Spa Numbers Up Across the Board Opening Weekend
 

http://nyra.com/saratoga/stories/July232012e.shtml

Of course the cynics will tell you the game is dying. :rolleyes:

FTFY.

no rain = all turf races go = :$::$::$:

Glad to see this, but I'd say that is a huge reason for the upswing - full fields and no races coming off is a wonderful thing.

The major events like the Breeders Cup and Triple Crown series and the boutique meets like Saratoga, Del Mar, and Keeneland are always going to be strong and at least keep pace, if not grow.

The major New York tracks have also reduced takeout on exotics wagers -- and that's going to help a little in regard to betting handle.

In relation to other sports, the game has been in a dramatic and steady slide over the course of 120 years.

The major emphasis has been on trying to create new fans, no matter how useless these new fans can be. 'Go Baby Go' and bad marketing ideas.

The emphasis has not been on trying to create a climate where the game is not viewed as a massive suckers game for degenerates and old people.

Last I saw the NY track takeouts on pk3 and pk4 was 25%. Have they reduced that? If so, what is it now?

They slashed it all the way down to the low, low price of 24%.

I would gladly bet into 35% takeout pools if we had quality live racing here. Ever since they turned DRC into a Home Depot this state cant support a thoroughbred track to stay open 5 years. Not that Pinnacle or Great Lakes would be confused with quality racing...

Thanks to 24-hour slot machines, 24-hour table games, and 24-hour poker we have quality racing here at PID.

The majority of the locals who bet over $40 a race won't even look at the cards here.

The racing only proves a lot better than people think here -- when the horses who race at PID go and clean up at Keeneland every year. The Stakes program is quite decent as well. The last 3 Breeders Cup Filly and Mare sprint winners all prepped here. Wise Dan won the big mile race last year.