NYRA: Saratoga Race Course’s Summer Season Will Likely Occur Without Fans

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

However, we will get to see if all the owners/trainers at Belmont now that usually ship to Saratoga bring as many horses (if any) when it will cost them a lot more.

Doesn't NYRA take care of shipping horses from Belmont to Saratoga? I thought they did...maybe somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

[lamboguy]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Doesn't NYRA take care of shipping horses from Belmont to Saratoga? I thought they did...maybe somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

they do the day before the race that you entered

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by the little guy

Twice as many posts, from essentially the same people repeating the same uneducated drivel, since a new thread was started announcing Belmont was opening.

Pretty telling.

What did we get wrong?

It's definitely "telling" about you that you come in, drop some vague insults without any substance or backup, and then leave without actually offering any information.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

What did we get wrong?

It's definitely "telling" about you that you come in, drop some vague insults without any substance or backup, and then leave without actually offering any information.

Offering no information is probably a lot better then idle speculation...

Although not quite as entertaining...

[burnsy]

https://www.news10.com/top-stories/h...ng-and-summer/

[Elkchester Road]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

I've wonder if the Belmont parking lot will be open.

I might consider a lawn chair, a few beers, and a seat in the parking lot to watch them come out of the turn if it's a nice enough day.

I hope you get the opportunity to.

[Suff]

Off handed. If its the same ,owners can go into paddock & winners circle, Saratoga might be a killer Whitney type throw-back meet for the Elites.

Turf club terrace only for the regal. Sol Kumin 6 feet away from Don Little and such.

[Suff]

Originally Posted by burnsy

You’re pretty thick. They have homes here. No one will probably be at the track. But if their horses d. Reality..... you really should try it sometime.

For the record, to anyone. I played horses with Burnsy 2 cards in a row ,
at Saratoga, and he’s funny and easy going.

Im like wtf? Burnsy ? You’re dropping bombs about Saratoga. Why so mad?

[drib]

Originally Posted by the little guy

Don't bother. All the experts, that know little to nothing about Saratoga, aren't listening.

I think we would all agree that there will be no fans allowed should Saratoga run. Without the usual influx of crowds, I do not see much economic benefit to the town's economy. NYRA's position seems to be that the increased handle via the Saratoga "brand" will overcome obstacles such as a boutique Monmouth meet, possible Kee summer, moving costs imposed upon struggling (no races for past 3 mos.) NY horsemen, and the movement of thousands from a high viral zone. I think there is another possible explanation for this NYRA position. The new Belmont hockey arena is currently under construction. The original target date for completion was the start of the 2021 hockey season. Belmont live racing does interfere with construction, thus last year some post times were moved back to 3PM, and racing shifted to Aqueduct earlier than usual. The virus has stalled all Belmont arena construction for 3 months now, with the latest ok date to restart work June 7. It is fair to conclude that this lost time puts a huge crimp in arena plans. Should racing stay at Belmont, instead of a Toga move, that will increase the problem. While Cuomo has no love for racing, he does seem invested in this new arena development. I wonder if many parties want a Saratoga move to help get this virus delayed project finished on time.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by drib

I think we would all agree that there will be no fans allowed should Saratoga run.

I don't necessarily agree...a lot can happen between now and then.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by drib

I think we would all agree that there will be no fans allowed should Saratoga run. Without the usual influx of crowds, I do not see much economic benefit to the town's economy. NYRA's position seems to be that the increased handle via the Saratoga "brand" will overcome obstacles such as a boutique Monmouth meet, possible Kee summer, moving costs imposed upon struggling (no races for past 3 mos.) NY horsemen, and the movement of thousands from a high viral zone. I think there is another possible explanation for this NYRA position. The new Belmont hockey arena is currently under construction. The original target date for completion was the start of the 2021 hockey season. Belmont live racing does interfere with construction, thus last year some post times were moved back to 3PM, and racing shifted to Aqueduct earlier than usual. The virus has stalled all Belmont arena construction for 3 months now, with the latest ok date to restart work June 7. It is fair to conclude that this lost time puts a huge crimp in arena plans. Should racing stay at Belmont, instead of a Toga move, that will increase the problem. While Cuomo has no love for racing, he does seem invested in this new arena development. I wonder if many parties want a Saratoga move to help get this virus delayed project finished on time.

Surprised the construction of the new arena wasn't deemed "essential."

A lot of other construction has continued during this period of tranquility.

[drib]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

I don't necessarily agree...a lot can happen between now and then.

Cuomo's comments at the end of April pretty much sealed the deal on no fans at Saratoga: https://dailygazette.com/article/202...ovid-19-crisis
Note that since this article the NY State Fair has been cancelled.
Major league baseball is now considering a fan-less 80 game season, extending through October. Given that Saratoga attendees, moving all around, are far more mobile than baseball stadium fans, it is fair to conclude the Toga stands will be empty this summer.

[drib]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

Surprised the construction of the new arena wasn't deemed "essential."

A lot of other construction has continued during this period of tranquility.

Sorry, Belmont arena construction was deemed non-essential:
https://nypost.com/2020/03/27/constr...o-coronavirus/

In contrast, look at Nevada, where all construction was deemed essential, and work has continued on the Las Vegas Raiders stadium, despite viral cases among the workers:
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2020/ap...llegiant-stad/

There has been (and continues to be) strenuous opposition to the Belmont arena in the surrounding communities. I suspect Cuomo and others did not dare continue construction while the virus was percolating in Floral Park. The optics and publicity would be negative. Hard to judge the economic repercussions should the Belmont arena miss the start of the 2021 hockey season, and related delays in construction of hotel and mall, but I do think it is factor in NYRA's push for fan less Saratoga.

[classhandicapper]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

What did we get wrong?

Opening Belmont was such a no brainer even our "horse race hating" governor got it right. As of right now, Saratoga is still a different calculation. We'll see what the data suggests and how open the economy and track will be as we approach that date. All I'll say is that what's in the best interests of NYRA is not always in the best interests of everyone else involved in the sport in NY. But some people only see one side.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

But some people only see one side.

Preach brutha...