JC / Railbird

Track Notes Archive

Union Drive Comes to Naught

“Known as the Fox, [Diego] Sotelo assumed the role of labor agitator in an industry historically unwelcoming to unions. At Santa Anita Park, about 15 miles east of Los Angeles, he threatened a strike by the stable hands — the grooms, hot walkers and exercise riders, known as backstretch workers and hired by the trainers — just before the racing season resumes the morning after Christmas.
“Backstretch workers in California have lived in such squalor that the state, embarrassed by newspaper reports, passed a battery of laws three years ago guaranteeing minimum pay and living standards in an industry to which they did not apply.
“Mr. Sotelo says little has changed.” Unfortunately for him, and California backstretch workers, track security guards put an end to Mr. Sotelo’s union organizing efforts and he has been banned from Santa Anita. (New York Times)

Posted in Track Notes on December 15, 2004

Tampa Transformed

Ten years ago, Tampa Bay Downs was a cheap track without a turf course and little to offer horseplayers. Since then, “The transformation has been remarkable. Someone at Tampa Bay Downs figured out they key to success is to give the horseplayer what he or she wants: grass racing, big fields and competitive races that produce sizeable payoffs. More so than perhaps any track in the country, Tampa Bay Downs offers a nice portion of all three.” The racing at Tampa isn’t the classiest — the track is one of the few places cheap claiming horses from tracks such as Suffolk Downs and Finger Lakes can run during the winter — but players don’t seem to mind. The opening day handle totaled more than $3.1 million. (ESPN)
Related: “Tampa Bay Downs sets records” (St. Petersburg Times)
For Suffolk fans: Those interested in keeping track of Suffolk jockeys and trainers this winter at tracks such as Tampa, Charles Town, and Philadelphia Park should check out the frequently updated Simo-Steam page on the Downs’ web site.

Posted in Track Notes on December 13, 2004

When Visiting

Tampa Bay Downs opens two weeks before Christmas and visitors to the track are reminded: Don’t bet on 3-5 favorites. Don’t fall in love with jockeys. “Finally, do not yell ‘Die, you 4! Die like a dog!’ at the television screen.” (Bradenton Herald)

Posted in Track Notes on December 5, 2004