New sheriff in town in Saratoga

Expect to see changes around the track as a new hire from Kentucky has many current employees and vendors on notice. Gone this year are the Rose babes that have walked the grounds in Victorian style dresses for the past 15 years. All vendors with booths as you first walk in will soon follow.

While several attempts have been made to meet with NYRA they have given the cold shoulder to the rose vendor and others. The only response from the "Justice" was we are changing the look of the backyard and entrance to Saratoga? Sounds like more good people have no job during these difficult times.

And finally the word is that this is the final year of the giveway's at Saratoga. It may still offer great racing, but it looks like the "justice" is being allowed to come in and do what she wants regardless of tradition and care for the help that has been in place for several years.

Scat

[kgar311]

Sounds familiar, come in like a bat out of hell, do whatever hes see fit without regard to what the people want and do it with with no accountability. Sounds like this guy need a good punch in the face.

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by scat daddy

And finally the word is that this is the final year of the giveway's at Saratoga.

We should be so lucky.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

We should be so lucky.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

We should be so lucky.

I'm not one to collect these items, but what difference does it really make? We all know that the attendance figures are inflated, but that doesn't impact us at all?

If the giveaways help draw people to the track (and I know that some get their items and simply leave), isn't that a good thing? With the sole exception of the beach blanket giveaway a few years ago, I can't honestly say that I've ever been inconvenienced by a giveaway day crowd. And with NYRA solving the problem of "spinners" jamming the admission booths, even that isn't an issue any more.

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I'm not one to collect these items, but what difference does it really make? We all know that the attendance figures are inflated, but that doesn't impact us at all?

If the giveaways help draw people to the track (and I know that some get their items and simply leave), isn't that a good thing? With the sole exception of the beach blanket giveaway a few years ago, I can't honestly say that I've ever been inconvenienced by a giveaway day crowd. And with NYRA solving the problem of "spinners" jamming the admission booths, even that isn't an issue any more.

I just hate everyone wearing the same red baseball hats, some 4-5 hats at one time, then just wandering and getting in the way of those there for reasons other than a giveaway.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

I just hate everyone wearing the same red baseball hats, some 4-5 hats at one time, then just wandering and getting in the way of those there for reasons other than a giveaway.

It's better than getting knocked over the head by some guy carrying 50 umbrellas!

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

It's better than getting knocked over the head by some guy carrying 50 umbrellas!

we're probably talking about the same guy. lol

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I'm not one to collect these items, but what difference does it really make? We all know that the attendance figures are inflated, but that doesn't impact us at all?

If the giveaways help draw people to the track (and I know that some get their items and simply leave), isn't that a good thing? With the sole exception of the beach blanket giveaway a few years ago, I can't honestly say that I've ever been inconvenienced by a giveaway day crowd. And with NYRA solving the problem of "spinners" jamming the admission booths, even that isn't an issue any more.

Seems like the giveways really accomplish little. I know a lot more horseplayers that have stopped going on giveway days than I have ever heard someone say "I went for a free umbrella, now I'm hooked"...

If they want to make a gesture to fans, I would much prefer free admission Sundays. At least that ensures the people going have some interest in being there as opposed to collecting trunkloads of free crap for friends and neighbors.

[Travis Stone]

Dealing with the throngs of people for a few weeks a year is an okay sacrifice for me knowing there's a lot of them there being exposed to racing for the first time.

Saratoga's success is hung-out like laundry... good racing, good fields, festive atmosphere, appeals to all ages/groups/levels... it's a powerful brand and experience.

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Dealing with the throngs of people for a few weeks a year is an okay sacrifice for me knowing there's a lot of them there being exposed to racing for the first time.

Saratoga's success is hung-out like laundry... good racing, good fields, festive atmosphere, appeals to all ages/groups/levels... it's a powerful brand and experience.

This is all fine in a positive sense of looking at things but what does more people being introduced to the game do for someone who just wants to bet the horses? Someone who has no need to fight crowds, heat, and other annoyances just for the privilege of getting a bet in. Betting at home is here to stay. It's comfortable, cost effective, soothing for the psyche, etc.
Whether the targets (tracks) remain constant is neither here nor there, as there will always be targets -- even if we need to 'go' abroad for them. Do we really need these once a year types to show up so that we can feel good about the game?

