Dismal Experience

[Track Phantom]

I had to write about this. I rarely get to the track anymore (been at a race track about 10 times in the last 15 years).

So, I had to be in San Antonio today for work. It coincided nicely since I had two tickets to cash at Retama from last June.

I stopped at Retama this afternoon and the thought that kept running through my head is....no way this game survives.

I'm not trying to pick on Retama but I couldn't believe it when I walked in. Right at the front gate, there was a garbage can that was overflowing, garbage spilling out all over the ground. Since there is only simulcasting going on, it's unlikely this was filled in one day. It was beyond disgusting.

Once inside, there were roughly 30 people wagering in the simulcast area. 25 of the 30 were north of 75 years old. In addition, they had storm damage and the toteboard was basically flattened. To my knowledge that was 6-8 weeks ago. Still in the same condition.

I know it was a dead Monday for racing but just seeing this place looking so awful with just a few people there made me sad. I hope this isn't representative of most tracks.

[EMD4ME]

I had to write about this. I rarely get to the track anymore (been at a race track about 10 times in the last 15 years).

So, I had to be in San Antonio today for work. It coincided nicely since I had two tickets to cash at Retama from last June.

I stopped at Retama this afternoon and the thought that kept running through my head is....no way this game survives.

I'm not trying to pick on Retama but I couldn't believe it when I walked in. Right at the front gate, there was a garbage can that was overflowing, garbage spilling out all over the ground. Since there is only simulcasting going on, it's unlikely this was filled in one day. It was beyond disgusting.

Once inside, there were roughly 30 people wagering in the simulcast area. 25 of the 30 were north of 75 years old. In addition, they had storm damage and the toteboard was basically flattened. To my knowledge that was 6-8 weeks ago. Still in the same condition.

I know it was a dead Monday for racing but just seeing this place looking so awful with just a few people there made me sad. I hope this isn't representative of most tracks.

I get depressed when I visit AQU on a monday or tuesday to pick some programs up for my parents and look around. Scarce crowd. Older people. At least AQU has a local following (even with simulcasting) amongst the Guyanese, if it wasn't for the locals, you could hear your own echo.

Now, if I were in charge, I'd annoy the NYSGC to allow me to fill the place up on Mon and Tues with special promotions (bet $2, get free coffee, bet $50 get refund on your program, bet $100 lunch is on us, have seminars on the simulcast races, double rebates on track only for simulcast races etc etc etc.

Wake me when I wake up :bang:

[Tom]

The CEO should be fired.
Period.

The message HE is sending to customers that this track doesn't care.

A CEO who doesn't patrol the grounds DAILY is not much of a CEO.

[NY Racing Fan]

I get depressed when I visit AQU on a monday or tuesday to pick some programs up for my parents and look around. Scarce crowd. Older people. At least AQU has a local following (even with simulcasting) amongst the Guyanese, if it wasn't for the locals, you could hear your own echo.

Now, if I were in charge, I'd annoy the NYSGC to allow me to fill the place up on Mon and Tues with special promotions (bet $2, get free coffee, bet $50 get refund on your program, bet $100 lunch is on us, have seminars on the simulcast races, double rebates on track only for simulcast races etc etc etc.

Wake me when I wake up :bang:

I think you are certainly on the right track. NYRA refuses to do anything and I mean anything to show appreciation towards their loyal AQU customers. What a disgrace to treat these people so poorly. Have you ever been hungry there and tried to consider getting something to eat at a reasonable price? It is a complete embarrassment.

Kay would rather spend millions on technology at the expense of the NYRA Network and his core customers.

[EMD4ME]

I think you are certainly on the right track. NYRA refuses to do anything and I mean anything to show appreciation towards their loyal AQU customers. What a disgrace to treat these people so poorly. Have you ever been hungry there and tried to consider getting something to eat at a reasonable price? It is a complete embarrassment.

Kay would rather spend millions on technology at the expense of the NYRA Network and his core customers.

FOOD???

The $8 horseburger? The $3 coffee? The $8 FRENCH FRIES? The , you must buy 2, hot dogs?


NOW, I MUST SAY, I MUST MUST MUST SAY, that is NOT NYRA's fault. That is the racino's fault.

