Aqueduct

[PowerUpPaynter]

Good day,

I will be in the New York Area the weekend of the Wood Memorial. Is the track worth going to? Iv never been. Is there anything special there for Wood Memorial day? Is it too packed?



Thanks

[Shemp Howard]

Dress like a bum, with Piston pants, don't bathe for a week, and reek of cheap booze and you'll fit right in.

And it helps if you can speak any language but English.

[Kash$]

Good day,

I will be in the New York Area the weekend of the Wood Memorial. Is the track worth going to? Iv never been. Is there anything special there for Wood Memorial day? Is it too packed?



Thanks

Emd help this brother out.

[Stillriledup]

Good day,

I will be in the New York Area the weekend of the Wood Memorial. Is the track worth going to? Iv never been. Is there anything special there for Wood Memorial day? Is it too packed?



Thanks

Poster EMD4me is the emperor of Aqu, he can answer anything you need (I'm volunteering him!)

[EMD4ME]

Emd help this brother out.

UM, AH, EH, You know, Hmmm, it, well, uhh....

Let's start here....Let's play word association.

Man walks up and around you and loudly screams: Bloodclot

Your reaction?

[PowerUpPaynter]

UM, AH, EH, You know, Hmmm, it, well, uhh....

Let's start here....Let's play word association.

Man walks up and around you and loudly screams: Bloodclot

Your reaction?



its that bad?

[EMD4ME]

Poster EMD4me is the emperor of Aqu, he can answer anything you need (I'm volunteering him!)

In all seriousness, I am a pro NYRA guy so AQU is my home. I have a jaded view of my "home".

Wood Memorial weekend is when they will make the place look great. It has a great VIBE to it and all hands will be on deck.

If you want to stay away from the masses, I suggest booking in the Equestris now. Like right now.

The owner's have a nice new safe haven, I mean area LOL. It's nice.

If you want to see a race live, give yourself 15 minutes to walk from the grandstand, into the casino, up to the 2nd floor and out into an apron where all you will hear is your thoughts and your breath. There is no viewing area for us die hards, except for the clubhouse turn, which is past the finish line.

Don't know about you but I've watched races for 35 plus years on the wire or a bit before it. Hate the well after the wire crap.

Anyway, they will have food trucks somewhere on site. I can say that during that day, a different crowd is there. You can actually see some females at the track (except for other days, where the only females are the employees).

Longshots is a nice new bar. This past SAT it was packed but you had room to breathe.

In between you can take a walk to the place I hate, the racino, if you choose. It's huge and ok, if you like that garbage.

They too have a decent bar. Drinks are extremely overpriced.

I'm jaded, I love my home. I'm trying to be real about it. Others detest the BIG A. Hope I presented this as neutral as I can :D

[EMD4ME]

its that bad?

I didn't mean anything bad by that. I was just testing your mettle.

See, I'm a NYer. I see death in front of me and I keep walking calmly past the crowd so I don't die.

AQU has a certain element sometimes LOL.

If you're just coming for the WOOD, by all means do. It will be real nice. If you're gonna stay for a few days and want to play some simulcast action, then please go to Longshots. If you can't handle certain elements, you MUST go to Longshots.

[Tall One]

its that bad?



I'd say you yell blood clot, it would depend if the race is running or not if you get attention... :p

I haven't stepped a toe in NYC, or Ozone Park for that matter, but I'd venture a guess it is truly a unique racetrack experience. Hell, EMD, meet up with the guy, and give him the dime tour.

I'll assume, you can take the train over to Queens, correct? Just make sure you get off at the right stop, and don't end up in the Bronx.

[EMD4ME]

Forgot to add, they do have public transportation (A train) which brings you right to the track's door.

If you're lucky, you'll see TLG on the train.


Also, they splashed a lot of new (2 years ago) art work on the walls. New paint job. Nice seating on the 2nd foor. You can bring a date/spouse and won't be embarrassed that weekend.

[EMD4ME]

If you're allergic to POT, then please do not walk outside, ever. There is more pot than oxygen. I sometimes kid the horses must be getting high from the smell :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

But I would imagine that might be removed on Wood Day.

[EMD4ME]

Lastly, if you're cheap or don't like to pay a mortgage for fast food, bring your own food.

Coffee is $3
Burger is $9
Fries $6
Soda $7.50

Napkin ($1-Just kidding but you get the point).

