Old Newmarket site inspection

I heard they are going to use it for a holding camp for the German,Dutch and English hooligans during the World Cup?

Hahaha...bit of luxury for that lot

I am willing to bet my Christmas pudding that there will be no building there in 2K10 through 2011 and even perhpas 2012......

Nevermind the recession crap. That land was perfect for a racecourse. Nothing else.

I wish Phumelela would start being part of the solution and quit being part of the problem.

Just a thought is the land going cheap? with all this recession,maybe they can buy it back...lol

Hibs,

Even if thats the best idea so far this side of Christmas, there is no way Phumelela admit to being wrong and buying the land back for racing purposes!

The only solution I can think of is an outisde party buying the course and setting it up as a business?

I wonder how many business models we could come up with for a privately owned racecourse?
Dining, racing, bookmaking, tote services, all the good things we keep on talking about here.

I have no idea of it would be worth while, but surely trainers would be interested in the stables and one could make a business out of a racecourse if run well? I don't know what effect internet and tellytrack would have on being a viable business, but I would just LOVE to stick it to Phumelela!!

The site has infinite potential as a racing and entertainment centre, in the right hands. A unique opportunity, one feels?

To change the subject slightly, remember the Kensington Golf course in Bedfordview, land was also converted into a Business and Retail Park...Sad that we are loosing these recreational areas.

The difference Greg is that while Newmarket as we knew it is no more the site itself is still potentially usable for leisure activity, including racing. I know that I'm dreaming but something twice as good as what was there before could conceivably be built there. Including a dog track and even a (shudder) a trotting course. All in one.

greg,

I grew up 2 minutes away from the Kensington golf course and was a junior member there for 5 years. I was sad to see the course go but I could understand what they were did. the land was absolutely prime and could not have been positioned any better.

Newmarket on the other hand really only has one purpose according to me. RACING!!

Magic,

If you are keen, I would be happy to start up a CC and head on into talks to try and privatise Newmarket.
Do you think we would have some supporters if we try to privatise?

Yes, Tommy. We can only try and I imagine that there are so many players in SA racing who are pissed off with the direction the sport is taking that the idea of an independent racing entity would make some appeal. And if the land is unsuitable for much else then it may also be reasonably affordable.

LOL....Will you okes also provide a NEW RA

I wonder if Phumelela would be forthcoming with letting "somone" know who they sold the land to?
My guess is NO, but it would be great to try and find out who owns the land now and start from there.
My concern is that Phumelela will not support an "outside" company who try and sell them racemeetings? They would just refuse to hold races there.

I would assume the guys trying to get Randjiesfontein a racecourse are having some of the same issues?

Phumelela/GC have a monopoly and I don't see how we can break it????

It is really very sad to say the least