hey all, sad stuff in New O....
an arial photo of the track and area.
CdnDerbyFan
http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/storms/katrina/24426991.jpg
Fairgrounds
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CdnDerbyFan
- Weanling
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Fairgrounds
too many things and too many horses
Fairgrounds has a lot more than physical damage going on. So many folks from New Orleans that evacuated are simply putting down roots elsewhere (the ones with job skills, resources, driver's licences, cars, etc.). It may take years to rebuild the "Big Easy" but I venture to say it may never be the same. Notwithstanding, racing "fans" in the area will certainly not have money for betting for a very long time. There isn't much rush to rebuild the track for racing; maybe CDI will work to move the racing dates for awhile. Fairgrounds might resume as a training facility... but if you were headed there this winter or next you might need to rethink your plans..
So Run for the Roses, as fast as you can.....
They had flooding and structural damage, including broken windows. There is a very revealing story today on thoroughbredtimes about how the security staff helped out in the disaster, to which they should be truly commended.
However, I do think that the CDI decision was premature and was based on worst-case estimates. They really don't have to decide until October. They may not have the on-track attendance or handle, but simulcasting would surely be there and it would make a statement of a city getting back on it's feet and returning to normal. The damages to the track could be repaired easily within a month. Any residual biotics in the dirt and turf course could be easily taken care of and the grandstand wasn't flooded at all.
As far as I know, no horses were there in the stables, which were moderately flooded.
I'm all for FG to try and do it this year. America is all about surviving against odds. It's our way.
However, I do think that the CDI decision was premature and was based on worst-case estimates. They really don't have to decide until October. They may not have the on-track attendance or handle, but simulcasting would surely be there and it would make a statement of a city getting back on it's feet and returning to normal. The damages to the track could be repaired easily within a month. Any residual biotics in the dirt and turf course could be easily taken care of and the grandstand wasn't flooded at all.
As far as I know, no horses were there in the stables, which were moderately flooded.
I'm all for FG to try and do it this year. America is all about surviving against odds. It's our way.