Hastings Racecourse

Day 1 of the new Racing Season. It looks as if it will be a little difficult at Hastings this year. With a large Renovation ( I hear 40 million $ ) going on , and a fairly busy opening day , it was pretty chaotic here on Sat. With the Ground Floor of the Grandstands closed , there was a definite lack of Betting Terminals plus the loss of the Concessions on the Ground Floor it made for some pretty long lines. If you got in Line to get a Hot Dog at the Paddock Grill , you missed a race. I understand there are going to be some inconveniences with such a big renovation going on , and it is for the greater good of all , Horsemen and Patrons , but you think they would make sure that all the Betting Terminals that are there , are working , they weren't !! You would think that in anticipation of a large opening day crowd , and knowing they are short on Concession Stands , they would bring in portable Concessions , like Mr Tube Steak or the Mini Donuts , both of whom , I have seen there before, they didn't.

I will be back , the Regulars , the Hardcore , will be back , grumbling , but they will be back.

However , they certainly didn't win over any new Fans , which is what they need the most.

Hopefully they can work out the kinks , or it is going to be a long year of frustration.

DC