View Full Version : Trouble brewing for Mth Park
upthecreek
04-21-2017, 08:44 AM
http://www.app.com/story/sports/horses/2017/04/20/monmouth-park-column-opening/100639740/
HalvOnHorseracing
04-21-2017, 11:38 AM
I used to enjoy going to Monmouth, but in the last few years the place has had a run down feeling. And the racing has deteriorated as well. Lot of history at the shore, but it isn't worth much if you can't make any money today.
Perhaps the worst thing about Monmouth is taking 36 from the Parkway. What a break it would have been to have the track where the mall is and the mall where the track is, instead of having to funnel eventually down to one lane.
MonmouthParkJoe
04-21-2017, 12:25 PM
I havent taken 36 in years. Usually get off in Red Bank and take the back roads. Never encountered a problem. On haskell day I take the train from Red Bank.
I really dont know if the the place is run down. I feel like the place hasnt changed at all in years. Sure the racing has suffered, but have always enjoyed my experience.
HalvOnHorseracing
04-21-2017, 01:10 PM
I havent taken 36 in years. Usually get off in Red Bank and take the back roads. Never encountered a problem. On haskell day I take the train from Red Bank.
I really dont know if the the place is run down. I feel like the place hasnt changed at all in years. Sure the racing has suffered, but have always enjoyed my experience.
Coming from the south on the Parkway you're usually stuck with 35 or 36.
It is one of those old, cavernous racing plants that is often empty except on big days. After they spruced it up for the Breeder's Cup it felt a little fresher, but I get the feeling they haven't done much since. On weekdays you can be in parts of the track where you feel you are by yourself. Maybe it's just nostalgia, but I used to feel it was just better.
onefast99
04-21-2017, 03:00 PM
I used to enjoy going to Monmouth, but in the last few years the place has had a run down feeling. And the racing has deteriorated as well. Lot of history at the shore, but it isn't worth much if you can't make any money today.
Perhaps the worst thing about Monmouth is taking 36 from the Parkway. What a break it would have been to have the track where the mall is and the mall where the track is, instead of having to funnel eventually down to one lane.
I probably spend at least two days a week at MP and I don't agree on your assessment of the facility itself, do you see any neglect anywhere on the grounds?
The quality of racing everywhere has suffered except for NY where the slot revenues fuel the purses and the state breds run for stakes type monies each and every day. It is evident that the slot revenues can greatly enhance everything associated with the track itself. Have you been to Aqueduct lately? How about Belmont? Are they spruced up and looking as good or better than ever? What big changes has Saratoga gone through? MP is an old track, the 2007 Breeders Cup was the last time a major facelift was completed and we are now talking 10 years ago.
I have commented on the food at MP it isn't good and needs to be changed. Will it ever equal Gulfstream, no but it should be edible and it isn't.
MP has a lot to do to stay afloat, this isn't breaking news it is a fact. The horseman and the present management Darby have to come up with a plan or each and every racing season will be considered to be the last if no revenue stream is implemented. I have said before that the addition of VLTs would raise much needed revenue. This is or can be looked at as the easiest path to take with little or no resistance. Everyone would like to see racing continue at MP, if it ends it will have a domino affect on other racing venues.
PowerUpPaynter
04-21-2017, 03:39 PM
It would be a damn shame if Monmouth closes. I think its a very under rated track. Go to Aqueduct then tell me how you feel about monmouth... Haskell day is a great day and a great race.
HalvOnHorseracing
04-21-2017, 04:15 PM
I probably spend at least two days a week at MP and I don't agree on your assessment of the facility itself, do you see any neglect anywhere on the grounds?
The quality of racing everywhere has suffered except for NY where the slot revenues fuel the purses and the state breds run for stakes type monies each and every day. It is evident that the slot revenues can greatly enhance everything associated with the track itself. Have you been to Aqueduct lately? How about Belmont? Are they spruced up and looking as good or better than ever? What big changes has Saratoga gone through? MP is an old track, the 2007 Breeders Cup was the last time a major facelift was completed and we are now talking 10 years ago.
I have commented on the food at MP it isn't good and needs to be changed. Will it ever equal Gulfstream, no but it should be edible and it isn't.
MP has a lot to do to stay afloat, this isn't breaking news it is a fact. The horseman and the present management Darby have to come up with a plan or each and every racing season will be considered to be the last if no revenue stream is implemented. I have said before that the addition of VLTs would raise much needed revenue. This is or can be looked at as the easiest path to take with little or no resistance. Everyone would like to see racing continue at MP, if it ends it will have a domino affect on other racing venues.
