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Post by ZenRider on Dec 14, 2015 2:52:36 GMT -5
Another end of an era? Bullshit if you ask me. The only tracks that will be left at this rate are corporate owned tracks. So much for 'small' independent business. Anyway, I may be there next Saturday for the end of my last decade as well. Um, turning 39, um, er, ya know, for the next 10 years...  Balmoral's final day isn't until December 26. It's been a long time since they ran Thoroughbreds there, but it's the kind of track that should be given the same reverence as Keeneland or the Red Mile in Kentucky. It's not just a shame, but it's a damn shame. |
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Post by Unbound on Dec 14, 2015 12:11:54 GMT -5
Is it just that there's not the support for them, it costs too much to run vs what they are bringing in? So sad to see the smaller tracks go. Enjoy your birthday there, at least!!  |
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Post by ZenRider on Dec 14, 2015 14:40:59 GMT -5
Actually, the problem was with politics, casinos, and the owners. www.nwitimes.com/business/gambling/storied-balmoral-park-goes-dark-next-year/article_2ad2ec59-d74c-52e1-a4f0-5f73a4f11387.html Maywood Park is also closing, but surprised that one hadn't closed a long time ago. That's about all the info I can drum up. It's a shame for the horsemen and race fans. I liked it, as it had a much more laid back atmosphere then you get at Arlington Park. However, it's Hawthorne Park in Cicero, IL that wins race dates with these closings, as they run harness and Thoroughbred seasons. It's a beautiful old facility and would be a shame to see it developed and not preserved. |
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Post by Truth on Dec 16, 2015 18:41:29 GMT -5
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Well, enjoy the track while it's still there. The owners going bankrupt isn't good. Would be nice if someone came along and bought it. The BIG problem is the horses that could (probably) be abandoned and ALL THOSE CATS! I REALLY feel for them. Anything exracers can help with?  |
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Post by ZenRider on Dec 16, 2015 21:17:18 GMT -5
Since Hawthorne is picking up some of their dates,and some of the trainers are looking east, I wouldn't worry about the horses too much. At least, none you'd normally not worry about at the end of a race season.
As for the barn cats, couldn't tell you.
I don't go there enough to know.
I didn't go there a lot, but liked to go once or twice a year. It was a good place to watch the Belmont.
Only time will tell as for what happens to it. Renovations will likely make it not cost effective for most, so...
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Post by ZenRider on Dec 19, 2015 17:18:41 GMT -5
Seems perhaps the exracer rescues that can, may want to be put on speed dial with Balmoral for any that may be left at the track. It's hard to tell if it's an idle threat or a reality. Either way, perhaps for those that can take a rescue in.... As for me, I can only afford one rescue (Guy) at a time. Remember, Zen was my 'resale' project. LOL, we see how well that went. Our twentieth anniversary is next year in October.  |
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Post by ZenRider on Dec 19, 2015 17:25:10 GMT -5
BTW, the greater irony is Balmoral Park took in more wagers then all but one other harness track.
It's survived similar issues before, but probably too much to hope for.
Though it will likely never be the same, as some of the cool old stuff on display there will likely be sold due to the bankruptcy.
Here's hoping something can happen and bring it back to life in 2017.
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Post by ZenRider on Jun 7, 2016 19:21:03 GMT -5
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