Likewise, I had a lovely day meeting Randall (I'm glad you had a good time; I was worried I was monopolizing your day!) and his mom, who was kind, funny and just all around a lot of fun. Like mother, like son.
I also enjoyed meeting Steve and lovely Beth, and I'm sorry I didn't get more time to talk to Dellinger, BTW, et al; I could have happily listened to your horsetalk all day. And I'm pretty sure you'll see Shawn, who is purchasing his first broodmare on DerbyTrail very soon.
Definitely a day to spectate and enjoy rather than wager. I had picked out the eventual 10-1 winner in the 5th, but in my tried and true betting style, that was the race I decided not to bet. I'm thinking it's the fault of the Taco Bell I keep eating at Penn Station before I go to the track-- all the refried bean deliciousness clouds my judgment for the rest of the day... or I'm just a terrible, terrible bettor...
Memory to keep- after Javier came back on Bernardini, he took his helmet off and raised it up. Normally, I'm cynical when athletes do the religious thing-- my own personal pet peeve here, but I just don't think God cares all that much if the Yankees make the playoffs (by the way, ateam, very sorry about that. Hope to meet you next time). But in the gathering dusk, for a moment, all I saw was a silhouette of this beautiful horse and the man sitting on him, arms stretched up to the sky with his helmet balanced between his hands, and the moment made my heart catch in my throat.
Randall, my friend and I are dead serious about taking you out on a trail ride in Brooklyn. If your ears were burning last night it's because lots of nice things were being said about you.