Well written, and worth reading. Also check out the slide show.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/15/sports/a-last-hurrah-for-hollywood-park.html?pagewanted=all
Fantastic article Vic! Thanks for posting!
Stories that needed to be told, about people who deserve it.
Dick van Patten is such a great guy ... I'm happy they covered him. He loves my girlfriend. His eyes always light up and he gives her a hug. She tells him he's her track dad. He loves it. Sweet sweet guy. :)
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Be interesting to see if the closing of HP in one short week will even make the national news. Bet the story never makes local news in my area! :(
Quote from: Blue Jeans on December 15, 2013, 10:03:00 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Be interesting to see if the closing of HP in one short week will even make the national news. Bet the story never makes local news in my area! :(
The track workers are saying all of the box seats for closing weekend are sold out ... so at least it should be a nice crowd to send her off.
Quote from: The Tin Man on December 15, 2013, 05:38:16 PM
The track workers are saying all of the box seats for closing weekend are sold out ... so at least it should be a nice crowd to send her off.
Thanks for the heads-up and the link, Vic.
Horse racing and its 20%+ "take" on all bets could survive and even flourish when it was the only legal gambling venue around, decades ago.
Now, slot machines (taking just 1-2% per "pull" of the machine, i.e., per play) and sports wagering (with a 10% vigorish per bet, meaning that you lose 5% per bet if you pick 50% winners, which anyone can do by flipping a coin) are much more attractive wagers than horse racing.
The sport has always survived and flourished based not on the passion of its fans for the horses and the racing, but instead on the total handle, the amount bet per year. And that handle has not been increasing fast enough, if at all, in recent years to cover the increased costs of doing business.
There is a direct but inverse correlation between the increase in availability of gambling outlets with significantly lower "takes" (slot machines and sports wagering, through casinos, and off-shore "casinos) and the decline of horse racing. Attempting to attract "new fans" (in the younger age group) to increase racing's chances of survival has always been a brain-head idea. Casual fans who bet insignificant amounts of money will not help racing's bottom line.
That's been proven by programs such as Churchill Down's "Downs After Dark" series, which attracted big time crowds of 30,000 or so young hipsters on Friday nights, only to see the handle for such nights actually fall below Friday afternoon crowds of 10,000. Young hipsters drink and socialize, but don't bet. To watch race tracks try such tactics shocks me; it shows that have little knowledge of who really bets big money, and why handle is flat.
They would be wiser to try and figure out a way to cut the "take" from 20% to 12-13% in hopes that money from "sharp" big time bettors would return to racing, given how the better odds would give them a serious chance of winning. As it stands now, with a 20% take, only big time math and computer-based syndicates wagering at off-shore syndicates, where they receive 10% or so in rebates on losing bets, have a chance to win any money on a consistent basis.
There is no way to reverse the trend of horse racing's decline, other than to try to expand world-wide wagering on American horse racing via the internet on web sites owned by the individual race tracks. I suspect, however, that as long as off-shore "casinos" continue to offer rebates on amounts wagered, there is no viable way for the American race tracks to tap into that market successfully.
Quote from: The Tin Man on December 15, 2013, 05:38:16 PM
The track workers are saying all of the box seats for closing weekend are sold out ... so at least it should be a nice crowd to send her off.
HOPE IT IS TRUE and the folks actually show up! AND I hope they get the SPEAKERS ON THE TRACK turned ON so folks can hear the race calls...
Quote from: Dusty on December 15, 2013, 11:12:18 PM
HOPE IT IS TRUE and the folks actually show up! AND I hope they get the SPEAKERS ON THE TRACK turned ON so folks can hear the race calls...
Yeah, I noticed that too when I was at HP Saturday. Standing near the finish line, I couldn't hear anything said over the PA system all day. It was frustrating while they were showing old Hollywood Futurity races, trying to figure out which year it was and which horse we should be watching.
. . . and here is a nice article from the DRF about HP's history.
http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-what-run-it-had
. . . and yet another DRF column on HP, with a different take on it.
http://www.drf.com/news/mary-simon-hollywood-park-wont-be-forgotten
I had the pleasure to visit Betfair Hollywood Park last weekend. I was awed by the people, horses, structure and atmosphere.
I had a chance to go to the Breeders Cup championships at Santa Anita or Hollywood Park and it was not even close which option we would take. The history of the Track of Lakes and Flowers, which I had no idea was its nickname, is a beautiful example of one of the nation's most iconic horse racing venues.
