Racetracks Can Add Value - Here's How

Today, Railbird highlights two press items extolling the ascension of online account wagering. I generally agree with the columnists that the track cannot compete with the broadband equipped home computer in conjunction with TVG, HRTV and TiVo--for the pure handicapping experience, the access to data and unimpeded control of signals & wagering cannot be beat.

Yet, I have all these things and still 90% of my wagering takes place at the track. The track offers real value to me in a few ways. First, the Bay Meadows apron level clubhouse bar offers a great place to spread out my form and see all the signals in comfort.

Michelle, the outstanding mixologist, knows my name and what I drink, and most of the trainers are planted nearby or at least pass through. The banter that goes on here between the trainers is a joy in itself, and having the access to get their opinion or just gauge their frustration or elation is priceless. Not from a betting perspective, because most of what they have to say is noise in that regard, but certainly from a sporting perspective.

Also adding value to the track experience is getting to see the personalities of the connections on display--that cut-up Steve Miyadi never gives you a straight answer, but you'll usually leave either laughing or stung by sarcasm; that Bill Morey, the uber detail oriented encyclopedia of horse training, knows the precise explanation you seek, but is introverted enough that he may not want any interaction at the moment; that Armando Lage will graciously receive your friends you introduce to him, and even if he doesn't remember your name at the moment, he wont let on; and that Jamey Thomas, the consummate workman on the backstretch, is hands down the very best trainer to have a beer with in the clubhouse.

The clubhouse bar being adjacent to the apron, one has only a 7 second stroll out the door to see the live action. This spot of the Bay Meadows apron also gives you access to the jockeys as they are headed to the walking ring or back to the jocks room. I've never jeered at a jock, but have gotten a smile from Frank Alvarado after noting his academy award performance after checking unnecessarily on a tiring horse coming down the lane.

Lastly, as Beyer mentions, there is the social aspect of it all. If you are a baseball fan, you can talk baseball in most any sports bar, or even at the water cooler. If you are a horse racing fan, you have to go to the track to bounce ideas off real people, complain about bad rides, or bask in the glow of your latest betting coup without getting the hairy eyeball from whomever you're talking tack.

There's value in having these experiences and opportunities and you don't get them with a lap top and satellite dish. Nonetheless, that so many are playing from home makes it easy for me to get a seat at the Bay Meadows Clubhouse Bar.