Campaign for Better Dress-Codes at Saratoga

ArlJim78 · #1 08-15-2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saratogabrit

I'm not interested in Britain. It's far too stuffy at the races there. I haven't been racing there for nearly 2 years.

But i am interested in how the Australians have encouraged young people to dress up to go the track because Australia is an even more laid back country than the US and the sport there has surged to a masive dregree-25% of the adult population goes at least once a year to the track.

Although they are outsiders (but not as long a shot as they were)-if Capital Play gets the NYRA franchise there will major rule changes for dress codes.

I find it hard to believe that the sport is surging based on a new paddock dress code.

Sightseek · #2 08-15-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

I find it hard to believe that the sport is surging based on a new paddock dress code.

"Being Seen" appeals to the younger generation...why do you think Martini bars and lounges have taken off so well in most major cities?

ArlJim78 · #3 08-15-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek

"Being Seen" appeals to the younger generation...why do you think Martini bars and lounges have taken off so well in most major cities?

are trendy types that want to be seen going to head over to Ozone Park in the afternoon?

which tracks in the US do you envision people flocking to at night as an alternative to a Martini bar or a lounge? Mountaineer? Lone Star? LosAl? Balmoral?

miraja2 · #4 08-15-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

are trendy types that want to be seen going to head over to Ozone Park in the afternoon?

which tracks in the US do you envision people flocking to at night as an alternative to a Martini bar or a lounge? Mountaineer? Lone Star? LosAl? Balmoral?

I heard Paris Hilton is considering moving to the St. Louis area because she simply can't get enough of Fairmount.

The Indomitable DrugS · #5 08-15-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miraja2

I heard Paris Hilton is considering moving to the St. Louis area because she simply can't get enough of Fairmount.

You got some bad info buster!

She, and her herpes sores, are making the move to Chester Wva....the home of wild and wonderful Mountaineer Park.

ArlJim78 · #6 08-15-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miraja2

I heard Paris Hilton is considering moving to the St. Louis area because she simply can't get enough of Fairmount.

you know what? that might not be a bad campaign for NTRA to run with.
They could hire Paris and she could do ads, make paddock appearances, hand out the trophies, maybe show up on ESPN sitting next to Jerry Bailey holding her little dog, "horse racing, that's hot" could be her tag line. this would attract all kinds of kids.

maybe we're getting somewhere now.

The Indomitable DrugS · #7 08-15-2007, 04:26 PM

That we are ArlJim, that we are.

ArlJim78 · #8 08-15-2007, 04:31 PM

perhaps if this trend takes off, when trainers are interviewed by the press the first question will be "and what are you wearing?"

Sightseek · #9 08-15-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

are trendy types that want to be seen going to head over to Ozone Park in the afternoon?

which tracks in the US do you envision people flocking to at night as an alternative to a Martini bar or a lounge? Mountaineer? Lone Star? LosAl? Balmoral?

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

The Indomitable DrugS · #10 08-15-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

Wimp!

the problem is not getting people to the track --- or making the track trendy or popular --- IMO, it's about educating them on a game that is tremendously intimidating and complex.

brockguy · #11 08-15-2007, 04:59 PM

I like the idea of getting dressed up for the big meetings... I think its a fine suggestion by the creator of this thread! It won't and shouldnt work for the run of the mill race meetings, but for the bigger ones, it would be nice..

Sightseek · #12 08-15-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brockguy

I like the idea of getting dressed up for the big meetings... I think its a fine suggestion by the creator of this thread! It won't and shouldnt work for the run of the mill race meetings, but for the bigger ones, it would be nice..

Someday I'll see you at Royal Ascot!

Sightseek · #13 08-15-2007, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Wimp!

the problem is not getting people to the track --- or making the track trendy or popular --- IMO, it's about educating them on a game that is tremendously intimidating and complex.

I think the problem is twofold. You'll always draw people to Saratoga, but I think a lot of tracks do suffer by not being the trendy or popular or respectful place for people who are not fans yet to attend. Saratoga doesn't suffer for the reasons that it is all of those things and yet also has a very casual and family friendly side. (SARATOGA RULES!

) What do you think is the general public perception of the racetrack? The answer does not lie in better dress code (although since everyone is treating it like a business and not a sport shouldn't they be dressing like it?), but if you build an atmosphere in which all people want to show up than you'll have a group of people that you can educate on racing.

I definitely agree that they need to find ways to educate people at the track.

ArlJim78 · #14 08-15-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Hasn't Hollywood's later post time on Friday nights worked very well? Keeneland is a very 'trendy track' and they never have a problem with attendance and trust me, many of those people are not your year round racing affecionados but they are throwing money into the windows because it 'looks cool'.

Nothing will help Aqueduct...I'm a die hard fan of racing and I don't want to step foot in the place.

you're right, but these are just isolated cases. there are only a few niche areas that could cater to this type of crowd. Keeneland and Sarotaga are high end marquee meets that are really events to themselves. Hollywood and Arlington to an extent have drawn in the youth crowd with some success. but to revive our sport and make it grow these are just drops in the bucket.

brockguy · #15 08-15-2007, 05:14 PM

I think Del Mar have done a good job getting a young crowd. When I was there on opening Friday, there were plenty there. Sure they might have been there mainly for the concert afterwards but still..

packerbacker7964 · #16 08-16-2007, 04:46 AM

I could see if it's a Graded Race to dress better but for a non winners since All. come on guys.

Sightseek · #17 08-15-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

you're right, but these are just isolated cases. there are only a few niche areas that could cater to this type of crowd. Keeneland and Sarotaga are high end marquee meets that are really events to themselves. Hollywood and Arlington to an extent have drawn in the youth crowd with some success. but to revive our sport and make it grow these are just drops in the bucket.

Unfortunately what more can be done if racing continues to not cater to the fan by early retirements, the wagering mess and the preceived dishonesty of trainers among other things?

I wish I lived near Hollywood because from what I was watching on TV it looks like they were really trying their best to bring a good product to their customers.

Cannon Shell · #18 08-15-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I wish I lived near Hollywood

You would not want to live too close...

Indian Charlie · #19 08-15-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I wish I lived near Hollywood because from what I was watching on TV it looks like they were really trying their best to bring a good product to their customers.

no you don't, trust me on that one.

flying into LA is like watching a scene from a nightmarish borg planet. concrete everywhere extending in all directions for much further than the eye can see, even from an airplane.

hours of traffic to get anywhere. pollution, stupid people, and constant noise.

though, inglewood, the town HP is in, is a lovely place. it's amazing what iron bars over every window and door can do to pretty up a place!

you can get really good ribs at least down at mr. jims. you need no teeth to eat our beef!

best bbq i've ever been to.

philcski · #20 08-15-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

are trendy types that want to be seen going to head over to Ozone Park in the afternoon?

which tracks in the US do you envision people flocking to at night as an alternative to a Martini bar or a lounge? Mountaineer? Lone Star? LosAl? Balmoral?

Actually, at Lone Star, people DO go instead of a Martini bar or lounge on a Friday night.

About the only place I can say that about.