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Hello and happy Monday.

Enjoyed watching opening day at Harrah's Chester yesterday-- those two Betsy Ross mares' paces were fantastic. But I wasn't there to enjoy the atmosphere. So now it is your turn. What did you think of Opening Day? And what do you think generally about racing in PA being afternoon affairs rather than evening events?

Some folks have written to me lately to suggest that the powers-that-be who run the racinos don't want racing fans taking up parking spots from slots players at night-- hence the early start times. Do you buy that? Let me know.

-Andrew

Comments

Warren said...

I find the place cheaply built and not racing fan friendly. Small tote board and bad sound are the same as grand opening day. Those tiny seats couldn't have cost them more than $3 each. The winners circle is on the first turn. Was there last year and with the sun beating down on all of that concrete, I couldn't stay for the 4th race.

posted at 5:19 PM on Apr 21st 2008

Mark A said...

Aside from that the weather was great and the fans did turn out. Being a standardbred owner myself I noticed quite a few other owners I recognized and it would be nice to think that there were many more "non horsepeople" in the stands to enjoy the racing.

As I was watching yesterday afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder just how great it would be if the had installed lights and offered a night time card occasionally. I'm in favor of the day racing as long as it doesn't kill Freehold's program ( think Liberty Bell - Brandywine rivalry where they fought each other) and also think that they could have special night racing programs on a limited basis. Imagine if you were to recruit local sports radio / tv personalities to participate in an amateur event on the Battle of the Brandywine night card....full of promotions and giveaways which of course could be linked to betting vouchers for the casino's after the racing card has been completed. You'd have the publicity on both tv and radio from the personalities participating in the event, increased media coverage via both the aforementioned media vehicles, giveaways to attract fans to a great night time card under the lights and something to keep them at the casino after the races are finished. Everyone wins.

Throw in the large video monitor in the infield with a better PA system, losing ticket invites to join a group photo in the winners circle every few races and you'd have quite a party!

posted at 2:13 PM on Apr 21st 2008

Jonathan Klee said...

Andrew,

I went to Chester yesterday and it was absolutely a beautiful day. The facility is gorgeous and for watching races the track is 2nd to none. The crowd was very large and lines at the windows were 3 to 4 deep. I was surprised by the amount of children and families. It was nice to see. However, I do have a few suggestions and comments .

1) They need betting windows outside. It's a pain to bet because if you want a teller you have to go inside and wait on line.

2) The tote board is awful. It doesn't list exacta or double possabilities. They need to get a Large TV in the infield which displays what everyone sees on the simulcast.

3) The paddock is very unfriendly to visitors. If you are not an owner you are not allowed by the horses. The only way to promote the sport is to allow visitors in the paddock. Especially adult family members.

4) The sound system needs adjustment. You could barely hear the track announcer over the crowd and for the 1st two races they had no sound. For this reason, I'm not sure if the sound being so low was intentional or a technical glitch.

All in all it's a beautiful facility and has all the tools to really attract big crowds.

posted at 1:20 PM on Apr 21st 2008

Opening Day at Chester-- So How Was It?

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