Neglect? That wouldn't be the right word. I said it has a run-down feeling, a lot of old guys on the regular days, kind of dead in most places. Not exactly peeling paint, but not a bright, cheery place either. Yeah, it's an old track, but it has that same feel as Aqueduct or Pimlico - a relatively austere racing plant with architecture that is nothing special. Aqueduct hasn't been a garden spot for as long as I've been going to the races, and Pimlico is the epitome of a plant designed by the same architect who designed auto assembly plants. Belmont has that old, architecturally uninteresting feel, especially the closer you get to the far turn for sure, but the grounds are more expansive. But Saratoga doesn't have that feel. It feels a lot more open. Old, but in a more classical, historical way. In terms of improvements, more than $23 million has been invested in capital improvements at Saratoga since 2013. Major renovations began on the paddock mutuel building in November 2016. There is no comparison in the feel of Saratoga and many other tracks, including Monmouth.
I'm not making a dig at Monmouth. It is no worse than most of the old plants in the country. In terms of great places to hang out, there are probably less than a dozen tracks that fall into the category of places that have a great feel in terms of hanging out at the races.
I agree about the food. I think everyone waits for food truck weekend to get anything decent.
dilanesp
04-21-2017, 04:17 PM
I have commented on the food at MP it isn't good and needs to be changed.
The clam chowder I had at the 2007 BC at Monmouth was among the tastiest things I have ever had at a racetrack. I went back and bought a second bowl. :)
HalvOnHorseracing
04-21-2017, 04:39 PM
The clam chowder I had at the 2007 BC at Monmouth was among the tastiest things I have ever had at a racetrack. I went back and bought a second bowl. :)
When I was much younger, Harry Stevens seemed to be the concessionaire of choice at every public venue. When we would go to the track (one of the NY tracks, but occasionally MTH) the first thing everybody would do is get a bowl of clam chowder. I don't know if it was the same Harry Stevens clam chowder, but it was legend.
MonmouthParkJoe
04-21-2017, 06:10 PM
Breaking news: Strollos Lighthouse italian ice and ice cream as well as Max's Famous Hot Dogs will be on site.
There you go, fine dining options :)
onefast99
04-22-2017, 09:14 AM
The clam chowder I had at the 2007 BC at Monmouth was among the tastiest things I have ever had at a racetrack. I went back and bought a second bowl. :)
That was Aramark who was the food purveyor at that time and the NJSEA ran the track with the Breeders Cup group. Now it is a company that can't make a ham sandwich without screwing it up. As Halvonhorseracing just mentioned we all await the food trucks, they are a great addition to the track. My biggest complaint is Haskell Day, we go to the clubhouse where it is a $60 per person price fix. The food is so bad I see more returning to the kitchen then comes out. There is no excuse for poor food at premium prices, none.
turfeyejoe
04-22-2017, 11:41 AM
I have to agree with HOH on this one. Last time I was at Monmouth several years ago, the place did look run down, especially the picnic area. The tables with the umbrellas faded and tarnished instead of bright and shiny.
MonmouthParkJoe
04-22-2017, 01:13 PM
I have to agree with HOH on this one. Last time I was at Monmouth several years ago, the place did look run down, especially the picnic area. The tables with the umbrellas faded and tarnished instead of bright and shiny.
Not tarnish, character :)
alhattab
04-22-2017, 08:05 PM
That was Aramark who was the food purveyor at that time and the NJSEA ran the track with the Breeders Cup group. Now it is a company that can't make a ham sandwich without screwing it up. As Halvonhorseracing just mentioned we all await the food trucks, they are a great addition to the track. My biggest complaint is Haskell Day, we go to the clubhouse where it is a $60 per person price fix. The food is so bad I see more returning to the kitchen then comes out. There is no excuse for poor food at premium prices, none.
The old Monmouth chowder was always a lighter color relative to others racetrack or otherwise. I thought they added cream. I talked to the cook Freddie (no longer there) once and he said he used a butter and flour roux. I've tried it and it does come out pretty good. Like the old adage, the difference between a good cook and a bad cook is a stick of butter!
Anyway, the linked Asbury Park Press article was one of the more depressing ones I have seen. Bottom line is, this is going to be a bad meet. Hopefully some sort of help is on the way after the Gov leaves office.
Onefast what is with Eddie Broome not coming back? Is Malouf still his client? If so seems strange he wouldn't come back. Also any idea what happened w/Orseno and Leonard Green?
NJ Stinks
04-23-2017, 02:03 AM
Monmouth Park is nicer than most tracks I've been to - top 5 for sure east of the Mississippi.
I only went twice last year as it's a long way from the Delaware River. Plus, TVG is available in NJ.
I guess I could go more often - I hate to think of life without Monmouth. Although if young people today don't appreciate Monmouth, I sometimes think "screw'em". (Not Monmouth - the young people.)
MonmouthParkJoe
04-23-2017, 09:12 AM
The old Monmouth chowder was always a lighter color relative to others racetrack or otherwise. I thought they added cream. I talked to the cook Freddie (no longer there) once and he said he used a butter and flour roux. I've tried it and it does come out pretty good. Like the old adage, the difference between a good cook and a bad cook is a stick of butter!
Anyway, the linked Asbury Park Press article was one of the more depressing ones I have seen. Bottom line is, this is going to be a bad meet. Hopefully some sort of help is on the way after the Gov leaves office.
