Beulah, River Downs the next to go...

ALostTexan · #1 08-19-2008, 04:03 AM

Looks like Beulah and River Downs will be the next two tracks to fall. Bloodhorse is reporting that they have both only requested very short QH meets next year. This was my fear all along when the slot Amendment failed in 2006.

I have never been to River Downs, but Beulah is a great little track, and there will be a few that will miss it.

mik9872 · #2 08-19-2008, 08:53 AM

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

otisotisotis · #3 08-19-2008, 08:56 AM

I believe there is another gambling issue in the works for this year in Ohio.
While the quality of the River is not great, I've always enjoyed the atmosphere.

jwkniska · #4 08-19-2008, 11:07 AM

Unfortunately, the gambling issue in OH will probably not get passed (mom and dad are voting in favor of it).

Also, there is a consideration that will convert Cooper Stadium (where the AAA baseball team plays now, but is getting a new stadium next year) into a horse track.
If they do that, then Beulah will go and get upgraded to the new facility.

philcski · #5 08-19-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwkniska

Unfortunately, the gambling issue in OH will probably not get passed (mom and dad are voting in favor of it).

Also, there is a consideration that will convert Cooper Stadium (where the AAA baseball team plays now, but is getting a new stadium next year) into a horse track.
If they do that, then Beulah will go and get upgraded to the new facility.

I think they're considering converting it to an auto racing facility, as per my columbus friends...

jballscalls · #6 08-19-2008, 12:25 PM

very sad news from the buckeye state

hoovesupsideyourhead · #7 08-19-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philcski

I think they're considering converting it to an auto racing facility, as per my columbus friends...

that worked out great for sportsmans park lol

Benny Leger · #8 08-19-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otisotisotis

I believe there is another gambling issue in the works for this year in Ohio.
While the quality of the River is not great, I've always enjoyed the atmosphere.

I agree 100 % Gary. It's a beautiful little track on the banks of the Ohio River for those who have never been there. Been going there since I was a kid with my Dad starting in the 60's. It's a piece of Cincinnati history. With a steady rise in all the surrounding states getting slots, purses have plummented. No incentive there to buy or Breed Ohio breds. Racino issue failed after the Firm who was hired to promote the on track slots did a horrible job. If RD goes down it will take many nearby family owned businesses with it. With a Racino and increased purses, IMO it could be a jewel.

Benny Leger · #9 08-19-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwkniska

Unfortunately, the gambling issue in OH will probably not get passed (mom and dad are voting in favor of it).

The Bible thumpers won't allow it to pass.

2MinsToPost · #10 08-19-2008, 06:38 PM

I have a lot to say on this topic and will cause most of you know this is my backyard we are talkin bout. If I get time tonight I will, otherwise tomorrow I am going to shed some light on this.

2MinsToPost · #11 08-19-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philcski

I think they're considering converting it to an auto racing facility, as per my columbus friends...

100% correct

2MinsToPost · #12 08-19-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benny Leger

I agree 100 % Gary. It's a beautiful little track on the banks of the Ohio River for those who have never been there. Been going there since I was a kid with my Dad starting in the 60's. It's a piece of Cincinnati history. With a steady rise in all the surrounding states getting slots, purses have plummented. No incentive there to buy or Breed Ohio breds. Racino issue failed after the Firm who was hired to promote the on track slots did a horrible job. If RD goes down it will take many nearby family owned businesses with it. With a Racino and increased purses, IMO it could be a jewel.

I go once a week on average during live racing, drive from Columbus. Love it, a diamond in the rough with a great turf course. Racebook is so nice as well.

SilverRP · #13 08-19-2008, 07:06 PM

This news makes me think my home track (Remington) may not be around too much longer. Got slots a few years ago, but haven't seen purses go up much.

#14 08-19-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2MinsToPost

I have a lot to say on this topic and will cause most of you know this is my backyard we are talkin bout. If I get time tonight I will, otherwise tomorrow I am going to shed some light on this.

Thank god. I was worried you weren't going to chime in.

*patiently waits*

Benny Leger · #15 08-19-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2MinsToPost

I go once a week on average during live racing, drive from Columbus. Love it, a diamond in the rough with a great turf course. Racebook is so nice as well.

I was at Indiana Downs today. Huge renovation going on there including Hotel, Casino and Golf Course. Temporary Casino(monster, airplane hanger looking, tent ) is open and packed. When finished, 5k claimers will be running for 15k-20k purses. 50 min. drive from Cincy. Why would you run at RD for 4k purse. Ohio is Stupid !!!

skippy3481 · #16 08-20-2008, 12:11 AM

Benny how are you going to drop into my backyard without letting me know? What indiana downs is doing slow wise, is pretty nice although the racebook itself has always been top notch for a small track. They just never had any patrons. They are really pushing slot players into trying horses, but I'm not sure how that is faring.

I hope it raises the level of purses and the level of horses. Go there on a typical weeknight and its 2 t-breds, two quarterhorses, a plow horse, 2 donkeys, a mule, and the outrider. Great atmosphere just horrible racing.

ALostTexan · #17 08-20-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverRP

This news makes me think my home track (Remington) may not be around too much longer. Got slots a few years ago, but haven't seen purses go up much.

With Scott Wells running Remington I think they are safe. My fear is the parent company, and what they might have to do with Remington.

otisotisotis · #18 08-20-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benny Leger

I agree 100 % Gary. It's a beautiful little track on the banks of the Ohio River for those who have never been there. Been going there since I was a kid with my Dad starting in the 60's. It's a piece of Cincinnati history. With a steady rise in all the surrounding states getting slots, purses have plummented. No incentive there to buy or Breed Ohio breds. Racino issue failed after the Firm who was hired to promote the on track slots did a horrible job. If RD goes down it will take many nearby family owned businesses with it. With a Racino and increased purses, IMO it could be a jewel.

And everytime I go there on the weekends, there are really great on-track crowds (which is quite amazing considering the product). But there is a bit of family atmosphere mixed in with the hard core types.
I always thought they missed the boat not having night racing, especially considering how muggy Cincy summers can be.

Benny Leger · #19 08-20-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skippy3481

Benny how are you going to drop into my backyard without letting me know? What indiana downs is doing slow wise, is pretty nice although the racebook itself has always been top notch for a small track. They just never had any patrons. They are really pushing slot players into trying horses, but I'm not sure how that is faring.

I hope it raises the level of purses and the level of horses. Go there on a typical weeknight and its 2 t-breds, two quarterhorses, a plow horse, 2 donkeys, a mule, and the outrider. Great atmosphere just horrible racing.

Returning from Indy when I saw the Temporary Casino tent. Couldn't resist stopping in for a few hours to check out what's going on there.

sdjcom · #20 08-20-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik9872

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

These small tracks are not rubbish, but provide the same jobs, training and livelihood for many people. I remenber Steve Cauthen riding his first full meet at River downs 1976, and it and Beulah are small very charming tracks.If you
are a true horseracing fan then any track closing is not good for the whole game. I bet the small tracks and do just as well as the big tracks. besides their money is the color green to. And i bet if you took away on video the track name the posted fractions, you could not tell if you was watching a
grade 1 or 5,000 claimers. They have exciting races too, just slower.