Gural the shake down artist

[toothman]

Would there be a M1 without him?
He did it by the seat of his pants
Deserves a wider berth IMHO
And yeah, its a bad optic when rules change that apply to trainers or drivers of  horses in which he has an interest.
He wouldn't be the first hypocrite in this business

[dougie]

Would there be a M1 without him?
He did it by the seat of his pants
Deserves a wider berth IMHO
And yeah, its a bad optic when rules change that apply to trainers or drivers of  horses in which he has an interest.
He wouldn't be the first hypocrite in this business

I agree. There's little doubt that the casino at the Big M has always been his dream. I've been there many times. I can't imagine harness racing without that track.

[Sweet]

I agree. There's little doubt that the casino at the Big M has always been his dream. I've been there many times. I can't imagine harness racing without that track.

Don't imagine it, it won't happen.  We're getting screwed in every way shape and form.  This is not the past, sadly.  He'll get his casino, with the kind of money they'll be racing for they'll all likely be junkies too.

The past is just that.

[Third Over]

Makin large bank with the Sportsbook kickback.. Definitely not losing $$.. love him or hate him he's a shrewd n savvy businessman, he loves the racing game but only the bottom line counts.

[G]

I had the honor of having dinner with Jeff and a mutual friend a few years ago.  Gural's prolly the biggest and best ambassador of our sport. What he did after the Tioga barn fire was heroic!

I couldn't agree more!  I've known Jeff for years,, you wouldn't wanna meet a nicer guy he's done more for the business than all of this website put together.

[ScrapeThePaint]

I couldn't agree more!  I've known Jeff for years,, you wouldn't wanna meet a nicer guy he's done more for the business than all of this website put together.

Jeff is a great guy who truly loves the sport. It amazes me to see some keyboard warriors trashing him because he wants a casino to support continued racing. Just because he is a wealthy guy does not mean he wants to lose money over year. Take him at his word. Love him or hate him, the Big M may not exist today if it wasn't for Jeff. He wants to continue racing at this track but also not lose money (aka get a Casino). I can't blame him. I don't see anyone else stepping up to purchase the track!

[Lockedin with Pace]

Was his motive from the start just to save racing or line his pockets from a casino? The bigger question is, if he didn't think there was a chance for a casino would he still have done what he did?

[dougie]

Jeff is a great guy who truly loves the sport. It amazes me to see some keyboard warriors trashing him because he wants a casino to support continued racing. Just because he is a wealthy guy does not mean he wants to lose money over year. Take him at his word. Love him or hate him, the Big M may not exist today if it wasn't for Jeff. He wants to continue racing at this track but also not lose money (aka get a Casino). I can't blame him. I don't see anyone else stepping up to purchase the track!

I think if he gets the casino, that place will be packed. It's such a great l.ocation. All those Jersey folks from be hitting those machines and table games. LOL!

[ScrapeThePaint]

Was his motive from the start just to save racing or line his pockets from a casino? The bigger question is, if he didn't think there was a chance for a casino would he still have done what he did?

Honestly that's irrelevant. He has made it clear : 1) He Loves Harness Racing & 2) He loses Money operating the Meadowlands. We all know the landscape has changed and he needs a casino to continue running it without losing Money, I don't think there is anything wrong with what he wants, which is to continue racing there and operating a casino so he indeed does make Money. Whether he gets the casino or not, is an entirely different discussion, but if you love the sport and the BigM, you should support his efforts.

[ScrapeThePaint]

I think if he gets the casino, that place will be packed. It's such a great l.ocation. All those Jersey folks from be hitting those machines and table games. LOL!

YUP, and the purse structure will be very healthy!

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Everything else aside, if you are a fan or a bettor, even if you only go to the track occasionally, you would rather see a track that gets a casino with Gural than a casino company.