JC / Railbird

Track Notes Archive

It’s All About the Up-sell

“The roiling sea of humanity that turns the Preakness Stakes infield into one of the biggest beer bashes in the country will be joined by upscale patrons at Pimlico Race Course this year.
“Taking a cue from other professional sports that increasingly cater to the wealthy, Magna Entertainment, which operates Pimlico, will offer new corporate packages, sponsorships and ticketing that emphasize luxury and exclusivity for the May 21 race. ‘Like a lot of other professional sports, we see an opportunity to up-sell,’ said Jim Gagliano, Magna’s executive vice president of Maryland racing operations. ‘This is the Super Bowl of racing in this region. We’re trying really hard to create opportunities for people to move into more comfortable settings.’
“Gagliano said revelers on the 35-acre infield will have virtually the same amount of space as in the past but they will lose most of their prime view of the homestretch for the second leg of racing’s Triple Crown. They can see the horses go around on the back side of the track but will watch the finish on scoreboard screens.” (Washington Post)
Related: Gary West pens an open letter to Magna chief Frank Stronach. “Can you lead this sport, and do you and your minions have any idea how to run a racetrack?” (Star-Telegram)

Posted in Track Notes on February 26, 2005

Through the Cracks

“Through the cracks, out of sight, out of mind. Not pretty.” That’s how the Lexington Herald-Leader, in a special report, sums up the working conditions backside workers face in Kentucky, where worker’s compensation doesn’t cover every exercise rider, groom, and hotwalker, and where injuries severe enough to warrant an ambulance call occur once a week on average.

Posted in Track Notes on January 23, 2005

Glitches Mar Gulfstream Opening

Gulfstream’s Monday opening ran into problems from the first race (which wasn’t finished) to the last race (which was cancelled). “The Pick 4 turned into a Pick 3, and the Pick 6 was a Pick 5. The jockeys were locked out of their changing room, and officials were trying to unjam the lock on the money room.” Rocks on the racing surface pelted riders, and fans waited in long, long lines to place bets. Monday was the first day of racing at the track since the grandstand was torn down at the end of last year’s meet. The extensive facilities renovations won’t be completed until next year. (Palm Beach Post)
More: “Meet gets off to bumpy start…. Many people were seen heading to the exits after the second race” (Daily Racing Form), and did Mr. Light set a world record in the ninth race? (Thoroughbred Times).
Also: Be sure to check out Gulfstream Park Journal for news and plays.

Posted in Track Notes on January 4, 2005