What To Buy?

by Ed Meyer

posted on December 20, 2009 in General Discussion | No Comments >>

I was sitting in my office last week. I have to admit, I was looking at Tampa for a value play or two… The phone rang, and the nicest young lady asked what she should get her father for Christmas.  He loves the ponies, and she had no clue what to get him… Boy, was she in luck… She happened to call the horse players department, and she was going to hang up with some ideas.

She said he comes to the track three to four times a week. I would call that a very good player. I told her she should make his time here comfortable.

Here are some ideas for the player in your life:

How about something easy like a betting voucher?  Cash might seem like a no-brainer. But, to buy him or her a betting voucher shows you know what is on their mind. Even though it is cash, players will always relish this… It is a good way to start your day, and it feels good just bringing a live ticket back to the track. Always a good idea.

Let’s get some information. Seek out your local track and ask if can purchase a book of program vouchers or info gift certificates. This is also good, as players love to come into the track and have a program coupon in hand. They will remember this longer than the reindeer tie….

How about a good meal? Every track offers some type of dining room gift certificate. This way they can come out and bring a pal or two and grab some lunch or dinner. They can use it when they want, and can always plan ahead for a day at the track. Good stuff….

If you contact the marketing department, I bet you can arrange for a track photo to be taken. You could have a gathering at the track, and have his name in the program as the fan of the day. The winning rider would gather with your group, and this would look good on his desk, or above the mantle. Every time you passed, you could think back to the big night at the races. Fun memories…

If a track has a gift shop, there are local goodies that dress you up nice. I would seek out Keeneland, Churchill, Santa Anita, or Hollywood Park’s gift shop. You can get everything from small things to big item jewelry.. The sky is the limit, and here are some great ideas for the fan in your life. If they are a WinningPonies player, how about loading them up with some “WinningCredits” for their stocking?  They are always good, and can be used when the mood hits, to shop for some winners.

Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! May your winners be many, and your photos be few!