Bucket List - tracks to visit

[clicknow]

My taste is towards quieter but pleasant surroundings.

Please... no "see and be seen" type of tracks. Been there, done that, and do not want to spend my retirement savings on overpriced food/hotel rooms plus I'm not a *kewl* hipster or best dressed anything like that and prefer not to be too much around that and don't like HUGE CROWDS.

Just nice simple typical american type places for "just folks".

New Zealand isn't on the list but I know I would like it since my best friend has tons of photos from when she went.

Lynn Cleborad told me I would like Prairie Meadows somewhat. I was thinking Delaware Park and Remington as well?

Any suggestions? I plan to start next year. No overseas travel at this point though.

[cj]

Oaklawn is great, even for the big days.

Remington is good, especially on the big days. Really nice, clean track with good racing. Cost is never an issue.

I'd put Prairie Meadows in the same class as Remington. Won't cost much at all, nice and clean. Racing isn't as good but the big weekend is nice.

[wisconsin]

Been to 60 tracks. Some of the most enjoyable and surprising:

Columbus Races (on a Friday night)
Presque Isle Downs
Delaware Park
Charles Town
Indiana Downs (on Indiana Derby night)
Kentucky Downs

[BarchCapper]

Originally Posted by clicknow

My taste is towards quieter but pleasant surroundings.

Please... no "see and be seen" type of tracks. Been there, done that.

...

Any suggestions? I plan to start next year. No overseas travel at this point though.

It might be beneficial if you list those you’ve been to, maybe breaking it into the “been there, done that” and “been there, want more like that” categories.

Other than knowing your liking of (and concern for direction of) Oaklawn it’s hard to say without knowing what’s already been put “in the bucket”.

Of one that was mentioned in your post, we do have many fond memories of Delaware. That paddock!!! But we haven’t been since the casino came in.

Based on what we currently see on those empty track aprons on TV - I think your only “no thank yous” based on on-track crowds would be Saratoga and Del Mar summer meet.

[Scanman]

Originally Posted by clicknow

My taste is towards quieter but pleasant surroundings.

Please... no "see and be seen" type of tracks. Been there, done that, and do not want to spend my retirement savings on overpriced food/hotel rooms plus I'm not a *kewl* hipster or best dressed anything like that and prefer not to be too much around that and don't like HUGE CROWDS.

Just nice simple typical american type places for "just folks".

New Zealand isn't on the list but I know I would like it since my best friend has tons of photos from when she went.

Lynn Cleborad told me I would like Prairie Meadows somewhat. I was thinking Delaware Park and Remington as well?

Any suggestions? I plan to start next year. No overseas travel at this point though.

Considering overseas travel is not in play, the only logical choice would be: Kentucky Downs

If crossing the border is an option: Woodbine

Otherwise, it's left turn-left turn-finish. Sadly, going racing in the US/Canada can be pretty boring and I've been to them all (except Mahoning Valley and a few fair/bush tracks). That being said, those with a unique feature and small crowds:

Delaware Park - Nicest paddock in the country (mid-level track).

Fresno - An excellent finish to CA Fair season. Love the ivy in the paddock and the tote board decor.

Van Wert County Fair (OH) - Runs TBs on Labor Day afternoon; Trots at night. Easily the most "bush" of all tracks in the US (no inside rail). And yes, there is pari-mutual wagering.

Great Meadow (VA) - The most unique steeplechase venue in the US; runs flat, hurdle, timber, and cross-country races. One of the few that has pari-mutual wagering. A course walk prior to would be a wonderful bonus.

Great Falls (MT) - Great small track/fair atmosphere.

Penn National - Go in October during the foilage change. You would be hard pressed to find a more scenic back drop (apart from Santa Anita).

FWIW - I did a 12 track run in New Zealand two years ago. One of the most awesome racing trips of the many I had taken. When you are ready to get your passport stamped, I couldn't recommend a trip down under high enough.

[Afleet]

Originally Posted by clicknow

My taste is towards quieter but pleasant surroundings.

Please... no "see and be seen" type of tracks. Been there, done that, and do not want to spend my retirement savings on overpriced food/hotel rooms plus I'm not a *kewl* hipster or best dressed anything like that and prefer not to be too much around that and don't like HUGE CROWDS.

Just nice simple typical american type places for "just folks".

New Zealand isn't on the list but I know I would like it since my best friend has tons of photos from when she went.

Lynn Cleborad told me I would like Prairie Meadows somewhat. I was thinking Delaware Park and Remington as well?

Any suggestions? I plan to start next year. No overseas travel at this point though.

Fonner Park

[Afleet]

Originally Posted by wisconsin

Been to 60 tracks. Some of the most enjoyable and surprising:

Columbus Races (on a Friday night)
Presque Isle Downs
Delaware Park
Charles Town
Indiana Downs (on Indiana Derby night)
Kentucky Downs

I liked Presque Isle-went on their big day. My handicapping left something to be desired

[The_Turf_Monster]

I've always enjoyed CBY, the card usually starts with some non formful quarterhorse racing for 2 races and then kicks it off with a couple on the turf in the next 4.

[olddaddy]

Arlington Park if you want a beautiful well maintained track with one of the best grass courses in america. If you want good racing you only have 2 days of the meet to see that. Next year may be the last time to see this jewel.

[ubercapper]

I had a wonderful time one summer day visiting Fairmount Park. There was no additional gaming and the races were cheap but there were perhaps a thousand people there including many small children and families and it was a breath of fresh air.


That might change now that they are building a casino but it might be worth a look.

[airford1]

Santa Anita before it closes.

[illinoisbred]

Originally Posted by olddaddy

Arlington Park if you want a beautiful well maintained track with one of the best grass courses in america. If you want good racing you only have 2 days of the meet to see that. Next year may be the last time to see this jewel.

Actually, Arlington Park might be through now(no racing in 2020)if the recent news emanating from CDI and the Illinois horsemen holds true. What a shame.
Bucket list...though I play So Cal tracks, Keeneland is front and center on my list.

[theiman]

Hialeah, if they ever bring back real racing. Havent been there since the late 70's.

[The_Turf_Monster]

Originally Posted by illinoisbred

Actually, Arlington Park might be through now(no racing in 2020)if the recent news emanating from CDI and the Illinois horsemen holds true. What a shame.
Bucket list...though I play So Cal tracks, Keeneland is front and center on my list.

I have to assume that all of this is just posturing by AP to get a bigger cut from the slots and sportsbook. This gaming bill was clearly rushed through and not well thought out

[illinoisbred]

Originally Posted by The_Turf_Monster

I have to assume that all of this is just posturing by AP to get a bigger cut from the slots and sportsbook. This gaming bill was clearly rushed through and not well thought out

CDI has absolutely no interest in applying for either slots or a sportsbook at Arlington though they DO want a sportsbook,and in fact have already built it at a nearby casino(just 9 miles from Arlington Park) of which they have a near or a majority ownership.