Some guy named Lurch (from the Adam's family) stands on duty at the 1 concession stand.

If someone dares to order, he has to first wipe the cob webs off his surrounding space (as no one has ordered a thing in weeks).

Not the BIG A's fault. You can blame all that on that HORSE POOP Racino next door. They run concessions. They hate the horseplayers.

[Stillriledup]

UM, AH, EH, You know, Hmmm, it, well, uhh....

Let's start here....Let's play word association.

Man walks up and around you and loudly screams: Bloodclot

Your reaction?

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[EMD4ME]

I'd say you yell blood clot, it would depend if the race is running or not if you get attention... :p

I haven't stepped a toe in NYC, or Ozone Park for that matter, but I'd venture a guess it is truly a unique racetrack experience. Hell, EMD, meet up with the guy, and give him the dime tour.

I'll assume, you can take the train over to Queens, correct? Just make sure you get off at the right stop, and don't end up in the Bronx.

I have no problem making someone feel at home. I won't hold someones hand as I will be busy all day but some hospitality is no problem.

I haven't taken the A train in 20 plus years but yes, you don't want to miss the stop.

[Stillriledup]

If you're allergic to POT, then please do not walk outside, ever. There is more pot than oxygen. I sometimes kid the horses must be getting high from the smell :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

But I would imagine that might be removed on Wood Day.

So there's no security there? They permit fans to use contraband right on the premises?? Oy vei :eek:

[EMD4ME]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I won't pretent to be some street thug but a couple of weeks back some mean looking gnarly guy walks up to me and says MOVE.

I calmly looked at him (1 foot from me) look him square in the eye and said, YOU MOVE.

Guy must've thought I was new to the premises :lol: :lol: :lol: and wanted to claim his turf.

He went around me, went into the crowd and the 'residents' must've informed him that I was a super regular as he didn't play with me again.

You just never know what to expect.


About 6 years ago, my alternator went out leaving the track! :bang:

I made it to a gas station but on Sunday night at 7, no one is around. Do you know 3 of the aformentioned 'residents' pulled over and tried to jump my car?

They even offered a ride or a few bucks to get help.

Can't say a bad word about those folks.

[EMD4ME]

So there's no security there? They permit fans to use contraband right on the premises?? Oy vei :eek:

Tons of nice security. But when they walk away, sheeeitte happens.

To be clear, not inside but on the track apron at the east end of the plant. (but wind is usually blowing towards the west, so it blows over to me).

I get an instant headache. Can't stand it but I make due. I walk away when it's really bad etc.

[Tall One]

I have no problem making someone feel at home. I won't hold someones hand as I will be busy all day but some hospitality is no problem.

I haven't taken the A train in 20 plus years but yes, you don't want to miss the stop.


I'm not saying date the guy... :D

I get what you mean, though. You're there for the races, not social call.

Hey how ya doin, welcome to my Kingdom, and may the horse be with you..and keep your money in your shoes. Purse snatchers all over this joint...:ThmbUp:

[johnhannibalsmith]

I love Saratoga, but I can only take so much of really confused looking people dressed up in goofy hats trying to look like they are vying for honors in a costume party while acting as human barricades to every passageway. As far as ambiance, give me a bunch of Jamaicans teaching you a new way to cuss every day and true blue relics in faded Darryl Strawberry tee-shirts perfecting the art of sinking a nine point shot with crumpled up tickets at the nearest monitor. Wood Day is a bit less genuine, but it is still Aqueduct. And unless you are hoping to impress your finest gal, there's nothing wrong with it if you aren't the type that thinks that the racetrack experience is embodied at places with more charm than character. I haven't been in a long time, before the casino by a while, but it doesn't seem that the core experience has changed much from most reviews. I always thought it was great. But then again I used to prefer to go to the harness track across the street from the Spa to hang with that crowd.

[EMD4ME]

I'm not saying date the guy... :D

I get what you mean, though. You're there for the races, not social call.

Hey how ya doin, welcome to my Kingdom, and may the horse be with you..and keep your money in your shoes. Purse snatchers all over this joint...:ThmbUp:

Sounds like a plan if I happen to in charge of giving him a tour :lol:

On a normal Sat, I can play host. But on WOOD SAT, the vibe is different, the concentration level needs be there 10000%. I LOVE WOOD SAT!

