Ping: Visitors to Horse/Dog Racing Tracks

[kcchief19]

At my association, we bring in an out-of-town group to conduct judging for a contest we hold. Each year, we take the judges out for a big dinner and entertainment.

This year, we're considering a trip to the local racetrack for an evening of greyhound racing. Having never been but only heard reviews, I'm an unsure as to whether or not this will be something that will be over in a hurry or will last thru the evening.

For example, the track here in Kansas City has a 7 p.m. post time and about 15 races. How long does that take? I don't want this to be over in a half hour.

Also, what about simulcasting? Is that interesting to a casual observer or is that for only the cigar-munching crusted handicapper?

I'm curious in insight from our racetrack denizens and anyone else who has a suggestion. Thank you.

[Lathum]

I frequent the track often. An outing like this can be lots of fun. With the Greyhounds there is about 12-15 minutes between each race, so the card takes about 3 hours to go through, and since it is live even a casual bettor can have a great time. Someone can wager as little a $2 in most places, so even a non gambler can enjoy themselves for a minimum investment. I would stay away from simulcasting for an event like this. simulcasting is for the hard core player and for a casual observer it would be pretty boring. The whole fun of going to the track for the average person is picking a dog, then being able to go outside to the track and watch the dog run and yell and cheer with the rest of the crowd. There is little to no positive excitment with simulcasting.

Overall I think it can be a really fun evening, I hope this helps.

[Z²+]

With a 7:00 post time and 15 races, I'd expect it would run through at least 9:00, possibly as late as 10:00 or 10:30 (depending on the time between races - usually 10, 15, or 20 minutes). Only being familiar with thoroughbred races, I'm sure the race and loading times will be less for greyhound racing, but I would still guess it would run at least 2 hours.

As for simulcasting, if you can pick up a program for the host track, it might be worthwhile as some additional entertainment. If they are unfamiliar with handicapping, however, and are only picking based on the names and odds posted on the TV, it could grow tiresome quickly. But as for presentation, most tracks set up pretty decent simulcast feeds, with replays and commentary between the races. Certainly an option.

Hope that helped.

[Z²+]

Originally Posted by Lathum

The whole fun of going to the track for the average person is picking a dog, then being able to go outside to the track and watch the dog run and yell and cheer with the rest of the crowd. There is little to no positive excitment with simulcasting.

Apparently you don't consider whipping your side with your program and yelling at the horses (dogs) through the television screen to be exciting

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Z²+

Apparently you don't consider whipping your side with your program and yelling at the horses (dogs) through the television screen to be exciting

I do, however at simulcasting there is a lot less of this, usually it is just the guy who lost yelling at the jockey. For a casual fan it would be kind of strange to yell at a TV, where at a live race you can yell at the dog. I guess it's kind of like being at a game as opposed to watching it on TV.

[Z²+]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I do, however at simulcasting there is a lot less of this, usually it is just the guy who lost yelling at the jockey. For a casual fan it would be kind of strange to yell at a TV, where at a live race you can yell at the dog.

Interesting. At my local track, there is almost as much yelling at the simulcast TV's as there is at the live racing. Of course, that probably only means my track is filled with more degenerates than yours

Originally Posted by Lathum, again

I guess it's kind of like being at a game as opposed to watching it on TV.

Hmmm. I lose my voice every Sunday yelling at the TV screen. I may not be the best example. But I digress

[lynchjm24]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

At my association, we bring in an out-of-town group to conduct judging for a contest we hold. Each year, we take the judges out for a big dinner and entertainment.

This year, we're considering a trip to the local racetrack for an evening of greyhound racing. Having never been but only heard reviews, I'm an unsure as to whether or not this will be something that will be over in a hurry or will last thru the evening.

For example, the track here in Kansas City has a 7 p.m. post time and about 15 races. How long does that take? I don't want this to be over in a half hour.

Also, what about simulcasting? Is that interesting to a casual observer or is that for only the cigar-munching crusted handicapper?

I'm curious in insight from our racetrack denizens and anyone else who has a suggestion. Thank you.

It will take probably about 2.5 hours. How classy are the people you are taking. Most tracks are populated by a lot of scumbags... (I know from experience).

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by lynchjm24

It will take probably about 2.5 hours. How classy are the people you are taking. Most tracks are populated by a lot of scumbags... (I know from experience).

The general admission area is, but alot of tracks have more upscale catering areas. I would definantly go have a lokk around before booking anything.

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by lynchjm24

It will take probably about 2.5 hours. How classy are the people you are taking. Most tracks are populated by a lot of scumbags... (I know from experience).

Well, we rejected doing the event at art musem because it was too "haughty totty" and last year we did a barbecue at some sort of dude rance -- I missed that one.

I'm encouraged by the feedback. With this large of a group, it might be tough to get them there well ahead of post time, and I was fearful that since this races are like 30 seconds long that the whole schedule would be over in 30 minutes or an hour and suddenly it's 8:30 and they're showing us the door.

I've never been to the track here in town, but I hear that it is a fun and a good group activity. Thanks, everybody! I appreciate it!

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by Lathum

The general admission area is, but alot of tracks have more upscale catering areas. I would definantly go have a lokk around before booking anything.

Yeah, I believe the track here has a private function room, so I think you can get a little separation from the unwashed if that's your bag. Regardless, we took this group down to the jazz district for a pub crawl a couple of years ago -- now there were some scumbags. Well, technically hookers, pimps and chuds, but you get the drift.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

At my association, we bring in an out-of-town group to conduct judging for a contest we hold. Each year, we take the judges out for a big dinner and entertainment.

This year, we're considering a trip to the local racetrack for an evening of greyhound racing. Having never been but only heard reviews, I'm an unsure as to whether or not this will be something that will be over in a hurry or will last thru the evening.

For example, the track here in Kansas City has a 7 p.m. post time and about 15 races. How long does that take? I don't want this to be over in a half hour.

Also, what about simulcasting? Is that interesting to a casual observer or is that for only the cigar-munching crusted handicapper?

I'm curious in insight from our racetrack denizens and anyone else who has a suggestion. Thank you.

Wet t-shirt contest?

[lynchjm24]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

Yeah, I believe the track here has a private function room, so I think you can get a little separation from the unwashed if that's your bag. Regardless, we took this group down to the jazz district for a pub crawl a couple of years ago -- now there were some scumbags. Well, technically hookers, pimps and chuds, but you get the drift.

You might want to think about that. The track I go to is about 92% degenerate gambling scum at night. When I was unemployed and went 3 or so times a week I really loved to sit and watch those guys go crazy over their $1 quinellas.