I wish I knew what the contract entailed? Is NYRA not allowed to have any stands with food? If the answer is yes, FIRE the idiot who signed that contract. If the answer is no, why not have a stand with food.

Quite frankly, we ALL order takeout and it gets delivered to Longshots. Isn't that pathetic?

Sophia's Pizza is the NYRA foodstand to most of us.

Technology? Yes, that technology is amazing! Couldn't make a bet on multiple races this weekend. If you don't have a 2nd foreign ADW, you can be burned!

Packed house (for these days) on Gotham day, they had the Bets Squad out (I guess NYRA actually has people that read this forum ;)) which is great BUT whatever you tought the new folks meant NOTHING when you're tote system crashed on track. :bang:

[cj]

I had to write about this. I rarely get to the track anymore (been at a race track about 10 times in the last 15 years).

So, I had to be in San Antonio today for work. It coincided nicely since I had two tickets to cash at Retama from last June.

I stopped at Retama this afternoon and the thought that kept running through my head is....no way this game survives.

I'm not trying to pick on Retama but I couldn't believe it when I walked in. Right at the front gate, there was a garbage can that was overflowing, garbage spilling out all over the ground. Since there is only simulcasting going on, it's unlikely this was filled in one day. It was beyond disgusting.

Once inside, there were roughly 30 people wagering in the simulcast area. 25 of the 30 were north of 75 years old. In addition, they had storm damage and the toteboard was basically flattened. To my knowledge that was 6-8 weeks ago. Still in the same condition.

I know it was a dead Monday for racing but just seeing this place looking so awful with just a few people there made me sad. I hope this isn't representative of most tracks.

Didn't they just have a storm that did all kinds of damage to the track? Like serious, major damage?

[JustRalph]

Didn't they just have a storm that did all kinds of damage to the track? Like serious, major damage?


http://www.ktsa.com/storms-leave-damage-retama-park/

[cj]

http://www.ktsa.com/storms-leave-damage-retama-park/

I don't even think if it is known they will rebuild. I'm not sure when the quarters come back, but I think they months to figure it out. They aren't going to spend tons of money on something that is uncertain.

[Track Phantom]

I don't even think if it is known they will rebuild. I'm not sure when the quarters come back, but I think they months to figure it out. They aren't going to spend tons of money on something that is uncertain.
I didn't expect them to replace the toteboard. They can wait on that. It was just a depressing sight along with the other issues. The garbage can overflowing literally right where you walk in, with garbage on top, stuffed to the gils and garbage on the ground, is obscene. Do they not have a janitor or grounds person responsible for keeping the facility clean? If they can't handle that, what does it say about their desire to attract fans? Maybe I'm being too harsh but being in the facility, I couldn't think of a reason to ever come back.

[NY Racing Fan]

FOOD???

The $8 horseburger? The $3 coffee? The $8 FRENCH FRIES? The , you must buy 2, hot dogs?


NOW, I MUST SAY, I MUST MUST MUST SAY, that is NOT NYRA's fault. That is the racino's fault.

I wish I knew what the contract entailed? Is NYRA not allowed to have any stands with food? If the answer is yes, FIRE the idiot who signed that contract. If the answer is no, why not have a stand with food.

Quite frankly, we ALL order takeout and it gets delivered to Longshots. Isn't that pathetic?

Sophia's Pizza is the NYRA foodstand to most of us.

Technology? Yes, that technology is amazing! Couldn't make a bet on multiple races this weekend. If you don't have a 2nd foreign ADW, you can be burned!

Packed house (for these days) on Gotham day, they had the Bets Squad out (I guess NYRA actually has people that read this forum ;)) which is great BUT whatever you tought the new folks meant NOTHING when you're tote system crashed on track. :bang:

I don't know for sure but from what I've heard, the contract with Genting specifies that they have control of the food concessions. My problem is how does NYRA allow this without an out clause?? Was it so farfetched that the relationship between the casino and the competing horse track would sour? Isn't this a likely conflict of interest? How can NYRA sign such a deal to allow their customers to be potentially tortured by an outside entity that is beyond their control?? Seems simple to me. NYRA made money off of the food concession deal because the worst case scenario resulted in the NYRA customers to have to eat food that has a lower standard than a prison but yet still paying premium prices.

