Travers Day attendance

Originally Posted by Gander

Only 40K yesterday when I read a couple places that anywhere between 55 and 70 were expected. Thats a big difference. As somebody that was there yesterday, it didnt feel like a typical Travers Day, rather a routine Saturday or Sunday.

Saratoga isn't able to comfortably handle crowds of 40,000 or more. Even 20,000 on a weekday feels a bit uncomfortable.

Back in the early 1960's ... weekday "crowds" were about 3 - 4,000 and Saturdays were 6 - 7,000 ... and the paddock was wide open ... the real Saratoga experience.

Many people who have abided the crush of 40,000 at Saratoga ... don't want to endure a repeat.

20,000 at Saratoga is like 50,000 at Belmont ... 40,000 is like 100,000 ... the Lexington Avenue express at rush hour ... can be more bearable than that.

Not a lot of fun for horse players or families.