Originally Posted by XIIPointStables

I'm not sure about suffering, but the #s are down a good chunk whether you believe your eyes or not. Quoting from the Times-Union, Attendance is down nearly 17 percent and on-track handle is off by almost 9 percent after the second week of the Saratoga Race Course season.

My only two cents would be I believe that people are traveling less with the gas prices and sour outlook on the economy. And yes, it is affecting business in Saratoga and many other places. A nice woman at the NYRA store told me they were off about 25% from last year in terms of sales on track, for whatever that is worth.

The rain Opening Day (week), this past Sunday afternoon and in general has had en effect. I'm not sure there's any blame to lay at the feet of NYRA, racing, etc. In my two trips this year I have nothing but positive reviews. The addition of Restaurant Row and that Hattie's place was a straight gland slam.

But I think the weather/economy have combined to affect the attendance, handle, restaurant business, hotels (surprised to see vacancies this past Friday night)...all of it. I don't think that's being negative, just honest.