SHOULD THE JUG BECOME THE JEWEL OF PACING'S TRIPLE CROWN?

[Miguel_Sanchez]

I don't think the purse increase is going to help as much as they think it will.  My guess is your going to get two short fields of 6-8 horses and it will be ho hum racing.

[Mailbox Money]

I like the Open Draw idea.

This could make a final very interesting, especially if the heat winners get 7&8 slots!

[caddy]

There is no doubt the Jug has lost some of its luster. Last year's jug was the least competitive I've seen in years. Attendance just like most tracks is down due to the internet. The majority of people there seem more interested in partying than true harness racing fans. They finally are renovating some of old grandstand with much needed new restrooms. We'll see how much the purse increase helps.

While gambling and handicapping is of interest to a small percentage, there's certainly a benefit to attracting a demographic that perceives harness racing as entertainment.  The promotion at most any track has gone almost non-existant.  Altho, I drove down last year for the Dayton Derby and good glory!  The apron was shoulder to shoulder and jam packed to the doors into the casino.  The crowd overwhelmed the food and beverage vendors causing a 45 min delay to get a beer.  They apparently weren't expecting the turn out.  If the sport expects to draw the 20 - 50 YO they can do it at a clean, well lit racino.  The people that grew up at older co. fair / fairgrounds tracks are infirmed or dead.  The past is past .. purses won't lift the dearly departed interest  -  sizzle, promotion, entertainment is what will bring 'em out 

[dinkadoo]

Horsemen all agree that Dayton is unquestionably the top track in OH-IO.  Time to move The Jug to a decent facility and develop it to event status.  That old timey county fair vibe is out of date; and, as Dalrae do say:  it's a subpar track

problem is you could fit about 1,000 in the facility.

[Open bridle]

problem is you could fit about 1,000 in the facility.

Just my personal preference from top to bottom my favorites are Scioto, Miami Valley, Dayton and last Northfield. The Jug is in a different category.

[toothman]

When did the Messenger Stakes stop being run?

[Generation XYZ]

problem is you could fit about 1,000 in the facility.

Ya but a packed facility is a busy facility. Better to be shoulder to shoulder audience than yards of empty space.

[Parked]

What good horse  today wants to race on a half mile track should all race on a big track if you want to see speed and world records.

If thats what you want build a straight mile track

[Parked]

I love betting smaller tracks. My biggest win on Saturday at Pocono was Miller from the 8 post. The post did not stop Covered Bridge from winning Saturday night.

With all and ever increasing gambling options, the gambling angle is a bad strategy. It is always very difficult to increase market share in a market with many competitors and many substitutes. In PA over 80% of purses come from subsidies. Harness racing must sell the sport not the gambling.

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[The Exporter]

In racing best days, it was a gambling venue. The sport was a distant second. The problem with investing in and developing the sport is, where will the ROI come from? Not food or drink sales. You cant get parking or admission fees. Charging for a program, turns people off. So were will the money come from?

[Open bridle]

In racing best days, it was a gambling venue. The sport was a distant second. The problem with investing in and developing the sport is, where will the ROI come from? Not food or drink sales. You cant get parking or admission fees. Charging for a program, turns people off. So were will the money come from?

The venue has a revenue stream the no other track has. They have the money to upgrade the facilities which they are starting to do with the historic grandstand. The county passed a room tax which includes a lot of busy hotels in the area. The tax is bringing in millions to upgrade the fairgrounds, the track area and all the horseman area. So while other track are having a hard time squeezing $ from their casino management for upgrades the Jug will continue to thrive in the future.

[dinkadoo]

The Jug has never been the same since simulcasting.

I've been to one jug since it simulcasting started.  When i was a student at Ohio State, they would always start classes on the 3rd Wednesday of September -- The Third Thursday would be my first day I skipped classes.

[rainman2]

In racing best days, it was a gambling venue. The sport was a distant second. The problem with investing in and developing the sport is, where will the ROI come from? Not food or drink sales. You cant get parking or admission fees. Charging for a program, turns people off. So were will the money come from?

Unfortunately, the betting aspect is gone today.  The more money you bet into a pool, chances are you are stepping on your own money today, unlike years ago.  If you own stakes horses, you have a significant financial investment involved and you are racing for purse money, not trying to survive by gambling! 

[Brown jug]

we have enough speed tracks, mohawk, big m, red mile etc
its nice to have something different especially for casual fans ( who many at deleware are)
its still fun to see the horses up close and have them go by you twice
while it will never be what it once was, its still a great day and event and draws some attention and actual asses in seats