Re: People Paddock (525 Views)
Posted by:
richiebee (IP Logged)
Date: July 23, 2015 08:10AM
miff Wrote:
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> Trainer Gary Contessa fielded several questions
> about the basics of horse ownership and training,
> such as morning workouts and working with jockeys'
> agents, and announced that he would hold three fan
> education seminars this summer, one at his barn
> and two at the Hall of Fame.
[b]Which is about the only way this lifetime 10% trainer (who seems like a good
guy) will ever get in the Hall of Fame.
[/b]
> In addition to owners, Kay said horseplayers and
> fans are the most important people in racing. He
> said he is looking forward to the summer
> handicapping contests at Saratoga and to
> soliciting feedback from fans on the changes at
> the track.
[b]The impression I get from Kay is that he finds gambling of all sorts rather
unsavory, and would love to figure out how to operate a racetrack without
gambling and gamblers.
[/b]
> "I'm looking forward to seeing how people react,"
> he said. "The Walk of Fame, the new lower
> Carousel—how are people going to react to them?"
>
> While initial reactions have leaned toward the
> negative regarding some of the changes, the
> audience offered a mix of feedback, with the most
> vehement coming from those opposed to them.
> Nevertheless, Kay said he'd be out among NYRA's
> customers this summer.
>
> "I'm there every day," he said. "In the backyard,
> in the clubhouse, in the grandstand, asking people
> what they think."
[b]I think after one encounter with Frank D., Kay would reconsider mingling
with the masses and requisition a "Popemobile" like vehicle for his visits to
the clubhouse and grandstand.
I almost had a thrombo the first look I had at opening day entries -- the card
starts with 3 NYB races -- but overall the card is a good mix of turf/dirt,
short/long, classy/cheap and I hope Panza holds up his end this summer.
[/b]