View Full Version : The Most Beautiful Track
BELMONT 6-6-09
08-31-2005, 12:32 AM
These days with most horseplayers betting either from home or from a simulcast facility...a question .
What is the most beautiful thoroughbred track you have ever attended.My selection is the Hialeah race track.I can still remember the beautiful grounds with all the flowers and tall hedges surrounding the backstretch and clubhouse and final turn...And who can forget the flight of the flamingos, an orchestrated tour of the infield for those flying long winged residents of the tropical paridise.
Saratoga is a special place for myself,but as for sheer elegance it's Hialeah.
kingfin66
08-31-2005, 02:04 AM
Well, I've only been to a few. One of those was Del Mar, so I'll chooe that as the most beautiful one I've been to. Seeing Lexington and Saratoga on TV, however, makes me wish I was there. Of course, they don't have a grandstand view of the Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, Saratoga has those beautiful trees in the infield. I'll stick with Del Mar, but only because I've been there.
Dan Montilion
08-31-2005, 02:45 AM
All of them.
Dan Montilion
nobeyerspls
08-31-2005, 07:45 AM
Zappi
Hialeah was beautiful as is Santa Anita with the mountains in the background. However, one that few know about is Fort Erie, my home track in the summer. There are three infield lakes called win, place , and show and they are surrounded by flowers and a few willow trees. The first two lakes are connected by a Japanese bridge. The paddock area has large maple trees and the walking ring has a circle of flowers.
We used to be able to see it all from the third floor grandstand but we lost that when the slots came in. Still very nice though.
JustRalph
08-31-2005, 08:28 AM
Del Mar is pretty damn nice...............I haven't been to many tracks. But Del Mar is pretty. Hollywood was pretty nice, but a little run down...........
turfbar
08-31-2005, 09:07 AM
Zappi
Hialeah was beautiful as is Santa Anita with the mountains in the background. However, one that few know about is Fort Erie, my home track in the summer. There are three infield lakes called win, place , and show and they are surrounded by flowers and a few willow trees. The first two lakes are connected by a Japanese bridge. The paddock area has large maple trees and the walking ring has a circle of flowers.
We used to be able to see it all from the third floor grandstand but we lost that when the slots came in. Still very nice though.
I am still pissed about them closing the 3rd floor grandstand
they screwed that track up when the mindlesss idiots did that
that was a shame. loved that track but seldom go because of that
reason
cnollfan
08-31-2005, 09:10 AM
I love Hialeah. Although the politics make this highly unlikely, I think a four-week midwinter meet would be hugely popular. I don't buy the "inaccessible due to demographic pattern" arguments. It isn't much harder to get to than Calder or Gulfstream.
Also like Arlington, and remember one gorgeous night 25 years ago at Waterford (now Mountaineer), nestled in a forest in the river valley.
karlskorner
08-31-2005, 09:34 AM
You ain't see nothing till you see the NEW Gulfstream Park. Go Frank Go
You ain't see nothing till you see the NEW Gulfstream Park. Go Frank Go
I did see it, looked more like Guantanamo Bay terrorist holding facility than a racetrack with all the tents. :lol:
rrbauer
08-31-2005, 09:49 AM
You ain't see nothing till you see the NEW Gulfstream Park. Go Frank Go
Karl, can you give us some details?
Thanks.
chickenhead
08-31-2005, 10:06 AM
Have only toured the west...Santa Anita hands down.
I love Monmouth Park. Always have, always will. It's been maintained beautifully and its paddock is among the nicest in the country.
Doc :)
RobinFromIreland
08-31-2005, 12:05 PM
Although US tracks I imagine are quite nice (I've only been to Emerald Downs!), Chantilly in France is exquisite and the nicest by a long way. Longchamp is nice too.
The Judge
08-31-2005, 12:12 PM
Golden Gate Fields would have been a knock-out if they turned it around to face the bay, you could see across to Marin County and I think the Golden Gate Bridge. You can get this view from a small area in the Turf Club. As it is you look across a busy freeway and into a hillside of homes . So far Del Mar ,Arlington Park is also a beautiful track but the surroundings are zero.
