* We attended the Open House last Sunday for the new Mountain Trail Training Center in Grantville, Pa., which is being operated by Penn National’s leading trainer Murray Rojas and Ronald “Jeff” Greener, of RJG Racing Management, LLC. The facility has received a lot of TLC since Rojas and Greener took ownership in September, including a newly-refurbished swimming pool, new fencing, rehabbed barns, and the addition of an AquaPacer, with many more changes to come. Mountain Trail is located right across the road from the Penn National stablegate.
* It is a shame that New York City OTB has shut down, and taken with it a large chunk of revenue. But racing history buffs will recall that, back in the 1970’s when the first parlors opened, it was NYC OTB that effectively drove a stake through the heart of on-track attendance at Belmont and Aqueduct. Remember those big crowds at Aqueduct on a Saturday afternoon in the spring, or during the summer at Belmont? Those crowds by and large shrank to one-quarter of their former size, especially during the week, as bettors began frequenting the convenient OTB parlors. Here's what it looked like before:
...and after:
* Being a Jersey girl, my heart goes out to those involved in that state’s racing and breeding industries as the state begins the process of “getting out of the business.” Since Monmouth Park was the very first track I ever attended, I hold it with special reverence, and pray it continues to offer live racing for many decades to come.
While we're on the topic of Monmouth Park, our dear friend Steve Schwartz, the former media relations manager for Monmouth and the Meadowlands, passed away recently. Steve truly loved this game and was a devoted and skilled handicapper. We will sorely miss his frequent e-mails touting 3-5 shots that “can’t lose.”
* Just one person’s opinion here - we’re not a big fan of synthetic racing surfaces, but Philadelphia Park … er, Parx Racing … and Penn National seem to be prime candidates for a switch to the plastic. Both tracks race year-round and lose several days each winter due to unsafe conditions caused by snow and ice, freezing and thawing. Even when racing is able to be conducted during the dead of winter, morning training can be treacherous when the track “balls up” overnight.
* Speaking of snow and ice, thank goodness the live racing season at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa. has concluded for the year. Monster snowstorms have enveloped the area recently, with more snow in the forecast this weekend. Check it out:
* Our 3-year-old filly, Harvest of Hope, is making her career debut in tomorrow’s last race at Parx Racing. Needless to say, there are some “nervous Nellies” in the Dougherty household! Win or lose, it’s been a lot of fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment