The ending of an era for Atlantic City Racecourse? [Archive]

Texarkana

Apr. 2, 2008, 02:37 PM

So much of Atlantic City's history has been lost... and it looks like the racecourse will probably be next.

Though not exactly Keeneland or Saratoga, the short meet has always been popular with horse people and the locals. And not even a year ago when Hal Handel was still in control, they were requesting more dates and planning a much needed renovation of the facility.

Has Atlantic City Reached Finish Line? Linda Dougherty, Bloodhorse, 3/31/08 (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44330&source=enewsletter)

“We believe that, with Hal’s departure, this may be the last year for Atlantic City,” said Dennis Drazin, president of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “We received indications that Greenwood is pursuing redevelopment plans which do not include a racetrack.”

Turf races for claimers, straight maidens, and those with starter allowance conditions have proven rather popular in the spring at Atlantic City. Last year, field size averaged 10.03 horses per race—the highest average in the United States—for 29 races, according to The Jockey Club Information Services.

Bummer.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 2, 2008, 02:57 PM

Worth noting a few lone voices to save it ...

http://www.saveacrc.com/

Glimmerglass

Apr. 2, 2008, 03:25 PM

I'm trying recall and perhaps someone else will - did penny stock swindler Robert Brennan (http://www.forbes.com/2000/08/02/mu10.html) ("Due Process Stables") purchase this course at one time? He owned a few New Jersey tracks for a while via his ITB (In'tl Thoroughbred Breeders Inc) entity although I'm not sure if ACR was one of them.

Flashback: youtube.com First Jersey Securities (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i-uOIuWfUE)

hipsdontlie

Apr. 2, 2008, 03:41 PM

i thought atlantic city has been closed awhile ?? ran one there back in early 2000 and thought that was the last meet they ran ??

hipsdontlie

Apr. 2, 2008, 03:42 PM

another truly heartbreaking story is about hialeah park. savehialeahpark.com its worth a look i hate to see that place turn into a shopping center but am afraid something like that will eventually happen. so sad.......

Glimmerglass

Apr. 2, 2008, 03:45 PM

i thought atlantic city has been closed awhile ?? ran one there back in early 2000 and thought that was the last meet they ran ??

They happily ran it last year, as the article cited, although keep in mind it is less then a week's worth of racing per meet.

Alibhai's Alibar

Apr. 2, 2008, 04:48 PM

mintano

Apr. 2, 2008, 06:09 PM

Atlantic City: No Plans to Call it Quits (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44383)

hipsdontlie

Apr. 2, 2008, 08:26 PM

thanx glimmer. should prob look at article. only a week huh ?? only been racing in south fl and belmont/saratoga past few yrs and half the time i never get to go to the track sadly. young children and a barn full doesnt allow the time i used to have to watch ours run....liked racing there last time we ran there we won even though was a 5k claimer still had fun there.

Texarkana

Apr. 2, 2008, 11:16 PM

Nooooooo! I've had so much fun visiting the track every year during its short meet. I heartily recommend anybody in the area making the trip. Great crowd and a cool track. Gives me chills to think of the greats who ran there.

Here are some photos to give you an idea of how the track looks....

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476266873/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/474594727/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327834/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327944/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476311160/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476311134/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327988/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476285097/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476311184/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327924/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327842/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476327890/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/474594787/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/476349707/in/set-219439

http://flickr.com/photos/rockandracehorses/474594767/in/set-219439

Did you take all these? The photography is AMAZING! I was perusing the rest of the album and was blown away! :)

Atlantic City: No Plans to Call it Quits (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44383)

Awesome news! Funny how the Bloodhorse releases that article just hours after they email the other one out...

liked racing there last time we ran there we won even though was a 5k claimer still had fun there.

That's what I always loved about their little bitty meet. Even though it's more or less a bunch of cheap horses running, everyone has a great time. The place has a cool vibe about it. And it's somewhere in the mid-atlantic region where your race won't be pulled off the turf 7 time out of 10. :p

Acertainsmile

Apr. 3, 2008, 08:37 AM

I have very fond memories of AC... that is the first track I galloped at, way back in 82.. it was still a decent meet, with pleny of good horsemen. Wish I had pics to share!

