Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottJ
Many of us know the story of Saratoga, but it is still worth your time to read this article.
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/a...tion-saratoga/
The reinventions of both Pimlico and Belmont need "just" one more ingredient which might be the hardest to find : they both need their own Marylou Whitney.
Maybe Mike Repole can do that in New York. Maybe there is another name that can take the golden ring.
So, when we think about spending millions, the cost of the industry's complete collapse will be measured in the billions. Just like Saratoga rose like a phoenix, the dream is there that it can happen once again. I, for one, really hope that it does. |
I didn't know much of that early story.
I've been saying for a long time that imo the best formula for success going forward will be the tracks that can combine quality racing with it being a more generalized vacation destination where people go to get away. It requires more than just the track facility.
Places like Saratoga and DelMar are no brainers now, but there are other places that imo could find similar magic. Ironically, I think a place like Finger Lakes could be a huge success if a lot more money was put into it and it was timed right. Monmouth has potential near the Jersey shore. There are others. Some I think will never cut it.
I hate to be so laissez-faire about it all because I miss the bigger crowds and greater interest, but sometimes you have to adjust to the reality of the environment you are in. Maybe your industry is going to shrink and lose jobs, but something else will rise and create even more jobs and activity. The latter will only happen if you are spending those hundreds of millions of dollars wisely.