[EMD4ME]

I love Saratoga, but I can only take so much of really confused looking people dressed up in goofy hats trying to look like they are vying for honors in a costume party while acting as human barricades to every passageway. As far as ambiance, give me a bunch of Jamaicans teaching you a new way to cuss every day and true blue relics in faded Darryl Strawberry tee-shirts perfecting the art of sinking a nine point shot with crumpled up tickets at the nearest monitor. Wood Day is a bit less genuine, but it is still Aqueduct. And unless you are hoping to impress your finest gal, there's nothing wrong with it if you aren't the type that thinks that the racetrack experience is embodied at places with more charm than character. I haven't been in a long time, before the casino by a while, but it doesn't seem that the core experience has changed much from most reviews. I always thought it was great. But then again I used to prefer to go to the harness track across the street from the Spa to hang with that crowd.

I LOVE IT!!! I'm the same way. I once somewhat rooted for a horse at the SPA and I swear, 6 rows of people in front of me turned around and were in shock.......

I like the gritty crowd and the diehards vs. the blowhards.

[EMD4ME]

Dress like a bum, with Piston pants, don't bathe for a week, and reek of cheap booze and you'll fit right in.

And it helps if you can speak any language but English.

By the way Shemp, I started laughing 30 minutes ago, just stopped now ! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[PaceAdvantage]

Dress like a bum, with Piston pants, don't bathe for a week, and reek of cheap booze and you'll fit right in.

And it helps if you can speak any language but English.I kind of knew you were a dick with your Penn National trainer obsession, but now you just confirmed it 100%

[kingfin66]

If you're allergic to POT, then please do not walk outside, ever. There is more pot than oxygen. I sometimes kid the horses must be getting high from the smell :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

But I would imagine that might be removed on Wood Day.

Is this from the Chinese Jamaicans smoking it?

[castaway01]

Is this from the Chinese Jamaicans smoking it?

That WOULD confirm nearly all of the jockey conspiracy theories though---what rider is going to push a speed horse to the lead when he's feeling that mellow? :cool:

[Tall One]

Sounds like a plan if I happen to in charge of giving him a tour :lol:

On a normal Sat, I can play host. But on WOOD SAT, the vibe is different, the concentration level needs be there 10000%. I LOVE WOOD SAT!



Yipes...reading is indeed our friend. I completely missed this in the OP.:blush:

Through a NYRA giveaway, I actually won free admission, as well as paddock passes, to the Wood last year. This was on Friday, and no way in freak could I'd been able to hop a plane that evening to jet up..i did get an autographed race program that all the jocks signed who rode the feature, a nice letter from the promo staff, as well as a 2015 calendar, and a couple WM hats. So, there's that.

OP, go and have a good time and enjoy a unique experience....:ThmbUp::ThmbUp:

[NorCalGreg]

So there's no security there? They permit fans to use contraband right on the premises?? Oy vei :eek:


Take in a Raider game sometime--they have a sort of "dopers area"--it's well-known to the regulars. Weed smoking is permitted in that area ONLY --Oakland PD patrols the Coliseum and even has a "Raider Jail"....sort of a badge of honor, to have been forcibly taken there. (No one goes willingly)

The cops permit this since too many fans are drunken, tatted up, do-rag wearing weekend bad-asses--if provoked--could get out of control in a heartbeat.

[NorCalGreg]

I kind of knew you were a dick with your Penn National trainer obsession, but now you just confirmed it 100%


Whaaaaa? First you go after bello--now Shemp?

That was the funniest post this week. :lol:

[Big Peps]

I love Saratoga, but I can only take so much of really confused looking people dressed up in goofy hats trying to look like they are vying for honors in a costume party while acting as human barricades to every passageway. As far as ambiance, give me a bunch of Jamaicans teaching you a new way to cuss every day and true blue relics in faded Darryl Strawberry tee-shirts perfecting the art of sinking a nine point shot with crumpled up tickets at the nearest monitor. Wood Day is a bit less genuine, but it is still Aqueduct. And unless you are hoping to impress your finest gal, there's nothing wrong with it if you aren't the type that thinks that the racetrack experience is embodied at places with more charm than character. I haven't been in a long time, before the casino by a while, but it doesn't seem that the core experience has changed much from most reviews. I always thought it was great. But then again I used to prefer to go to the harness track across the street from the Spa to hang with that crowd.

I agree 100%, I have spent time at 4 of the tracks in NYS. I am quite close to Finger Lakes so go there quite often. I really like Aqueduct and agree about Saratoga. I have read the descriptions and they are pretty accurate. You do get a good whiff of weed and cheap booze but it's a damn track in Queens, NY I really wouldn't expect much different. I do like the new bar.

Saratoga is a bit much to handle for me at times

[PaceAdvantage]

Whaaaaa? First you go after bello--now Shemp?

That was the funniest post this week. :lol:Not to me.

[the little guy]

One thing is for sure, if every time someone started a thread about going to Aqueduct, only people that had been there in the last five years were allowed to post, there would be a LOT less posts in the thread ( especially if EMD4ME somehow only posted once in the thread :lol: ).

[NTamm1215]

Aqueduct is great and anyone thinking of going should. Equestris is a great trackside restaurant and the old boxes just outside on the 3rd floor provide some of the best sight lines of any racetrack anywhere. I've only seen Longshots and it is terrific.

[classhandicapper]

UM, AH, EH, You know, Hmmm, it, well, uhh....

Let's start here....Let's play word association.

Man walks up and around you and loudly screams: Bloodclot

Your reaction?

That's literally the funniest I've heard in weeks.

I took a friend to AQU for the first time years ago and she asked what the experience was like. That was the exact thing I said to her. She didn't believe me until the first tough stretch drive and lost photo finish. :lol:

[Stillriledup]

That's literally the funniest I've heard in weeks.

I took a friend to AQU for the first time years ago and she asked what the experience was like. That was the exact thing I said to her. She didn't believe me until the first tough stretch drive and lost photo finish. :lol:

The greatest thing about 'bumble clot' is that the people saying it seem to say it as every other word! It's not like you hear it one time during a long rant it's every other word :D

[Secondbest]

On the other hand if a horse is winning by a pole don't forget to yell SOOOUUP!

[PaceAdvantage]

This whole "blood clot" "bumble clot" thing is, from what I can gather, a highly offensive term, is it not?

[Stillriledup]

This whole "blood clot" "bumble clot" thing is, from what I can gather, a highly offensive term, is it not?

It is. Maybe something to do with a feminine product that's used during a certain time of the month? :eek:

[Secondbest]

This whole "blood clot" "bumble clot" thing is, from what I can gather, a highly offensive term, is it not?
Bloodclot is a curse word. Never Heard of bumbleclot

[bello]

Whaaaaa? First you go after bello--now Shemp?

That was the funniest post this week. :lol:

Hey, I am staying out of this thread. I made a promise to someone. Geez I suddenly have to make a #1....just kidding!!!!!!

[Stillriledup]

Bloodclot is a curse word. Never Heard of bumbleclot

There's no 'bumble clot' as a word, but if you've been around tracks enough, youll hear all kinds of ways to say it, sometimes it SOUNDS like bumbleclot depending on how the user says it.

[GatetoWire]

Nice thread....highjacked again by resident idiots of PA

I go to Aqueduct a couple times a year when I am in NY.
It's not Belmont or Saratoga but it isn't that bad.
It is a melting pot of all things NY but I think it has great character and charm.
There are lots of characters from all walks of life but the new HD TV's and the paint job from a couple years back make the place look great.

If you love racing you need to spend some time there just to look at the photos on the wall and soak in what NY is really like. Not just what NY is like in Manhattan.

[cj]

I think Aqueduct is great. It is a racetrack. People expecting it to be the Louvre?

[ReplayRandall]

Bloodclot is a curse word. Never Heard of bumbleclot

Best definition I could find:

"Bumbleclot or Bloodclot is a Jamaican curse word. One of the worst to be called. In the old days before sanitary napkins women used old cloths & rags to absorb the bloodflow. That time of the month is considered nasty and unclean (even today) by many cultures. Often with British English a "th" is pronounced as "T", no "h", so the word cloth = clot. Give it an island accent and it becomes bloodclot. But that guy was probably meaning your an A***hole or f*^&king idiot, mon. That is just their word for cursing at people."

Source- Life Interactions

[EMD4ME]

Aqueduct is great and anyone thinking of going should. Equestris is a great trackside restaurant and the old boxes just outside on the 3rd floor provide some of the best sight lines of any racetrack anywhere. I've only seen Longshots and it is terrific.


Charles Hayword, is that you?

Prior to the dump (racino) being erected, AQU had THE BEST race watching seats that I have ever seen at any racetrack that I have been to.

When the dump was built, Charles Hayword was quoted as saying that when construction is over, the fans will have an awesome viewing area.

