NYRA Article

[Left Bank]

Another idea gets thrown on the table.Seems like they can't decide what to do.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38958

[sumitas]

it is an interesting article. thanks.
i don't think setting deadlines is in the best interest of NY racing. when this issue is resolved it must be resolved right !...in the meantime, the NY thoroughbred breeders and horsemen and fans need to operate within a stable environment, not chaos.

[blackthroatedwind]

I have one comment about that article.......bullsh1t.

[philcski]

this is the absolute worst idea yet.

aqueduct land worth a lot of money? TO WHO? Ozone Park isn't exactly hopping like midtown Manhattan, and on top of it it's right in a flight plan for JFK.

[ELA]

I don't think you have to look at the details in order to see the big picture doesn't make much sense. Is this possibly some sort of "leak" or PR move? I don't know -- it's like the claiming game, constant and nonstop mental back and forth BS.

One thing I always question though is whether or not some deal is going to be designed or thought up -- and whoever it might be, Spitzer perhaps, moves to ram this thing down everyone's throats. On the other hand, could the deal be struck by a few people over a couple of scotches and a cigar? I always thought so but then again I believe in that kind of thing, LOL.

Eric

[theiman]

I have no problem if they want to close Big A, sell property and move slots, if allowed to Belmont Park.

Winterizing Belmont main track is probably never going to sell.

However, here is an alternative. Winterize and expand size of the training track for winter spring months for racing on a polytrack--training track. At the same time build a theater, enclosed type grandstand at the training track that will be used for both the winter meet and as a simo facility for the summer months at Saratoga and night simo racing too. Realistically you need a facility that can hold max 5000 people for the winter months, you dont see more than that on any day at The Big A from Nov-thru April. New building is far from the slots, with shuttles running between the two for those sicko's that need the action.

Circuit is
Belmont poly-training track Jan 1st thru end of April
Belmont main track from May 1st thru late July
Saratoga normal meet late July thru Labor Day
Belmont Fall meet September and October
Belmont poly-training track meet November through December 15th
2 weeks off from 12/15 through New Years

Note: Slots are closed on Belmont Day and if Belmont hosts the BC races.

I dont think this alternative is a bad option, any opinions?

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by philcski

this is the absolute worst idea yet.

aqueduct land worth a lot of money? TO WHO? Ozone Park isn't exactly hopping like midtown Manhattan, and on top of it it's right in a flight plan for JFK.

Not saying I support the idea, but that piece of property can certainly be worth a fortune depending on what uses the gov't allows there. We are talking about 190 acres in Queens. No?

[sumitas]

i think the iman's idea sounds feasible.