SAR was 'IN' in the '70's and '80's.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

Seems like the giveways really accomplish little. I know a lot more horseplayers that have stopped going on giveway days than I have ever heard someone say "I went for a free umbrella, now I'm hooked"...

Isn't that really the horseplayer's problem, or perhaps more appropriately, choice? If this is really a topic of discussion, the track can never win. If there's no one in attendance, people complain about that fact. And then if they have a good crowd, (self-absorbed) others complain that they were inconvenienced.

In the grand scheme of things, we're talking about four days of a 36-day meet, and as a lifelong Capital District resident, there's certainly more good will that comes from these days than ill.

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Isn't that really the horseplayer's problem, or perhaps more appropriately, choice? If this is really a topic of discussion, the track can never win. If there's no one in attendance, people complain about that fact. And then if they have a good crowd, (self-absorbed) others complain that they were inconvenienced.

In the grand scheme of things, we're talking about four days of a 36-day meet, and as a lifelong Capital District resident, there's certainly more good will that comes from these days than ill.

Agree to disagree I guess.

Lived there the first 25 years of my life and always just thought it was kind of a waste and a pain in the ass. That being said, I'm going Sunday which is a giveaway day so I certainly don't let it bother me.

From my perspective I want a clean well kept Saratoga with strong handle and purses. Free T's pretty low on the list...

[Travis Stone]

Complaints about a racetrack packed to the gills... interesting.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Complaints about a racetrack packed to the gills... interesting.

I know right.

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

Complaints about a racetrack packed to the gills... interesting.

does that surprise you?? LOL

I had a guy complain the other day about getting a free t shirt and a $20 dollar voucher for doing nothing but showing up. We horseplayers are the oddest breed of human there is, i'm convinced.

[angelasapproved]

I am very disappointed to hear that the rose girls will not be back after so many years. I've purchased roses from them in the past and found this a delightful service to offer the racing fan. What NYRA may not understand is many folks as I, don't wager a lot of money, I'm there for the experience. The rose girls added to the Saratoga Experience depicting the Victorian era of style. Possibly NYRA may not understand their customer base that walks through the gates year after year. Can anyone tell me if floral product will be sold track-side?

Originally Posted by scat daddy

Expect to see changes around the track as a new hire from Kentucky has many current employees and vendors on notice. Gone this year are the Rose babes that have walked the grounds in Victorian style dresses for the past 15 years. All vendors with booths as you first walk in will soon follow.

While several attempts have been made to meet with NYRA they have given the cold shoulder to the rose vendor and others. The only response from the "Justice" was we are changing the look of the backyard and entrance to Saratoga? Sounds like more good people have no job during these difficult times.

And finally the word is that this is the final year of the giveway's at Saratoga. It may still offer great racing, but it looks like the "justice" is being allowed to come in and do what she wants regardless of tradition and care for the help that has been in place for several years.

Scat

My understanding is that they will still be allowed for now to operate at the main gate in a tent. it is a bad decision with a no win win. Why she went after this vendor is a mystery but you can rest assured all vendors should keep an eye out for she will be making rounds and evaluating food vendors too and cutting as she sees fit.
How long it last ??? only lady Justice could answer..

Scat

Originally Posted by angelasapproved

I am very disappointed to hear that the rose girls will not be back after so many years. I've purchased roses from them in the past and found this a delightful service to offer the racing fan. What NYRA may not understand is many folks as I, don't wager a lot of money, I'm there for the experience. The rose girls added to the Saratoga Experience depicting the Victorian era of style. Possibly NYRA may not understand their customer base that walks through the gates year after year. Can anyone tell me if floral product will be sold track-side?

[freddymo]

Not having giveaways is a really BAD idea. Steve hire some rose type girls to hand out free samples of BBQ. Make sure you hook me up with BBQ that is.. I will say that the blanket day a few years ago was a nitemare as it took like an hour to get into the track, but they fixed that right..

I dont know why a jam packed racetrack isn't always a good thing Fats? We realize that you like to cycle on your "rascal" thru Brooklyn head to Luger's in Williamsburg at 12:30 grab a Porterhouse for 2 with creme spinach and a piece of apple strudel and some shlag and stuff your face in front of the computer and TVG. But some of us need a little sunshine and eye candy for lunch.