Milleruszk
08-31-2005, 12:49 PM
Aqueduct in February still beats a day at the office! :D
falconridge
08-31-2005, 01:29 PM
Del Mar is pretty damn nice...............I haven't been to many tracks. But Del Mar is pretty. Hollywood was pretty nice, but a little run down...........
I simply cannot comprehend my colleagues' fascination with Del Mar. Granted, it offers some of the best racing in the country, and the temperate weather of its locale makes for a refreshing break from the oppressive summer heat of other parts of southern California. But pretty? If grandstand occupants were afforded a view of the Pacific surf, I might better understand JustRalph's effusions. As the plant is situated, however, racegoers get an eyeful only of those boxy, singularly ugly ticky-tack condos on the hill, and of a decidedly unremarkable landscape beyond the backstretch and clubhouse turn. The paddock area, though framed by walls ornamented with Spanish architectural flourishes, does not compare with the sylvan splendor of Saratoga (to which Del Mar is often undeservedly compared) or even Belmont. Understand that you're reading the opinions of a California native, so regional bias has in no way colored my outlook.
Of course, I know western tracks the best. Santa Anita's backdrop--the proverbial purple mountains' majesty--gives that track a natural advantage over most, if not all, others on the Left Coast. Golden Gate Fields, located on a narrow spar of land intruding upon San Francisco Bay, gets the nod in the looks department over its mid-Peninsular counterpart, Bay Meadows. On the other hand, I always found BM more comfortable and congenial to the bettors' needs than GGF--in the same way I always enjoyed my outings at Hollywood Park more than those at SA (maybe the stultifying Stronach ownership influence has something to do with that). Among county fair ovals, Santa Rosa's pleasantly arboreous redwood-country setting makes it the pick of tracks on that circuit.
I never had the pleasure of visiting Emerald Downs or old Longacres, though from what I've been able to see from photos, I'd expect either of those tracks to top a few lists. Another uncommonly photogenic facility is Ruidoso Downs; unfortunately, my pony-playing peregrinations have never taken me to that part of the world, either.
I've been to no more than a handful of tracks in the Midwest and along the Eastern seaboard, which poverty of experience makes me all the more keen to read of my colleagues' experiences and impressions.
Falconridge
"Even a bad day at the races is better than a good day at the office."
JustRalph
08-31-2005, 02:22 PM
Hey Falcon............. If Beulah park was your home track........you would think Del Mar was damn pretty!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :lol:
headhawg
08-31-2005, 02:30 PM
JR,
You must not be including the twins in your assessment of Beulah. :)
HH
delayjf
08-31-2005, 03:44 PM
I simply cannot comprehend my colleagues' fascination with Del Mar. Granted, it offers some of the best racing in the country, and the temperate weather of its locale makes for a refreshing break from the oppressive summer heat of other parts of southern California. But pretty?
I have to agree, I do think that Delmars paddock is amoung the best but looking out at the track, it looks more like a used car lot with the carnival in the infield. The grass is brown and the rails unpainted aluminum. Delmar should try to imitate any of the other SoCal tracks including Los Al. I've also toured the Delmar backstretch, again, one of the worst I've ever seen. Personally I prefer like the trees of Saratoga, but Delmar could do a lot better with their Spanish Meditterranian motif.
Jeff P
08-31-2005, 04:19 PM
I've been to DMR, SA, HOL, FPX, GG, BM, TUP, YAV, and CRC. Of these, DMR would be my pick. The weather is always beautiful and so is the view of the ocean. Some friends of mine are talking about getting a motorhome next August and seeing baseball games in Chicago, NY, and Boston. I've been invited and it sounds like fun. But what I'd REALLY like to do is plan it so that the motorhome stops where I can see races at AP, SAR, and SUF!!! :)
-jp
.
karlskorner
08-31-2005, 04:39 PM
Richard;
Was at GP several weeks ago, they are working 24/7 with hundreds of people doing construction. The recent hurricane set them back a week or so, but there is no reason they won't be done by the 1st week in Jan. On their web page gulfstreampark.com there are some phots from July. The artist rendering is the Taj Mahal of racing. Frank Stonach is doing it.
schweitz
08-31-2005, 05:01 PM
Richard;
Was at GP several weeks ago, they are working 24/7 with hundreds of people doing construction. The recent hurricane set them back a week or so, but there is no reason they won't be done by the 1st week in Jan. On their web page gulfstreampark.com there are some phots from July. The artist rendering is the Taj Mahal of racing. Frank Stonach is doing it.