Guess what....When the construction was over, the fans HAD the WORST seat in the house( well past the finish line ). Guess what JACKASSES have the best view?

The stupid slot players WHO HAVE ZERO INTEREST in a game that involves work ethic and intelligence.

Yes, if you're gambling on the 1st or 2nd floor of the racino and want a cigarette, you are told to go outside on their "apron". I see these smokers go out, they look at the brown and green circles in front of them and say: What is that?

I literally want to put a BULLET in my head when I see that the spots that I used to watch races in, when I was 7, 17, 27 and 35, now belong to a bunch of slot playing idiots who don't even know what the brown circle is for.

One day, when I was alive for a truck load of money, I trespassed. I wanted to watch the race live, from as close to a spot that I was used to watching it. I walked through some racino offices, then a maze and I eventually found myself in the old 3rd floor grandstand. There is about 20 feet of it left. It's not a public area. It's really condemned. You only go there if you know it exists. There are 6 inches of bird doo doo on every inch of that area, so watch your step. More like, eliminate the shoe you wore to get there. I watched my race live.

I watched in dead silence. Why? Because, you see, that shithole next door, doesn't want any of it's players to know that there is another form of gambling next door. SO, the track announcer and the audio along with him, IS NOT ALLOWED OUT THERE.

All I heard was my own internal voice, the crunch of the bird shit I was stepping on and the hooves from 300 feet away.

So, exactly, WHAT OLD BOXES are you referring to?

There are exactly ZERO boxes available to any one from the public.

Only owners have access to these boxes. Have I sat in them? Yes. When someone did me a favor. But I don't like to be given favors so I gave up on watching a race live since the shithole was built next door.

I love my Aqueduct. I really do. It's where I grew up. I appreciate the charm. I loved Charles Hayward. I stood up for him when I heard crap about the takeout scandal. I truly believe it was NOT his fault (the takeout issue).

I believe he was told to say what he said (about the supposed new "viewing" area) and I don't blame him for sugar coating the "new place" a few years ago.

But I get pissed off when someone claims there is some great viewing area at the BIG A.

WHY? Because they tore down paradise and put up a bunch of video games that are programmed to make you lose all your money quickly.

AND I CAN'T WATCH MY RACE LIVE LIKE I USED TO AND I HATE IT!

[EMD4ME]

I think Aqueduct is great. It is a racetrack. People expecting it to be the Louvre?

I do too. I really do as I am a true down to earth guy and I grew up in NYC.

However, in answering the poor OP honestly, I didn't want him to have grand illusions of it being like a SA or Tampa Bay.

It has it's own charm. I worry every day, not kidding, that some a hole will sell out and turn it into a supposed "affordable" housing zone. Why do I worry? Because I LOVE AQU. The racing, the memories and the ambiance.

Finally, I have been reprimanded for this already.......

There are a series of pidgeons and pelicans/sea gulls that call AQU home. It is important that they get fed and I have been known to accidentally drop my bread crumbs on the track apron......I would hate for these generations of birds to have to find a new home.

[EMD4ME]

One thing is for sure, if every time someone started a thread about going to Aqueduct, only people that had been there in the last five years were allowed to post, there would be a LOT less posts in the thread ( especially if EMD4ME somehow only posted once in the thread :lol: ).

GUILTY as charged :blush: :D

I can't help it. It's my home away from home. Have 34 years of memories there. I am not knocking it, I love it. However, I do want any newbies to know that it is unique in it's own way that way they walk out appreciating it's charm and NOT walking away being disappointed.

[thespaah]

I have no problem making someone feel at home. I won't hold someones hand as I will be busy all day but some hospitality is no problem.

I haven't taken the A train in 20 plus years but yes, you don't want to miss the stop.
So no seats/standee area on the grandstand side of the wire? Its all taken by the casino?....

[thespaah]

So there's no security there? They permit fans to use contraband right on the premises?? Oy vei :eek:
There wasn't that much back in the days where crowds in the spring on Saturdays averaged 20k....NYRA Peace Officers here and there. That's it..

[EMD4ME]

So no seats/standee area on the grandstand side of the wire? Its all taken by the casino?....

Yes, there absolutely are seats for people to watch a race. I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. BUT, they are well after the wire.

I, personally, detest seeing any race from an after the wire view point.

There are boxes that are right on the wire and a few that are just before the wire. However, that is a restricted area to owners only.

