Great idea.
High Point:
Illinois Ruling Stops Horse Slaughter in U.S. The only positive thing that has come out of decisions made by our State legislators and Executive Office thius year. Won't bore you with politics here but it's a mess:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/articleind...e.asp?id=40918
Best memories:
1) Having the opportunity to attend a Corporate Function in the Million Room at Arlington Park. I get to Arlington Park about 4-6 times a year with my wife and kids (ages 9 & 13) in the grandstand and it is a great place for family fun; but getting to see the races from the Million Room with an incredible view and fabulous food and service was awesome!
2) The winning jockey autographs goggles and gives them away to kids after races on the weekend at Arlington Park. My daughter got goggles from Robbie Albarado this year adding to her collection of signed goggles from Mark Guidy, Rene Douglas and Chris Emigh. Two Hall of Famers and the best two riders on the Chicago circuit!
3) Hitting the Turf Festival Pick 3 at Arlington Park on Arlington Million Day along with a win bet on Grand Couturier and an exacta with Grand Couturier and English Channel in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga on Million Day. Won over $650 in a span of an hour making my year at the races a profitable one.
4) Illinois OTB, NTRA, Monmouth allowing for advance wagering on the Breeders Cup. My father and I have a tradition of watching and wagering and Mom and Dad retired to Arkansas. They could not make it to Illinois this year so I bet our Pick 3s Friday ending in the 10th and 11th and went south to watch at their new home. Hit both Pick 3s we played and while they were chalky it ended in a profitable day that I got to spend with Dad.
5) On the phone with Dad watching the Belmont with both of us cheering on Rags to Riches over Curlin to get us profit on our Pick 3.
6) Street Sense. I picked him to win the Breeders Cup Juvenile based on his win at G3 Arlington Park and my daughter had him in the Ky. Derby. All of his races were incedible to watch. Even in defeat he proved a true champion who gave his best each time. Kudos to all 3 year olds, what a great year for the Derby Trial!
Lows: I too share the frustration over the loss of great equine athletes in their prime. I hope the synthetic surfaces which have disrupted my ability to effectively analyze past performances serve to diminish the loss of those we cheer to victory.