Onefast what is with Eddie Broome not coming back? Is Malouf still his client? If so seems strange he wouldn't come back. Also any idea what happened w/Orseno and Leonard Green?
You know in all the years I have been doing I have never once bought anything to eat for myself? :D
I will be there opening day, skipping graduation. I know you mentioned you might not be. Got some interesting developments to tell you when I see you.
alhattab
04-23-2017, 12:28 PM
You know in all the years I have been doing I have never once bought anything to eat for myself? :D
I will be there opening day, skipping graduation. I know you mentioned you might not be. Got some interesting developments to tell you when I see you.
Looking forward to seeing you. Opening Day is definitely out for me. Maybe I will go the next day- for Mother's Day Fran usually asks me to leave the house and take Anthony with me!
onefast99
04-23-2017, 06:56 PM
The old Monmouth chowder was always a lighter color relative to others racetrack or otherwise. I thought they added cream. I talked to the cook Freddie (no longer there) once and he said he used a butter and flour roux. I've tried it and it does come out pretty good. Like the old adage, the difference between a good cook and a bad cook is a stick of butter!
Anyway, the linked Asbury Park Press article was one of the more depressing ones I have seen. Bottom line is, this is going to be a bad meet. Hopefully some sort of help is on the way after the Gov leaves office.
Onefast what is with Eddie Broome not coming back? Is Malouf still his client? If so seems strange he wouldn't come back. Also any idea what happened w/Orseno and Leonard Green?orseno is coming up with 10 of which 3 are mine. Leonard not John Green sent his horses to Jason Servis the horse they had high hopes on Blue Buff got injured while under the watch of Servis. Which is a shame he was a nice one who orseno nursed back to the track for that maiden win in late February at GP. Broome isn't coming back malouf gave some horses to Plesa. He still uses lake at Parx. I will fill you in after the opening press conference.
onefast99
04-23-2017, 07:03 PM
I have to agree with HOH on this one. Last time I was at Monmouth several years ago, the place did look run down, especially the picnic area. The tables with the umbrellas faded and tarnished instead of bright and shiny.The sun was hitting the tops of the umbrellas and creating sun glare for both jockey and horse they won't ever be repainted. The picnic areas are in good shape and spruced up each and every year.
onefast99
04-23-2017, 07:21 PM
Does anyone have the link to the increase in parking and admission at MP?
alhattab
04-23-2017, 08:32 PM
Does anyone have the link to the increase in parking and admission at MP?
It's on the website
http://www.monmouthpark.com/index.aspx?id=1682
MonmouthParkJoe
04-24-2017, 10:53 AM
I am not sure if the prices did in fact increase, but it is $5 to park and $5 for general admission. Not sure why, but I got my season passes and parking in the mail last week. I only went maybe five times last year since I was in NY for the summer, but ill take it!
Brogan
04-24-2017, 11:24 AM
I am not sure if the prices did in fact increase, but it is $5 to park and $5 for general admission. Not sure why, but I got my season passes and parking in the mail last week. I only went maybe five times last year since I was in NY for the summer, but ill take it!
I'm pretty sure parking was $5 last year too, but general admission was $3.
MonmouthParkJoe
04-24-2017, 12:27 PM
Curious to see if programs go up too. I remember in years past opening day and closing day were free for general admission. Also on days like Mothers Day and Fathers day admission was free for each parent's day. No more, but given what is going on there I cant blame them. I do think on opening day with paid admission you get one of those miller lite passes for free general admission when you pay so that certainly helps.
castaway01
04-24-2017, 01:46 PM
It's funny that with 5-horse fields predominant, a huge increase in gambling competition, and no purse support from slots like all surrounding states, people think the clam chowder and the umbrellas not being shiny enough are why Monmouth is struggling.
onefast99
04-24-2017, 02:41 PM
It's funny that with 5-horse fields predominant, a huge increase in gambling competition, and no purse support from slots like all surrounding states, people think the clam chowder and the umbrellas not being shiny enough are why Monmouth is struggling.
If you have read the numerous threads on MP over the past 6 years you would have known that there is a lot more than the umbrellas and chowder that is wrong with NJ racing. Let's recap the issues, 1)Governor Christie decides to privatize racing in the state in December of 2011. 2)Breeding of NJ breds in the state drops significantly primarily due to cuts in the breeders awards and surrounding states having huge purses for their own state bred programs, namely Pa and NY.
3) The present group running the t-breds at MP are not on the same page as the horseman but when you are in charge and make the rules everyone has to follow or find something else to do, and a few of those disgruntled horseman are just doing that, finding other race tracks to run at. 4) You spend every ounce of your energy on getting Sports Wagering to the point of having the Third Circuit take on another vote while no one was watching the hen house, in this case getting the vote out to open a casino north of Atlantic City that would help with purses for quite sometime and you let Genting Gaming come in and bury any thought of that with numerous commercials on how dis-trustful Trenton is and has been to the people of NJ.
I'm sure I could list a lot more but for the time being those are the reasons NJ may not survive another year as far as live racing goes!
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