Saratoga Infield...

[Linny]

I saw Conquistador Cielo win a stake at 2 from the infield. Before grass racing was so popular it was not a big deal to build a portable bridge over the grass courses. The bridge was not removed for the day, meaning no turf racing on an "infield" day.
As Andy said, a tunnel is the only reasonable option and at this point, that is probably not the place where NYRA should be spending it's money. Also, you need to provide shelter for the fans and employees out there. That means tents that would certainly obstruct views.

[Linny]

They had a green footbridge that crossed the grass so fans were not walking ON the turf courses. It was an era when not holding ANY grass races on a Saturday afternoon wouldn't ruffle any feathers. Grass racing has come a long way in the US since then.

Many Europeans would find that horses don't show their best on dirt.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Since we're not going to see a bridge or tunnel of any kind to get to the Saratoga infield anytime soon -- when we start "beaming" people Star Trek style we'll have people in the infield -- I am commenting on what is highlighted above.

Many of the old-time horse owners and handicappers to whom I have spoken-- guys who have watched races for more than 40 years -- have said something to the effect that "horses don't show their true form on turf." (One actually said that verbatim.) There used to be, I suspect, a bias against turf racing. Despite that some great, great old-time horses have been outstanding turf performers -- Round Table and Dr. Fager (stretching it a bit) -- we were so dirt-oriented that turf racing was mostly discarded by some.

I guess that I am not surprised that such a policy existed at Saratoga (concerning not racing on turf when people walked into the infield over the turf course), but I couldn't imagine something like that today at any track.

there still is. we've come a long way, but still a ways to go.