a living.

[Dark Horse]

Always sh*tty to lose a nice privilege. What's the other side of the story? If people know each other in that room, and they're big players, there are certain potentials typically associated with syndicates.

[riskman]

EMD4ME :

When the SPA meet ends, will the VIP Room at Belmont reopen or will there be additional changes going forward ?

Sorry to hear that you have been "outsourced" by a bunch of suits at NYRA.
Most people do not think about service until they experience a problem.
Sorry this deal went sour for you.

[RunDustyRun]

best part of this thread is hearing the descriptions of the "atmosphere" at belmont and AQ...completely foreign to me as I would never expect my form, cigs, seat or even tickets to be taken if I got up to make a bet here at Retama...we police ourselves, though to be fair we have a few characters who love their TAM dime superfectas....I do agree with most everything the OP says other than his contention that AQU has great racing...and END4ME, please feel free to play the SoCal pick fives

[EMD4ME]

EMD4ME :

When the SPA meet ends, will the VIP Room at Belmont reopen or will there be additional changes going forward ?

Sorry to hear that you have been "outsourced" by a bunch of suits at NYRA.
Most people do not think about service until they experience a problem.
Sorry this deal went sour for you.

Yes, when the Spa meet opens they will reopen the Belmont VIP room and expect suckers to come back like yo yos. But you never know, I can't put it past them to say, you need to go to aqueduct because we spent 7 million on it despite live racing being at Belmont. They are that kind of leaders.

[EMD4ME]

[QUOTE=RunDustyRun]best part of this thread is hearing the descriptions of the "atmosphere" at belmont and AQ...completely foreign to me as I would never expect my form, cigs, seat or even tickets to be taken if I got up to make a bet here at Retama...we police ourselves, though to be fair we have a few characters who love their TAM dime superfectas....I do agree with most everything the OP says other than his contention that AQU has great racing...and END4ME, please feel free to play the SoCal pick fives[/QUOTE

Thanks for responding RunDustyRun. My point about Aqueduct was that I actually love the racing there, I don't mind going in the winter for various reasons stated earlier.

SoCal pick 5's, maybe.... I'll study the circuit for a few months/year before I dive in but at this point maybe....

[EMD4ME]

Sounds like a real shit storm.

I was thinking about casinos, they always have a single digit edge and this is how they build empires. The casino can also be "housed" from time to time, someone finds an edge and hammers them.

This doesn't happen in our game. The takeout is set and at the end of the day the only person we can harm is one another. Chances are, we have all swapped money at some point.

Leave that as it may, what really bothers me is that not only are you guaranteed a win to feed your facility and horsemen, but I also have to pay $15 to park, $10 to enter and whatever else for pp's? Plus the laughable food and beverage prices?

We are all involved in a very -ev game no matter which way you shake it. We are in essence busto before we even place a bet.

With that said, why not move out to Emerald OP? I spent a year there and loved ever minute of it. Parking was free, place had minimal riff raff and decent food. I rented a place in Puyallup and always dreamed of going back, it is just not feasible with what I do for a living.

I would love to. From what I see, they run a better operation plus I see more people in attendance then my formerly beloved Belmont or aqueduct carried on a day to day basis.

[whodoyoulike]

As the 15th biggest player in NYRA's NYRA REWARDS program, I feel compelled to broadcast how much I went from an avid NYRA advocate to a NYRA hater.

We explained this to Mr. travers and he was rude, abrupt and obnoxious. I asked him if it was worth ticking off the top players/clients. His logic was we don't have enough machines for both Belmont and aqueduct. My logical response was, leave 8 machines behind at Belmont. He said no, all available machines will be at Saratoga. I countered his illogical and stupid comment with : why dont we take a handful of the machines that you want us to use at aqu and place those at Belmont? He hated my logic...

I hate NYRA and most importantly Steve Travers. After decades of being loyal, they will lose my handle and other player's handle as well.

I don't know Mr. Travers but, have you voiced your objections with someone higher up? Since, you don't appear to me to be a timid sort. This is another example of not caring about the customer. Don't they have a no loitering and/or no soliciting rules in those establishments?

[Redboard]

NYRA is probably figuring that degenerate gamblers are going to play Saratoga no matter what . It will be interesting to see if their shutting down this whale club has any effect on the spas final handle numbers. Probably not. When NYRA shut down the NYCs OTBs, it barely made a blip on the radar.

[DeltaLover]

NYRA is probably figuring that degenerate gamblers are going to play Saratoga no matter what .

And most likely has it right!

[Rise Over Run]

Probably not. When NYRA shut down the NYCs OTBs, it barely made a blip on the radar.
With a name like Redboard, I figured that you would at least get the actual events correct.... :bang: :bang:

[Stillriledup]

NYRA is probably figuring that degenerate gamblers are going to play Saratoga no matter what . It will be interesting to see if their shutting down this whale club has any effect on the spas final handle numbers. Probably not. When NYRA shut down the NYCs OTBs, it barely made a blip on the radar.

The racing industry had that theory a few decades ago, and they were right to have it, they were the only game in town and people didn't have options if they wanted action. Now, its a little different, people have more options, but the industry hasn't changed their attitude. They still have a 1970s "take it or leave it" 'tude and many are leaving it. All they need to do is treat the customer better and don't act like they are "above" it all and they can increase handle, for free. All it takes is a better attitude, and a better attitude is free.

[EMD4ME]

I don't know Mr. Travers but, have you voiced your objections with someone higher up? Since, you don't appear to me to be a timid sort. This is another example of not caring about the customer. Don't they have a no loitering and/or no soliciting rules in those establishments?

I wrote directly to Mr. Chris Kay approximately 24 hours ago to provide detailed feedback on his employee/this situation.

[EMD4ME]

The racing industry had that theory a few decades ago, and they were right to have it, they were the only game in town and people didn't have options if they wanted action. Now, its a little different, people have more options, but the industry hasn't changed their attitude. They still have a 1970s "take it or leave it" 'tude and many are leaving it. All they need to do is treat the customer better and don't act like they are "above" it all and they can increase handle, for free. All it takes is a better attitude, and a better attitude is free.

Ditto SRU.

[EMD4ME]

And most likely has it right!

You might be right and probably are right. At least I know, in my heart I did what I had to do & will do what I need to do to give back reciprocal treatment to the company that stabbed me in the back. (provide feedback to someone who might care and took away the handle that rewarded them)

[Stillriledup]

I wrote directly to Mr. Chris Kay approximately 24 hours ago to provide detailed feedback on his employee/this situation.

They (Travers) could have done a better job at not getting in your (and others) faces with a holier than thou, my way or the highway, attitude. No reason for it, especially since it doesn't seem like you were asking for something that was unreasonable.

They also need to do something about the "element". Racetracks have seedy reputations in that area. I remember many years ago taking a young lady to the track on a date and when she came back from the restroom, she told me "i got lots of creepy men staring at me, looking at me like they haven't ever seen a girl before".

I told her "many of them haven't" :D

Good luck on your e mail, hopefully you can get some closure with this situation. :ThmbUp:

[johnhannibalsmith]

...I remember many years ago taking a young lady to the track on a date ...

Most unbelievable redboard yet on Pace Advantage.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

This aggravation and disappointment was in place before and after the 10,000.00. Quite frankly, it's not about the 10,000.00. Please reread my other posts in this thread and you'll see what it's about.

Thank you sincerely.

Then why is a third of your initial post related to the lost wager, as the "Doozie of all doozies"? Your later post when SRU suggests separating the two events indicates "they are linked". Okay, I get it. Lack of respect for the customer, rewards benefits changing on a whim, consistently poor customer service.

The $10K appears to be the straw that broke the camel's back. My point is that in this age of poor customer service and web site outages, a backup plan should be in place. $10K buys a lot of smart phone service where in three minutes you could have gotten your pick 5 down.

I wrote directly to Mr. Chris Kay approximately 24 hours ago to provide detailed feedback on his employee/this situation.

After posting on a popular internet horse racing forum a thread entitled "DONE WITH NYRA", and calling his director of guest rewards an "ignorant prick", it's my opinion that you've compromised the validity of your complaint. Let's hope they don't bar you from all NYRA facilities.

[Dark Horse]

After posting on a popular internet horse racing forum a thread entitled "DONE WITH NYRA", and calling his director of guest rewards an "ignorant prick", it's my opinion that you've compromised the validity of your complaint. Let's hope they don't bar you from all NYRA facilities.

I lean towards that side as well. Seen it so many times that 'slighted' sports bettors would use a popular forum to put pressure on a book. But in those cases the other side of the story was usually presented as well. There always is another side. I'd like to hear it. What, if anything at all, were those players doing that made them no longer welcome?

Unless/until we can hear the whole story, it seems to me that for years a nice privilege was enjoyed, but at one point that privilege was taken for granted and assumed to be a right. The idea that the player was 'stabbed in the back' is based on ... what exactly? What's wrong with playing from home again? So far all I picked up from this thread is a very strong sense of entitlement.

[thaskalos]

I lean towards that side as well. Seen it so many times that 'slighted' sports bettors would use a popular forum to put pressure on a book. But in those cases the other side of the story was usually presented as well. There always is another side. I'd like to hear it. What, if anything at all, were those players doing that made them no longer welcome?

Unless/until we can hear the whole story, it seems to me that for years a nice privilege was enjoyed, but at one point that privilege was taken for granted and assumed to be a right. The idea that the player was 'stabbed in the back' is based on ... what exactly? What's wrong with playing from home again? So far all I picked up from this thread is a very strong sense of entitlement.

If there really IS another side to this...I'm sure we'll hear it soon. The NYRA is well represented here...

[Pensacola Pete]

There are sometimes comparisons made between horse racing and other forms of gambling.

Compare the stories of petty (racing form) and non-petty theft at horse racing venues in this thread to the fact that in a licensed poker room you can leave $3,000 sitting on a poker table with 9 total strangers you have never met before, get up, come back 15 minutes later, and every single dollar of it will still be there.



There is also a wide-angle camera on every table that sees and records everything, a dealer at the table watching, floormen nearby, and several security guards standing around to stop anybody who did swipe anything from getting away. The would-be thieves know that.

[Stillriledup]

There is also a wide-angle camera on every table that sees and records everything, a dealer at the table watching, floormen nearby, and several security guards standing around to stop anybody who did swipe anything from getting away. The would-be thieves know that.

And interestingly, they pay for those fancy surveillance systems with money made from games with much lower takeout rates than horse racing.

[Dark Horse]

It's a significant move by the track, so we may assume equally significant motivation. On the flip side, if something shady did happen, the track would have no motivation to share its side of the story (and the player would know that as well).

Anyway. I'm just hypothesizing. I've seen plenty of disputes in the sports betting world, and learned that in most cases you can tell something from the tone of the player and from what he's not saying. In this case the OP mentioned no reason for the change in policy. The only thing that was said is that the treatment was rude. Usually people know why they are being treated rudely. They may not agree, but they know the reason. No reason was given here. Have you ever told a friend that somebody treated you very rudely without giving the reason?

Then again, the track may have had no reason at all. They just felt like kicking out some highrollers and doing so as rudely as possible. Anything's possible.

[Stillriledup]

It's a significant move by the track, so we may assume equally significant motivation. On the flip side, if something shady did happen (such as late cancellations of wagers), the track would have no motivation to share its side of the story (and the player would know that as well).

Anyway. I'm just hypothesizing. I've seen plenty of disputes in the sports betting world, and learned that in most cases you can tell something from the tone of the player and from what he's not saying. In this case the OP mentioned no reason for the change in policy. The only thing that was said is that the treatment was rude. Usually people know why they are being treated rudely. They may not agree, but they know the reason. No reason was given here. Have you ever told a friend that somebody treated you very rudely without giving the reason?

Then again, the track may have had no reason at all. They just felt like kicking out some highrollers and doing so as rudely as possible. Anything's possible.

Its been suspected by some that in this industry, "suits" look down on horseplayers, no matter how much they bet or how "highrolling" they happen to be. The "suits" feel they "know more about racing" than the "stupid gambler" so when the suit comes face to face with this person who thinks he's a hotshot handicapper, it might not always go smoothly.

[Dark Horse]

Who knows.

Sometimes smoke is just ... dust in the wind.

[Stillriledup]

Who knows.

Sometimes smoke is just ... dust in the wind.

We only have OPs story, so maybe we can get "Dean" Travers to come on here and set the record straight.

[EMD4ME]

Then why is a third of your initial post related to the lost wager, as the "Doozie of all doozies"? Your later post when SRU suggests separating the two events indicates "they are linked". Okay, I get it. Lack of respect for the customer, rewards benefits changing on a whim, consistently poor customer service.

The $10K appears to be the straw that broke the camel's back. My point is that in this age of poor customer service and web site outages, a backup plan should be in place. $10K buys a lot of smart phone service where in three minutes you could have gotten your pick 5 down.



After posting on a popular internet horse racing forum a thread entitled "DONE WITH NYRA", and calling his director of guest rewards an "ignorant prick", it's my opinion that you've compromised the validity of your complaint. Let's hope they don't bar you from all NYRA facilities.

They won't need to bar me. I wont attend anymore.

I started my complaint a week prior to the incident with lower level people in charge. It took me a week to draft a thoughtful, fact explaining letter to Mr.Kay.

I dont like to utilize anything but facts however, that phrase I used was me quoting many clients of the VIP room and is the feeling of every person who has private messaged me here on PA. The truth needed to be told to express just how unqualified the person is for their position.

[EMD4ME]

I lean towards that side as well. Seen it so many times that 'slighted' sports bettors would use a popular forum to put pressure on a book. But in those cases the other side of the story was usually presented as well. There always is another side. I'd like to hear it. What, if anything at all, were those players doing that made them no longer welcome?

Unless/until we can hear the whole story, it seems to me that for years a nice privilege was enjoyed, but at one point that privilege was taken for granted and assumed to be a right. The idea that the player was 'stabbed in the back' is based on ... what exactly? What's wrong with playing from home again? So far all I picked up from this thread is a very strong sense of entitlement.

Please re read the initial posts. We were mandated to utilize the room at AQUEDUCT which for many reasons is not the VIP room at Belmont.

[EMD4ME]

It's a significant move by the track, so we may assume equally significant motivation. On the flip side, if something shady did happen, the track would have no motivation to share its side of the story (and the player would know that as well).