You and the other Longshots customers have obviously made the best of a bad situation by utilizing other food resources, which I am glad to hear but I don't think that the hungry $2 bettor who stands by the rail to enjoy the races has many food options.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

A CEO who doesn't patrol the grounds DAILY is not much of a CEO.

This right here. Couldnt agree more.

[Inner Dirt]

FOOD???

The $8 horseburger? The $3 coffee? The $8 FRENCH FRIES? The , you must buy 2, hot dogs?


I have only visited a couple tracks outside of California and have been to any tracks in the last half dozen years. Are those high prices a New York thing? I always found horse racing venue concession prices to be reasonable compared to other major sports venues like MLB, NFL, and Nascar.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

Depends really. At the BC recently it was like $12 a beer for domestic. Dont remember much about the cost of food :) Not sure what it normally is on a regular day at Santa Anita.

Monmouth has a stand in the picnic area where beers are $3, Saratoga has a similar place in their backyard. Both places I bring my own. Meadowlands has $4 rolling rock drafts!

I think Aqueduct is a different story with the contract out of their hands in relation to pricing. Most places on non-big days isnt too expensive.

[RunDustyRun]

with all due respect, I think you're being a little hard on my home track...while it may not be the Taj Majal that is Lone Star Park (which is awesome by the way) I think you just showed up on the wrong day...Monday is free admission day and I believe the track runs a skeleton crew...it can be a little dismal early in the week but gets better as the weekend nears...two dollar admission, four dollar 16 oz beers and the combination of everyday degenerates and a number of retired military makes for a decent crowd...believe it or not on the big days it's standing room only...the track has been on the verge of closing for years and there is no internet wagering in Texas so I'm just happy its is still operating in all its glory...
as a caveat, my first home track was Fairmount Park...now that place was dismal

[PhantomOnTour]

The track is a lot like the bank or a fast food restaurant these days. They really don't want you in the building...banks and McD's would rather you drive thru (they give better service & devote more manpower to drive thru) and the track would rather you stay at home and play.
Unless it's the slots ;)

[Hapman]

It was a Monday, no? I can't imagine most tracks are exactly hopping.

Honestly I have no idea what it was like back in the heyday of racing in general, but I get the feeling the only people ever at a track on a weekday morning/afternoon are the retirees and degenerates.

The few times I have been at the track or OTB on random weekdays it's been uncomfortable enough that I wanted to leave.

[VeryOldMan]

Honestly I have no idea what it was like back in the heyday of racing in general, but I get the feeling the only people ever at a track on a weekday morning/afternoon are the retirees and degenerates.

The few times I have been at the track or OTB on random weekdays it's been uncomfortable enough that I wanted to leave.

Back in racing's heyday it was the only legal gambling option in town. So even weekdays could draw a crowd, and it wasn't just retirees and degenerates. That ship sailed a LONG time ago - probably starting with state lotteries (in my view).

Now - I agree with you and the OP. The regular live race day experience (i.e., not special days) has been devalued to the point that I have no desire to go, even when I have the time and interest. I sit at home and wager with my ADW.

In my experience, the racinos are the worst - my guess is that most of them would jettison horse racing in a heartbeat if they didn't need it to otherwise keep their gaming license.

[olddaddy]

Honestly I have no idea what it was like back in the heyday of racing in general, but I get the feeling the only people ever at a track on a weekday morning/afternoon are the retirees and degenerates.




It was full of future retirees and degenerates, I know because I was one of them.

[Inner Dirt]

Honestly I have no idea what it was like back in the heyday of racing in general, but I get the feeling the only people ever at a track on a weekday morning/afternoon are the retirees and degenerates.
.


There are people that get weekdays off and don't go to work till later in the day you know. I worked a graveyard shift decades ago. When I picked up a six pack after work like many do, I would get weird looks, it was 7am, everyone else in the 7-11 was getting coffee and doughnuts.

