Joe Nevills:
An ever-growing sentiment among the movers and shakers of the horse racing industry is the concern over empty space in their facilities. They bemoan the sections of empty grandstands or an apron spotted with racegoers as a sign of dwindling attendance, and they are not wrong …
The answer some are coming back with to combat this problem is to shrink, by building smaller grandstands or otherwise funneling the existing patrons into smaller areas until it gives the appearance of a crowd. It is easier to advertise a track as a happening place with a party atmosphere if it looks like there are actually people there to party with.
I understand this sentiment, but if the idea is widely adopted, it could jeopardize one of the one of the greatest perks horse racing has over other professional sports — the ability to be left alone.
This is truly one of the best things about horse racing, especially at a typical track on a typical day: It’s you and your thoughts and the horses.
Posted by JC in Racing on 06/21/2015 @ 1:00 pm / Tagged Contemplative Time, Culture, Introverts, Popularity, Racetracks, Social / Follow @railbird on Twitter
“The best-case scenario is that the commissioners table it or just say ‘no’ in a formal vote,” said trainer Bill Lagorio of Suffolk Downs’ application to run three live racing days this year, which is pending before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. That might be taking for granted the money set aside for Thoroughbred racing in the state’s Race Horse Development Fund.
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Tammi Piermarini, a five-time leading rider at Suffolk Downs and the third-winningest female jockey in racing, has moved on to Parx. Her book is being handled by a name familiar to New England fans — former rider Joe Hampshire has signed on as Piermarini’s agent. Her services are in demand, reports the jockey, and she and her family have settled in well at their new home.
Posted by JC in Racing on 06/18/2015 @ 5:07 pm / Tagged Jockeys, Massachusetts, Race Horse Development Fund, Suffolk Downs, Tammi Piermarini / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Jeff Scott:
Tonalist and Palace Malice won’t be as well-received at stud as American Pharoah, but they should have their supporters — especially Tonalist, who is a son of leading sire Tapit. With three top-class Belmont winners being added to the U.S. stallion roster, the result could be a much-needed injection of stamina into the U.S. gene pool.
Posted by JC in Racing on 06/16/2015 @ 6:00 am / Tagged Belmont Stakes, Breeding, Sires, Stamina, Stud Prospects / Follow @railbird on Twitter