Anyway. I'm just hypothesizing. I've seen plenty of disputes in the sports betting world, and learned that in most cases you can tell something from the tone of the player and from what he's not saying. In this case the OP mentioned no reason for the change in policy. The only thing that was said is that the treatment was rude. Usually people know why they are being treated rudely. They may not agree, but they know the reason. No reason was given here. Have you ever told a friend that somebody treated you very rudely without giving the reason?

Then again, the track may have had no reason at all. They just felt like kicking out some highrollers and doing so as rudely as possible. Anything's possible.

Mr. Travers said we spent 7 million at aqueduct and like it or not we will make it work. The agenda from their perception is to make us attend Aqueduct because they spent money it.

[EMD4ME]

Thaskalos said it right. NYRA wanted to reward us for wagering high amounts. We oblige and when we do the rug is swept from under us. Not right.

[Tom]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86598/nyra-to-study-belmont-aqueduct-development?source=rss

Curious.....why spend that money if the future is uncertain?

Can oozing parasites be merged into one facility?

[classhandicapper]

Can someone clarify something for me?

Is this Belmont VIP room permanently closed or just during the Saratoga meet?

It seems to me (not knowing any of the details) that NYRA is looking to cut costs (however meager) and decided it didn't make economic sense to have two VIP rooms. That may be inconvenient for players that prefer Belmont but the huge investment at AQU is a huge plus for others and may be attracting other new players.

I don't see how any of this would impact my own handle if I was a regular at Belmont's VIP room. If I felt I needed extra security for my lap top, IPad etc.. and didn't want to go to AQU, I would play from home instead or I would only plan trips to Belmont with a close friend. Then we could take turns watching each other's equipment during breaks.

I go to the Belmont Cafe about once a month (in the regular section) with IPad in hand and NEVER have any issues. I find a seat, get my bets in on my IPad to either my NYRA or other accounts, walk around, and always feel comfortable and secure. Would a private room be better? I guess, but the rest of the Cafe is fine. The only simulcast place I like better is the OTB Race Palace, but it's a longer trip for me.

To the OP, maybe you can check out the Race Palace.

About the only legitimate complaint I can see here is being treated rudely and disrespectfully (assuming that's how it went down).

[aaron]

Can someone clarify something for me?

Is this Belmont VIP room permanently closed or just during the Saratoga meet?

It seems to me (not knowing any of the details) that NYRA is looking to cut costs (however meager) and decided it didn't make economic sense to have two VIP rooms. That may be inconvenient for players that prefer Belmont but the huge investment at AQU is a huge plus for others and may be attracting other new players.

I don't see how any of this would impact my own handle if I was a regular at Belmont's VIP room. If I felt I needed extra security for my lap top, IPad etc.. and didn't want to go to AQU, I would play from home instead or I would only plan trips to Belmont with a close friend. Then we could take turns watching each other's equipment during breaks.

I go to the Belmont Cafe about once a month (in the regular section) with IPad in hand and NEVER have any issues. I find a seat, get my bets in on my IPad to either my NYRA or other accounts, walk around, and always feel comfortable and secure. Would a private room be better? I guess, but the rest of the Cafe is fine. The only simulcast place I like better is the OTB Race Palace, but it's a longer trip for me.

To the OP, maybe you can check out the Race Palace.

About the only legitimate complaint I can see here is being treated rudely and disrespectfully (assuming that's how it went down).
I usually go to the Belmont cafe a couple of times a week. I have never had a problem there. Some days when the weather is nice,I sit outside. I also upon occasion take my I Pad and carry it wherever I go. I have been in the High Rollers room and I do believe they should have kept it open. I know players there who go to Belmont all year long and don't want to go to Aqueduct and I feel the room should be kept open. I haven't gone to Aqueduct in 2 years and I used to go a couple of times a week when racing was there. As I like to watch the races live when I go to the track and the facility at Aqueduct,now is mainly a simulcast center,I see no reason to go out of my way to go there.

[EMD4ME]

We only have OPs story, so maybe we can get "Dean" Travers to come on here and set the record straight.

I pray and WISH that happens. I pray!!! Seriously. Can someone here have the pull to make that happen?

[EMD4ME]

I usually go to the Belmont cafe a couple of times a week. I have never had a problem there. Some days when the weather is nice,I sit outside. I also upon occasion take my I Pad and carry it wherever I go. I have been in the High Rollers room and I do believe they should have kept it open. I know players there who go to Belmont all year long and don't want to go to Aqueduct and I feel the room should be kept open. I haven't gone to Aqueduct in 2 years and I used to go a couple of times a week when racing was there. As I like to watch the races live when I go to the track and the facility at Aqueduct,now is mainly a simulcast center,I see no reason to go out of my way to go there.

Have you attended the Belmont café during the 2014 Saratoga season (Saratoga race days?)

[EMD4ME]

Can someone clarify something for me?

Is this Belmont VIP room permanently closed or just during the Saratoga meet?

It seems to me (not knowing any of the details) that NYRA is looking to cut costs (however meager) and decided it didn't make economic sense to have two VIP rooms. That may be inconvenient for players that prefer Belmont but the huge investment at AQU is a huge plus for others and may be attracting other new players.

I don't see how any of this would impact my own handle if I was a regular at Belmont's VIP room. If I felt I needed extra security for my lap top, IPad etc.. and didn't want to go to AQU, I would play from home instead or I would only plan trips to Belmont with a close friend. Then we could take turns watching each other's equipment during breaks.

I go to the Belmont Cafe about once a month (in the regular section) with IPad in hand and NEVER have any issues. I find a seat, get my bets in on my IPad to either my NYRA or other accounts, walk around, and always feel comfortable and secure. Would a private room be better? I guess, but the rest of the Cafe is fine. The only simulcast place I like better is the OTB Race Palace, but it's a longer trip for me.

To the OP, maybe you can check out the Race Palace.

About the only legitimate complaint I can see here is being treated rudely and disrespectfully (assuming that's how it went down).

It's closed for the most important meet of the season.... Saratoga.

Have you attended the Belmont café while Saratoga is running? It is nothing like the normal days. Night and day different.

The race palace actually sounds great as it is on my way back from the beach and allows me to get there before 1 p.m. whereas aqueduct is another hour away. Great advice. Thank you very much.

[EMD4ME]

There was important piece that I neglected to mention as I was rushing to make my initial post. It has been asked on this thread so I will state it.

As we started discussing the possible closure of the room, Mr. Travers cut off a high roller and said 'listen fellas, let's cut to the bottom line. We spent 7 million on aqueduct and it's going to work '. He made it clear (what the motivation behind his decision was). What 20 plus people walked out of the room saying was : 1) what a liar (He lied to our faces. He said he had no idea that aqueduct had patrons who visit who are a) homeless b) beggars c) non horseplayers who are just looking to peddle or steal) 2) that he was rude (cut us off mid sentence) 3) ignorant (he wanted no part in actually dissecting the decision from a financial perspective ) and 4) why were we brought down for a discussion when there was zero intent to discuss a single thing? this was more a take it and like it session.

I hope that answers some questions. If you have any more, please ask and I will try and supply the facts involved.

