Churchill responds to CC owners

[JustRalph]

http://www.wdrb.com/story/25545222/c...wns-experience

[ArlJim78]

I'm starting to like this Coburn fella. focus now goes to Nyra, hope they're taking notes on what not to do.

[Clocker]

CD treats everyone equally.

The jockey who rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown says he's skipping the Kentucky Derby on Saturday after being snubbed by the track's management.

Ron Turcotte, the paralyzed Hall of Fame rider, said Wednesday he couldn't get a parking spot during his last Derby Day visit to Churchill Downs, and then couldn't even get into the track to watch last year's race.

The two-time Derby winner said he was so disgusted by how he was treated that he decided not to attend the 140th Run for the Roses.

[sandpit]

Because of my past employment experience in this sport, I thought I'd offer my insights to the issues at CD, which mainly stem from CD Inc.

There are many hard-working, long-term employees in the Churchill Downs guest services department (full disclosure: never worked in that area) that go out of their way to help patrons on a daily basis, and it's no thanks to the corporate management, who rarely came out of their ivory tower when the corporate headquarters were located at the track, and now that they've moved some 15 miles away, they only show up on Oaks and Derby days (which is probably actually a relief to the racetrack employees).

As most of you can probably tell, John Asher is one of the most dedicated people at the track, and no matter what they are paying him, you cannot compensate the man well enough for the dedication, knowledge and love he has for the history of Churchill Downs and the Derby. Again, he unfortunately is hamstrung by his bosses.

Derby and Oaks days have become victims of their own success. The needless and incredibly complex myriad of passes, armbands, tickets, etc. that people have for various levels of access makes for a complete cluster, which makes it all the more difficult on the GS department. On Oaks day this year, I went (illegally because the 17yo girl checking credentials had no clue who should or shouldn't be allowed in) into the new Grandstand Terrace area they built at the head of the stretch. It is a very nice area, but the place was only half-full, and this was well into the day. They probably over-priced the thing astronomically; I looked on their website and couldn't find the ticket costs.

I'll sum up my rambling with a quote that is widely known around Louisville. "The people in town with the biggest smiles on their faces are ex-Churchill Downs employees."

[Skanoochies]

At the presentation to the owners today, Coburn gave quite a shot to Churchill downs. Anyone else notice that?

[anotherCAfan]

Yes! I think he has a point, although I'm sure he will be slammed by many in the horse racing community. So far, this year, Churchill has been called to task for:

1. Availability of tickets for horse owners whose horses run on Derby and Oaks days
2. Mistreatment of Ron Turcotte

I'm unsure if these were what his comment referred to, but I think his comment was great. It's nice to see someone speak his/her mind.

[depalma113]

You forgot raping the Fairgrounds.

[SecretAgentMan]

Coburn stated on can what lots of people are thinking but are scared to say on TV. There's always a politically correct way the media wants to get things across & its good to see people like Coburn state things but I wasn't sure exactly what he was referring to but whatever it was, it definitely had to do with what's going on at Churchill..........

[nvemil]

Originally Posted by depalma113

You forgot raping the Fairgrounds.

Add Calder. Although in that case past tense.

[Tom]

What did he say?
I love a good CD bashing.

[Skanoochies]

He was thanking Pimlico and all of the fans for the way they were treated there. At the end he said something like "Churchill should take a lesson from that" or something to that effect. I1d had a few drinks.

[breezing]

Originally Posted by Tom

What did he say?
I love a good CD bashing.

"I just want to thank the people of Maryland for all the hospitality they've shown us," Coburn said. "And Churchill, you need to take a lesson on this – you really, really do, because these people have been absolutely fabulous."

http://www.courier-journal.com/story...esson/9229235/

[Tom]

CD is a disgusting cancer on the game.
Glad someone is not afraid to call out scumbags in public!

[PaceAdvantage]

Threads merged

[Stillriledup]

Originally Posted by Tom

CD is a disgusting cancer on the game.
Glad someone is not afraid to call out scumbags in public!

Here here!