[Tom]

The track is a lot like the bank or a fast food restaurant these days. They really don't want you in the building...banks and McD's would rather you drive thru (they give better service & devote more manpower to drive thru) and the track would rather you stay at home and play.
Unless it's the slots ;)

I pretty much look at tracks these days a s "drive by."
I can't think of a worse way to spend a day than going to a track.

Good news at the track - you didn't step in anything.
Bad news at the track - the guy sitting nest you you did.

[pandy]

I get depressed when I visit AQU on a monday or tuesday to pick some programs up for my parents and look around. Scarce crowd. Older people. At least AQU has a local following (even with simulcasting) amongst the Guyanese, if it wasn't for the locals, you could hear your own echo.

Now, if I were in charge, I'd annoy the NYSGC to allow me to fill the place up on Mon and Tues with special promotions (bet $2, get free coffee, bet $50 get refund on your program, bet $100 lunch is on us, have seminars on the simulcast races, double rebates on track only for simulcast races etc etc etc.

Wake me when I wake up :bang:

Good ideas.

[pandy]

I had to write about this. I rarely get to the track anymore (been at a race track about 10 times in the last 15 years).

So, I had to be in San Antonio today for work. It coincided nicely since I had two tickets to cash at Retama from last June.

I stopped at Retama this afternoon and the thought that kept running through my head is....no way this game survives.

I'm not trying to pick on Retama but I couldn't believe it when I walked in. Right at the front gate, there was a garbage can that was overflowing, garbage spilling out all over the ground. Since there is only simulcasting going on, it's unlikely this was filled in one day. It was beyond disgusting.

Once inside, there were roughly 30 people wagering in the simulcast area. 25 of the 30 were north of 75 years old. In addition, they had storm damage and the toteboard was basically flattened. To my knowledge that was 6-8 weeks ago. Still in the same condition.

I know it was a dead Monday for racing but just seeing this place looking so awful with just a few people there made me sad. I hope this isn't representative of most tracks.

Retama obviously is not Arlington, Belmont, Del Mar, Gulfstream, Keeneland, Oaklawn, Saratoga, Santa Anita, Woodbine.

I think if you went to one of those tracks you might feel differently.

[mountainman]

The track is a lot like the bank or a fast food restaurant these days. They really don't want you in the building...banks and McD's would rather you drive thru (they give better service & devote more manpower to drive thru) and the track would rather you stay at home and play.
Unless it's the slots ;)

lol. I've grown ADDICTED to diet cherry dr pepper and can get it only at Wendy's. I always use drive-thru, but that was soooo congested yesterday that I got cute, parked, and dashed into the building. At Least 15 min passed before somebody waited on me. Lesson learned: they do NOT want patrons to enter the building.

[Tom]

I used to go to Toga and Woodbine every year.
Wouldn't even consider a trip to either one ever again.

[ReplayRandall]

I used to go to Toga and Woodbine every year.
Wouldn't even consider a trip to either one ever again.
How about a nice summer vacation to paradise at Del Mar??..:cool:

[Tom]

DelMar?



:puke:

[cj]

DelMar?



:puke:

Wonderful area even if you don't like the racing :)

[Rise Over Run]

Now, if I were in charge, I'd annoy the NYSGC to allow me to fill the place up on Mon and Tues with special promotions (bet $2, get free coffee, bet $50 get refund on your program, bet $100 lunch is on us, have seminars on the simulcast races, double rebates on track only for simulcast races etc etc etc.

LOL. If the over/under on businesses you've bankrupted is 1.5; I'm taking the over. Have you looked at the garbage that runs on Mon/Tues? At best NYRA is raking in 5-7% of the wagers they take. And you want to destroy the only part of the business generating income by giving away free coffee, programs and lunch.

[Inner Dirt]

DelMar?



:puke:



Wonderful area even if you don't like the racing :)

Nice scenery, loved hitting the Fish Market on the way out for dinner, but back when I went I would consider the facility too small for the size of the crowds. Also with the area being a summer vacation destination there was a high percentage of novices that were not schooled in race track etiquette.
Del Mar was only 100 miles or so from me till 2010, but I stop attending live racing there by the early 90's. I first went there in 1980.