[classhandicapper]

It's closed for the most important meet of the season.... Saratoga.

Have you attended the Belmont café while Saratoga is running? It is nothing like the normal days. Night and day different.

The race palace actually sounds great as it is on my way back from the beach and allows me to get there before 1 p.m. whereas aqueduct is another hour away. Great advice. Thank you very much.

I haven't been there during this Saratoga meet yet.

I'm pretty sure I made a few stops there last year during Saratoga, but I can't swear to it. I might have gone to the Palace last year.

[classhandicapper]

Have you attended the Belmont café during the 2014 Saratoga season (Saratoga race days?)

For the record, when I go to the Cafe or Palace I usually go with Aaron. So our experiences are likely to be similar.

[aaron]

Have you attended the Belmont café during the 2014 Saratoga season (Saratoga race days?)
I am at Belmont now. No problem betting or with anything else,but I can see where you would have a problem. I like to walk around and usually don't sit in one place,

[BlueShoe]

On busy days at Los Al the SAMs get backed up and spit your remaining balance out about 5 seconds after your ticket. I have lost two.
This remark has me puzzled. Los Al has been my primary otb site for many years. While have had a few problems with the SAMs, it has been with jams, swallowing vouchers, not returning tickets, so on, not with a long delay in returning my voucher. You just hit the finish button and stand there until you get it, period.

Have heard some tales of woe from patrons that have lost vouchers, almost always they got so wrapped up in betting and distracted by the upcoming race that they forgot to hit finish and walked away. On a few occasions have found a left voucher when stepping up to the machine. Honesty and protocol insists that you attempt to find the rightful owner and return it to him. I feel for those that have lost vouchers, but putting it bluntly, a bettor is responsible for their own wagers and tickets.

[Stillriledup]

This remark has me puzzled. Los Al has been my primary otb site for many years. While have had a few problems with the SAMs, it has been with jams, swallowing vouchers, not returning tickets, so on, not with a long delay in returning my voucher. You just hit the finish button and stand there until you get it, period.

Have heard some tales of woe from patrons that have lost vouchers, almost always they got so wrapped up in betting and distracted by the upcoming race that they forgot to hit finish and walked away. On a few occasions have found a left voucher when stepping up to the machine. Honesty and protocol insists that you attempt to find the rightful owner and return it to him. I feel for those that have lost vouchers, but putting it bluntly, a bettor is responsible for their own wagers and tickets.


I think the problem is easier said than done to wait 5 seconds. Its pretty easy to forget your voucher when you just made a bet and the bell is ringing for the start of the race.

I know personally when i make my last wager, i hit "finish" instead of print...because if you hit finish, you still get the wager you had in the machine and the voucher comes out next. Now, if you hit finish and there's a 5 second lag that isn't present at other tracks, its pretty easy to not realize there's still a balance voucher to be spit out.

[davew]

NYRA CEO gets raise and bonus for improved customer experience

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86613/nyra-board-awards-bonus-raise-to-ceo-kay?source=rss

[lamboguy]

NYRA CEO gets raise and bonus for improved customer experience

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86613/nyra-board-awards-bonus-raise-to-ceo-kay?source=rsshe deserves a bigger raise too. the man has done a tremendous job since he took over. he is a spectacular forward thinker the kind of boss this game needs more of.

[aaron]

NYRA CEO gets raise and bonus for improved customer experience

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86613/nyra-board-awards-bonus-raise-to-ceo-kay?source=rss
you can't make this stuff up.

[EMD4ME]

I am at Belmont now. No problem betting or with anything else,but I can see where you would have a problem. I like to walk around and usually don't sit in one place,

I'm glad you see the beginning portion of the problem.

Today is Wednesday. Try going back on Friday, Saturday or Sunday while Saratoga is running. It's much rougher. Again, I'm not comparing the Belmont café to a normal racetrack setting. I'm comparing it to the NYRA REWARDS VIP room that was open for the last 7 or 8 years for the Saratoga meet. I am also comparing it to me having to travel to an inconvenient summer time location , Aqueduct, which does not work for me (for various reasons stated beforehand)

[aaron]

The weekend is crowded and if you are used to the "Players Club" you are not going to be comfortable at the Cafe. As I said before, I believe they should have left it open.When I go on a weekend day,it doesn't bother me,but other people are uncomfortable. One thing you have to realize that even during live racing at Belmont,the fan experience is not what it should be.

[EMD4ME]

The weekend is crowded and if you are used to the "Players Club" you are not going to be comfortable at the Cafe. As I said before, I believe they should have left it open.When I go on a weekend day,it doesn't bother me,but other people are uncomfortable. One thing you have to realize that even during live racing at Belmont,the fan experience is not what it should be.

You're 100% right. I used to spend all visits on the 3rd floor grandstand for 20 plus years. Unfortunately, the place became a morgue amongst other issues.

Sadly, I have ideas to bring the track back to what it used to be. But no one listens.

[Dark Horse]

Mr. Travers said we spent 7 million at aqueduct and like it or not we will make it work. The agenda from their perception is to make us attend Aqueduct because they spent money it.


VIP treatment is nice, but it's not a wall to lean against. Because it can be withdrawn. As in all walks of life the question is if we take responsibility for our own destiny, or blame others out of a sense of entitlement.

[aaron]

You're 100% right. I used to spend all visits on the 3rd floor grandstand for 20 plus years. Unfortunately, the place became a morgue amongst other issues.

Sadly, I have ideas to bring the track back to what it used to be. But no one listens.
I'm still on the 3rd floor at Belmont,but where have all the bettors gone ? This year more players vanished. I guess I'm just used to the situation. I do not let it stop me from going there,but you are right,it is not the same. I still have to say,Belmont 3rd floor grandstand on a nice day,is still a pretty good way to spend the day.

[Stillriledup]

I'm still on the 3rd floor at Belmont,but where have all the bettors gone ? This year more players vanished. I guess I'm just used to the situation. I do not let it stop me from going there,but you are right,it is not the same. I still have to say,Belmont 3rd floor grandstand on a nice day,is still a pretty good way to spend the day.

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106250&highlight=bettors

[OTM Al]

you can't make this stuff up.

"In praising Kay for restoring NYRA to profitability, increasing transparency, improving customers' experience, and hiring a strong management team, the board recommended he receive a $250,000 bonus and a 3% raise. Kay took over as NYRA CEO and president in July 2013 at a salary of $300,000."

Wow. Really? What transparency? Only thing transparent are the ghost season pass holders who are counted as attending every day. Threatening the press and throwing accredited members out of the press box is increased transparancy?

Thank California Chrome and all the firings of experienced staff for that profitability. Next step is closing Aqueduct. Eventually you run out of stuff like that to bolster bottom line and then you've nothing left. How about getting NYCOTB running again? That just might make a lot of money if done right, but I'm sure the State doesn't want that.

Customer experience is better? How is that? Because they have a new CXO who showed up to Saratoga finally a few days after the meet had started? Prices are higher on everything,so that improves experience? No comments on Belmont day. Oh 100 new picnic tables in the back yard. That must be it right? All the other stuff that has happened was part of previous capital planning.

