As we move forward with the next
phase of the Meadowlands project which consists of building a new grandstand at
a cost of around $90,000,000, I am becoming increasingly concerned over the
fact that it is becoming harder and harder to get horses to race at the
Meadowlands. It seems everybody likes to qualify their good horses but
when it comes to racing they would rather go someplace else. One wonders
does it really make sense to build a new grandstand and try to fill it with
customers young and old if there are not enough horses to race? Our
income is derived solely from wagering and only half as much as is bet on a
seven horse race as is bet on a ten horse race. The other option is to do
what our competitors do and only allocate 10% of our available purse money to
stakes races and 90% to overnights. Personally, I think that would be a
disaster for the industry especially in light of the problems we may face next
year in Canada
if WEG has to cut back on their stakes programs.
In any case, if any one has any
suggestions as to the type of races they would like to see us card at the
Meadowlands that would help alleviate this problem please email me at jgural@newmarkkf.com and I will discuss
it with the racing department.
I appreciate that everyone is
thrilled the Meadowlands is not going to close but the industry has to support
the racing program and not just pick and choose the stakes races if we are
going to survive. The next few weeks will be especially difficult now
that the sire stakes are ending and before the two year olds start up again so
any input would be greatly appreciated.
