NY

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Bystander

I was sitting in Equestris, but I went all over. I thought the outside near the paddock was particularly nice, and there were families all around the place.

Then again I've spent many many solo hours at Suffolk, hung out during the race card and for simo before Boston got TVG, even been there relatively early morning to watch races from Dubai a few years ago. I've always felt safe, too, but I guess I really do feel safe at any track because it's where I want to be.

Aqueduct is A LOT nicer than Suffolk IMO.

See I think that is the key...the track is where you want to be to begin with. I'm interested in seeing how they plan to draw the person who isn't following racing day to day. From the little I've read of their proposals I don't see any of my non-racing friends calling me up and asking me if I'd take them to the track.

I've only gone to Suffolk on MassCap day which had perfect weather and a big crowd that probably wouldn't have been there had Funny Cide not...so I might be a little forgiving of Suffolk.

[Bystander]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

See I think that is the key...the track is where you want to be to begin with. I'm interested in seeing how they plan to draw the person who isn't following racing day to day. From the little I've read of their proposals I don't see any of my non-racing friends calling me up and asking me if I'd take them to the track.

I've only gone to Suffolk on MassCap day which had perfect weather and a big crowd that probably wouldn't have been there had Funny Cide not...so I might be a little forgiving of Suffolk.

I do see your point.
I've always felt that where track publicity falls short, it's up to me as a fan of live racing to drag non-racing friends with me. I think I have a 90% success rate converting them into at least part-time fans.

But that is probably just my winning personality. Or a couple of winning tickets.

I was at that Masscap- warm day, big crowd, and the magic of Dutrow.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by Bystander

I do see your point.
I've always felt that where track publicity falls short, it's up to me as a fan of live racing to drag non-racing friends with me. I think I have a 90% success rate converting them into at least part-time fans.

But that is probably just my winning personality. Or a couple of winning tickets.

I was at that Masscap- warm day, big crowd, and the magic of Dutrow.

impressive statistics...much better than mine...the last time I got a non-racing friend to watch with me Barbaro broke down...not such a crowd pleaser.

[Bystander]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

impressive statistics...much better than mine...the last time I got a non-racing friend to watch with me Barbaro broke down...not such a crowd pleaser.

Well, mine are definitely selective statistics. I had about 200 people crammed into a trade show booth to watch the Preakness last year... the same show two years earlier fell during Smarty Jones' Belmont attempt.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Bystander

I do see your point.
I've always felt that where track publicity falls short, it's up to me as a fan of live racing to drag non-racing friends with me. I think I have a 90% success rate converting them into at least part-time fans.

But that is probably just my winning personality. Or a couple of winning tickets.

I was at that Masscap- warm day, big crowd, and the magic of Dutrow.

I can't understand why it sticks with some and doesn't with others.

I do an office pool for the Derby each year complete with a large poster of the 'contenders' with little bits of information and photos of each horse. In the end, the only thing people care about is who won the money and no one actually watches the race. So maybe you're right..winning tickets speak more than any high-rise hotel or clean restroom.

magic of Dutrow...lol Hopefully Suffolk can get together another card like that, it was a good day.