CAH

Apr. 3, 2008, 01:16 PM

Alibhai's Alibar - great photos! Did you notice the townhouses that are next to the backstretch? That was part of a march larger (250 current acres) ACRC that was sold off. Now I can tell you those people did NOT buy their townhouses to have live horse racing in their backyards.

I know there has been discussion about a 20 day meet. No matter what they do, they will have to continue the policy of shipping in and out for race day. They have managed to keep one barn in good enough shape for the horses but the remainder of the backside looks the same as the tote board :(

Glimmerglass

Apr. 3, 2008, 01:48 PM

... the remainder of the backside looks the same as the tote board :(

We call it character :D

The barns at Saratoga on the backstretch in recent years aren't exactly without the need for some work either ...

More power to the owners who ship in for these races and the organizers who won't cave in to the tremendous pressure to sell off the land for development. This world doesn't need another golf course, basketball court, mall, parking lot or condensed townhouse.

CAH

Apr. 3, 2008, 05:02 PM

ACRC had character 20 years ago :) Now it is to the point where portions of the roofs are missing on some barns, I won't even go into detail about the stakes barn.

That 250 acres is prime real estate. I so hope they stay.....I remember watching Fort Marcy race there as a small child....the Morning Glory Club, and up to the mid 90's when they had night live racing. At one point several years ago the plan was to sell and have a NASCAR track there. The neighbors screamed bloody murder and the local Council shot that one down. Then it was a Cabella's was coming. Thankfully for me (DH is a Cabella's fan) that one did not pan out. But there are not too many 250 acre buildable sites left in this county, 20 minutes from Atlantic City.

Texarkana

Apr. 3, 2008, 07:46 PM

ACRC had character 20 years ago :)

Hahaha, that's what I was thinking, too. I haven't been there in several years, but last time I walked around the backside I noticed even the good barns were equipped with skylights and swimming pools. ;)

Now that the rumor of this being the last meet is dispelled, I wonder if they'll ever go ahead with the supposed renovations. If they do renovate, I hope they keep the grandstand and the 1940s-esque feel with the old signage, etc. I would hate to see the place looking like your run-of-the-mill racino.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 22, 2008, 04:03 PM

The Daily Racing Form for Monday 4/21 (http://drf.com/news/article/93885.html) had an interesting article as to why maybe the owners continue to keep this alive but not without horsemen's gripes:

excerpt

It is tempting to compare the all-turf meet - which typically draws full fields - to one of those quaint fair meets tucked into some hollow in the Irish countryside, but even those racetracks send their signals to bookmakers in the city. And to officials of the New Jersey Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, the word "quaint" doesn't come to mind when talking about Atlantic City.

"It's a sham meet," said Dennis Drazin, the president of the horsemen's group.

Atlantic City is owned by Greenwood Racing, the owner of Philadelphia Park in Pennsylvania. Since Greenwood purchased the ailing track in 2001, Atlantic City has been holding short meets, principally as a way to keep the track's simulcasting license, which allows the facility to remain open year-round as an offtrack betting location.

With the recent legalization of in-home betting in New Jersey and the opening of a Greenwood OTB in nearby Vineland, however, the future of the track is being openly questioned by horsemen.

Drazin said that he believes the track continues to card races because it allows Greenwood to save $1.5 million in purse payments because racetracks qualify for a lower purse-contribution rate from simulcasting wagers than pure OTBs.

Texarkana

Apr. 22, 2008, 04:41 PM

It sounds like the NJ Racing Commission and HBPA are just sour they aren't getting what they perceive as their fair share of the revenue.

I think the proof is in the pudding-- the entries are up for the first 3 days with 8-12 horses entered in every race. Monmouth or the Meadowlands sure don't draw those numbers on a regular basis.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 24, 2008, 12:12 PM

From their Press release of 4-23-08 (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/127/story/139923.html):

Under the guidance of long-time groundskeeper Bill Gatto, the mile-long turf course is still recognized as the best on the East Coast. It is so plush that course officials are planning to stage a promotion sometime during the meet that allows fans to walk the turf barefoot, much like groundskeepers at other tracks do to get a feel for what a state-of-the-art grass surface should feel like.

