Quote Originally Posted by jackthepunter View Post
Well Big Kev were do I start. The design of the whole place is a joke, is been poorly though out with bits and piceces added here and their and all over the place. The place has no flow its all over the shop. Why would you put the parade ring as far away as possible? Anyone with half a brain would have put the parade ring right next to the stand like menagle and moonee valley were owners and fans can get right up close to the horse without have to walk all the way. You might think its not that far but think of the elderly or people with young kids. I also would have made the parade ring and stands and dinner areas as one like moonee valley so on warm niights(rarely at melton) you could stand out and watch them parade, but on cold windy days and nights(standard at melton). People could still see and get up close to the horses but behind the glass in warm comfort. To get anyone to go to the races you have to give them comfort and good quality food and drink at cheap prices so they have an enjoyable experience and come back, not only that their tell their friends and they come to. Now this has never happen at melton alot of people went once or twice in the early years and have never or raley been back, myself included. The food was over priced and average at best. From last count I think theirs been at least 10 cheifs and mangers come and go probably more by know, hardly a good recommendation for a place. Why would you have the drivers rooms the size of a phone box and not have them as part of the stable block? I'm convince the people that designed and built the place were the same people that build and designed Etihad Stadium(AFL) were the grounds facing the wrong way for sunlight, difference at melton its facing the wrong way for the wind the buildings should have been build on the side that you drive in hence blocking the wind and not letting it blow right it your face. Their just a few things I could go on all day. But its not a facility any one in the industry worth they salt is happy with or proud of.
Meltons not perfect. But still great place to watch the races.

They had the stuff you mention at Moonee Valley. And what happened? No bugger turned up!! Losing money hand over foot. All going into MV coffers and out of the participants pockets. Not sustainable. So whats the alternative?

We go every week and yes it's very, very cold there some nites. On Sunday there was a cold westerly blowing. If they put the stand where you said it would have been blowing straight in your face. Put it the other way and then in summer (when some buggers do turn up) you cop a hot northerly in your face. The parade ring is a walk but most nights there's no one down there. 20m walk from cafe? So they put it in front of track and on days when buggers do turn up they'd be whingeing about no space. Menangles parade ring is closer?

It's not perfect but the days of 'If you build it they will come' are gone. It's a fast growing area. Hopefully they capitalise on it. Why build something in the middle of town when 'No bugger turns up'?

I remember the days of standing for 5 hours in the outer to watch my footy team play... Wind, rain or shine. No roof. Made me laugh few weeks back when heard someone complain about bit of bird poop on their undercover seat!