That restricted owner area stays absolutely empty except for Thanksgiving weekend and Wood Weekend.

On most other days, they are 90% dead empty.

[EMD4ME]

There wasn't that much back in the days where crowds in the spring on Saturdays averaged 20k....NYRA Peace Officers here and there. That's it..

Seriously, there is AMPLE security and most if not all of them are professionals and really nice.

[thespaah]

I love Saratoga, but I can only take so much of really confused looking people dressed up in goofy hats trying to look like they are vying for honors in a costume party while acting as human barricades to every passageway. As far as ambiance, give me a bunch of Jamaicans teaching you a new way to cuss every day and true blue relics in faded Darryl Strawberry tee-shirts perfecting the art of sinking a nine point shot with crumpled up tickets at the nearest monitor. Wood Day is a bit less genuine, but it is still Aqueduct. And unless you are hoping to impress your finest gal, there's nothing wrong with it if you aren't the type that thinks that the racetrack experience is embodied at places with more charm than character. I haven't been in a long time, before the casino by a while, but it doesn't seem that the core experience has changed much from most reviews. I always thought it was great. But then again I used to prefer to go to the harness track across the street from the Spa to hang with that crowd.
Perhaps the one thing I don't like about Saratoga are people who wander aimlessly about, paying zero attention to passageways and pathways.
The other...are these people with their SUV sized strollers who seem to think they have the ultimate right of way.
I was with "She who shall be obeyed" when this woman plowed right into the back of her leg with a stroller. The woman pushing the baby cart says loud EXKYOOOOOOOZE ME....Now my wife is a pretty laid back individual, but she's no pushover....it could have gotten a bit testy, but cooler heads prevailed when the woman's husband admonished his wife for her transgression.

[BELMONT 6-6-09]

Have to laugh about THE BIG A. We grew up with this track. In my 20's waiting on line for a wager when I had some guy blowing his cigarette smoke in the back of my head. I turned around and looked the man in the eye ( he was a lot taller then me) ha ha I asked nicely if he would stop blowing the smoke and he proceeded to rear back and blast a face full at me
the straight right to the chin knocked him out cold. Didn't understand what his Spanish speaking friends were saying when I eyeballed them ha ha was waiting for more action. So in those days the betting wasn't the only action at the track!

[thespaah]

I do too. I really do as I am a true down to earth guy and I grew up in NYC.

However, in answering the poor OP honestly, I didn't want him to have grand illusions of it being like a SA or Tampa Bay.

It has it's own charm. I worry every day, not kidding, that some a hole will sell out and turn it into a supposed "affordable" housing zone. Why do I worry? Because I LOVE AQU. The racing, the memories and the ambiance.

Finally, I have been reprimanded for this already.......

There are a series of pidgeons and pelicans/sea gulls that call AQU home. It is important that they get fed and I have been known to accidentally drop my bread crumbs on the track apron......I would hate for these generations of birds to have to find a new home.
Do they migrate to Belmont in May?....
True story....1984 Turf Classic day.The one where some of the racing scribes thought All Along was going to have a walk in the park..The wife ( not yet actually) are in our favorite spot on a grandstand apron bench when she then I notice this poor guy on a bench next to us that the seagulls has used for bombing runs....We got a pretty good chuckle at the guy's expense. A while later she goes eeeeewww!!!!!....I open my jacket and there is was....A run of seagull crap....DAMN.....Well, she got a good laugh at MY expense. Ironically, that old adage about getting pooped on by a bird brings good luck( I think the same knucklehead said that rain on the wedding day is supposed to be good luck) I hit the next three including the classic. So my wallet got a little fatter to go along with my bird guano soiled jacket..
See attachment below

[EMD4ME]

Do they migrate to Belmont in May?....
True story....1984 Turf Classic day.The one where some of the racing scribes thought All Along was going to have a walk in the park..The wife ( not yet actually) are in our favorite spot on a grandstand apron bench when she then I notice this poor guy on a bench next to us that the seagulls has used for bombing runs....We got a pretty good chuckle at the guy's expense. A while later she goes eeeeewww!!!!!....I open my jacket and there is was....A run of seagull crap....DAMN.....Well, she got a good laugh at MY expense. Ironically, that old adage about getting pooped on by a bird brings good luck( I think the same knucklehead said that rain on the wedding day is supposed to be good luck) I hit the next three including the classic. So my wallet got a little fatter to go along with my bird guano soiled jacket..
See attachment below

No, sadly they do not. BUT, Belmont has a lake by the backyard entrance with some geese and a nice big Duck. Love those little suckers.