Because of the soaring popularity of live racing, the New Jersey Racing Commission has mandated that ACRC host at least a 20-day meet in 2009. No problem, said Bugdon, as long as the track gets a portion of the purse supplement that is provided by the Casino Association of New Jersey.

While a bit of a stunt it is just the type of thing that works with re-connecting spectators with the sport. I'm sure many are curious as to just how firm a turf course is.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 20, 2008, 08:27 PM

Wait the patient is still warm and we have a pulse, so put that tombstone away .. for now!

11-20-08 "Atlantic City Race Course gets reprieve as state OKs 6-day meet" (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/179/story/321592.html)

State regulators Wednesday granted Atlantic City Race Course's request for a six-day 2009 racing schedule, ending fears that the track might close at the end of the this year.

The approval by the New Jersey Racing Commission came after the track, state and New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Associa-tion reached an agreement Tuesday.

Under the agreement, the race course will stop asking for part of a $90 million pot of casino money intended to bolster New Jersey horse-racing purses. Track operators said they needed that money to finance the 20-day racing schedule the commission wanted to mandate for 2009.

The race course also will develop a new financial plan, determine how it can upgrade facilities, such as the grandstand and stables, and support the opening of some new off-track-betting parlors.

The commission approved the race course's schedule - April 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1 - unanimously.

In spite of all the attempts to kill the place and dissuade fans from attending by making it look akin to a bomb shelter with the infrastructure the place lives on and has drawn healthy crowds. Great to hear it's demise won't happen in 2009!

Glimmerglass

Apr. 16, 2009, 12:14 PM

And the track they cannot kill returns! Too bad HRTV and/or TVG won't get to pick up their signal ....

Press of AC 4-16-09 "Atlantic City Race Course goes live today " (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/127/story/459868.html)

Today brings the first of this year's six-day schedule with the first post at 3:30 p.m., for the one-mile all-turf track.

The other dates are tomorrow, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1.

There are six races each day except May 1. There will be seven that day, including the $50,000 Tony Gatto Big Dream Stakes, the lone stakes event of the meeting.

While Paludi looks for information for his handicaps, hundreds of others watch the horses for other reasons. Many enjoy the nature of the animals.

Fans tend to watch the animals from the time they first get on the campus to when they are saddled. They follow as the horses go through the tunnel to the course.

"We call it the wave," ACRC president Maureen Gallagher Bugdon said. "There are thousands of people who just watch the horses and they follow them the entire way. It's great to have them all here."

Very Saratoga with everyone lined up as the horses are led down the looooong tree-lined area from the stabling area, across the street, through the picknick table section to the saddling area ;)

Entries for today's card: all 6 races are full with 12 horses each (http://www.drf.com/static/entries/16/eATL16.html?rn=440217) same for Saturday.

InquiringMinos

Apr. 16, 2009, 12:49 PM

I wish there was some way to help this track get back on its feet. I grew up in the area, and so many of my fondest horse memories are there; seeing my first live race, going to the barns in the morning with my horse show friend, whose dad was a trainer there, the live racing at night. Even showed there when the old Shore Memorial Hospital show was held there a few years. My OTTB was so excited to be back on the track, it was hysterical. I remember how excited we were to be able to graze our horses on the turf course; it was considered a honor.

Great course with so much history...fingers crossed it will continue to get dates, or even the much-talked about re-build.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 20, 2009, 02:58 PM

Atlantic City Attendance Thursday 4-16: 3,619
Atlantic City Attendance Friday 4-17: 5,795

A pretty decent crowd if you ask me for two respective work days and the last race going off at 6pm

CharingHounds

Apr. 20, 2009, 08:12 PM

Oh, Atlantic City...(sigh).
It was the first track I was stabled at as a young, TOTALLY GREEN former 4-H rider/junior whip (for Charing Hounds in Aiken, South Carolina).
It was night racing and I remember that first summer at the track when everything about horse racing seemed glamorous.
One evening I was by the paddock clocking a potential claim for my trainer (as if I had a clue what I was doing!?!). The legendary Angel Cordero was put up on his mount and as the horses paraded around the paddock the crowd started booing him. I thought "how can they boo him - he's Angel Cordero?" (it was the year he forced Genuine Risk wide on Codex, thus costing her the Triple Crown).
Atlantic City was a beautiful track. I haven't been back since the early 80's, but I'll always remember the magic I felt there as a young girl with dreams of Secretariat, and the idea of becoming a jockey...