Arriving at the track directly from the airport, we were greeted with the burnt yellow visage in the back which displayed renditions of the most famous silks to grace the track including a special showcase for recent Hollywood Gold Cup winners. There were Charles Howard's, Louis Shapiro's, etc.
Once through the gates, one feels like they are on a desert isle of sorts. Palms trees of all sizes are planted throughout the track's environs. The paddock was large and totally accessible to patrons being surrounded by a low white fence. The horses came out along a long path which wound from the far end to the track to the paddock so the general public had ample time to observe them as they made their way to the paddock stalls. Once saddled they moved into the Garden Paddock, so-called for its rich flora, which easily accommodated 15 horses or more. Often there were 8-10 horses schooling in the paddock in addition to those running in the particular race. My wife and I noted that we had never been to a track which seemed to promote paddock schooling as much as BHP does.
For a first time visitor, the signage was lacking and as a result we ended up venturing through the tunnel to the clubhouse box seats rather than taking the regular entrance up the ramp. The weekday policy allows visitors to occupy any unoccupied seats/boxes they wish during the week. On the weekends, one can get a four seat box for eight dollars.
Our view, not far from the finish line and winner's circle, was perfect. Near us was the TVG crew and a display of past American Oaks winners. Immediately in front there were the 2012 winners on four statuettes with painted on jockey silks for the prominent races including The Vanity, the Charles Whittingham, and the Hollywood Gold Cup. It was sad to think that the 2013 winners would never be shown.
The dark cushion track makes an excellent contrast with the lush greenery surrounding the track even in December. The infield is where you really get the sense of why this is the Track of Lakes and Flowers. There are at least two lakes - one opposite the grandstand and one opposite the clubhouse. Despite many of the resident flamingos being rounded up weeks before to go to their new home, two outliers managed to escape and decorated the clubhouse lake with their brilliant pink. And there is more than meets the eye in the infield. Landaluce and Great Communicator are buried there out near a patch of three tall palm trees and a short one. Unknown is the infield gravesite of the Mexican Man o' War, Gay Dalton. And, of course, Native Diver is buried as well in the Garden Paddock.
The fourth race on the card was our first to see. It was an emotional experience to imagine all the horses that had run at this track during its seventy-five year history.
While there, we sampled good cheeseburgers from The Paddock Grill, a hearty chef salad and generous portion of homemade macaroni and cheese from the first floor Food Court, and pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwiches and drinks from Whittingham's Pub & Deli.
The next day we headed to the track kitchen to take advantage of Steve Haskin's suggestion to enjoy breakfast from the BHP kitchen terrace. Only then did we get a true appreciation for the scale of the BHP plant. Not only is there the track complex, but also a huge seating complex as a part of the adjoining casino.
The food cannot be beat at this track kitchen. The breakfast sandwich is outstanding with ham, cheese, and egg on a thick toast. I had it with some of the best salsa I have ever had. Watch it, though. It has a kick. I also enjoyed the sausage, egg and cheese sandwich on an English muffin and I had to try the Zenyatta omelette with spinach. I had salsa on these, as well.
The backstretch seems particularly modern, at least when compared to older tracks like Saratoga and Churchill Downs. The barns are made of fire safe cinder blocks which provide housing above them for the workers. The passageways inside and out are wide. And there is even a smaller half mile exercise track in the far back.
Arriving at the Turf Club entrance on our second day of racing we seemingly took a step back in time to another era seeing the gold horse head doors bidding patrons to the most exclusive seating areas offered at the track. This entrance also boasted being adjacent to a shady stream and garden which offered a respite during the summer months and in the winter provided some eye candy. Nearby is the statue of Swaps with Willie Shoemaker up which stands in front of one of the main entrances on one side, and on the other includes all the past Hollywood Gold Cup winners.
I did happen to walk the various floors from grandstand to clubhouse, one end to the other. While some of the seating areas were closed, as chance would have it a gate was open and so I wandered in. There were old posters, vendor images of food, and a glimpse back at the bygone era when the entire track was still being utilized. It is an incredible structure.
One of the most memorable experiences we had was hearing the roar of the paltry crowd of seven thousand attendees during the Native Diver Stakes. And it was a roar. It seemed like many more were there than attendance indicated. And it made me reflect on just what the stands might sound like with 50,000 there again. Unfortunately, it seems like we will never know.
