Do you support your local track despite its shortco or mostly stick to the big meets?

[cutchemist42]

So let me start by saying a visit to a local track down the ladder first got me into the sport. (ASD) As more experienced follower of the sport I now fully understand where it is in the pecking order. I supported it while I lived there while still looking at NYRA and Woodbine mostly.

I have since moved to Saskatoon where Marquis Downs is situated. I only attended the last day for the Saskatchewan Derby. I enjoyed myself live as the place was PACKED and with tons of young people. I was surprised.

However once you look into it as a product to follow at home I cant justify beyond a token bet here and there on stakes races. They used to have a reasonable WPS rate of 17.6 years before I moved here. Now its confirmed from Cangamble its 25.8.

No matter if its local or not, I just cant get past that takeout rate as something to follow seriously. So my track has a serious shortcoming for playing from home but the live experience is legit.

(I will note that the government does not allow slots at the track and severely limits their race dates. I've heard through the grapevine they feel they are being pushed off the property.)

I also dont allow HPI to know my location when it asks cause I dont want the MD rates applied to my account.

Anyone else mostly pass on the local offering?

[AMPHAR]

In Cincinnati/NKY we have two local options.

I bet a few of their cards throughout the year. I almost always bet via ADW account.

Turfway is a dump but with their impending improvements, I’m planning on at least visiting a couple times before the renovations by Churchill.

Belterra has a good summer vibe. Gets Casino traffic, concert venue nearby packs it too. Good sports bar. Visit and bet that a couple times during the summer.

Keeneland down in Lexington usually gets a visit in the spring and fall.

[Immortal6]

I live 15 minutes from Fonner. I love going there for live racing. Sure the product isn’t great, but for me it’s about the camaraderie with my friends/family. I know lots of people on this board say that we need fewer tracks, but without these smaller local tracks I think a lot of money leaves the sport. I can say first had if it hadn’t been for Fonner I wouldn’t have ever had any interest in the sport outside of maybe the Derby.

[Jeff P]

I grew up about 5 miles from Turf Paradise. To this day that's the track that comes to mind first when someone asks me about my local track.

Turf Paradise is the track with the highest WPS takeout in North America at 20.75 percent.

Turf Paradise is one of two tracks (Yavapai Downs being the other) that lobbied the AZ Legislature and Governor's Office for a change in state law that made ADW wagering a FELONY (for horseplayers) in 2007.

Two years later in 2009, a lobbyist representing Turf Paradise showed up at the State Capitol Building and argued against an effort by horseplayers, Yavapai Downs, and the Arizona HBPA to get state law changed so that a. Arizona horseplayers using an ADW from within Arizona would not be committing a FELONY, b. Arizona Tracks would have the ability to operate their own ADWs, and c. Arizona Tracks would have the ability to contract with out of state ADWs.

If you think I support my local track: think again.



-jp

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[clicknow]

I may wager a few big races here and there, on other tracks during the year, but there is no replacement for getting to know your local, and sticking to ONE track (how it plays, jockey/trainer colonies, etc.).

To do that efficiently you need to go in person, IMHO, so you can watch post parades, etc.

Most of the longshots that really boosted me are horses that aren't going to be picked up on "software programs".

I'm an old fashioned and purely recreational capper, so I do my analysis the old fasioned way, with pen & paper, and PPs and other stuff in front of me on the table.

I have no desire to ever do it differently because I enjoy putting the puzzle together. Then I take that to the track in person, and carefully go over the horses with my eyeballs.

My best scores are done that way. I remember cancelling ALL my previous tickets at the last minute while standing at the rail watching post parade, and putting $$ on Creator for the ARK Derby in 2016.....with 3 MTP. I saw him and that was it for me. Ditto, Will Take Charge in the Rebel in 2013.

[Wabash]

First track I went to was Narragansett Park in Pawtucket,RI. I was about 20(mid 70’s about)and went with my brother who had just gotten out of the marines. Always followed the TC races growing up but that was about it til we moved to Indiana 29 years ago.

First track I took my wife to was Ellis Park and she loved it. On the drive home she blurted out it would nice to visit every track in the country. Lol, that will never happen but we have gone to quite a few tracks since then. We make the spring and fall meet at Keeneland every year. Indiana Downs(about an hour drive) is the closest track to us and we go there usually a couple times a year.

Hopefully, we get the chance to visit a few more tracks away from our area in the future now that I’m retired. The only thing better than being at a racetrack is being on the golf course, for me anyway.

[Appy]

I always enjoyed the experience of attending races at local tracks most, but if playing I focus on my choices of top tier tracks. Handle at small tracks is too volatile (I've seen a $20 change the odds on tote) and results too predictable.
I only play where the pools are large and I have a substantial up to date database.

[wisconsin]

Originally Posted by Wabash

The only thing better than being at a racetrack is being on the golf course, for me anyway.

Delaware Park abuts a very nice course, and you could do the golf-races double right there!

[biggestal99]

Absoluely support Monmouth and meadowlands to the hilt.

Betfair made over 2500 in commissions from me on the exchange this year.

They split that with the Monmouth and meadowlands horsemen.

Allan

[thaskalos]

Even when I frequented my local track...I could always be found deep in the bowels of the place, betting several different tracks at the simulcast center. The "ambiance" of the place always appealed to me...but I kept reminding myself that I was there mainly for the betting. Now I get even more enjoyment betting from home...away from all the distractions that I foolishly dealt with for way too long. And a framed message adorns my office wall...which I borrowed from the inimitable Tom Ainslie. "Successful horseplaying is a solitary activity. The more social it gets, the less successful it becomes"...the message reads. That Ainslie sure knew his potatoes.

[Wabash]

Originally Posted by wisconsin

Delaware Park abuts a very nice course, and you could do the golf-races double right there!

Thanks for the tip. 👍

[clicknow]

Originally Posted by wisconsin

Delaware Park abuts a very nice course, and you could do the golf-races double right there!

That's one I've always wanted to go to. Heard it was very pretty, parklike.

[GMB@BP]

I support my local track an its 30% takeout...I feel like its just me paying my fair share. Makes me feel all warm inside.

[jay68802]

I make a 45 min drive almost every Saturday to Fonner Park. When I get there once in a while there is a Dr. Pepper already sitting on the table I usually sit at. I figure as small as the track is, I got to do my part for Nebraska racing. I know it is not much, but...

[castaway01]

Originally Posted by jay68802

I make a 45 min drive almost every Saturday to Fonner Park. When I get there once in a while there is a Dr. Pepper already sitting on the table I usually sit at. I figure as small as the track is, I got to do my part for Nebraska racing. I know it is not much, but...

If you REALLY wanted to support your local track you'd buy your own Dr. Pepper. Unless that's the one you left there the previous Saturday, then it's okay.

Where I live now, the closest track is Parx but that's not exactly "local" so I don't know. I make the vast majority of my bets online, and in NJ we can only do that (legally) through TVG/4njbets or the exchange. So I'm pretty much forced to support my "local" track.