Michael Wrona ‏

[Prioress Ply]

The place is really falling apart. I was there on BC day speaking to Joe Talamo's wife about why no one was there (second floor clubhouse room was practically deserted). She just laughed--said they don't promote it at all.

Everyone knows what's going on.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by Prioress Ply

The place is really falling apart. I was there on BC day speaking to Joe Talamo's wife about why no one was there (second floor clubhouse room was practically deserted). She just laughed--said they don't promote it at all.

Everyone knows what's going on.

Well when you put it together with the firing of simulcast hosts, the firing of the guy who conducted the announcer search, and the desire that the new announcer do a bunch of work on the side, this certainly looks like cost cutting.

Bear in mind, if it is, the basic calculation is correct. If I ran a track I would hire the cheapest announcer possible, and have him or her do multiple duties. Bettors aren't going to stop betting because they don't like the race calls.

[ReplayRandall]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

I think he's better actually. Most detailed announcer I ever heard.

Trevor is top three of all time, without question....Wrona is a good, solid announcer within the mediocre group that currently calls races.

[Robert Fischer]

I'm not a huge fan of his. I know some players and fans that would pick him as their favorite. So, it's a matter of opinion.

In general I never like to see anyone lose their job.

as far as this specific event, I have to see how it plays out

[Suff]

I read that his contract was up and he attended a scheduled meeting with Tim Ritvo where he was informed that his contract was not being renewed.

This happens all the time in business.

Every single contract that comes up for renewal is reviewed on its merits and current financial environment. I'm not even speaking about personal services contracts such as announcers or media people..... I include vendor services, food and beverage, software and technology, they all get reviewed and analyzed.

Most business only sign contracts when it benefits them. Business's always seek to get services on non-contractual basis if at all possible.

I assume Wrona was paid well. I also assume his other agreements will keep some money coming in for him. I don't feel any way towards him personally. Good Luck.

The fact that they let an entire team go does make me think that they are in fact...going in a different direction regarding their media team. Maybe it will be new, exciting and better?

[jimmyb]

It might turn out well Wrona as the Stronach ship is in crisis. Sounds like inside looting while the ship slowly sinks. Never liked them because of the Vic firing.



As far as active announcers go, John G Dooley would be my favorite.

[bello]

Personally Wrona always irritated me Announcers are important to the overrall track experience. I don't think he added much at all and his commentary during the races just hit me wrong.

If Ritvo reads this, please take a looks at Tony Calo of Finger Lakes and Peter Berry at Mountaineer. Two of the best in the business IMO.

[Suff]

And the lawsuit aside..

To look at GulfStream Park, the Casino at Gulfstream and the Village at Gulfstream, there does not appear to be any business issues.

The entire property is leased and is stunningly beautiful. And its leased to heavyweights too.. no dunkin donuts or Ross Dress for Less in Gulfstream Village.. it's all prestigious brands and retailers.

Casino is jammed on weekends


And Stronach/Gulfstream has additional acres of land to develop. in a very hot south florida real estate market. Things look rosy.

[Holybull1]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

Well when you put it together with the firing of simulcast hosts, the firing of the guy who conducted the announcer search, and the desire that the new announcer do a bunch of work on the side, this certainly looks like cost cutting.

Bear in mind, if it is, the basic calculation is correct. If I ran a track I would hire the cheapest announcer possible, and have him or her do multiple duties. Bettors aren't going to stop betting because they don't like the race calls.

I don't bet Tampa Downs because I don't like the race caller. I didn't bet Churchill downs for a few years when they had their previous race caller also. I usually bet over 1K on a typical race day card. The race caller and simulcast host matter to me.

[elhelmete]

Originally Posted by Fuss

And the lawsuit aside..

To look at GulfStream Park, the Casino at Gulfstream and the Village at Gulfstream, there does not appear to be any business issues.

The entire property is leased and is stunningly beautiful. And its leased to heavyweights too.. no dunkin donuts or Ross Dress for Less in Gulfstream Village.. it's all prestigious brands and retailers.

Casino is jammed on weekends


And Stronach/Gulfstream has additional acres of land to develop. in a very hot south florida real estate market. Things look rosy.

My dad (also from Mass.) has horses @ GP and has been going there for years.

I went with him for the first time a few months ago.

According to him, and who knows with him sometimes, when the new Mall at Aventura opened up it throttled Gulfstream's retail and restaurant business. I thought the place looked bleak/empty when I was there but admittedly it was in the summertime and pretty hot.

Santa Anita is already adjacent to a huge Westfield mall with tons of restaurants so it would be interesting to see what they think they could bring to the table.

[castaway01]

Originally Posted by Fuss

And the lawsuit aside..

To look at GulfStream Park, the Casino at Gulfstream and the Village at Gulfstream, there does not appear to be any business issues.

The entire property is leased and is stunningly beautiful. And its leased to heavyweights too.. no dunkin donuts or Ross Dress for Less in Gulfstream Village.. it's all prestigious brands and retailers.

Casino is jammed on weekends


And Stronach/Gulfstream has additional acres of land to develop. in a very hot south florida real estate market. Things look rosy.

What does Stronach having a nice mall at Gulfstream have to do with Santa Anita's track announcer?

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by Holybull1

I don't bet Tampa Downs because I don't like the race caller. I didn't bet Churchill downs for a few years when they had their previous race caller also. I usually bet over 1K on a typical race day card. The race caller and simulcast host matter to me.

If you really behave like this you are leaving money on the table.

[ronsmac]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

If you really behave like this you are leaving money on the table.

Probably saving money. Few bettors beat the takeout consistently.

[Afleet]

Originally Posted by jimmyb

As far as active announcers go, John G Dooley would be my favorite.

agree w/this

[Andy Asaro]

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