An Opportunity Wasted

[Edgorman]

Would it be so difficult for a racetrack PR department to call CNN and ask them, during their sports segments listing all shut downs, to mention that racetracks are open??  And, you can wager from home!!

[TGJB]

The problem is you’re thinking logically.

[Silver Charm]

Fox Business just mentioned it. Race Tracks are open.

Interview a Vegas Casino guy and they want consideration for a Govt Handout like Cruise Ships etc....

[ajkreider]

Well, if you walk into a sports book, it\'s your only option.  Wouldn\'t be shocked to see the non-racing degenerates pile into Oaklawn\'s pools this week.

[shanahan]

E - I\'ll bet they have, but it\'s not a real positive headline like horse deaths or drugging horses. THAT, they have time for...THIS is CNN.  I remember CNN back in the day when Ted had it as a real news organization.

You make a good point, though.  When I retired the 1st time, I wanted to work for a track in PR and do the kind of thing you refer to.  And have gift shops sell quality merchandise like they do in real sports, not the crap you see everywhere you go in racing (sorry KNLD, even your stuff is less brand quality than it used to be - at east clothing).  It\'s embarrassing what the Del Mar shops are selling , let alone GP.
I will say this for a track that has suddenly realized why all those TX license plates are at Oaklawn - purses up at Lone Star, commercials regularly for the last month on sports radio, expectations high.  I didn\'t go one day last meet to Lone Star.  I\'ll be there this year.  It ain\'t hard.  Regualrly have 2,000, but if there is a promotion - even $1 beer that has expiration date - it\'s 9,000.

[hellersorr]

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for horse racing.  (At least I hope it is.)

Flood the Intertubes with FREE past performances.

And, when the crisis passes, keep those past performances free.

Oh, and lower takeout.  That too.

[johnnym]

Takeout should be lower during these times less employees to pay.
Only game in town for gambling larger pools.
Promote the crap out of it

[johnnym]

https://mobile.twitter.com/retro411/status/1240255150033383424/photo/1

[Michael D.]

People are hoping for a 10f race on May 2.

Why not run the Travers at Aqu or Bel on May 2? Stronach could hold the Preakness at GP, then back to NY for the Belmont 3 weeks later.

They could fill the usual Travers day card with the new turf triple races.

[jma11473]

The best wager anyone here could make would be to book the bets of anyone who thinks there will be still be racing in the New York City area on May 2nd.

[TGJB]

Maybe. The kicker is that NYRA and other tracks are providing tax revenue for the states.

[JimP]

So were MLB, NBA, and NHL, but they shut down.

[TGJB]

They needed live gate. TGPS handle is up over 60%. On line data sales are down a little.

[jma11473]

https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/news/nyra-suspends-live-racing-at-aqueduct-racetrack

[JimP]

Well, didn’t take long for the shutdowns to start. More to follow.