Ten Tracks Race Fans Should Visit
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Shammy Davis
- Chef de Race: Classic
- Posts: 4451
- Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2004 8:23 am
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Shammy Davis
- Chef de Race: Classic
- Posts: 4451
- Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2004 8:23 am
Dublino posted:
I agree. The writer was one dimensional. I definitely think the list should be expanded. You forgot the Curragh. I've never found the NA flat tracks to be really that interesting, with the exception of Churchill and Woodbine.
Prairie: As for when was the article written, check the link. I was just surfing the net for information on track surface construction and this article popped up.
Where was Longchamp, Meydan, Epsom and Newmarket in that list?
I agree. The writer was one dimensional. I definitely think the list should be expanded. You forgot the Curragh. I've never found the NA flat tracks to be really that interesting, with the exception of Churchill and Woodbine.
Prairie: As for when was the article written, check the link. I was just surfing the net for information on track surface construction and this article popped up.
dublino wrote:Nah not really impressed by the Curragh.
Two tracks in the states I would love to see Santa Anita and Churchill Downs.
Santa Anita is beautiful! To be honest Churchill isn't one of my favorites. I like Keeneland better.
"Most people hate the taste of beer to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice that many people have been able to overcome."-Winston Churchill
Re: d
tbrace wrote:Churchill is really quite plain, and in the middle of an old industrial area.
If you can go to kentucky, go to Keeneland.
Its about the History of the place, where the Derby is run and I believe they have a horse racing musuem there.
Another "must visit" track in KY is Kentucky Downs, the old "Dueling Grounds." It is a big turf track, shaped like a light bulb, and has inclines, etc. The track is open in September, for four weeks, and has racing two days a week. It has a carnival atmosphere, with families tailgating.
Churchill Downs - it's all about the HISTORY. Standing in the paddock and reading the year and name of every derby winner, which is done in gold paint all the way around.
Keeneland is very beautiful but personally for me, it is a handicapping nightmare. The horses are saddled in a field with trees, assigned two to a tree. It was built as a private racing club and still has a clubbish feel to it.
I LOVE Saratoga.
Churchill Downs - it's all about the HISTORY. Standing in the paddock and reading the year and name of every derby winner, which is done in gold paint all the way around.
Keeneland is very beautiful but personally for me, it is a handicapping nightmare. The horses are saddled in a field with trees, assigned two to a tree. It was built as a private racing club and still has a clubbish feel to it.
I LOVE Saratoga.
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
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wilf
- Breeder's Cup Contender
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- Location: Ocala, Florida.
The writer really should try a look overseas, some of the lesser tracks have history that gives you shivers. Chester in England's northwest was once a chariot racing venue 2000 years ago and can still be watched from the walls built by the Roman garrison at that time. San Ysidro in Argentina; Caulfield in suburban Melbourne Australia, the list is endless as it is compelling. Really should be a "bucket list" of them for the enthusiast.
madelyn wrote:Churchill Downs - it's all about the HISTORY. Standing in the paddock and reading the year and name of every derby winner, which is done in gold paint all the way around.
It's definitely worth the trip to see the twin spires. Even though I not crazy about some of the new architecture, Churchill does still haves a wonderful sense of history. Seeing all of those old names from the past gives you goosebumps. The museum itself is fantastic and just keeps getting better. They also have some great tours, especially the one of the backside (you just have to be there early in the morning to take it).
Keeneland is beautiful...and I admit that I'm quite partial to the library. I could spend all of my time there.
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Shammy Davis
- Chef de Race: Classic
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hi Shammy Davis
An understatement if ever there was one.
For starters, how about Longchamps (in Paris); its history, beauty and extremely high level of racing (year in and year out) is arguably as good as it gets, in the world. The home of the Arc is a must-see racecourse.
And what about Deauville, France's version (if you will) of Saratoga and Del Mar. It's summer racing at its best; where many expect (and are often treated to) a first look at some of the best 2-yos on the continent.
Chantilly is a unique experience, and heaped in history also. WOW.
Yes it is. So how about a shout out to Newmarket. A course that is heaped in history, is home to the 2000 Guineas (among other historic races); and is in a town that lives for the love of thoroughbreds, training of thoroughbreds and racing of thoroughbreds.
How about honorable mention for York. It's a racecourse that seems rarely mentioned, but is quite special/memorable and comes ALIVE when packed to the hilt with passionate race fans on a BIG raceday.
Best.
Respectfully
Shammy Davis wrote:I agree w/Wilf, tracks overseas are worth a visit also.
An understatement if ever there was one.
For starters, how about Longchamps (in Paris); its history, beauty and extremely high level of racing (year in and year out) is arguably as good as it gets, in the world. The home of the Arc is a must-see racecourse.
And what about Deauville, France's version (if you will) of Saratoga and Del Mar. It's summer racing at its best; where many expect (and are often treated to) a first look at some of the best 2-yos on the continent.
Chantilly is a unique experience, and heaped in history also. WOW.
Shammy Davis wrote:In the UK, horse racing is a wonderful experience.
Yes it is. So how about a shout out to Newmarket. A course that is heaped in history, is home to the 2000 Guineas (among other historic races); and is in a town that lives for the love of thoroughbreds, training of thoroughbreds and racing of thoroughbreds.
How about honorable mention for York. It's a racecourse that seems rarely mentioned, but is quite special/memorable and comes ALIVE when packed to the hilt with passionate race fans on a BIG raceday.
Best.
Respectfully
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HeadlessHorseman
- Restricted Stakes Winner
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I went to Saratoga last year...it was SUPER OLD....and SUPER NEATO.....Lots of shade......lots of tradition.....
I will put in a cheer for my "home track" Lone Star Park. It was sold this year to Global Gaming, a company controlled by the Chickasaw Nation. They are hoping that Racino gambling will be allowed in Texas.
THEN maybe Texas will be taken more seriously within the racing world....If not, I'm afraid this will close....it's so pretty....We hosted the Breeder's cup in 2004...That's our one claim to fame.....
HH
I will put in a cheer for my "home track" Lone Star Park. It was sold this year to Global Gaming, a company controlled by the Chickasaw Nation. They are hoping that Racino gambling will be allowed in Texas.
THEN maybe Texas will be taken more seriously within the racing world....If not, I'm afraid this will close....it's so pretty....We hosted the Breeder's cup in 2004...That's our one claim to fame.....
HH