Strong management team...you mean all the people including himself that know nothing about horseracing and have done their best to either fire or alienate large parts of the staff? Travers has his office right next door to Kay. Is this one of that strong management team? See what the real staff looks like these days? Morale sucks and everyone is scared about their jobs no matter how well they do them.

Seriously, the bonus was a fait accompli anyway but this is ridiculous. Can't wait to see Alan Mann and Tom Noonan's columns tomorrow. Evidently one of them started laughing out loud when this was announced by the board in a public forum. This guy, at the behest of the oh so transparaent Cuomo administration will leave NY racing in smoking ruins when they are done with it. The industry is laughing at him. The NYRA ceased to exist some time ago. Now all we have is the TRURA.

[Tom]

VIP treatment is nice, but it's not a wall to lean against. Because it can be withdrawn. As in all walks of life the question is if we take responsibility for our own destiny, or blame others out of a sense of entitlement.
Compare this treatment to that high rollers get a casino.
Entitlement to some is good business to others.

[Tom]

A quarter of a million dollar bonus??????
Something smells here and it ain't the oozing parasites.

Judging by the posts from many here over the Belmont day, I would say some one at NYRA has no clue what a GOOD customer experience is.
AT best, not everyone was pissed off.

[JustRalph]

I think they might close Belmont instead of AQU

Just in time for another bonus

[andtheyreoff]

Compare this treatment to that high rollers get a casino.
Entitlement to some is good business to others.

I agree with you here (and with EMD4Me). As far as I'm concerned, if a high-rolling bettor wants their seat made out of cotton balls, or their winnings for the day all in dollar bills, the track/OTB should do their damndest to get that for them. Not tell them to go somewhere else if they don't want to, and be rude to them while doing so.

[riskman]

VIP treatment is nice, but it's not a wall to lean against. Because it can be withdrawn. As in all walks of life the question is if we take responsibility for our own destiny, or blame others out of a sense of entitlement.

NYRA are the ones who set up the VP room to accommodate their on track bettors who wager a minimum of 300K annually. Most of the onsite players in this VIP room support NYRA by being there on a daily basis and push their dollars through the windows or wager on the net or phone with NYRA ADW.

You call this entitlement? What a disconnect you have.This is a gambling game, pure and simple. They are entitled to receive something extra for supporting NYRA as well as rebates which are on the low side for the required volume.

Are you a full time bettor ? You could be but your attitude is off the wall.

[Stillriledup]

VIP treatment is nice, but it's not a wall to lean against. Because it can be withdrawn. As in all walks of life the question is if we take responsibility for our own destiny, or blame others out of a sense of entitlement.

I think the entitlement is on NYRAs part thinking they're entitled to treat people the way that racing fans have always been treated.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

NYRA are the ones who set up the VP room to accommodate their on track bettors who wager a minimum of 300K annually. Most of the onsite players in this VIP room support NYRA by being there on a daily basis and push their dollars through the windows or wager on the net or phone with NYRA ADW.

You call this entitlement? What a disconnect you have.This is a gambling game, pure and simple. They are entitled to receive something extra for supporting NYRA as well as rebates which are on the low side for the required volume.

Are you a full time bettor ? You could be but your attitude is off the wall.

Are the entitlements in writing? Are they cast in stone? As Dark Horse points out, they can be withdrawn. And when this happens, an over-the-top reaction to "take my ball and go home" and publicly condem NYRA conveys a sense of entitlement. Ironic, as the entitlement mentality is usually associated with the other end of the economic spectrum.

It's not a gambling game, it's a business. Perhaps the message wasn't delivered as smoothly as possible, but businesses constantly changed. I'm still pissed off I can't buy Diet Coke with Lemon, but I still sometimes enjoy a regular Diet Coke, and I didn't seek out the venue of the popular soda drink forum to rag on the company.

As for NYRA, they have the best product in the country for at least six months a year. They could reduce their rewards and rebates to zero, jack up their signal fees (again), and probably do just fine. So they must be doing some things right....

[thaskalos]

Are the entitlements in writing? Are they cast in stone? As Dark Horse points out, they can be withdrawn. And when this happens, an over-the-top reaction to "take my ball and go home" and publicly condem NYRA conveys a sense of entitlement. Ironic, as the entitlement mentality is usually associated with the other end of the economic spectrum.

It's not a gambling game, it's a business. Perhaps the message wasn't delivered as smoothly as possible, but businesses constantly changed. I'm still pissed off I can't buy Diet Coke with Lemon, but I still sometimes enjoy a regular Diet Coke, and I didn't seek out the venue of the popular soda drink forum to rag on the company.

As for NYRA, they have the best product in the country for at least six months a year. They could reduce their rewards and rebates to zero, jack up their signal fees (again), and probably do just fine. So they must be doing some things right....

Funny...I thought I just read that the NYRA is currently operating at the break-even level for the first time in 14 years. Is this what you mean by doing "just fine"?

[Dark Horse]

I think the entitlement is on NYRAs part thinking they're entitled to treat people the way that racing fans have always been treated.

The only thing that happened here is that they moved the free office to another location. Sorry to burst the OP's bubble, but that happens in business all the time. It has nothing to do with horse racing as such. If you don't like it, play from home.

[barn32]

Re: Suits Without a Clue

There is a show on TV called Undercover Boss. I started watching it when it first came out, and I found it somewhat interesting.

Then, they had an episode where the COO of Churchill Downs went undercover. I thought, "well this should prove enlightening." I can't wait to see what he "uncovers."

Well, not too far into the program he decides it is very important that he learn how to play the bugle. Yes, that's right, he wants to play the bugle call to start the races.

This was absolutely cringeworthy. I turned the set off immediately, and I've never watched that program again.

Read about it here (Re Suits Without a Clue There is a show on TV called Undercover Boss. I started watching it when it first came out, and I found it somewhat interesting. Then, they had an episode where the COO of Churchill Downs went undercover. I thought, "well this should prove enlightening." I can't wait to see what he "uncovers." Well, not too far into the program he decides it is very important that he learn how to play the bugle. Yes, that's right, he wants to play the bugle call to start the races. This was absolutely cringeworthy. I turned the set off immediately, and I've never watched that program again. Read about it here)

[Frost king]

Have been following this thread from the start, OP is upset, because he can't go to the beach in the morning, and sun himself between races. That is what has turned him upside down. Everything else can be dealt with. His private afternoon sun destination has been removed.

[aaron]

Are the entitlements in writing? Are they cast in stone? As Dark Horse points out, they can be withdrawn. And when this happens, an over-the-top reaction to "take my ball and go home" and publicly condem NYRA conveys a sense of entitlement. Ironic, as the entitlement mentality is usually associated with the other end of the economic spectrum.

It's not a gambling game, it's a business. Perhaps the message wasn't delivered as smoothly as possible, but businesses constantly changed. I'm still pissed off I can't buy Diet Coke with Lemon, but I still sometimes enjoy a regular Diet Coke, and I didn't seek out the venue of the popular soda drink forum to rag on the company.

As for NYRA, they have the best product in the country for at least six months a year. They could reduce their rewards and rebates to zero, jack up their signal fees (again), and probably do just fine. So they must be doing some things right....
If they are doing something right,how come they can't make a profit without slots ? Just asking.

