Posted by Chris
on 8/23/2004, 10:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Mass Fair Tracks"
68.246.9.18
I may not have all the facts correct, but here is what I believed happened which ended racing at the Marshfield fair. A new track opened up in Foxboro, and when they decided to run thoroughbreds in 1992, they were given racing dates which tradionally were awarded to Marshfield. The man who owned the fair was very angry, and tore up half the track for additional fair parking. Foxboro was not successful that year, which was compounded by an equine influenza outbreak in New England that year. I do not know if Foxboro ever attempted the run a thoroughbred meet again. As to the live handles which could be expected, Northamption (a very successful fair and race meet) probably averages in the 225-275K daily range. Additional revenue is available via on-site simulcasting, which was not available until the past several years. I have heard of no rumors or talk to bring back racing to the Marshfield Fair, but it would be possible if, and only if, the fair board and management desired to do so. (Their current stance is that they want to be a "family" oriented fair, and that horse racing does not fit into that view). If things change, I'll be there the first day they race!!
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