If it looks like the artist's rendering it will be nice:
http://www.gulfstreampark.com/NR/rdonlyres/601EDD9A-296B-41E9-831E-A77AA948F780/1306/GulfstreamParkrendering.JPG
Dan Montilion
08-31-2005, 06:57 PM
Is that a reflection pool in front? And does Daily Racing Form float?
Dan Montilion
JustRalph
08-31-2005, 07:00 PM
JR,
You must not be including the twins in your assessment of Beulah. :)
HH
I have been married almost 20 years.........I don't even know who the twins are???;);)
You ain't see nothing till you see the NEW Gulfstream Park. Go Frank Go
How much for a table on weekends! :lol: ;)
I think Delaware is the most comfortable track I've been to. Fort Eire has the nicest infield. Finger Lakes has the best view of races of any I 've ever been to.
If you like a great view from the morgue, it's even better! :liar:
kingfin66
09-01-2005, 12:25 AM
Although US tracks I imagine are quite nice (I've only been to Emerald Downs!), Chantilly in France is exquisite and the nicest by a long way. Longchamp is nice too.
What, and you didn't call me!? How does RobinFromIreland end up going to Emerald Downs?
kingfin66
09-01-2005, 12:33 AM
I never had the pleasure of visiting Emerald Downs or old Longacres, though from what I've been able to see from photos, I'd expect either of those tracks to top a few lists.
We'll have to agree to disagree regarding Del Mar. Even though I don't agree with the assessment, you get an A+ for eloquence in using the written word -pony-playing peregrinations - I love it.
On the topic of Longacres and Emerald Downs. You need only watch TVG for one race to see that it is not a terribly beautiful track. It has a lot going for it in many ways, but if you want to talk about brown grass, Emerald Downs takes the cake. You say you don't like boxy condos on the hillside? How about warehouses, freight trains and small aircraft constanting taking off from the airstrip that runs adjacent to the oval?
Longacres. Now we're talking charm and beauty. That place was full of both. It was green, green, green, right down to the paint on teh structure. The grounds were always immaculate. I miss that old track...
46zilzal
09-01-2005, 01:22 AM
AS UNIQUE A TRACK AS I HAVE EVER ATTENDED...where else do the riders come over to the rail to "kibbitz" with the regulars? The most COMFORTABLE place I have ever been to the races without a a doubt.
I was there closing day for the last race (won by Gary Stevens for his dad) and it was simply amazing: people scooping up jars of dirt to remeber the place. Old school and I can't ever seeing the like returning in today's corporate world as it was a family run business. Too bad: ONE OF A KIND.
46zilzal
09-01-2005, 01:40 AM
The track closed to live racing on September 21, 1992. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported, “Before the last race, announcer Gary Henson told the crowd, ‘These horses belong to you. Listen to their final thunder.’ Then, for probably the first time in track history, the race was run in silence, without Henson’s customary calls” (September 22, 1992). More than 23,000 fans crowded the stands to see Native Rustler, ridden by jockey Gary Stevens, win the final race.
tonto1944
09-01-2005, 09:15 AM
To me there are no tracks anywhere in the good old USA that can compare to the Big A , Belmont or Saratoga.
Favorites are Saratoga & Woodbine.
Did Emerald Downs replace Longacres ???
ZAFONIC
falconridge
09-01-2005, 01:17 PM
We'll have to agree to disagree regarding Del Mar. Even though I don't agree with the assessment, you get an A+ for eloquence ...
Many thanks, kingfin, for the kind words, and for sharing your impressions of Emerald Downs and your memories of Longacres. The Auburn, Washington address I find in your bio tells me you know whereof you speak.
