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russowen77
02-28-2008, 01:06 PM
I just got this from Oaklawn. I was hoping for more of an increase than this for sure. We have the worst jockey colony I can remember. They all seem to like to go wide. Way wide.

Purse Increase at Oaklawn

http://proxy.mi.vresp.com/4004d81e7/www.oaklawn.com/uploads/images/2003/oak03_s_pat.jpgOaklawn officials are pleased to announce an across-the-board purse increase at the track. This increase will be retroactive with the races of Thursday, February 28, and will add $1,000 per race for allowance, optional-claiming and maiden special weights races, as well at $500 per race for all claiming and starter-allowance races.

This increase can largely be attributed to the continued increase Instant Racing/Gaming revenue and to the support of the first half of the live meet both at Oaklawn and across the country.

“The horsemen are very much our partners in putting on the races,” stated Pat Pope, Oaklawn racing secretary. “And I’m hopeful that we’re positioned to be very strong now through the end of the meet. This will add approximately $250,000 to our purses for the next six weeks and that will be significant.”

“The opportunity to make purse increases for horsemen is what every racetrack works to accomplish,” noted Pope. “We appreciate the horsemen who commit to making this a high quality meet and are happy to share in the fruits of what has, up to now, been a very successful season. With only six weeks to go it is important to finish strong and we have a good chance to do that, given the momentum that we’ve been able to build through the first half of the meet. The horsemen have brought in some of the finest horses in our history and been willing participants at the entry box this year. We’re very thankful for their efforts.”

Kelso
02-28-2008, 02:18 PM
"Oaklawn officials are pleased to announce an across-the-board purse increase at the track.

<snip>

"This increase can largely be attributed to the continued increase Instant Racing/Gaming revenue

<snip>


"'“The opportunity to make purse increases for horsemen is what every racetrack works to accomplish,' noted Pope."


Sure would be nice if this self-congratulatory jackass had the same committment to lowering takeout for the players ... without whom his track would have long ago become just another outlet mall, condo colony or drug dropzone; with not a slot machine in sight for him and his "partners."

russowen77
03-01-2008, 10:38 AM
Charlie wants to be in the casino buisness for sure. I doubt if he ever gives up a dime.

Oaklawn is really running well rght now though. Not like after the rain. Balanced horses, meaning some speed with some back end, are really shining at this track right now. The true closers are getting up for 2nd and 3rd but rarely winning.

Bruddah
03-01-2008, 07:47 PM
How some people always seem to find fault with Oaklawn. All in all, I think their management (100 yrs of family) has outlasted many which have come and gone and some on their way out. ( can we Stronach?) They annually, build new fan base. They stay abreast or lead in use off new horse race technology, betting systems and when to implement it.

I certainly haven't agreed with Oaklawn Mgmt., in all matters over the years. But, I have reminded myself, it's not my toy, therefore, I don't get to set the rules. As long as they (Oaklawn Mgmt.) stay within accepted industry parameters and norms, What's the Beef. They obviously, due a lot better job than Magna and the NYRA. :D

rokitman
03-01-2008, 09:02 PM
[QUOTE=russowen77]

http://proxy.mi.vresp.com/4004d81e7/www.oaklawn.com/uploads/images/2003/oak03_s_pat.jpg

Nice pic :ThmbUp:

Kelso
03-02-2008, 12:01 AM
All in all, I think their management (100 yrs of family) has outlasted many which have come and gone and some on their way out

<snip>

What's the Beef.


The beef is that they have this enormous new revenue stream ... courtesy of local voters, many of whom are their loyal customers ... and they are not using any of it to benefit those customers. Have they slashed takeout? (Have they reduced it by even a point?)

It's the players that have kept their business profitable for a hundred years, not the connections. But only the connections and the family are sharing in the gaming windfall. Shame on them.

Pace Cap'n
03-02-2008, 12:36 AM
only the connections and the family are sharing in the gaming windfall. Shame on them.

And the State of Arkansas.

Kelso
03-02-2008, 12:46 AM
And the State of Arkansas.


True ... death and taxes.

Bruddah
03-02-2008, 12:02 PM
Gambling in any form should be entertainment not another government revenue sharing scheme. Convince "Wall Street" of the business and model you want to build and, "they will come". :lol: