Officials with Hanover Raceway are looking to change post times at the track in an effort to increase betting handle and make live racing at Hanover more accessible to the younger demographic.
According to an article by Bayshore Broadcasting, Hanover has submitted a formal request to change its post time from 7:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The item goes on to explain that the track is looking to keep its traditional 7:15 p.m. post time for Dream Of Glory Night, which is followed by a fireworks display.
Committee Member and Councilor Steve Fitzsimmons has told Bayshore Broadcasting that the idea regarding the post time switch has come via customer feedback, but the track is also looking to make a change in an effort to boost handle.
The track believes that the earlier post time would make a day at the races more attractive to customers with young families, who would also not have to leave early to get their children to bed. In terms of wagering, Hanover officials feel that the 2 p.m. post would make its product more attractive to handicappers, as it would not have to go up against some of the bigger Standardbred tracks that are conducting programs of live racing at the same time.
Fitzsimmons said that Ontario Racing is examining the metrics related to betting on tracks’ races, and that Hanover is looking to boost wagering, especially since the track saw its handle fall three per cent last year.
The ruling in regard to the post time request is expected to be made by the end of November.
(With files from Bayshore Broadcasting)
I live in The States. From
I live in The States. From reading the articles at SC, it seems like the Canadian tracks are doing much more to attract families to their races than are tracks in the USA. It sounds to me like Clinton and Grand River are most actively attempting to attract this demographic.
Good initiative on Hanover's
Good initiative on Hanover's part. Hope Ontario Racing allows the change.
Definite worth a try. Maybe
Definite worth a try.
Maybe get home to Brantford WITHOUT $125 motel bill! Maybe a couple more minutes between races for last minute tickets!
Management will have to entertain the kids with some thought and costs absorbed. I have Also noticed many seniors packing up and leaving after the seventh - there is where the 3% drop goes!
In reply to Definite worth a try. Maybe by davidgeorge
Seventh race is late enough
Seventh race is late enough for seniors, especially at night when it is dark and they have to drive home. Love the 2 pm idea.
How about added some Pick 4
How about added some Pick 4 wagers. Pick 3... Superfecta's every race... I'd love to wager on some Hanover races but there are no exotic wagers to even get me interested. I know it's a small track but tracks like Charlottetown can pull it off why not try it here at Hanover?
Good for Hanover Raceway for
Good for Hanover Raceway for giving this a try. There are so many tracks racing on Saturday night. Good Luck.
Other tracks should also be
Other tracks should also be changing their post times. No one wants late night racing especially on Sunday. Many American standardbred tracks race in the afternoon and bettors will adapt and bet accordingly.
I like the idea of Saturday
I like the idea of Saturday afternoon racing. Living an hour away I'm not a fan of driving home in the dark dodging deer. I would be there every Sat.