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Originally Posted by eurobounce
Well Oracle I would like to see an increase in purses as well. But, Gulf has to make money to off-set the losses they have taken and also the remodeling on the new facility. Unlike NY Racing, Gulf has shareholders to answer to and that is the bottom line when it comes to purse structure. Horsemen comes after the shareholders and investors. I do think that racing is going to become secondary to the slots and other entertainment offered at Gulf. The purses will increase a tad but I dont see Gulf being like they were 10-15 years ago.
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They are trying to make it into a mini Vegas. I was told they are going to build hotels right near it, and eventually the racing will be better, but you are right, the entire facility is going upscale.
Horse racing can't survive the way it is now. People need more action than every 30 minutes. Saratoga and Del Mar can survive but that is only because their meets are so short. If you had racing at those tracks for as long as the Gulfstream meet or even Aqueduct those tracks would not be the same.
Short meets with good weather are the only ones that can really attract fans day in and day out. I love Belmont's fall meet, but nobody goes. Even on JCGC day with Bernardini there it was a ghosttown.