what killed Northfield

[jay44224]

I was told once air conditioning was the killer of harness racing, drive-in theaters and many other entertainment venues of the past. People no longer have to find relief from the heat by going to the mountains or seashore where many of the old tracks were. At the time I thought this person was off his rocker - but lets face it technology has changed many things and add in the state governments big brother knows whats good for you attitude and the deck is stacked.

It will take some real innovation to turn it all around and I don't see it happening as the fight has been to survive not grow and prosper.

[racefanmike]

Back in the 70's, Northfield offered a back stretch tour to families.

Folks were given a tour of the barns and the paddock by some of
the trainers and grooms on the grounds.
They explained much of what went into harness racing, ie. shoing
training, lameness etc...
Kids were given some momentos, like horse shoes, and comic books, that basically gave the history of harness racing, including the story of messenger.
We even met some of the driving colony. And then we watched a qualifying race up close and personal.
Some of those kids, now in thier 40's still frequent the track, including me.

In 80's Northfield ran a wildly successful promotion called...
" Own a piece of a pacer" and benefited by creating many new
fans, by adding a personal interest in a horse or horses.

Personally, Ive introduced many people to harness racing, by
inviting them to the track when I had a horse running and then taking them to the backstretch after the race, to interact with
the horses. Feed em a carrot, pet them on the neck or nose, and
fall in love.
Most visit the track several times a year now!
Problem is, as with most 40 somethings is that they have kids.
Frankly Northfield is not "kid friendly". No video games, concession prices are too high, and seating choices for families is
an expensive clubhouse dinner or no place decent.

As far as attracting new owners, forget it. The $2000 purses
cannot support training, shoe and vet bill's on a 1/2 mile track.
Unless you are the trainer!

Listen, slots are not coming to Ohio. FORGET ABOUT IT!
Promote the product....!
HARNESS RACING! Raceway, Scioto, Thisldown THEY DO NOT HAVE SLOTS EITHER.
So offer a better product with more fan and gambler interaction
at the racing level.

Grade school field trips.... "Mom, Dad can we go watch some races
I was there and I know..."

Corporate challenges! Pick a horse to represent your company vs
rival companies etc... Offer a blanket to the winner.

True, Northfield is not as down and out as it was in the 70's, but,
it could be if the current trend continues.
With the top trainers drivers and horses leaving... so will the gamblers, online or otherwise.
The races are becoming less and less competetive, with the big
favorite winning, or a long shot no one could figure winning.
It seems like every race has 3-5 horses that really don't have a chance, looking more and more like Raceway Park...
What was thier handle?

[the believer]

The Northfield Park plans for the future ? Keith , is there a long range plan ? Keith , can you ask your bosses , would invest their money in some racehorses to race at Northfield Park , should the answer come back NO , WHY NOT

[thegiss]

admin said:

The Northfield Park plans for the future ? Keith , is there a long range plan ? Keith , can you ask your bosses , would invest their money in some racehorses to race at Northfield Park , should the answer come back NO , WHY NOT

They would not because they are not allowed to by the state. I have tried a couple of times and am not permitted to by my bosses, although the state does allow me to. If permitted, I would have two or three racing as quickly as possible.

Decent horses--let's say $8,000 claimers-- go for a decent purse and due to the defections to other tracks with slot-infused purses, the class is nowhere near as tough as it once was. Same for the $10-12.5-15. You can make fair money there.
You can also make money in nw2, with the earnings cap increased to $8k. Three years back, Gregg K was discussing dropping the $7,500 cap to $6K to make the class competitive, and now he has had to open it up to fill it. Many of those horses, if Ohio-bred, fit into the fair stakes program well, also.

Would I buy a $3 claimer or perrennial nw$200ps? Not unless I thought there was true upside. But there are classes here where money can be made.

There are a number of long and short range plans, including hosting charity poker and extreme fighting in the future. The belief is that we will draw warm bodies who, while waiitng for the fights or to get into a poker room, will wagre a few quid and that we can create some new players. For next year, you may see a big change in the state-wide racing calendar. Can't say more than that right now