Racing - US - Recommendations

Volvic12

Hi All,

Just looking for some advice really. Thinking of planning a trip in the summer to one of the big race meetings in the US. Has anyone ever been?
Belmont, Kentucky Derby, Breeders Cup?

Just looking for advice - what is the best atmosphere/craic, things to do in area etc.

Appreciate any responses.

Volvic12

UrbanSea

Breeders' Cup would be fantastic to go to, but I think it costs an arm and a leg in terms of hotels at that time.

It's not the biggest meeting of the year but I went to Arlingon a good few times over the summer and would definitely head to the Arlington Million meeting. I'm moreso basing this on Chicago cos it's a briliant city. I didn't make it that day because I was workng, but on the other days I went:

Facilities were fantastic. It's only 45 minutes on the train from Downtown Chicago and it literally drops you outside the racetrack. Return adult train ticket was 14 dollars, but at the weekend you get unlimited travel for 7 dollars (can't remember if it was all lines out of the station but I think it was, station has about 6 different lines that go about 2 and a half hours in all directions). Brilliant deal so at least you can explore the area if you want.

Chicago itself is an unreal city. Have been to a couple of cities in America and it's hands down my favourite. Easy to get around with the overhead trains there (unlimited travel is 23 dollars for a week), plenty to do (the weekend of the million last year had a massive air show on from Friday to Sunday, 2 million visitors to the city). Navy Pier is a great spot to spend a day.

Not the biggest meeting you could get to but there were massive crowds at it last year and they really do make an effort for good meetings, think they had bands on and you could buy vip tickets to get you a box, buffet, entry to an after night party etc. The racing has gotten better too, last year had the inaugural running of the American Leger at it (Jakkalberry won it) and there's a grade 1 race for fillies too that attracted a couple of European runners last year. Winner of the Million then went on to win then BC Turf this year.

Track and facilities are far better than any in Ireland. Only comparable race track I've been to would be Longchamp

shy-tall-knight

Don't know anyone who's been but I say Belmont would be the best to go to for the Belmont Stakes. New York crowd sure to be good craic and don't think you need my to tell you what there's to see and do in New York! Meant to be one of the great social occasions of the year in New York.

My old man went to the Breeders a few years back in Texas and said it was a complete rip off, loads of hidden extra costs eg access to parade ring, winners enclosure or 'circle' as the yanks call it. Also your so far back from the track, particularly the turf races that the atmosphere is just not the same as you get over here. The thunder of hooves going past the winning post just isn't there. Nor is the mingling with owners, jockeys and trainers that you'd get over here. Be a velvet rope or two to get past before you catch sight of any of them. So if your used to the social and personable nature of National Hunt/P2P Racing then this will be a different kettle of fish. He was at the one in Texas and it hasn't been there since(maybe for a reason?!)Its in Santa Anita again this year so maybe that's a better venue. Someone on here may be able to answer that.

I know a guy who was at the Kentucky Derby before and wouldn't go back there for diamonds. He made the mistake of getting an infield ticket so was in with all the boozed up rednecks. There was more ridin' going on in the infield than on track! So again if you wanted to really go to that you'd want to stump up and pay for a decent ticket or else there's no point from what I've heard. As as well as taking your life into your hands in the infield, you wont see any racing from there.

NewApproach

Just to echo what UrbanSea said. I was at the Arlington Million in 2011 and it was great. I was in the city at the time mind you, but would thoroughly recommend it. Chicago is a fabulous city.