And then there was the main event - the Hollywood Futurity. Horse racing enthusiasts had dubbed this last field one of the strongest for this race. After observing the horses in the paddock, I ventured down to the top of the stretch to see the horses before they headed to the post. After getting pictures, I moved quickly to the starting gate a 1/16th mile in front of the finish line, and finally finished the race at the finish line. Shared Belief did not disappoint giving a quality performance as has been detailed in other threads.
My wife and I thought the track resembled Gulfstream Park a lot because of its tropical location. Having only visited Gulfstream for the first time recently after they built the new track plant, though, this was an opportunity to step back in time and experience one of the past's true racing cathedrals live and in-person.
I feel for those two flamingoes not wanting to leave Hollywood Park. We did not want to leave either. It seemed that we were just getting to know BHP's charm and majesty and it was time to go.
Farewell BHP and thanks for the memories.
Fantastic post Taz and great summation of HollyParks glory! Glad you two loved it so much and appreciate it as much as we locals do.
In fact, your write up was so good ... I wish DRF or Bloodhorse would come out with something like it. HollyPark deserves all the tributes it can get.
Wish the ownership cared about it ... and I love and appreciate that the trainers and owners do. They all pretty much adore this track. Liebau and his cronies suck. Freaking vultures!
Unbelieveable post, MOT. Higher quality writing than you find in the DRF, that's for sure. Thanks for taking the time to write such a great piece.
Now I don't feel like such an oddball for preferring HP to SA!
THANK YOU Man O Taz - that touched my heart - well written - and fitting
Sounds like you had one heckuva weekend thanks for sharing. I wish I could have visited that track
Quote from: Senator L on December 21, 2013, 06:01:56 AM
Sounds like you had one heckuva weekend thanks for sharing. I wish I could have visited that track
I wish so too. It is truly a gem. Best track, best paddock, best winner's circle, traditionally safest track(most important), most beautiful gardening and infield and backside in SoCal IMO.
Background scenery goes to Santa Anita. Love Clocker's Corner too!
Del Mar ... Meh ... I've nothing good to say about it ...
Quote from: The Tin Man on December 21, 2013, 08:26:01 AM
I wish so too. It is truly a gem. Best track, best paddock, best winner's circle, traditionally safest track(most important), most beautiful gardening and infield and backside in SoCal IMO.
Background scenery goes to Santa Anita. Love Clocker's Corner too!
Del Mar ... Meh ... I've nothing good to say about it ...
What? NOTHING good to say about Del Mar?
I'll say three good things about it!
First, its racing in 70 degree temps with the sun shining.
Second, ten to twenty five thousand people routinely attend the races there, especially on weekends, unlike the three-four thousand people crowds that usually attend at HP and SA.
Third, the people that go to the races at Del Mar are primarily young, and are obviously having a great time. Unlike the primarily old, sad, down on their luck crowds we see at HP (especially) and at SA.
Come on, Tin Man. NOTHING good to say about Del Mar?
Taz, thanks for posting the wonderful visit you and your wife had recently at HP. Felt like I was there!
Wish 60 Minutes/ CBS Sunday Morning Show would feature the closing of HP this weekend. Of course, I wished that last weekend, but I'll stay tuned just in case. :(
Quote from: The Tin Man on December 21, 2013, 08:26:01 AM
I wish so too. It is truly a gem. Best track, best paddock, best winner's circle, traditionally safest track(most important), most beautiful gardening and infield and backside in SoCal IMO.
Background scenery goes to Santa Anita. Love Clocker's Corner too!
Del Mar ... Meh ... I've nothing good to say about it ...
I so agree with Tin Man - I do not "do" DelMar - not comfy - not friendly and too dang small - once it is no longer a boutique meet we shall see how the attendance goes
Switched channels just in the nick of time last time (from NBC to CBS) for the last half of the evening news, and the closing of HP was featured! Cheers to CBS!
Who knows? All the main news shows might mention the closing sometime today.
Glad you all enjoyed.
It was a very special visit.
The people were so friendly everywhere. I will treasure the acquaintances.
The horses are among the best in the country.
And the facility despite its age was wonderful to witness.
I do wish we could have stayed longer or that we had made the trip sooner.
I do not know if HRTV was doing anything on the track, but TVG had its 90 minute special narrated my Mr. Stauffer and then showed clips throughout the last weekend.
The horse racing community in the United States, nay even the world, will be less for its loss.