Turnout Is Modest for Racing From Abroad

The first morning of Royal Ascot-at-Oceanport brought about 2,400 people to Monmouth Park on Tuesday. On a typical Tuesday morning in June, about 1,600 people have arrived by before noon. So the number drawn to the track by the three simulcast races from England, the first of which began two hours before the day’s first live competition, was something less than overwhelming.

These fans were, nevertheless, present for a snatch of history in what are rapidly changing times in racing. This one brought with it a breath of fresh air; a gesture by Monmouth’s management that made a day of sport more pleasant simply by affording its customers the opportunity to watch and wager on good racing from abroad.

For the record, Mac’s Imp won the 6-furlong Coventry Stakes for 2-year-olds on the uphill straight at Ascot. The first trans-Atlantic simulcast to an American track was won by the even-money favorite. More importantly, the Ascot simulcast makes a statement about where the sport is going and who is at the vanguard.

In terms of dollars, four days of simulcasts from Ascot to Monmouth Park, a total of 12 races, will be inconsequential. Wagering on three races from Ascot amounted to $24,402 Tuesday and $21,870 Wednesday. Additional wagering at Atlantic City Race Course and The Meadowlands brings the total to $71,766 for the first half of the Ascot meeting. No big deal. In aesthetic terms, however, these four days are priceless.

While only the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders’ Cup are simulcast to New York tracks, New Jersey tracks encourage their customers to wager on many major stakes run elsewhere, and this reach beyond international boundaries is only a logical extension of the service.

Jersey also has carried intrastate simulcasting to the edge of absurdity, but that is another matter. Interstate simulcasting of major races is a customer service that has the added effect of expanding the audience for the sport’s marquee names, human and equine. Racing from Ascot is simulcast icing. The profit may not be significant, but Tuesday morning at Monmouth Park was great fun for those drawn early to the track.

They enjoyed Private Tender’s victory beneath Steve Cauthen in the King Edward VII Stakes at 12 furlongs on the Swinley Course. They took note that he looks like one for the Breeders’ Cup in October.

Remembering, perhaps, how well he raced off a long layoff in last year’s Bay Shore Stakes, New York bettors sent Houston, absent since winning the King’s Bishop at Saratoga, to the post as the 3-5 favorite in an overnight handicap Wednesday at Belmont. Ouch.

The $2.9 million yearling, now a 4-year-old, staggered home last of five starters, some 13 lengths behind the late-running winner, Indian Toss, who paid $23.80. Houston was a step slow away from the gate and was sent to the lead in a :22 3-5 opening quarter while under pressure from Dr. Carrington.

After a half-mile in :45 3-5, Houston’s day was done. He finished in a canter behind an ordinary horse who, despite the fast pace, required 1:24 1-5 to complete 7 furlongs. Houston, even in this company, failed to add to the $240,632 he has earned and did nothing to indicate that a comeback is likely.

The field he faced Wednesday lost its only stakes-winner when Quick Call was scratched. Houston is no longer a threat to top-class sprinters and milers and, based upon his race Wednesday, may not be up to high-priced claiming horses.