Acertainsmile

Apr. 20, 2009, 08:36 PM

CH, I was there in 82 and 83... Julie Krone was leading rider, and I worked for Steve Brown who had the second string for Old Glory and was leading trainer... I lived at the beach and shared a house with Julie. What great memories I have!

Hubby and I took a short trip to AC a month ago and I had to stop by the track on the way... just looking at the barren backside had me tearing up...but I did notice that they had dates up for this year, hopefully it will continue on in some form.

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2009, 09:21 AM

Further proof you can't kill this track or squish the wagering interest for it:

BloodHorse 5-5-09 "All-Turf Handle Quadruples at Atlantic City" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/50620/all-turf-handle-quadruples-at-atlantic-city)

Atlantic City raced six days (Thursdays and Fridays) from April 16-May 1, with all 37 races on the grass. For the first time in many years, the track exported its signal, but some betting outlets and account wagering providers missed the first several days of the meet.

In all, $3,259,953 was wagered on Atlantic City races, up from $809,932 for six days last year, when only on-track betting was available, according to figures from the track’s official charts. Both years, six races were offered each of the first five days, and seven on the final day.

TVG showed all or stretch calls of the track’s races the last two days of the meet.

With no turnstiles, reported attendance is a loose figure. The average was 4,278 for racing programs that began at 3:30 p.m. EDT each day.

Despite having a yielding turf course the first week of the meet, field size increased to 10.46 horses per race, up from 9.92 in 2007, according to The Jockey Club Information Systems. Purses averaged $120,332 this year, down from $133,283 last year.

Youtube Video: Atlantic City Race Course NJ - April 30, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrONWJjZXLE)

Youtube Video: Atlantic City Race Course NJ - April 17, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVQAeW_LdLo)

Acertainsmile

May. 6, 2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the links! It's almost exactly how I remember it, minus the table with the hotdogs....:winkgrin:

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the links! It's almost exactly how I remember it, minus the table with the hotdogs....:winkgrin:

No problem and it is nice that someone captured the place as it is today without any narration. It looks like a low-key place to go and have some fun. Not a lot of hyper-inebriated folks screaming profanity and scaring away patrons :)

Now if only I could find video of that Brockton, MA Fair with the bull-ring hard turns next to the funnel cake stand! :D

Arcadien

May. 6, 2009, 03:06 PM

I'm 15 mins from Atlantic City RC and still praying for a miracle. Thing is, every local I bring this up with, favors the land remaining as a track. They hated the Nascar idea, and the locals know there are plenty of cheap housing developments - one more is just going to crowd up an already over crowded area.

My small "Pinelands Riding Club" posted announcements about the 6 day meet this time, and so many people were like "we had no idea we could still see live races there, how cool, we're going!" I think they would get even more attendence if they did more promotion than a few cardboard signs stuck by the highway.

Anyway, I made it to two of the 6 days with my camera, I'll post some pics from this years meet soon. I just fell in love with the track all over again, and I wasn't alone. It is very laid back, families every where, just jam packed with happy people from all walks of life.

The horses competing look very nice, and the turf is still in prime condition. The funny thing is, no one seems to notice that not a cent has been spent in maintaining the track in over a decade (at least the specators don't) Yeah its pretty shabby, but everyone is so exited about being there and seeing the horses, no one seems to mind. They wouldn't have to put much $$ into it to clean it up a bit, the crowds don't seem to care, you know?