Your post has jarred my recollection of other-than-pretty images--freight trains, warehouses, even the odd small aircraft--I've seen on TVG coverage of racing from Emerald. I suppose what stuck, though, was the very one Emerald would have wanted out-of-towners to take with them: a breathtaking (how could it be otherwise?) shot of magnificent Mount Rainier, shown repeatedly on Longacres Mile day. (Could you be so kind as to tell us, Northwest Native, just how that's pronounced? Is it RAIN-i-er--three syllables, with the accent on the first; or rain NEAR--two syllables, with the second stressed? Sorry! Just kidding. I suppose I'm not the first dryland doofus, Californian or otherwise, to pull that lame gag). I don't know if a visitor to Emerald Downs can actually see Mt. Rainier as he looks, from the grandstand or clubhouse, out over the track, or if, like the Pacific shore for Del Mar denizens, that natural wonder doesn't meet the eye of racegoers so situated.
I read with fascination all posts describing the beauties of tracks I've never visited: Finger Lakes, Fort Erie, and all manner of other far-flung facilities that showcase our favorite sport. I keep expecting one or another of our colleagues to sing the praises of Keeneland, Oaklawn, Woodbine, and (horribile dictu!) the ill-starred Fair Grounds. So far, though, I haven't seen much on the first three, and only lamentations on the last-named. Anyone?
46zilzal
09-01-2005, 01:27 PM
Did Emerald Downs replace Longacres ???
Fellow named Aldaheff (last remnant of the family who built Longacres) sold the place LOCK STOCK AND BARREL to Boeing without so much as a hint to the racing community that he was selling (THEY were real happy with him: he often showed up to a chorus of boos everywhere he went). Racing disappeared in Washington for several years until a fellow named Crockett organized the Auburn race course.
skate
09-01-2005, 01:29 PM
easy
atlantic city (turf), and for the money it is FG.(sigh).
Bruddah
09-01-2005, 02:17 PM
I have traveled all over the country and have visited approx. 30 tracks. All are uniquely beautiful in their own way. I especially remember the old Aksarben track in Omaha. I never could understand the local politics of that track and why it wasted away.
Though, I am sure I am regionally biased, I vote for Oaklawn during the Apple Blossom festival. A beautiful, modernized facility, with a setting in the Ouchita mountains. All in Historic Hot Springs Ar.. Large crowds, old and young. It has a meet attendance much like the beautiful Saratoga. It's hard to choose just one, but Oaklawn gets my vote.
delayjf
09-01-2005, 05:01 PM
I especially remember the old Aksarben track in Omaha. I never could understand the local politics of that track and why it wasted away.
I could not agree more, I was a groom at Ak-SAR-BEN for a couple of years while attending school. Next to Saratoga, it had the most beautiful backstretch that I've seen. The entire plant was clean and colorful.
Not exactly sure what happened politically. I can tell you that dog racing and the casinos took a big toll and attendtance steadily dropped. AK didn't was also very slow to get into the simulcast game, so it had no out of state handle to help with purses which also hurt. Rather than try to fight their way out like say churchhill or gulfstream, they folded as the land was much in demand. If your interested, check out AK-SAR-BEN.COM. Nice site dedicated to the old track.
shanta
09-01-2005, 06:39 PM
I haven't been to many but a few years back I went to Penn National and the mountains overlooking the track was a beautiful sight.
I also was probably a little under the weather at the time so it was all good :faint:
Richie
cnollfan
09-01-2005, 07:05 PM
If Beulah park was your home track........you would think Del Mar was damn pretty!
The one time I visited Beulah I thought the walking ring was lovely. Reminded me of Keeneland, I kid you not.
kingfin66
09-01-2005, 08:15 PM
Many thanks, kingfin, for the kind words, and for sharing your impressions of Emerald Downs and your memories of Longacres. The Auburn, Washington address I find in your bio tells me you know whereof you speak.
