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

[The_Turf_Monster]

I still attend hawthorne once a week when they're running (it's a real pain in the you-know-what) for me to get to AP. It's quiet.

[five-eighths]

Was present at every thoroughbred race day at Hazel Park when it was running from 2014-2017 before it was demolished. Liked to get there an hour early to go over the program, sometimes I was the only one in the stands that early. Was really nice having a track within a half hour just street driving.

Right now in Michigan there’s only 1 harness track located in Northville, little farther away, which I goto most of the time, but that track is expected to be converted to condos after next year.

Have ventured out to Arlington Park the last couple of years to get my thoroughbred fix. Must say I am very impressed with all the amenities, not used to that. Only problem was a lot of scratches, one time I thought I could sink my teeth into a nice 12 horse race only to find out there were six scratches

[jay68802]

Originally Posted by Lemon Drop Husker

Let us know when you visit.


Free room and board.

I can be persuaded to buy a few drinks also.

[wisconsin]

Originally Posted by jay68802

I can be persuaded to buy a few drinks also.

Well, now this may very well make it worthwhile...free bed and booze. What's not to like?

Pace Advantage outing at Lincoln.

[stlseeeek]

I live 15minutes from Fairmout Park and refuse to give them a penny these days.

They have a horrendous Track president in Brain Zander, who is a total POS. He's run the track into the ground. And their hope is for gaming devices(slots) and sports betting. They don't deserve them nor should get them.

I hate to see Fairmount Park close, but the crap horses, short fields(sometimes 4 horses after scratches) and horrendous ownership and track president make me only wish for it to close and hope maybe some one builds one on other side of River in St.Louis. Or just take the trip to Oaklawn now that they have more places to stay and other gambling options

The list of Zander and track owner Stiritz crimes to track and racing would go on for pages and pages.

Some of my favorite nights were at FP with buddies, sadly those days are long gone. It's now open so they can simucast tracks around the country.

[Aner]

I live about 10 miles from Golden Gate Fields. When I first retired in 1986, I attended almost every day. Now I attend only a couple of times a year. The reasons are short fields, sky high prices, and track facility neglect. Love staying home and betting online. Saving mucho bucks this way.

[Mulerider]

I'm loyal to Louisiana Downs, even though young people don't quite believe me when I tell them the place used to be packed and people eagerly paid to get in. Of course, that was before the casino boats opened nearby on the Red River. Still remember when the Super Derby was a big deal, a million dollar prep race for the Breeders Cup.

And kudos are in order for the V.P. of Operations, Eric Halstrom, who's been on the job about a year now, coming from Prairie Meadows. He's building a reputation as the most customer-friendly exec in recent memory. During the racing season you can find him in the lobby, introducing himself to customers. (Even more amazing is that he remembers your name!)

[Afleet]

Originally Posted by stlseeeek

I live 15minutes from Fairmout Park and refuse to give them a penny these days.

They have a horrendous Track president in Brain Zander, who is a total POS. He's run the track into the ground. And their hope is for gaming devices(slots) and sports betting. They don't deserve them nor should get them.

I hate to see Fairmount Park close, but the crap horses, short fields(sometimes 4 horses after scratches) and horrendous ownership and track president make me only wish for it to close and hope maybe some one builds one on other side of River in St.Louis. Or just take the trip to Oaklawn now that they have more places to stay and other gambling options

The list of Zander and track owner Stiritz crimes to track and racing would go on for pages and pages.

Some of my favorite nights were at FP with buddies, sadly those days are long gone. It's now open so they can simucast tracks around the country.

Have they started to upgrade the place w/the new legislation now passed?

[Afleet]

Wish I had a local track to support

[Afleet]

Originally Posted by The_Turf_Monster

I still attend hawthorne once a week when they're running (it's a real pain in the you-know-what) for me to get to AP. It's quiet.

I always liked Hawthorne but haven't played there is years. When they raise purses w/the new expanded gaming, it should get playable again. I look forward to that time. I won a MSW race there as an owner (the only time I have ever been there), so I have found memories of the place

[clicknow]

Originally Posted by Aner

Love staying home and betting online. Saving mucho bucks this way.

Yeah, but then you miss getting that wonderful smell of *linament* as the horses pass by you in the paddock, and mixed with the smell of manure, it can only be described as a unique type of "ambrosia".

Sort of the way all dog's paws smell a bit like........corn chips.

[Fred Mertz]

I wouldn't say I support it since $6 beer prices are criminal. You can say I support it if I buy a couple.


In my case it depends on location and physicality. Churchill Downs is closest, but I prefer Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs. I enjoy live racing most of the time, like today at CD. I see some friends and like to try to solve the form puzzle. I also like to go to the paddock and act like I know what I'm looking at. I don't.


I'm a recreational/hobby player and go often, but not all the time. I don't bet online, although I had an account for a few months until I decided to terminate it. Yes, I love live racing. The atmosphere, the sounds and smells and all that stuff is enjoyable. Even the pari-mutuel clerk and beer server know me by sight and smile. Don't tell my AA counselor .


I'm not fond of Churchill's greedy ways, but I go.