[booner]

This is a great thread. I have enjoyed reading all the stories.

I had never been interested in horse racing, period. Then several friends invited me to go to Ellis Park one day in 2003. I remember hitting the tri in the 2nd race and it paid around $200 (Sad thing is, can't remember any horses involved!). It was a lucky hit, and on the way home I wanted to figure out how to read the program. The PP's really intrigiued me. But what I loved most about the trip was watching the horses run. The beauty really entrapped me, so much so I started watching TVG constantly.

I finally started to buy some books and learning more about the game. I felt that after 34 years of aimless wandering, I had finally found my personal passion. The PP's, betting and watching the horses compete made me feel so good. It's hard to explain the feelings I had back then. I just know that I had found something I wanted to follow fervently.

I don't get a chance to follow horse racing on the scale that several do on here, but try to take a day to play all day when I get a chance. Nothing beats going to the track and watching live. I love the atmosphere, whether it is glamorous or not. Being 30 minutes from Kentucky Downs, I don't miss a live day of racing there. I also go to Chuchill Downs, Keeneland and Ellis Park at least a couple of days each live meet. Even went so far as to attend 2 Breeder's Cups, and loved every moment of them (even the monsoons in Jersey!).

I am rambling, but I also have to add this story. At our company picnic this past Saturday, the Dreamriders in Russellville came out and had pony rides for the kids. I was volunteered to help out with them, and loved every minute of it. I now am going to volunteer more of my time to help them in any way I can. Point is, without that trip to Ellis Park in 2003, I would not have been interested and would not have helped them. So, my passion for horse racing has now led me to helping those who are less fortunate than my family and myself.