Still hoping against hope some investor comes by and is inspired, or some politics blows some good kharma in ACRC's direction,

Arcadien

StellaTMK

May. 8, 2009, 08:47 PM

Does AC use Monmouth Park's starting gate? Or ir could have been a total coincidence. But last monday about 10am, I passed (I am pretty sure) the MP starting gate on RT 18 Northbound in Monmouth County. Timing would fit for it being returned to MP.

Arcadien

May. 8, 2009, 10:36 PM

LOL I wouldn't be surprised! :)

They are trying to keep costs minimal, and seem to be succeeding - I saw a lot of "Philadephia Park" emblazoned on the jackets, hats, etc, of the pony riders, outriders, and other officials.

Well, heck, for a 6 day live meet, you can't just leave a nice starting gate the whole year doing nada right?

Now, the bigger question - were the two John Deere tractors that pulled around also borrowered? Anyone see them on a highway somewhere? LoL TIC

But, the turf track is still it's own, and I heard good things about it again from a few who raced there. Anyone here any negatives about the track itself?

I myself am hinging my hopes upon that (nice track, turf excellent, dirt okay scraped to the hard stuff right now, but what a perfect place to experiement with a nice new dirt or synthetic surface?) and the locals likeing for having live racing there (another note to that factor, the traffic was loaded to max for the beginning & ending of race days - anyone need any other proof for it's popularity with spectators, in spite of little to no effort nor money directed to drawing them in?)

Arcadien,
crossing fingers & toes (er, at least the non broken ones hehe) that our track survives

Glimmerglass

Apr. 27, 2011, 10:47 AM

Back again for 2011 - their tiny meet of 6-days and 38-races total starts THUR April 28th - with typical six race cards and full fields of 12-runners. Few courses can boast of those consistent larger fields.

Press of AC, Apr 27, 2011 "Atlantic City Race Course spruces up for 6-day meet, which begins Thursday" (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/atlantic-city-race-course-spruces-up-for-day-meet-which/article_fc330550-df06-5cd0-808e-78a070c97e7a.html)

"It feels like a big festival," said Galloway Township's Joseph Trama, who goes to the track at least twice a week (for simulcasting). "It's so enjoyable. I come out with my wife and daughter these (live) days because they like it so much. There is so much emotion here."

Ever year, the officials at the racecourse listen to patrons' suggestions and incorporate some of those ideas into next year's races.

For this year, there will be a full-service bar for the first time offering mix drinks.

Where: Atlantic City Race Course, 4501 Black Horse Pike, Hamilton Township, New Jersey

For 2011 they've even gained a minor celeb running this weekend. (http://www.drf.com/news/atlantic-city-breeders-cup-winner-entered)

[The meet] highlighted by the possible start of Eldaafer, the winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon, in a Saturday (APR 30th) allowance race.

Eldaafer – whose win in the Marathon was overshadowed by a disqualification of the second-place finisher and a subsequent fight between jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano – was one of 12 horses entered in the $27,000 starter allowance race, a one-mile and 40-yard race that is scheduled as the last race on the six-race card.

“We’re thrilled about it,” said Maureen Bugdon, the president of the track. “It’s exciting to have a Breeders’ Cup champion here, and the turf course just looks great.”

All 38 races scheduled for six consecutive days of racing from Thursday through Tuesday will be run on the turf. First post each day is 3:30 p.m., with six races on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday cards, and seven races on the Monday and Tuesday cards. Parking and admission are free.

On opening day, 72 horses have been entered, the maximum allowed. An identical number is entered on the Friday card. The track’s only stakes, the $50,000 Tony Gatto Dream Big Stakes at five furlongs on the turf, is scheduled for closing day.

Last year, daily average all-sources handle was $649,137, an increase of 19.5 percent over the meet in 2009, and average attendance was 5,803. Average field size last year was 10.1 horses per race.

Where else can you go to watch racing on turf in the Northeast so close to an urban center for free? You just can't.

jennywho

Apr. 27, 2011, 11:01 AM

Does anyone know if TVG or HRTV or both will show AC this year? I've got a good friend with a handful in for the meet and would love to see them run.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 27, 2011, 11:21 AM

TVG did air some AC racing in a prior year, but it doesn't appear on their line-up of tracks for broadcasting for APR 28th, 2011. TVG only airs some Parx (mutually owned by the same parent company as ACRC - Greenwood) racing, so I suspect at best stretch runs may be aired on tape delay.