Nice momento! Antonio on the 5! There's a name I forgot! Nice :ThmbUp:

[thespaah]

No, sadly they do not. BUT, Belmont has a lake by the backyard entrance with some geese and a nice big Duck. Love those little suckers.

Nice momento! Antonio on the 5! There's a name I forgot! Nice :ThmbUp:
Another funny story.
My first ever trip to Aqueduct was in November of 1977. We cut school to go.
As a kid from the comfy burbs of Northern NJ, i felt like i was another planet.
Anyway, I go to head and there inside the restroom was a this bum...I mean a smelly nasty bum...He is hassling everybody. he gets about 5 feet away and yells at me "gimme a cigarette for m'self!!!!"
I got the heck out of there.....
See attachment for cover of program.,,,Note the price at the top. 35 cents

[EMD4ME]

Another funny story.
My first ever trip to Aqueduct was in November of 1977. We cut school to go.
As a kid from the comfy burbs of Northern NJ, i felt like i was another planet.
Anyway, I go to head and there inside the restroom was a this bum...I mean a smelly nasty bum...He is hassling everybody. he gets about 5 feet away and yells at me "gimme a cigarette for m'self!!!!"
I got the heck out of there.....
See attachment for cover of program.,,,Note the price at the top. 35 cents

Did you eat the condiments at the hot dog stand like Dave Litfin did ? :lol:

Just kidding as I remember reading that Dave did that when he cut school to go to the BIG A.

You won't have to worry about that in the bathrooms today, as there's no one in there :lol: :lol: Just kidding, there's a handful.

Nice program. Miss that signature on horse racing artistry!

Keep the stories coming, love em!

[classhandicapper]

The Aqueduct from decades will always be special to me because I was there every Saturday and Sunday for many years no matter how cold or nasty it was in the winter. I still have racetrack buddies that I met on the 3rd floor grandstand at AQU. I don't go very much anymore, but it's way nicer than its current reputation. It's just a different experience now because the race track area is smaller and the casino is there now. When I do go I bet the live races and then sometimes go to the casino side to watch sports on the mega large screen and have a few beers. There's no reason not to go if you like live racing.

[EMD4ME]

The Aqueduct from decades will always be special to me because I was there every Saturday and Sunday for many years no matter how cold or nasty it was in the winter. I still have racetrack buddies that I met on the 3rd floor grandstand at AQU. I don't go very much anymore, but it's way nicer than its current reputation. It's just a different experience now because the race track area is smaller and the casino is there now. When I do go I bet the live races and then sometimes go to the casino side to watch sports on the mega large screen and have a few beers. There's no reason not to go if you like live racing.

If you've ever seen the movie Titanic, you'll remember the scenes where the boat is about to sink and every where Jack Dawson looked (specific spots) he had memories of what transpired there when everything was normal.

I still can walk around the old grandstand, where that stupid video game parlor is and "see" my old hot dog stand. The old 3rd floor teletheatre and other specific parts of the track that I remember.


Sighhhhhhhh..............

[mannyberrios]

In all seriousness, I am a pro NYRA guy so AQU is my home. I have a jaded view of my "home".

Wood Memorial weekend is when they will make the place look great. It has a great VIBE to it and all hands will be on deck.

If you want to stay away from the masses, I suggest booking in the Equestris now. Like right now.

The owner's have a nice new safe haven, I mean area LOL. It's nice.

If you want to see a race live, give yourself 15 minutes to walk from the grandstand, into the casino, up to the 2nd floor and out into an apron where all you will hear is your thoughts and your breath. There is no viewing area for us die hards, except for the clubhouse turn, which is past the finish line.

Don't know about you but I've watched races for 35 plus years on the wire or a bit before it. Hate the well after the wire crap.

Anyway, they will have food trucks somewhere on site. I can say that during that day, a different crowd is there. You can actually see some females at the track (except for other days, where the only females are the employees).

Longshots is a nice new bar. This past SAT it was packed but you had room to breathe.

In between you can take a walk to the place I hate, the racino, if you choose. It's huge and ok, if you like that garbage.

They too have a decent bar. Drinks are extremely overpriced.

I'm jaded, I love my home. I'm trying to be real about it. Others detest the BIG A. Hope I presented this as neutral as I can :D
Nice post