[aaron]

"In praising Kay for restoring NYRA to profitability, increasing transparency, improving customers' experience, and hiring a strong management team, the board recommended he receive a $250,000 bonus and a 3% raise. Kay took over as NYRA CEO and president in July 2013 at a salary of $300,000."

Wow. Really? What transparency? Only thing transparent are the ghost season pass holders who are counted as attending every day. Threatening the press and throwing accredited members out of the press box is increased transparancy?

Thank California Chrome and all the firings of experienced staff for that profitability. Next step is closing Aqueduct. Eventually you run out of stuff like that to bolster bottom line and then you've nothing left. How about getting NYCOTB running again? That just might make a lot of money if done right, but I'm sure the State doesn't want that.

Customer experience is better? How is that? Because they have a new CXO who showed up to Saratoga finally a few days after the meet had started? Prices are higher on everything,so that improves experience? No comments on Belmont day. Oh 100 new picnic tables in the back yard. That must be it right? All the other stuff that has happened was part of previous capital planning.

Strong management team...you mean all the people including himself that know nothing about horseracing and have done their best to either fire or alienate large parts of the staff? Travers has his office right next door to Kay. Is this one of that strong management team? See what the real staff looks like these days? Morale sucks and everyone is scared about their jobs no matter how well they do them.

Seriously, the bonus was a fait accompli anyway but this is ridiculous. Can't wait to see Alan Mann and Tom Noonan's columns tomorrow. Evidently one of them started laughing out loud when this was announced by the board in a public forum. This guy, at the behest of the oh so transparaent Cuomo administration will leave NY racing in smoking ruins when they are done with it. The industry is laughing at him. The NYRA ceased to exist some time ago. Now all we have is the TRURA.
Al-When you reply to a thread like this with comments made above,it makes me think the game is in more trouble than I thought and I thought the game is in real trouble.

[OTM Al]

Al-When you reply to a thread like this with comments made above,it makes me think the game is in more trouble than I thought and I thought the game is in real trouble.

Thing is it doesn't have to be. There are a lot of people on the racetrack side that really do care and want to make it better. It will survive as it has survived worse. It is just very frustrating to see good people getting hurt like this.

[Tom]

Talk to Bobby Flay.....he will take of it. :rolleyes:

[EMD4ME]

Have been following this thread from the start, OP is upset, because he can't go to the beach in the morning, and sun himself between races. That is what has turned him upside down. Everything else can be dealt with. His private afternoon sun destination has been removed.

Thank you for listening Frost. If I can quantify it it's:

40%- the inconvenience of attending Spa simulcasts at Aqueduct because it ruins my entire way of life (I have to choose between the beach and the track)
35%- the entire principle of my money helping build the nyra rewards room at Belmont and aqueduct and then being told you have to go to the inconvenient one that I want you to go to because I said so.
25%-no parking for me, which is a danger to my life-walking a 1/4 mile in an unattended dark lot, no coffee, no appreciation for my business. Losing valuable time driving an extra 90 minutes (to and from aqueduct ) instead of doing something really misunderstood by track owners, WAGERING ON RACES.

[EMD4ME]

Thing is it doesn't have to be. There are a lot of people on the racetrack side that really do care and want to make it better. It will survive as it has survived worse. It is just very frustrating to see good people getting hurt like this.

I read every word you said and it is sad. It does not have to be this way. If run properly, a racetrack in 2014 can have 15,000 on a daily basis and 25,000 on weekends. Handle can double and ancillary profits (concessions, merchandise) can soar. It's a shame as mostly, the last person track management listens to, is the horseplayer. Who better than an educated businessperson who happens to be a horseplayer, to advise on how to grow the sport? But it rarely happens.

You're 10000% right. It is EXTREMELY frustrating.

As many have said, it makes you truly believe the plan is to run it into the ground, sell it to a real estate developer and make a nice under the table kickback. . I sincerely hope that is not the case.

[Stillriledup]

I read every word you said and it is sad. It does not have to be this way. If run properly, a racetrack in 2014 can have 15,000 on a daily basis and 25,000 on weekends. Handle can double and ancillary profits (concessions, merchandise) can soar. It's a shame as mostly, the last person track management listens to, is the horseplayer. Who better than an educated businessperson who happens to be a horseplayer, to advise on how to grow the sport? But it rarely happens.

You're 10000% right. It is EXTREMELY frustrating.

As many have said, it makes you truly believe the plan is to run it into the ground, sell it to a real estate developer and make a nice under the table kickback. . I sincerely hope that is not the case.

The horseplayer is a "necessary evil", this is a horsemens game, just go up to Saratoga in August and check out the hall of fame, its not filled with elite horseplayers who have contributed tens of thousands to purses over the years, its dedicated to trainers and jocks who, if they retired tomorrow, the game would not miss them from a financial standpoint, their not being there wouldn't cost anyone handle, their horses or mounts would go to someone else and the game would trudge on unaffected.....yet, they're the ones who get lauded, they're the ones who have praise heaped on them for jobs well done, while the horseplayer languishes in obscurity.....largely unnoticed or appreciated.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

Funny...I thought I just read that the NYRA is currently operating at the break-even level for the first time in 14 years. Is this what you mean by doing "just fine"?

In this business climate, just keeping your head above water is a good thing. NYRA posted a 2.3% increase in handle last year. How many other circuits in the country can claim growth, with the sport overall in huge decline? Tampa and Oaklawn, maybe.

I'm not saying NYRA can't do better. Even Hong Kong could improve. But pick a circuit that would close tomorrow, and tell me that if that occurred with NYRA it wouldn't bring the most pain to the highest number of fans.....

[andtheyreoff]

The horseplayer is a "necessary evil", this is a horsemens game, just go up to Saratoga in August and check out the hall of fame, its not filled with elite horseplayers who have contributed tens of thousands to purses over the years, its dedicated to trainers and jocks who, if they retired tomorrow, the game would not miss them from a financial standpoint, their not being there wouldn't cost anyone handle, their horses or mounts would go to someone else and the game would trudge on unaffected.....yet, they're the ones who get lauded, they're the ones who have praise heaped on them for jobs well done, while the horseplayer languishes in obscurity.....largely unnoticed or appreciated.

Yeah, I know. And, for that matter, why aren't long-time ticket holders to baseball and football games in their Hall of Fames, either? Or that sports bettor "60 Minutes" profiled a few years ago: why doesn't he have a bust in Canton?

Tomfoolery, I tell you.

[thaskalos]

In this business climate, just keeping your head above water is a good thing. NYRA posted a 2.3% increase in handle last year. How many other circuits in the country can claim growth, with the sport overall in huge decline? Tampa and Oaklawn, maybe.

I'm not saying NYRA can't do better. Even Hong Kong could improve. But pick a circuit that would close tomorrow, and tell me that if that occurred with NYRA it wouldn't bring the most pain to the highest number of fans.....

My point was that no racing jurisdiction is doing well enough to warrant pissing off their best customers.

[Hoofless_Wonder]

If they are doing something right,how come they can't make a profit without slots ? Just asking.

The general trend in the industry is down, and slots muddy the financial picture in terms of gauging how well the business of the horses is really run. Since NY has only had slots for a short time, I'm not sure what conclusions can be drawn yet.

What I do know is that in the midst of a what really is a depression, rising costs, big city prices, and a high taxing state, NYRA still presents a product that draws one out of every five dollars wagered in the United States on horse racing.