[menifee]

This winter I took my 10 year old and 4 year old girls down to Gulfstream over Feb. vacation. I was shocked. It was a rainy day and there was no indoor seating to be had. The casino takes up so much space in the facility and the available tables were full. The food in the grandstand section was horrible and expensive. I really did not want my kids inside near the casino. When the rain stopped, we went to sit outside - the whole section was empty - literally there were no people there. Someone came up to us and said we had to pay $5 for those seats. That was the icing on the cake.

We left. My 10 year old said this is the worst track she's been to. We thought it would be like a Delmar, Kee, or Saratoga experience. We were really disappointed.

[thespaah]

This winter I took my 10 year old and 4 year old girls down to Gulfstream over Feb. vacation. I was shocked. It was a rainy day and there was no indoor seating to be had. The casino takes up so much space in the facility and the available tables were full. The food in the grandstand section was horrible and expensive. I really did not want my kids inside near the casino. When the rain stopped, we went to sit outside - the whole section was empty - literally there were no people there. Someone came up to us and said we had to pay $5 for those seats. That was the icing on the cake.

We left. My 10 year old said this is the worst track she's been to. We thought it would be like a Delmar, Kee, or Saratoga experience. We were really disappointed.

Who was the "someone' that informed you about the fee for a$$ parking?

[ultracapper]

Who was the "someone' that informed you about the fee for a$$ parking?

A "stooper" expanding his job opportunities.

[EMD4ME]

A "stooper" expanding his job opportunities.

Smart :lol::lol::lol:

[overthehill]

thats too bad. i cant remember the last time i went to a track. but i know when i lived in new york there was a huge difference between the way i and everyone else was treated at the new york tracks versus the meadowlands.
employees at the new york tracks were by and large rude and unsympathetic. employees at the meadowlands were cordial at least and tried to be helpful. it was also a lot cleaner inside.

[pandy]

thats too bad. i cant remember the last time i went to a track. but i know when i lived in new york there was a huge difference between the way i and everyone else was treated at the new york tracks versus the meadowlands.
employees at the new york tracks were by and large rude and unsympathetic. employees at the meadowlands were cordial at least and tried to be helpful. it was also a lot cleaner inside.

I would agree with this portrayal. The Meadowlands still leads in customer relations. The G.M. often stands at the entrance and greets people as they walk through the doors.

[EMD4ME]

Maybe its because im a regular but there are so many friendly employees at NYRA.

When you walk in Aqueduct , you're greeted by Raj the excellent Pinkerton. Then on the 2nd floor is legendary Rudy the Pinkerton.

Pam and Victoria are very cordial at Longshots.

William the long time Players Club attendee is nice.

Heck, even one of the heads of security is friendly.

Never mind a host of sweet tellers.

[pandy]

Maybe its because im a regular but there are so many friendly employees at NYRA.

When you walk in Aqueduct , you're greeted by Raj the excellent Pinkerton. Then on the 2nd floor is legendary Rudy the Pinkerton.

Pam and Victoria are very cordial at Longshots.

William the long time Players Club attendee is nice.

Heck, even one of the heads of security is friendly.

Never mind a host of sweet tellers.

In all fairness, I'm talking about years ago. I haven't been to Aqueduct in a long time.

The tracks have generally dropped the ball on customer service. You can go to the track for decades without a single person ever asking you your name. They never tried to get to know their customers. You go to a casino and as soon as you enter you see signs "sign up for our Rewards card and get discounts on rooms and restaurants".

[EMD4ME]

In all fairness, I'm talking about years ago. I haven't been to Aqueduct in a long time.

The tracks have generally dropped the ball on customer service. You can go to the track for decades without a single person ever asking you your name. They never tried to get to know their customers. You go to a casino and as soon as you enter you see signs "sign up for our Rewards card and get discounts on rooms and restaurants".

I hear ya Pandy....

Overall yes, it is an issue. So much more can be done in this industry.

[elhelmete]

In all fairness, I'm talking about years ago. I haven't been to Aqueduct in a long time.

The tracks have generally dropped the ball on customer service. You can go to the track for decades without a single person ever asking you your name. They never tried to get to know their customers. You go to a casino and as soon as you enter you see signs "sign up for our Rewards card and get discounts on rooms and restaurants".

