Or, how to grow without relying on slots. Knowing that the machines won’t be legalized in Virgina anytime soon, or possibly ever, “Colonial Downs, which is in its ninth year, is something of a throwback in the racing industry, a facility that is counting on building a better racing product through year-round simulcasting at a wide-ranging network of off-track betting sites; by account wagering over the Internet and by telephone; by presenting full fields of competitive races into simulcast-land; and by making a day at the races comfortable for both new and old fans.” The strategy shows promise: racing days, handle, and attendance have increased in the past four years. (Daily Racing Form)
Posted by JC in State Issues on 06/16/2005 @ 9:40 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
– Owner Rick Porter writes that Rockport Harbor’s foot is healing well and that he may be back in training by this weekend. “Once he starts, things will happen quickly and we will be back in the news. They will all have to get by ‘Rocky’ before it is all decided about three-year-old colts.” Do I hear a challenge to Afleet Alex there? Things could get interesting later this summer, if Rockport, who missed the Triple Crown races because of the foot injury, regains his promising form.
– Just kidding. Trainer John Servis pulled a fast one on Philadelphia sports radio listeners, saying that Smarty Jones would come out of retirement for a match race with Afleet Alex. Trainer Tim Ritchey was in on the gag and told the Philadelphia Inquirer, “I want a bell start, like War Admiral and Seabiscuit.”
– Giacomo will undergo a series of tests to help explain his seventh-place Belmont Stakes finish, said trainer John Shirreffs. “If something is atypical, we want to find the reason.” (DRF)
– Ouija Board disappointed in her four-year-old debut, losing a shoe and running seventh in the Prince of Wales’ Stakes at Ascot. Betting favorite Azamour won the race by one and a half lengths. (TT)
– After months of fretting that British racing would no longer have a home on Channel 4, a late deal between the TV station and several racecourses ensures that racing will remain on the air through 2006. Unfortunately (I think) for the British public, this means “egregious” racing pundit John McCririck will still be around. (Guar.) [Thanks to Our Man in England, Louis, for the links.]
– Send links, comments to railbird at jessicachapel dot com
Posted by JC in Miscellany on 06/16/2005 @ 9:30 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter
So, I’ve had TVG for two days now and in that time it has mostly delighted me, occasionally angered me, and sometimes — like now — confounded me. Harness racing at Hawthorne is on, showing to the strains of “Movin’ On Up,” which was preceded by “Gimme a Break” and “Good Times.” That’s right — sitcom theme songs. And I thought the dentist office muzak playing yesterday afternoon was bad. What gives with the bizarre musical accompaniment?
Posted by JC in Media/TV/Film on 06/15/2005 @ 8:00 pm / Follow @railbird on Twitter