So financials aside, it's the best game in town. How is that not doing something right?

[Hoofless_Wonder]

My point was that no racing jurisdiction is doing well enough to warrant pissing off their best customers.

I won't argue with that, though this whole thread opens up the debate on what a "best customer" really is......

As a resident of Illinois, you're used to this kind of treatment. And so was I when I lived there, and indeed I took my ball and went home several years ago when the Illinois Racing Board suspended ADW wagering right before the Saratoga and Del Mar meets started. I wrote an email to the IRB threatening this, and was polite about it. With the exception of two days visting Arlington, I've not wagered on an Illinois track since.

But I didn't call out the members of the Illinois Racing Board, the HBPA, and the track owners on a public forum. Though, if memory serves, I might have described Quinn as a boob. But he's a politician, so that doesn't count.

[aaron]

The general trend in the industry is down, and slots muddy the financial picture in terms of gauging how well the business of the horses is really run. Since NY has only had slots for a short time, I'm not sure what conclusions can be drawn yet.

What I do know is that in the midst of a what really is a depression, rising costs, big city prices, and a high taxing state, NYRA still presents a product that draws one out of every five dollars wagered in the United States on horse racing.

So financials aside, it's the best game in town. How is that not doing something right?
It has never been about the product with NYRA. It has always been about running a business and that is something that NYRA fails to do successfully.
As for the product,which I believe is still a fine product,but please don't compare it to the product of 25-30 years ago. Go back and look at the quality then and tell me which product is better.This may be just a sign of the times.Another question how can a business be considered a success without considering financials and customer service ?
The casino at Aqueduct is a profit maker because of its location and access to a large population. If the casino can make money,why can't the racetrack that has access to the same population ?

[thaskalos]

I won't argue with that, though this whole thread opens up the debate on what a "best customer" really is......

As a resident of Illinois, you're used to this kind of treatment. And so was I when I lived there, and indeed I took my ball and went home several years ago when the Illinois Racing Board suspended ADW wagering right before the Saratoga and Del Mar meets started. I wrote an email to the IRB threatening this, and was polite about it. With the exception of two days visting Arlington, I've not wagered on an Illinois track since.

But I didn't call out the members of the Illinois Racing Board, the HBPA, and the track owners on a public forum. Though, if memory serves, I might have described Quinn as a boob. But he's a politician, so that doesn't count.

You are right...I have gotten used to this sort of treatment here. The only reason I don't complain publicly about is because I know that it would all be for naught.

We horseplayers lament the fact that there is no "unified" industry running this game...but we fail to notice that the players are even more fragmented than the racing industry is. There is no light at the end of this tunnel...unless the horseplayers THEMSELVES decide to unite in some way...so they could prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

In unity there is strength.

[EMD4ME]

You are right...I have gotten used to this sort of treatment here. The only reason I don't complain publicly about is because I know that it would all be for naught.

We horseplayers lament the fact that there is no "unified" industry running this game...but we fail to notice that the players are even more fragmented than the racing industry is. There is no light at the end of this tunnel...unless the horseplayers THEMSELVES decide to unite in some way...so they could prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.

In unity there is strength.

And that is why Thaskalos, that I have decided that through one man's actions, I will start that unity. Even if it is for naught and no one else joins me, I will sleep at night, I will die in peace knowing that I stood up for my rights to be treated appropriately and be appreciated. If someone doesn't want me around, I will walk away with my head held high.

They will not treat me like an inconsequential lowlife horseplayer and then laugh as I continue to wager on them/through them. I'd rather die than give them my handle.

[thaskalos]

And that is why Thaskalos, that I have decided that through one man's actions, I will start that unity. Even if it is for naught and no one else joins me, I will sleep at night, I will die in peace knowing that I stood up for my rights to be treated appropriately and be appreciated. If someone doesn't want me around, I will walk away with my head held high.

They will not treat me like an inconsequential lowlife horseplayer and then laugh as I continue to wager on them/through them. I'd rather die than give them my handle.

I am 100% behind you, my friend...and I only wish that ALL the horseplayers were like you. I have severed my relationship with Illinois Racing for over two years now...and I ain't NEVER going back. It's not enough that we love the game...the game has to love us back.

There is a time for talk...and then there comes a time for action. If we behave as if we are degenerate addicts...then we shouldn't be offended when they treat us as such...

[Tom]

Gee, no wonder racing needs new fans.
They drive away the old ones.

[EMD4ME]

I went from studying a replays 20 hours plus a week (without betting, just taking notes on all races) to not watching a single replay, not making a single bet this week. I have no urge to. It's amazing how the mind turns off as the heart says: I'm not wanted.

[lamboguy]

I went from studying a replays 20 hours plus a week (without betting, just taking notes on all races) to not watching a single replay, not making a single bet this week. I have no urge to. It's amazing how the mind turns off as the heart says: I'm not wanted.i have been watching your thread now for almost a week. i just wonder with all the people that view this board, has anyone from the track made any contact with you to try to smooth things out for you? if they haven't by now, you now know exactly where they stand and more important where you stand.

any successful business would make some type of effort to attempt to make you somewhat happy when you have a problem with their service or product.

[whodoyoulike]

i have been watching your thread now for almost a week. i just wonder with all the people that view this board, has anyone from the track made any contact with you to try to smooth things out for you? if they haven't by now, you now know exactly where they stand and more important where you stand.

any successful business would make some type of effort to attempt to make you somewhat happy when you have a problem with their service or product.

I agree with your thoughts. I won't patronize any business which treats me with disrespect. But, I'm a degenerate gambler so sometimes I slip.

Has anyone else noticed that this is the prevailing attitude from race track managements from California to Kentucky to New York. Why is that?

[Stillriledup]

There is no excuse for this Travers fellow to be treating customers with anything less than 100% respect. He's not being hired to have an attitude, he's being hired to do a job, and i have to imagine that part of his job description is not to alienate customers, he's not hired to his company betting handle and customers.

Even if the OP got shuttled off to Aqu, or missed his suntan time, he would probably still be betting if "Dean" Travers treated him like his business was wanted.

[MOG4023]

And remember that for every customer that complains............x amount walk away without even complaining.

I put x because I couldn't remember the exact figure.

[Stillriledup]

And remember that for every customer that complains............x amount walk away without even complaining.

I put x because I couldn't remember the exact figure.

This is a good point. The OP complained because he cares, and is emotionally and financially invested in the product and probably wants to go back at some point, so he needs this to be "made right".

[Hoofless_Wonder]

There is no excuse for this Travers fellow to be treating customers with anything less than 100% respect. He's not being hired to have an attitude, he's being hired to do a job, and i have to imagine that part of his job description is not to alienate customers, he's not hired to his company betting handle and customers.

Even if the OP got shuttled off to Aqu, or missed his suntan time, he would probably still be betting if "Dean" Travers treated him like his business was wanted.

I wouldn't want his job. As a consultant in IT, I have to deal with all sorts of customers - 90% are okay or at least tolerable, with 2 or 3 percent making life miserable. But I've never been personally attacked by one on a public forum.