Your post has jarred my recollection of other-than-pretty images--freight trains, warehouses, even the odd small aircraft--I've seen on TVG coverage of racing from Emerald. I suppose what stuck, though, was the very one Emerald would have wanted out-of-towners to take with them: a breathtaking (how could it be otherwise?) shot of magnificent Mount Rainier, shown repeatedly on Longacres Mile day. (Could you be so kind as to tell us, Northwest Native, just how that's pronounced? Is it RAIN-i-er--three syllables, with the accent on the first; or rain NEAR--two syllables, with the second stressed? Sorry! Just kidding. I suppose I'm not the first dryland doofus, Californian or otherwise, to pull that lame gag). I don't know if a visitor to Emerald Downs can actually see Mt. Rainier as he looks, from the grandstand or clubhouse, out over the track, or if, like the Pacific shore for Del Mar denizens, that natural wonder doesn't meet the eye of racegoers so situated.
I read with fascination all posts describing the beauties of tracks I've never visited: Finger Lakes, Fort Erie, and all manner of other far-flung facilities that showcase our favorite sport. I keep expecting one or another of our colleagues to sing the praises of Keeneland, Oaklawn, Woodbine, and (horribile dictu!) the ill-starred Fair Grounds. So far, though, I haven't seen much on the first three, and only lamentations on the last-named. Anyone?
I suppose I did forget to mention that breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier (Rain-eer :) when describing the backdrop of Emerald Downs. The mountain, at 14,000 feet does loom large, and yes, the view is very clear from everywhere at the track.
Skanoochies
09-01-2005, 08:34 PM
I have to agree with Kingfin and the others about Longacres. Back in the "OLD" days our local track(Ex. Park now Hastings) was dark on Sundays so my buddies and our girl friends would head down to Seattle. Drive up to the front entrance, get a valet to park our cars for a reasonable sum, head in and rent a box just past the finish line and enjoy the day. Loved those Alder? trees lined up along the side, and there was a sandwich stand just outside the Johnny Longden room that made great sandwiches. Seeing those horses come around the stretch turn and fanning out down the long stretch was a thing to behold.
Ahhh, "Beads of nostalgia flow down my cheeks!"
I would liked to kick those Alhedeff (sp) brothers right in the butt. :bang: :bang: :bang:
46zilzal
09-01-2005, 08:45 PM
Ahhh, "Beads of nostalgia flow down my cheeks!"
I would liked to kick those Alhedeff (sp) brothers right in the butt.
REAL bastards selling out the entire Northwest racing industry without so much as giving them an oportunity to put in a counter bid. This was, in fact, two years after the BLOODHORSE had given them an award for having the best racing cards (full fields every race day)
Will there EVER be another venue like Doodah? Trooper Seven. Chinook Pass, Skywalker.....Wander Kind from north of the border and Travelling Victor. This track had an ambience that NONE of the other 30 or so I have visited can touch.
Having been to Del Mar for the first time this year and Santa Anita three years ago, I have to vote for Santa Anita with the mountains the backdrop. However the people watching and the area around Del Mar was much more entertaining.
I've only been to 5 tracks. Didn't think much of Lone Star, Arlington is nice and I think Canterbuy is a nice little track and a good value. Makes me realize I've got to get off my Butt and see a few more
KingChas
09-02-2005, 12:22 AM
You ain't see nothing till you see the NEW Gulfstream Park. Go Frank Go
Nice Mall Karl where the hell is the Track? :D
The Judge
09-02-2005, 12:33 AM
I loved to play Ak-Sar-Ben but could only got to play there big races unless I went to Vegas. I loved it even more when someone told me it was Nebraska spelled backwards. Hadn't figured that out.
46zilzal
09-02-2005, 12:37 AM
From all I have heard, I thought SOMEONE would mention Hialeah. Never been there but heard the word BEAUTIFUL in reference to it often.
schweitz
09-02-2005, 12:55 AM
From all I have heard, I thought SOMEONE would mention Hialeah. Never been there but heard the word BEAUTIFUL in reference to it often.
The very first post in this thread.
Dan Montilion
09-02-2005, 03:06 AM
Elko
Dan Montilion
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