why we love the game....

[Oaklawnfan]

First of all let me reiterate. This is a great thread.
I always remember enjoying watching races. Jim Mackay's coverage for so many years on ABC was a never miss for me. Growing up in the Mid West, we were a long way from the track. Ak Sar Ben was the closest but didn't get there until my college days. I saw my first live race at the age of ten. My Grandparents had taken me on vacation with them to the West Coast. I'll always remember those smells, sounds and sights spending a day with my Grandpa at Santa Anita. The next live racing I enjoyed was at Centennial Park in Denver again on vacation with my Grandparents. Several years later I had learned how to read the past performances in the Daily Racing Form and was teaching my three daughters how to also. I took my girls to the opening weekend of The Woodlands in Kansas City, KS. We got an autographed poster from Mr. Shoemaker. I was in heaven.
Today my wife and I are regulars at Oaklawn each season. Weekend road trips to Remington in the Fall and simulcasting throughout the year at the Native American casinos just over the Oklahoma state line. When we visit Las Vegas I prefer the Race Book.
We now are in a partnership which has taken the thrill of this game to a whole new level. I can't believe how much more I have learned by participating on the ownership side. For me and my money there's no better entertainment.