EMD4ME, I can sympathize with you to a degree, but I sure am glad not be in your shoes. Emerald Downs tonight is featuring a 7 race card with 5, 6 and one "giant" 7 horse field. If you can live with that, good for you. But I'd advise to kiss and make up with NYRA.

If Hawthorne and Arlington offerred up cards like NYRA, it would have made my decision to boycott Illinois racing much, much more difficult.....

[EMD4ME]

UPDATE:

Multiple calls have come forth to me from NYRA: credit must be given to Chris Kay, Stephen Travers and Tina (the players club manager). I was provided an offer of assistance with Money Gram (meaning can we help you get your money back if you didn't receive it yet). I was told that the Belmont room would be re-opened with air conditioning, the TV's would be turned on and they will try and place a handful of machines up in the room. I went up there yesterday and all was the case except for the betting machines. I was alone for those that wondered (except for the buddy that I brought with me), wagered on my tablet and was in a better place vs my other option.

I was also invited to Saratoga to discuss my qualms in person, with a complimentary owner's box and buffet.

I will update again later.

[SandyW]

UPDATE:

Multiple calls have come forth to me from NYRA: credit must be given to Chris Kay, Stephen Travers and Tina (the players club manager). I was provided an offer of assistance with Money Gram (meaning can we help you get your money back if you didn't receive it yet). I was told that the Belmont room would be re-opened with air conditioning, the TV's would be turned on and they will try and place a handful of machines up in the room. I went up there yesterday and all was the case except for the betting machines. I was alone for those that wondered (except for the buddy that I brought with me), wagered on my tablet and was in a better place vs my other option.

I was also invited to Saratoga to discuss my qualms in person, with a complimentary owner's box and buffet.

I will update again later.

This proves that sometimes the squeaky wheel will get the grease.

We need a lot more squeaky wheels.

[lamboguy]

UPDATE:

Multiple calls have come forth to me from NYRA: credit must be given to Chris Kay, Stephen Travers and Tina (the players club manager). I was provided an offer of assistance with Money Gram (meaning can we help you get your money back if you didn't receive it yet). I was told that the Belmont room would be re-opened with air conditioning, the TV's would be turned on and they will try and place a handful of machines up in the room. I went up there yesterday and all was the case except for the betting machines. I was alone for those that wondered (except for the buddy that I brought with me), wagered on my tablet and was in a better place vs my other option.

I was also invited to Saratoga to discuss my qualms in person, with a complimentary owner's box and buffet.

I will update again later.i am glad they payed attention. that is a very good sign that they care about the place. i am very pleasantly surprised with the effort and ingenuity that Chris Kay has put into running NYRA. under his leadership i expect NYRA to meet the international standards of racing and improve his race tracks by leaps and bounds.

i hope you get a good suntan and have a great time at the track

[EMD4ME]

i am glad they payed attention. that is a very good sign that they care about the place. i am very pleasantly surprised with the effort and ingenuity that Chris Kay has put into running NYRA. under his leadership i expect NYRA to meet the international standards of racing and improve his race tracks by leaps and bounds.

i hope you get a good suntan and have a great time at the track

Although not out of the woods 100% yet, I hope we are getting there (betting machines, an attendant and some coffee would be nice to bring the room back to what it was).

I want to sincerely thank every one on PA who paid attention, responded (for or against me) to my rational or irrational qualms and I consider all of you fellow peers in our quests to enjoy this game as much as possible.

Thank you for the well wishes everyone and most recently LamboGuy.

Finally..... for now... I need to really give credit to Tina the Players Club manager for many many many reasons. If she wasn't in her position, I would've never spoke up and I would've just disappeared. It was my confidence in her passion that gave me the impetus to speak up. She cares and it shows. Someone like her can NEVER be taken for granted. Someone like her should be appreciated and promoted.

[thespaah]

UPDATE:

Multiple calls have come forth to me from NYRA: credit must be given to Chris Kay, Stephen Travers and Tina (the players club manager). I was provided an offer of assistance with Money Gram (meaning can we help you get your money back if you didn't receive it yet). I was told that the Belmont room would be re-opened with air conditioning, the TV's would be turned on and they will try and place a handful of machines up in the room. I went up there yesterday and all was the case except for the betting machines. I was alone for those that wondered (except for the buddy that I brought with me), wagered on my tablet and was in a better place vs my other option.

I was also invited to Saratoga to discuss my qualms in person, with a complimentary owner's box and buffet.

I will update again later.
Good. I'm glad somebody was finally successful at "fighting city hall"..
These people( management)should know better in the first place.
Keep us posted!

[jballscalls]

Although not out of the woods 100% yet, I hope we are getting there (betting machines, an attendant and some coffee would be nice to bring the room back to what it was).

I want to sincerely thank every one on PA who paid attention, responded (for or against me) to my rational or irrational qualms and I consider all of you fellow peers in our quests to enjoy this game as much as possible.

Thank you for the well wishes everyone and most recently LamboGuy.

Finally..... for now... I need to really give credit to Tina the Players Club manager for many many many reasons. If she wasn't in her position, I would've never spoke up and I would've just disappeared. It was my confidence in her passion that gave me the impetus to speak up. She cares and it shows. Someone like her can NEVER be taken for granted. Someone like her should be appreciated and promoted.

So can we change the name of the thread to say "I'm not Done with NYRA" :)

[OTM Al]

Finally..... for now... I need to really give credit to Tina the Players Club manager for many many many reasons. If she wasn't in her position, I would've never spoke up and I would've just disappeared. It was my confidence in her passion that gave me the impetus to speak up. She cares and it shows. Someone like her can NEVER be taken for granted. Someone like her should be appreciated and promoted.

Tina is the best. She works very hard and often has gotten little credit. Glad you brought her name up.

[aaron]

It is nice to see something being done. It is also good to see an employee getting some recognition for a job well done. Hope it works out well for you.

[thespaah]

So can we change the name of the thread to say "I'm not Done with NYRA" :)
Oh, so we have a comedian in the ranks.... :lol:

[Exotic1]

Tina is the best. She works very hard and often has gotten little credit. Glad you brought her name up.

Wow, this is coincidental. I just got back from Saratoga and happened to have met Tina through a friend of mine that bets through NYRA Rewards (seriously, a friend - not me). Tina was making sure my friend was comfortable, had access to the seats and venues he asked for and showed a genuine concern and interest that all "her" players were taken care of. It's incredible the job she does. Basically, single handily, running around the track with a cell, assigning box seats, juggling tent seating arrangements. Always available morning till evening. She is worth millions to NYRA who is fortunate to employ her.

Did I say she looks great too - the real deal.

[Milkshaker]

Someone like her should be appreciated and promoted.


Careful what you wish for regarding promotion.

In many industries (not just racing) a customer service ace gets booted upstairs, has only limited control to make sweeping changes in a management role, and the person who replaces him/her is not as energetic/thorough.

Sad but true!

[EMD4ME]

Careful what you wish for regarding promotion.

In many industries (not just racing) a customer service ace gets booted upstairs, has only limited control to make sweeping changes in a management role, and the person who replaces him/her is not as energetic/thorough.

Sad but true!

How about a raise and stay in the same position? ;)

[Exotic1]

How about a raise and stay in the same position? ;)


Good one.

[thespaah]

How about a raise and stay in the same position? ;)
Good question...