Ok, My first time in Texas and first time at this track. May I preface by saying, my family are…read morehorse racing owners and breeders on the west coast.
That being said, my expectations were a bit hit and miss here. But mostly a fantastic experience.
I love that it's exquisitely beautiful and very clean. I love that staff is formally dressed to impress! Collared shirts and all, it allows the guest experience to feel better.
The cream of the crop though is the trumpet guy. He was everywhere and making people feel really special, by playing and getting the crowd to sing, he's really magnificent. A stand out to all other tracks, as nobody has what he does!
The aircon is fabulous, so you can feel comfortable the entire day!
The food service stations were helpful and nice all great! Each employee has a specific job , so nobody will help you if it's outside their job we discovered, as in helping find seats, getting programs, where's the ice cream, where do we enter for premium parking? All questions we had a tough go of.
I wish there were umbrellas out front for shade, I wish more tables and chairs ground level inside, I wish there was a pony station to pet the ponies? But no.
Another surprising thing I saw was a pony rider, while waiting on the track, smoking a cigarette! One cinder flick in the air onto a horse or person is not safe at all. Am really shocked this is allowed.
Totally loved the "car wash" to the side for the horses who just finished, what a treat to see and treat for the horses, people say they love it. Could be good for marketing! Speaking of which, in my week there, most locals where I went, grocery restaurants gas stations didn't know that track existed! It's a marketing thing but maybe big Texas track doesn't need the money, not sure. Houston has the very best marketing team. Perhaps get some pointers!
Now, this is by far another best, the track announcer! He's really the best, he talks loud enough and slow and has the most kind and caring voice of all. Most track announcers act like they've had ten gallons of coffee, not this guy, he's like everyone's loving grandpa! He keeps everyone up to the minute, and we just happed to be there with the inclement weather closure and the race collision and he was cool as a cucumber! Another one of a kind.
And then lastly, security. Top notch, they make sure you are accounted for with proper ID and all, it likely any horses here will be tampered with or stolen, fat chance! And the outriders, again top notch safety, they secured the loose horses that fell super quick, they are constantly on the lookout for safety, getting ponies in line organized for each race, for a guest it looks so well organized!
Sorry such a long read, but loved it here and wanted to share and hope this helps others who wish to spend the day or more here, it's so so fun! A MUST DO WHILE IN DALLAS!
