Monmouth Park: New owner Morris Bailey has big plans for New Jersey racing

[Canarsie]

http://www.drf.com/news/monmouth-park-new-owner-morris-bailey-has-big-plans-new-jersey-racing

While most here probably won't like his ideas with simplified wagering anything that brings in new people to sample the product is a plus to me.

I have heard lots of commercials on the radio for Monmouth that's a good sign.

[mannyberrios]

Hope that everything works out!

[onefast99]

"I strongly support Gov. Christie’s commitment to rebuild Atlantic City as a destination resort location,” Bailey said. “Therefore, I don’t believe in the immediate future we will have slots at the racetracks. That will have to develop over a period of time.”

This is where I disagree with the Governor and Mr Bailey, AC will never have a re-birth there are too many newer and safer gambling destinations for those who use to come to AC, when NY is up and running at Aqueduct that will take away even more gambling dollars from AC. Parx is expanding and so is the Sands in Bethlehem Pa. The AC casinos need to expand to other parts of NJ like MP and the Meadowlands if they don't their run is over.

[alhattab]

http://www.drf.com/news/monmouth-park-new-owner-morris-bailey-has-big-plans-new-jersey-racing

While most here probably won't like his ideas with simplified wagering anything that brings in new people to sample the product is a plus to me.

I have heard lots of commercials on the radio for Monmouth that's a good sign.

I would have liked this article better if it had provided a few more specifics. Doesn't really say much. And what could be easier than betting a horse to finish in the top 3?

The plant needs a serious uplift to bring in some new energy. My thoughts from a previous thread are below. I'd prioritize items 1, 3 and 5. At least 5 may not be a simpler bet, but it is a simpler way to bet and much more attractive to many younger folks and people intimidated by going to the window.

1. Improve Audio/Video: The A/V experience in the picnic area is dreadful. Need a big screen in area between turf course chute and main turf course, and also one near the picnic area gate. Also need some more TVs. Also need a big screen in front of the grandstand.

2. Change the entry cost structure: I would drop the parking charges but charge admission of $8-$10, including program, for everyone >18. For every $200 bet, you get two free admissions. The idea w/ideas 1 and 2 are to get people that hang around the picnic area more involved in the game.

3. Enhance food and entertainment: Food is a bad scene (other than the clam chowder). I think they should consider bringing in outside restaurant to take over some grandstand space. Maybe a Chickie and Pete's to take over the north and west side of the grandstand (first and second floors?). The food isn't great but much better than what they have and this would add a year-round business to what is typically and empty part of the grandstand even during racing days, and would give the area a much-needed sports bar. Then for other eats mimic Saratoga's "Restaurant Row" in the back of the grandstand near the bandstand. I would also consider making the covered portion of the Lady's Secret at least 2x and probably 3x its current size.

4. Collaborate w/Parx and Delaware: There has to be a better way than this. NYRA will be in its own league when slots come on line. Monmouth cutting days and Parx not running in August help, but more needs to be done around stakes races and cutting even more days.

5. Add daily account betting one can do on a smartphone. I believe other tracks are starting to do this, and I believe it is critical to cultivate new people. People younger than 25 or so barely talk to their friends, why would they talk to a teller? Let them establish an account and bet through their phones.

6. Do something about the bathrooms. This seems trivial but I think it matters to the casual fan. I was at Delaware recently and while the place (both casino and racing) are moribund the entire interior including the bathrooms have been redone and it is much more pleasant than the stench that emerges from Mth's restrooms, and I can't imagine what some of the women must think!

7. A nit, but put a friggin toteboard above the walkway from the walking ring to the track please!

As someone else noted, Monmouth is blessed with an excellent fan base. People have been going with their families for years and the track is part of the area's fabric. The fan base seems relatively young, but Monmouth has to improve to retain these people. Competition not only from gaming but other forms of entertainment that have emerged over the years, from improvements in Long Branch to the Lakewood Blue Claws, has made things tougher. Monmouth needs to make the improvements noted above and undoubtedly some others to keep pace. While not in the midst of a big city, there is a sizeable, year-round population within a 30 minute drive of Mth. Remember the $30 million of renovations made before the BC? The average customer couldn't even tell any renovations were even made! These would be real changes that would bring Mth into the late 20th century while retaining it's charm.

[Canarsie]

That was a nice post alhattab very well thought out. You should send it directly to Bailey one never knows. I used to call and write the NJSEA and almost always received a response.


I would be interested how the phone app would get off the ground since he only has half along with Gural. If these two guys get together there should be some nice changes on the horizon.

[onefast99]

The big screen tv they had for the Breeders Cup in 2007 and used again for the Haskell in 2008 and 2009, where did it disappear to? It was set up in the paddock area on the left side before you cross over to go to the Lady's Secret bar.

[alhattab]

The big screen tv they had for the Breeders Cup in 2007 and used again for the Haskell in 2008 and 2009, where did it disappear to? It was set up in the paddock area on the left side before you cross over to go to the Lady's Secret bar.

Canarsie- thanks

Onefast- you hear all kinds of excuses from management about the video. Too expensive to ship/set up/rent, etc. It is insane. Usually they have one for the Haskell but even that one is weak. We'll see.