Good luck in today's casinos. They've been getting super stingy with comps for a while now. Specifically, they charge for thing that were normally free but then "comp" you back. Uh huh.

[pandy]

Good luck in today's casinos. They've been getting super stingy with comps for a while now. Specifically, they charge for thing that were normally free but then "comp" you back. Uh huh.

When my wife Marilyn and I go to Atlantic City, when we get there, regardless of where we're staying, we always park at Ceasars, go to Starbucks in the Pier Mall and then usually take a walk on the boardwalk or have lunch before we check into whatever hotel we're staying in. The last time we went, in September, they charged us $20 to park, and even though we were staying at Harrah's, which is owned by Caesars, since we hadn't checked into the hotel yet they did not give us a parking credit. So, yeah, they are tightening up for sure.

[elhelmete]

When my wife Marilyn and I go to Atlantic City, when we get there, regardless of where we're staying, we always park at Ceasars, go to Starbucks in the Pier Mall and then usually take a walk on the boardwalk or have lunch before we check into whatever hotel we're staying in. The last time we went, in September, they charged us $20 to park, and even though we were staying at Harrah's, which is owned by Caesars, since we hadn't checked into the hotel yet they did not give us a parking credit. So, yeah, they are tightening up for sure.

A few years back a high school classmate of my DAD contacted me mistakenly (we share a name) and we chatted a couple times and had some chuckles. She worked in Vegas for decades and sent me an amazing breakdown of her time there and how it's changed.

I'll see if it's appropriate for posting here. For those thinking Vegas still gets it 100% right it's a good read.

[elhelmete]

A sloppily redacted version of her note.
I am retired now, but I worked in a small independant book in the '70's owned by xxx xxx. He was the first one to put up the over and under's. He lost his first $100 bet to a guy he had talked this over with, so as he lost, he thought what a good idea. He was related to xxx xxx. I also worked with xxx xxx when he came to xxx's book (Del Mar Race & Sprots Book) and worked under xxx at the Excalibur. Worked at the Sahara twice for a total of 12 years and ended up at the Green Valley Ranch in Henderson. I also worked in the Marina. It was one of the last mob books in the '80's the action that went on there was amazing. If your Dad comes here often he proably knows of these 2 guys. xxx xxx has died. He was in his 80's and as sharp as a tack. xxx came to work for xxx after I did and eventually ran xxx's book and then went to Costa Rica to set up off shore betting for a few places in 1999. A few years later he was called before the LV Gaming Commision and they wanted names and Coporate names and he refuesed to give them. So he is black-balled from working in the industry......but that doesn't stop a good and smart man. He's mostly retired and he made his money years ago anyway. These books were wide open then as the commission didn't realize what kind of money was going through these small places. Everything was hand written and hand graded. You couldn't get paid till the next day. If you have access to all the operation you can just imagine what went on. The smart guys didn't get greedy. We used to get calls fron tracks about 2-3 times a week on guaranteed winners. They were called "steamers" and the word spread around town like lightening and we would have to put limits on bets as we were not pari-mutual yet. It was quite a time I tell you. Then the corporations came in and the computer and everything changed...a lot. It was fun and a good job for a long time but the last years or so it got really lousy. You are not even a number to these suits now and they think they are so "cool". I had heads of the departments come to me to explain tickets and how they got the payout etc. I did supervise for 6 months but gave it up as it was such a headache. You could never win with these new guys. They wanted it all, and customer service is a joke. Earlier I never had to account for comps I gave out or drink tickets, I knew they players, but now with these cards they can track every bet. It got to be embarrassing to me. You have to spend so much just to get a meal or a couple of drinks. If this was in the good years I could have taken care of your Dad and his family and friends real nice and had friends in low places who could also arrange for the best, but today it is a joke. If you are a longtime player MAYBE someone can get you dinner or a drink but they have to account for it. No way to run a candy store if you ask me. Well, that was a mouthful......anyway sorry I'm not in the loop anymore, such as it is. Vegas can still be fun but not like it used to be.....tell Dad Hi and Good Luck