Travers Day attendance

Gander · #1 08-27-2006, 12:39 PM

Only 40K yesterday when I read a couple places that anywhere between 55 and 70 were expected. Thats a big difference. As somebody that was there yesterday, it didnt feel like a typical Travers Day, rather a routine Saturday or Sunday.

Not the best day weatherwise but it didnt rain and it was very comfortable (temperature wise). Wonder why the dip?

randallscott35 · #2 08-27-2006, 12:42 PM

I've been unimpressed with the att. overall. Everyday I've been there I'd say I remember more people on similar days in the past, whether midweek or a weekend. Don't know why, and Steve can probably attest to this based on activity at the stand, but less people have come to the Spa than normal this year.

Gander · #3 08-27-2006, 12:45 PM

Yes, even the traditional "run for the picnic tables at 7am" wasnt as comically impressive as normal, where you have people literally falling all over each other to stake their claim.

Was out downtown last night and the crowds were far from the usual large on Travers weekend.

We can say with the advent of being able to bet on the net and phone people stay at home, but this is more about the people who typically dont even care about betting. They were MIA yesterday in a big way.

Not complaining at all, just wondering.

sumitas · #4 08-27-2006, 03:44 PM

Price of gas maybe.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #5 08-27-2006, 03:56 PM

It was too bad that they couldn't get at least 50,000, the match up was great in the Travers and so was the rest of the card. The Spa hasn't had the same feel as in last few years this season. The economy...maybe, the stuff with NYRA may also play a role. Anyway, when they head back to Belmont in a few weeks, they will be lucky to get 5,000.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #6 08-27-2006, 03:58 PM

So True, Man...so True!!!

57rick · #7 08-27-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

I know attendance as a whole has been down, but it seemed pretty busy there yesterday. I was in the clubhouse all day and it was packed. There were long lines for the bathroom, and I don't ever remember seeing so many people there after the races were over. One thing's for sure, I know everyone touts the girls at Del Mar, but there was a lot of talent there yesterday. My neck hurts today from moving it so fast from the left and right.

Hi DaHoss,
I was in Section H in the Clubhouse and I spent more time using my binoculars looking at the lovely dressed women than the ponies...very distracting...there ought the be a law!No women like that at Suffolk Downs!LOL!!!
Agree about long lines for men's room..even during the race...guess kidneys got overflowed after much drinking.
Rick

Sightseek · #8 08-27-2006, 08:03 PM

It kills me when I see days of giveaways and a bad racing card (sportsbag give away day) do better than G1 stakes days..........

It was chilly yesterday!!!!

#9 08-27-2006, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gander

Only 40K yesterday when I read a couple places that anywhere between 55 and 70 were expected. Thats a big difference. As somebody that was there yesterday, it didnt feel like a typical Travers Day, rather a routine Saturday or Sunday.

Saratoga isn't able to comfortably handle crowds of 40,000 or more. Even 20,000 on a weekday feels a bit uncomfortable.

Back in the early 1960's ... weekday "crowds" were about 3 - 4,000 and Saturdays were 6 - 7,000 ... and the paddock was wide open ... the real Saratoga experience.

Many people who have abided the crush of 40,000 at Saratoga ... don't want to endure a repeat.

20,000 at Saratoga is like 50,000 at Belmont ... 40,000 is like 100,000 ... the Lexington Avenue express at rush hour ... can be more bearable than that.

Not a lot of fun for horse players or families.