As an aside TVG dropped airing from Finger Lakes racing thus far in 2011.

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2011, 10:06 PM

Horse racing is dead? No one cares to see horses in the flesh? Really?

How about in the land of the casino, flashing lights, endless digital noises, pushes for the one-armed bandit slots and all the gimmicks this news:

May 2, 2011 "Atlantic City Draws 9,822 for All-Turf Card" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62795/atlantic-city-draws-9822-for-all-turf-card)

Atlantic City Race Course announced that 9,822 fans attended its live race program May 1, the track's biggest attendance in more than 10 years.

ETA: BC Marathon (2010) winner Eldaafer (http://www.drf.com/race-results/ATL/USA/2011-04-30/D) did race on Saturday April 30th and won the 6th race. Not sure why but he paid out $2.60 for the wager which is higher then I'd expect for such a bigger league horse at a smaller track.

Texarkana

May. 3, 2011, 06:36 AM

ETA: BC Marathon (2010) winner Eldaafer (http://www.drf.com/race-results/ATL/USA/2011-04-30/D) did race on Saturday April 30th and won the 6th race. Not sure why but he paid out $2.60 for the wager which is higher then I'd expect for such a bigger league horse at a smaller track.

Well how about that... I wonder who was the last champion to race at AC before him. It was probably a good 20+ years ago.

haligator

May. 3, 2011, 10:29 AM

Hi All,
All I can say is racing needs more tracks that have short meets (it fills in some 'gaps' for people in the industry when one nearby track closes). Also, the turf program puts AC in a niche almost all its' own.

I was honored to have the girl I bred, Rosalita's Wish, run second yesterday in a $25,000 turf allowance. It was such a feeling of history and pride. Great race - tough Allowance fillies and mares going head to head.

Long may Atlantic City reign!

Hallie

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2011, 10:58 AM

I was honored to have the girl I bred, Rosalita's Wish, run second yesterday in a $25,000 turf allowance. It was such a feeling of history and pride.

Congrats, Hallie, on the place with your gal.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2011, 01:04 PM

Photos: 2011 Atlantic City Race Course in Hamilton Township (http://pressofac.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=35521975&event=1239008&CategoryID=57516)

Poor weather killed the chance for the attendance numbers of the just eneded meet to surpass last year's meet - although Sunday's huge turnout did boost the tally:

Press of Atlantic City (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/six-day-meet-at-atlantic-city-race-course-a-big/article_dd024d12-7604-11e0-94b2-001cc4c03286.html)

Grace Kelly’s father, John, used to be one of the track owners. She used to roam the building with her children. Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope were original stockholders.

More than 28,000 fans packed the track in 1946 for its inaugural race.

Perhaps the race track will never get back to those glory days, but racing enthusiasts hope there are still plenty of good days ahead.

“Look at how much fun the kids are having,” said Betsy Jordan, 35, of Egg Harbor Township, as she pointed to her two young daughters galloping through the paddock as they pretended to be race horses.

“This is the kind of place where you like to bring the family,” she said. “It’s not about the betting. It’s about being around the horses and the excitement and seeing something you don’t get to see every day.”

Atlantic City Race Course statistics

Year <> Race Days <> Attendance ~ On-Track Handle

1999 5 <> 8,415 ~ $525,865
2000 6 <> 12,859 ~ $863,008
2001 10 <> 18,929 ~ $992,240
2002 1 <> 1,925 ~ $170,686
2003 4 <> 4,396 ~ $335,350
2004 4 <> 11,639 ~ $458,868
2005 4 <> 8,483 ~ $412,528
2006 4 <> 16,344 ~ $698,856
2007 4 <> 17,239 ~ $731,283
2008 6 <> 25,485 ~ $807,932
2009 6 <> 25,673 ~ $771,243
2010 6 <> 34,818 ~ $957,734
2011 6 <> 32,245 ~ N/A

Source: Atlantic City Race Course