Atlantic City closing 1/16; New suitor appears for RC

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

Quoting Colonel Sherman T. Potter from M*A*S*H, "Horse-hockey".

While Monmouth's extended meet (and the turf racing at the Meadowlands) might suffer from the overall decrease in nationwide breeding, ACRC carded full fields for all of their races with better than 68 head entered on a daily six-race program. ACRC carved a very unique niche in the horse racing calender for cheaper Parx horses looking for a turf option in addition to being an end-April/early-May launching pad for horses returning to the races for a new season.

To that end, you could run a lower level turf horse off the winter layoff without fear of losing it as I don't believe (this may have changed) they had the mechanisms in place to allow actual claiming

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

To that end, you could run a lower level turf horse off the winter layoff without fear of losing it as I don't believe (this may have changed) they had the mechanisms in place to allow actual claiming

Correct. Races carded at Atlantic City were run under Maiden Special Weight, Starter Allowance, or Allowance conditions.

[jnunan4759]

Yes, could take a fairly cheap horse and maybe cash a check. Turf course was very nice. They just cut the grass and it was always a good course. Unlike Parx which is a hell-hole. They made money there. Maybe not from racing 6 days, but they could have made much more.

If I was the king of the world I'd have closed Parx from June 1 until Labor Day and raced at AC and kept the dirt track and barns. I loved it there. People came from Philly since it was a 45 minutes drive for most.

Steve mentioned a good thing today, about racing days. I know in PA it's all about revenue. The Racing Commission is a political vehicle for revenue. I worked for years on the PA Breeder's Board and wanted reduced dates and reduced takeout. It made sense and still does. The handle at PARX was $56,000 on Saturday. That's nine races and about $6,000 per race. That's horrible.

Del Park is also reducing days, not for Profit-Loss but just because they hate racing. Many of the operators just hate racing. It's a scab on their arm. They make millions in slots and casino and make thousands in the racing. It's hamburgers and hot dogs.

But I do know it's never going to go away. Every kid I've taken to the track loves it. I love it.

[Kasept]

MONMOUTH APPROACHING GREENWOOD ABOUT ACRC

http://www.examiner.com/article/monm...e-racing-dates

When asked if Monmouth Park would use the Atlantic City dates, Dennis Drazin, advisor to Darby Development — operator of Monmouth Park -- said in an exclusive statement to Examiner.com yesterday, "We are all very sad to see ACRA with its glorious past end its days as a racetrack. I do not anticipate adding days at Monmouth but rather we will make an effort to lease or buy the racetrack in order to preserve live racing in south New Jersey."

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Is it really worth it to "preserve live racing in south New Jersey"?

If Drazin can make money with it, then so be it, but "preserving" a six-day meet, or some alternative?

I don't see it.

Would have to think there is a certain (sizeable?) chunk of MTH handle associated with ACRC facility. That might figure in. And of course with Drazin still expecting the sports gambling to ultimately happen, having an outlet that much closer to Philadelphia feels attractive.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Would have to think there is a certain (sizeable?) chunk of MTH handle associated with ACRC facility. That might figure in. And of course with Drazin still expecting the sports gambling to ultimately happen, having an outlet that much closer to Philadelphia feels attractive.

Tampa Bay Downs just purchased the old Tampa Greyhound track for this exact reason.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/busines...cility/2212766

[ONTHERAIL]

What horrific news..Spent the better part of every Friday night there as a younger man..First stop on the way to the shore. Would meet the whole family for dinner and drinks. So very sad. My uncles and Aunts would tell me of her glory days..The lot filled with cars, and standing room only from the rail to the doors.
I have been stopping in the last few years for the simulcast with a mixed bag of folks probably there for the same reason I was, to reminisce. I would head out to the apron to get a good look at the old gal...Broken but still beautiful.. Strange how some things stay with you from a place. Sitting here at my desk I can still bring up the sites and smells. What wonderful memories. Nothing like a track by the sea.
Not sure how I'm getting there Friday but I feel like I need to say goodbye... As she will surely be torn down in the name of "progress"
I'm going to miss her.

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Would have to think there is a certain (sizeable?) chunk of MTH handle associated with ACRC facility. That might figure in. And of course with Drazin still expecting the sports gambling to ultimately happen, having an outlet that much closer to Philadelphia feels attractive.

I would love to see a Monmouth backed venture use that turf course as an attraction for the Parx-based crew in addition to those from the mid-Atlantic. Perhaps this could substitute or augment the meeting held on the turf at the Meadowlands?

ACRC could easily support a two-to-three week April/May meeting leading into the Monmouth season. Also, perhaps a later season turf meeting shortly after Labor Day? Lastly, there is nothing that says that the main course could not be used also.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ScottJ

I would love to see a Monmouth backed venture use that turf course as an attraction for the Parx-based crew in addition to those from the mid-Atlantic. Perhaps this could substitute or augment the meeting held on the turf at the Meadowlands?

ACRC could easily support a two-to-three week April/May meeting leading into the Monmouth season. Also, perhaps a later season turf meeting shortly after Labor Day? Lastly, there is nothing that says that the main course could not be used also.

I would not hold my breath for Monmouth to sweep in as the savior. They arent exactly swimming in money.
The meadowlands meets are happening because they need to keep their foot in the door for when the northern NJ casino becomes a reality, IF it comes to the meadowlands.

While I enjoyed the ACRC meets lets not forget that the place is mostly dilapidated and would need a ton of work if you ever were serious about having a real meet. Fixing and maintaining the dirt course alone would probably cost in the millions.