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General Category => Harness Racing => Topic started by: dougie on June 11, 2025, 10:41:24 AM

Title: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: dougie on June 11, 2025, 10:41:24 AM
My week at Saratoga, while expensive despite me winning about $800, taught me that the "runners" still draw some diverse crowds. While tempered by the fact that kids were still in school, and some decided to watch it on there flatscreens, the crowds were, for the most part very festive. A lot of under 30 folks drinking, eating, and doping the form showed me that "the game" still  lives. And although Saratoga is dismal when the rain pour down, it was a great fun anyway. Then off to Monticello. Maybe 30 folks in the crowd. Heads down, trying to figure whose turn it was, I tried to think of it's glory days. Sadly they are gone. It was fun chatting with a few local and I lost a quick hundred. But the contrast between the tracks were stark. But with Monticello, I still have those great memories. And a great bagel place. I bought 3 dozen back to Maine.
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: The Exporter on June 11, 2025, 11:20:59 AM
I am happy you had a good time. It is so sad the stark differences in harness and runners. A Saratoga Belmont Stakes crowd being compared to a Monticello everyday crowed is like comparing Zippy Chippy to Niatross. 
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: RR70s on June 11, 2025, 01:05:10 PM
It is sad in many ways when you go to certain tracks like Monticello. You remember the summers, fireworks nights, friends or family there with you, and big crowds in 70’s and 80’s. The fact they’re gone is really a shame. I went to Freehold before it closed and got the same feeling. My work used to take me around the U.S. and Canada so I’ve been to every track in North America which brings back good memories.
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: Stan durbread on June 11, 2025, 07:43:44 PM
My week at Saratoga, while expensive despite me winning about $800, taught me that the "runners" still draw some diverse crowds. While tempered by the fact that kids were still in school, and some decided to watch it on there flatscreens, the crowds were, for the most part very festive. A lot of under 30 folks drinking, eating, and doping the form showed me that "the game" still  lives. And although Saratoga is dismal when the rain pour down, it was a great fun anyway. Then off to Monticello. Maybe 30 folks in the crowd. Heads down, trying to figure whose turn it was, I tried to think of it's glory days. Sadly they are gone. It was fun chatting with a few local and I lost a quick hundred. But the contrast between the tracks were stark. But with Monticello, I still have those great memories. And a great bagel place. I bought 3 dozen back to Maine.
To compare apples to apples stop by Saratoga in December and let us know how the crowd is
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: SwankToliverA on June 11, 2025, 07:54:25 PM
I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Saratoga and Monticello.
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: dougie on June 11, 2025, 08:01:25 PM
Thanks SwankTollver!
Title: Re: From the "Spa" to Monticello.....worlds apart.
Post by: SwankToliverA on June 12, 2025, 12:17:11 AM
Thanks SwankTollver!

You're welcome.
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