Mr. Raffetto has done an excellent job of trying to increase the awareness of steeplechasing in the US. I understand it's never going to reach the popularity that it enjoys in Ireland, France or the UK, but the more exposure it gets will generate greater interest and hopefully an increased fan base.
Saratoga was/will continue to be a great platform for steeplechasing and while they can be a little tricky to bet, if you were able to catch a winner on a few of those races, you were well rewarded (3 out of 6 winners were double-digit odds).
Now, Mr. Raffetto is following up Saratoga's success by staging a mixed-meet at Monmouth Park. This used to be the old Monmouth County Hunt, but it makes perfect sense to run this meet at Monmouth Park in conjunction with 4 other flat races. Great exposure and should be a wonderful day of racing. I wish I could be there but will follow/bet it through my ADW.
MaTH, I hope you (and other DTers in the area) have the opportunity to attend and enjoy this exciting day of racing. Additionally, I hope it will generate a few more recruits/fans to the jump game.
Also to note - Belmont has a Grade 1 on Sunday's card, 1st race. Should be a fantastic race with most of the top steeplechasers in action.
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