Looking forward to:
1.Opening Day, just before Race # 1: Having the crowd join
race caller Tom Durkin with his classic "and They're off" call. Never
gets old.
2.Betting that first race at the windows: Even though I have
a Smartphone and can bet through my phone via NYRA rewards, or try the new Wi-Fi
betting platform at the track, there is something to be said for betting at the
windows and holding that piece of paper in your hand.
3.People watching: See # 1 -never gets old
4. Eating: Gambling is not enough for me. Yours truly likes
to eat while at the track. A Hattie's Chicken Sandwich (yes I will walk the
extra distance to the new spot in the Carousel area) and a Shake Shack Burger are a must.
5. Drinking: Yours truly also likes to drink
(responsibly). The Bar at the Post (aka
the Paddock bar) serves this purpose nicely, complete with betting machines
right on the bar. Also looking forward to checking out the new Beer Garden
in front of the Carousel.
6. Post Race Saratoga
Dining: Big fan of Maestro's, Wishing Well, One Caroline St. Bistro and
Hattie's. Looking forward to trying out new spots including Boca Bistro (on
Broadway).
7. Free Parking spots downtown: I have the perfect spot, free
and so close to Broadway it's almost comical how many people don't know you can
park there. Went to dinner last Saturday night, the town was packed but cruised
into my trusty spot with no problems while many drove around in circles looking
for a spot.
8. Seeing Friends: It's amazing how many people now bet from
home year round via the computer, tablet or Smartphone. Many of us have horse
racing friends through Twitter or other social media who we never actually meet
or see. But this is one track they do come out for, and Saratoga
is often the only time I see these people and it's a treat to socialize with
them.
2 comments:
Of course most couldn't join in the "and they're off" extravaganza because the PA NEVER worked in the grandstand. I mean NEVER, 10 races with no race calls. It reminded me of Keeneland back in the day. I didn't miss Serling, but a race call would have been nice.
How did that WiFi work for you? Best I could tell it NEVER worked.
Hattie's new location - a bit of a cluster. Their old location = Toga Burgers?
It would be nice to flush a toilet at "America's premier race meeting".
Why was the large video board near the paddock missing? It's the only way to check odds while evaluating the horses.
It's as if NYRA is caught off guard every year on opening day...
LJK -thanks for checking in. As i said above, I bet through the windows so never checked WiFi. Heard it was mostly out for most folks.
Agree on Hattie's location, a bit hard to find and they will sell less as a result. Clubhouse bathroom I used near section D had no water pressure in sinks after 3 pm.
Poor service, Have to better, We are the customer.
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