Hoosier Hitch-N-Post

Some of you have seen the beginning of the turnover of the track at Indiana Downs. I looked at it today and asked some questions about the process. The track has about 1/8" of surface and is as hard as I-74. I was assured that this was only the base and that new material would be added tomorrow. I'll be at the track tomorrow to see the tri-axels of new material pull in. It shouldn't take more than 40 or 50 tri-axels of #12s to do the job.

Jack Not only is the track bad, the whole backstretch is a mess. Trucks, backholes, cement trucks and all. These guys driving these things don't look for a horse when they come thru. Also, people don't have bath stalls, pipes sticking out of the ground in front of the door that the horses have to come out, or huge holes. One person I talked to, didn't have hot water in their barn. There is weeds all over, holes in the road going to and from the barns, you name it, it is a mess. What we don't understand is they knew they had to do this, but they wait until the harness horses get there because the TB won't tolerate it. What does the people have to do to stop all this nonsense? It is almost like we come second to everything else.

Filly 2,

And to think J. Shelton told me the track was great. I guess love conquers all. The drainage situation was not known until the county insisted on repairs. It is realistic that while the track can be blamed for some things the short change over did not help the situation. The road and parking areas are another situation. The surfaces of these areas need immediate attention.

I wonder why JS would say that--UM--I guess love does conquer all, because you talk to anyone else and you will get a different story. We all know that it does take awhile for the transition. Maybe it will be better in a month or so!!! I will have to say that the tube-blower in the paddock does make a difference.

Actually I have heard that the track is in pretty good shape. I'm certain that improvements will be on going. Today's controversy seemed to be over the material used in the stalls in the paddock. The option is to have shavings or no shavings. With no shavings the stalls can be power washed. It is an all or none decision. I understand that the material or the depth of the material they are using is not to the liking of some. The horsemen need to consider the alternatives and make a majority decision on their preference. As I understand it Indy will do every thing within reason to have happy campers. It will help if there is a reasonable attitude from the horsemen and the track to solve situations. If you think you need to vent about a problem (horse and track related please. I don't do marriage counseling) my number is 317-432-8643

Jack Holton wrote:As I understand it Indy will do every thing within reason to have happy campers.

how about having a box that closes at a normal time? This 12 and 2 is stupid. If they took entries at 8-9 and close late it wouldn't be a problem but no one is even there.

Tel-Star wrote:

Jack Holton wrote:As I understand it Indy will do every thing within reason to have happy campers.

how about having a box that closes at a normal time? This 12 and 2 is stupid. If they took entries at 8-9 and close late it wouldn't be a problem but no one is even there.

I guess normal times are not reasonable. I believe the assumption is:" If you're smart enought to figure out the calendar and the IHRC nomination forms then you're smart enough to figure out multiple times for the box and the races. You might think that someday they will figure out why WalMart has the same hours week after week (except at Christmas time). But that's why Bill Gates sells MS Outlook. Next.

Everyone that I have talked to just hates the bedding. It is so dusty and it stinks. We were talking Fri. nite and everyone that I talked to would rather have none at all, or bring in your own bedding. if it is a problem with not enough money to supply a little bit of decent sawdust. This stuff cannot be good on a horses respiratory system, and it even made some people itch. We had to give our horse a bath before he even raced cause he got down and rolled before getting him ready. Hope they can get something done to solve this problem.

The bedding is like woody pet, not bad but very clingy if your horse tends to roll, soaks up alot of urine.. I prefer it to pine sawdust.
as for the track, lots of cushion! they may get tired but they won't be lame..

I questioned about 20 horsemen about the condition of bedding. About half liked it and the others did not. When I told those opposed (Based upon INDY management's position) that the track would furnish nothing to replace it the overwhelming majority said that they would live with it. So, it would appear as though the Association will have to negotiate this into the contract next year and or supplement the tracks budget to permit shavings.

I would like to know what 20 horsemen you ask about the bedding!! I have not heard of ONE horseman that likes this stuff. Where was you when you asked or took a survey? What is really funny is that Terrel doesn't want it either.

Filly#2 wrote:I would like to know what 20 horsemen you ask about the bedding!! I have not heard of ONE horseman that likes this stuff. Where was you when you asked or took a survey? What is really funny is that Terrel doesn't want it either.

I was in the paddock last Thursday night. You might want to ask Terrel who purchased the stuff and how much is left. If Terrel doesn't like the stuff then she should tell management of the problems and that it should be replaced. The other thing I might suggest is that you get the signature of those who would rather have nothing in the stalls and bring their own shavings.

Jack Holton