Dramatically no, but I believe it was a combination of Big Brown not running (he upped the crowds at Belmont and the two Monmouths). He had a following. Even though they neither might not have won (him and Curlin), it was still something to hype for the race. Now they no longer could. I also believe Zenyatta being a story line but not racing in the main event didn't capture any interest. If 30,000 was the announced attendance, that reallt stinks. If it were at Churchill or Belmont, I'm sure it would have been much higher. I know I am convaluted but my real point is there was no compelling storyline to promote the race. Big Brown vs. Curlin could have only helped it. Even if they would have fallen short of the hype.

:eek: what a tremendous observation considering they announced the attendance Friday night at 31,000 then you share your attendance thoughts with us Sat afternoon:eek:

Sorry just kidding could not help it.:D

I didn't know you could redboard attendance too!

I was thinking that too geeker2 but I figured I had threw enough fuel on the fire:D

i believe final attendance they announced for saturday was just over 50k.

That's OK, I have been going to Santa Anita since 1973 and I do love it with a big crowd. Most opening days for the fall meet will go 40,000. I just thought there should have been more on both days.

Thanks, That is a better number. Do you know how many were in attendance at Churchill a couple of years ago or sloppy Monmouth last year?

Churchill was 70K plus and Monmouth was about 42K , I believe..both Saturday figs

This does raise a point. Based on 50k this year and the attendance you quoted from the past two, isn't it fair to say that race fans (the overall base) are much more interested in attending a Belmont when a Triple Crown is at stake vs. an all star Breeders Cup event? Curious to hear anyones thoughts.

i believe handle was the highest ever, wasn't it?

Saturday was..$115 Mill I think..But 9 "Official" BC races TY, vs 8 LY and 7 at CD on Sat on '06..So handle should be higher

how was the attendance on friday?

I don't remember the #, but if they had 25K at Monmouth, I'd be surprised.

I don't remember the reported #, but I think they had more than 25k at Monmouth. I think they shot themselves in the foot with the way the facility and the event was handled (vis a vis "general admission", no apron, etc.). The weather should have been taken into consideration and the arrangements should have been changed. You had a lot of people "outside" in the back, by the paddock, up toward the grandstand, etc. and a lot of people in the building. Many of the outside seats weren't covered and of course the weather was a disaster.

Do you remember the reported # and/or how many tickets were sold?

Eric

it was about 30k for fri, 51k for saturday.

I don't know what the numbers are but I would expect it to be higher with the better weather and more races. I do know that I read somewhere that the increase in handle was not that much and that when it was broken down to average amount per race, it was lower this year.

I think its safe to say it was lower, but given the economy I think they were happy.

I also think they had to be pleased as just about every horse that was healthy and elgible showed up.

Who cares? Besides Zenyatta....horrible day for the level of racing. Didn't recognize hardly any of the horses.

I'm surprised if they outdrew the Lakers Pre-season finale.