NYRA Article
 

Another idea gets thrown on the table.Seems like they can't decide what to do.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38958

it is an interesting article. thanks.
i don't think setting deadlines is in the best interest of NY racing. when this issue is resolved it must be resolved right !...in the meantime, the NY thoroughbred breeders and horsemen and fans need to operate within a stable environment, not chaos.

I have one comment about that article.......bullsh1t.

this is the absolute worst idea yet.

aqueduct land worth a lot of money? TO WHO? Ozone Park isn't exactly hopping like midtown Manhattan, and on top of it it's right in a flight plan for JFK.

I don't think you have to look at the details in order to see the big picture doesn't make much sense. Is this possibly some sort of "leak" or PR move? I don't know -- it's like the claiming game, constant and nonstop mental back and forth BS.

One thing I always question though is whether or not some deal is going to be designed or thought up -- and whoever it might be, Spitzer perhaps, moves to ram this thing down everyone's throats. On the other hand, could the deal be struck by a few people over a couple of scotches and a cigar? I always thought so but then again I believe in that kind of thing, LOL.

Eric

I have no problem if they want to close Big A, sell property and move slots, if allowed to Belmont Park.

Winterizing Belmont main track is probably never going to sell.

However, here is an alternative. Winterize and expand size of the training track for winter spring months for racing on a polytrack--training track. At the same time build a theater, enclosed type grandstand at the training track that will be used for both the winter meet and as a simo facility for the summer months at Saratoga and night simo racing too. Realistically you need a facility that can hold max 5000 people for the winter months, you dont see more than that on any day at The Big A from Nov-thru April. New building is far from the slots, with shuttles running between the two for those sicko's that need the action.

Circuit is
Belmont poly-training track Jan 1st thru end of April
Belmont main track from May 1st thru late July
Saratoga normal meet late July thru Labor Day
Belmont Fall meet September and October
Belmont poly-training track meet November through December 15th
2 weeks off from 12/15 through New Years

Note: Slots are closed on Belmont Day and if Belmont hosts the BC races.

I dont think this alternative is a bad option, any opinions?

Interesting Article. I do to a certain extent agree that there is a hint of bullshiat to it. There is no question something has to be done with The Big A.
Winter racing in New York is horrible. Why not dump the joint? They already take a week off at the end of December. Get rid of racing from that point in December through February. Would we really miss it? They can't get Belmont race ready by March? The rest of this article is just plain nuts.

Not that it means anything, but I think "they" -- either current or future -- can do many things that are not being done today. Mindset and methodology must change -- not neccessarily actual management.

Here's a question -- why has there always been a strong opposition, almost refusal, to consider reducing the # of racing days? Not only NYRA, but other tracks and states as well? I think reducing winter racing is a good idea -- not eliminating it, but reducing might be feasible. At least look at it.

The old saying/question -- they can put a man on the moon, but they can't . . .

Eric

truth is, they can't even do that.

LOL. I forget the name, but there was a fictional movie years ago where the storyline was that a space launch was a hoax put on by the government. I don't remember the name of the movie, but I think Sam Waterson was one of the main characters. Maybe I'm wrong.

Eric

Capricorn One.
I never saw the movie.

Not saying I support the idea, but that piece of property can certainly be worth a fortune depending on what uses the gov't allows there. We are talking about 190 acres in Queens. No?

i think the iman's idea sounds feasible.

just supposing that this happens...what about the current employees who work year round by moving from track to track? they would suddenly face the prospect of becoming seasonal workers if the 2 remaining tracks are owned independently.

Dont think this a problem as I believe the mutuel clerks are all Union EE's and would go for both. Different owners for all 3 So Cal tracks yet same Union supplies the clerks.

Food services are probably all union and I guess all of the food is contracted out to a food provider. Maintenance similar situation.

The guy selling pretzels at the Belmont main gate and at the Big A must still get his space, it wouldnt be racing without him.

Regardless of what happens -- in every single scenario -- there is going to be a "cost" to someone, some group, etc. Not to sound cold and heartless, because I am not, but the big picture is where the focus needs to be.

Eric

Here is what the Gov is up to now:
http://www.saratogian.com/site/news....d=602469&rfi=6