Voters Reject Dixon Downs

[zinn21]

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38482

[CA Michael]

Disappointing but not unexpected. I can't blame the locals for wanting to maintain their little town's charm, or for not wanting to shack up with Frank Stronach! Yet, DD could be a project which helps the existing residents by offering enticements such as athletic and concert facilities. A six percent losing margin means Magna only has to pick up 3% plus one of the NO voters next time out. I understand it will tend to its wounds and return for Round Two next year. It certainy has sunk enough $ into it to want some kind of return. I don't think Magna stockholders would be too happy if made to swallow another huge loss.

God help California when Stronach dies. "For Sale" signs will pop up immediately on the front lawns of Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields. The developers will be first in line to dissassemble them.

[majxmom]

As a racetracker, I would naturally be in favor of Dixon Downs, but looking at it while being aware of my bias, I think the people of Dixon have been short-sighted here.

The I-80 corridor has really changed dramatically in the last five years. There is so much development there, Dixon is about to lose the small town feel anyway. I don't think they realized how few people actually come to the track anymore. It couldn't possibly have been an additional traffic problem.

I never thought the project would work, but I'm sorry to see it die.

[zinn21]

I think the good, by far, out weighed the bad for the Dixon folks had they voted for approval. Pleasanton and Santa Rosa-for that matter all the fair circuit racetracks bring a country/small town feeling to their respective cities. The and tracks are a financial and visual asset..

Now that the elecorate has spoken, it appears P-Town and Santa Rosa could become major players in NorCal racing. The scenario, of course, all subject to Bay Meadows proceeding with their decision to not install an artificial racing surface or guarantee racing for a minimum of two years..

[majxmom]

I recall distinctly when the spring Fresno meet was discontinued, that someone broached the idea of having two more weeks in Pleasanton. The city said no. They didn't like the riff-raff in town any longer than they had to be.

But if BM closes for training as well as racing, then Pln will be loaded with horses anyway. How much more trouble could a meet be? Might as well make some money for the city as well as the county...

[CA Michael]

It's worth noting that any extension of racing dates at Santa Rosa, Pleasanton, and even Cal Expo doesn't necessarily include an extension of the County Fair at those locations. Thus, the concerns of locals about the 'carnies' might be somewhat assuaged. Of course, this premise assumes that racetrackers are "higher class" folks than carnies. Jesse Jackson may disagree.

[Rokeby Forever]

Poor Jerry Hollendorfer. Maybe he'll get in to mule racing and enter four every race at Santa Rosa.

[tbrace]

In the long run, the most viable model for racing in California may be the one used at Del Mar.

As you know, at Del Mar the county owns the ground (like the fairs at P-town, etc.), and a privately owned company runs the races.

This way, the land is less likely to be "developed",especially if it can be put into an agricultural trust.

How long can a company, Magna or anyone else, keep a track like Santa Anita in acres of dusty sheds and asphalt, in an area where commercial property is worth millions per each acre?

Business is run by market demand, and the demand for property around most California tracks far exceeds their use as a horse gaming operations.

I say get the tracks on publicly owned land as fast as possible. This is not without its problems, but the issues are more manageable, in my view.

[zinn21]

A very thoughtful letter regarding Dixon Downs vote written by Leigh Ann Howard on another site. See link below.

http://www.thoroughbredinfo.com/showcase/voices.htm

[CA Michael]

Yes, the old Inseminator sure knows how to berate others from on high. It's so easy to drive from the back seat while not lifting a finger to help.