Saratoga meet is set to open July 16th, 2020

[NY BRED]

go to: https://cbs6albany.com/news/coronavi...-for-the-worst


open issues;

When will Oklahoma track be opened.
Will fans be allowed to enter the track



Loss of revenue to Saratoga Springs ,should the meet not open could be close
to 16 million dollars...

The other issue(s) could be the sales: I know FT allows telephone bidding to their clients, uncertain , at this point how that venue will impacted..

[RunForTheRoses]

I just read that and there really is no new news. It IS scheduled to open but that could change. No NYRA people were quoted.

Be nice if they did open but there is nothing definitive in that article.

And it really shows the potential economic devastation of the area if it does not open.

[classhandicapper]

I'm having a tough time finding the "net" upside to this if it happens.

If large numbers of people don't show up to town because they are afraid, it's a huge waste of money to move all the horses, horseman, and equipment up there to run with empty stands.

If many do show up to town, business is still going to be way down because some people will be leery about going to crowded restaurants, bars, motels/hotels, to the track, and for walks around the crowed streets of the town.

The worst case scenario is that it could cause a small new outbreak in the area given that people will be coming from NYC and all over country. Based on what I've been reading there's almost no chance the virus caseload is down to zero by then absent some continued social distancing measures.

Obviously, either way it sucks for the town of Saratoga Springs, but I can't be the only one that has already written that meet off for this year after spending multiple weekends or even weeks there every single year. Business is going to be WAY down for the town no matter what, empty stands or not. They could just as easily run at Belmont empty for way less money and hassle and be safer.

I hope I'm wrong about the caseload by then and it all works out well, but I won't be there and I hope NYRA makes the right decision.

[castaway01]

I really hope things have improved enough around the country that they're able to open. That's all.

[dilanesp]

It's worth noting that the story came out of an Albany TV station. There may be more than a little local cheerleading in that.

ClassHandicapper has this correct. If you actually think of the economics and epidemiology, this doesn't make a lot of sense.

FWIW LA's Mayor has announced no spectator sports this year. That seems like the more sensible projection.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

FWIW LA's Mayor has announced no spectator sports this year. That seems like the more sensible projection.

Just so nobody jumps on me, that's the projection. It hasn't been codified into a law yet.

[king kong]

I bought a lot of Chad Brown stocks for turf only!

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

It's worth noting that the story came out of an Albany TV station. There may be more than a little local cheerleading in that.

ClassHandicapper has this correct. If you actually think of the economics and epidemiology, this doesn't make a lot of sense.

FWIW LA's Mayor has announced no spectator sports this year. That seems like the more sensible projection.

Based on what? Fear?

[westernmassbob]

The town of Saratoga is already planing a 50% loss of revenue even if Saratoga racetrack and SPAC open for the summer. Since crowds in the area will naturally be down due to fear I think opening with attendance restraints and enforced safety precautions can work.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by AndyC

Based on what? Fear?

Epidemiology.

[Clocker]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

Epidemiology.

You are an epidemiologist?

[RunForTheRoses]

Originally Posted by Clocker

You are an epidemiologist?

Why is everyone picking on him?

[groupie doll]

This is great news... I am disappointed to not be able to attend this year (for reasons other than COVID) for the first time since 2008, but I am relieved they are at least on schedule as of right now.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

Epidemiology.

Really? Is that something you do when your not practicing law, playing poker or betting the horses?

Based on the how inaccurate the real epidemiologists have been so far, should anybody be making long range restrictions on what people can or can't do?

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by AndyC

Based on the how inaccurate the real epidemiologists have been so far, should anybody be making long range restrictions on what people can or can't do?

AndyC...always one of the most sensible in the room....ty