My Dad owned a few horses and I grew up around the sport in all apects. It was Latonia (Turfway) in the winter, River Downs in the summer. Sometimes it was trips to Beulah as well. Then in 1969 I went to The Kentucky Derby for the first time. I was a reluctant 10 year old and was miserable: until I saw the Twin Spires. It was a lost cause, I was hooked forever. Though my parents were somewhat strict, in the early 70's I ws taken out of school to attend The BlueGrass (which used to be run Thursdays). Again it was love at first sight at Keeneland. In 1973 I didn't get to go to the Derby with my parents. I conned my cousin into driving down, made my way to the fence and saw Secretariat. Since then I've been privleged to attend most race tracks. I still am thrilled everytime I drive to Keeneland. I still get a chill when I see the Twin Spires. I loved Hialeah and hope there is a revival. The beauty, excitement of the race, and solving the puzzle. AND... I can go to a Bengal or Reds Game, it's cool, but I'll spend anywhere from $30 to $80. At a race track, I can spend the same and come home with nothing, or I can make money. In the meantime I see beautiful horses, enjoy the sunshine, walk around places like Churchill or Saratoga and realize that someone like me did the same 100 years ago. A Bud Light is the best tasting beer on a warm spring day at Keeneland, A mint julep in on Derby Day, a glass of champagne at a morning workout at Saratoga. There's nothing better.
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