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I like the Open Draw idea.
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.
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 That old timey county fair vibe is out of date; and, as Dalrae do say: it's a subpar track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.
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.
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.
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?