What Do We All Have In Common?

[Samarta]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

It's easy to say a love of horse racing, but I think there is more to it than that. This could be an interesting thread for the group to comment on. Some of these you may agree with and some you surely won't.

Let me generalize about the people on this board for a moment, again these are generalizations. Here are 8 items to consider:

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

1.) Probably not high enough...but I have a different spin on why....could it be the demographic as it relates to home computers? Maybe why on site patronage is what it is....just a thought....

2.) Post grad degree

3.) Exposed very early...as early as I can remember....

4.) East Coast (D.C. area)

5.) 44

6.) Met you lunatics over at ESPN. People have been amazing...just an example is as I was going through a pretty trying medical situation, the people on this board showed a level of concern that gave me something to look forward to. One person in particular helped me out more than he'll ever know. The beauty of the whole thing is I've never met anyone on here in person. That tells you something about the makeup of the people on this board.

7.) Rarely bet.

8.) I'm not sure if it's that or they have their priorities in line.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by Samarta

1.) Probably not high enough...but I have a different spin on why....could it be the demographic as it relates to home computers? Maybe why on site patronage is what it is....just a thought....

2.) Post grad degree

3.) Exposed very early...as early as I can remember....

4.) East Coast (D.C. area)

5.) 44

6.) Met you lunatics over at ESPN. People have been amazing...just an example is as I was going through a pretty trying medical situation, the people on this board showed a level of concern that gave me something to look forward to. One person in particular helped me out more than he'll ever know. The beauty of the whole thing is I've never met anyone on here in person. That tells you something about the makeup of the people on this board.

7.) Rarely bet.

8.) I'm not sure if it's that or they have their priorities in line.

Mostly....My typical poster lives!!!

[Samarta]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

Mostly....My typical poster lives!!!

Oh i'm not sure I'm typical...might have left some things out...

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

It's easy to say a love of horse racing, but I think there is more to it than that. This could be an interesting thread for the group to comment on. Some of these you may agree with and some you surely won't.

Let me generalize about the people on this board for a moment, again these are generalizations. Here are 8 items to consider:

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

I'm white, so yeah.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3 years of college... starting back at UF in the fall to finally finish my business degree.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

Exposed by choice at an early age. I've been addicted to horses in general since I was 5.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

I'm from Florida, so fair enough.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

I'm 26, so yep.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

I came from ESPN.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

I'm not much of a horseplayer. I only bet more than $100 a day when it comes to big days like Derby day and Breeders Cup day.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

I'm single... used to be married to a guy who never got my fascination with horses and horseracing.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

Pretty close, Randall.

I have a solution for the single guys who can't find a girl understanding enough to be serious with.... be GAY!! that's right boys... enjoy long afternoons with your mate, no worries about being home or that there is a "kid" on the way... you'll always have that disposible income! I think DT should start a "Find Your Handicapping Mate for Life" service!! I know what your thinking... but you don't have to dress or act like a homosexual... hell who says your relationship has to be sexual at all... just ask all the men with a woman how much sex they get... so you get a couple less which is NOTHING! lol...

ps... I don't hate gays... really! I've thought about it MANY times!

oh... I am a white, female, 45... went to college... my first love to me to the track at 15 and I loved it...found DT thru BYK... bet only when I have a VERY strong feeling...have a lover.... oh and from the east coast!

[SentToStud]

Originally Posted by Samm

I have a solution for the single guys who can't find a girl understanding enough to be serious with.... be GAY!! that's right boys... enjoy long afternoons with your mate, no worries about being home or that there is a "kid" on the way... you'll always have that disposible income! I think DT should start a "Find Your Handicapping Mate for Life" service!! I know what your thinking... but you don't have to dress or act like a homosexual... hell who says your relationship has to be sexual at all... just ask all the men with a woman how much sex they get... so you get a couple less which is NOTHING! lol...

ps... I don't hate gays... really! I've thought about it MANY times!

too much.

[Samarta]

Originally Posted by Samm

I have a solution for the single guys who can't find a girl understanding enough to be serious with.... be GAY!! that's right boys... enjoy long afternoons with your mate, no worries about being home or that there is a "kid" on the way... you'll always have that disposible income! I think DT should start a "Find Your Handicapping Mate for Life" service!! I know what your thinking... but you don't have to dress or act like a homosexual... hell who says your relationship has to be sexual at all... just ask all the men with a woman how much sex they get... so you get a couple less which is NOTHING! lol...

ps... I don't hate gays... really! I've thought about it MANY times!

Well I don't know about the rest of you boys, but I do just fine....having a wife 12 years younger is a wonderful thing....

Oh there are so many lines to throw on top of that Samm, I just think I'll leave it alone....

Originally Posted by Samarta

Well I don't know about the rest of you boys, but I do just fine....having a wife 12 years younger is a wonderful thing....

Oh there are so many lines to throw on top of that Samm, I just think I'll leave it alone....

I hear ya on that... JJ is 19 years my senior (found I love older men) and have been together 12 years too!

was that a Fruedian slip??

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Samm

I hear ya on that... JJ is 19 years my senior (found I love older men) and have been together 12 years too!

was that a Fruedian slip??

I love older men too... can't stand younger guys. Too immature.

[disappearingdan_akaplaya]

Originally Posted by Samm

I have a solution for the single guys who can't find a girl understanding enough to be serious with.... be GAY!! that's right boys... enjoy long afternoons with your mate, no worries about being home or that there is a "kid" on the way... you'll always have that disposible income! I think DT should start a "Find Your Handicapping Mate for Life" service!! I know what your thinking... but you don't have to dress or act like a homosexual... hell who says your relationship has to be sexual at all... just ask all the men with a woman how much sex they get... so you get a couple less which is NOTHING! lol...

ps... I don't hate gays... really! I've thought about it MANY times!

LOL no thanks ill stay straight

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

It's easy to say a love of horse racing, but I think there is more to it than that. This could be an interesting thread for the group to comment on. Some of these you may agree with and some you surely won't.

Let me generalize about the people on this board for a moment, again these are generalizations. Here are 8 items to consider:

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

#1 White
#2 Brief cup of coffee at the college ranks
#3 My old man took me to the track a few times, but really fell in love with the sport in my late twenties.
#4 New York / New Jersey circuit
#5 34 years of age
#6 A certain 23 year old female from Iowa but me on to this wonderful site. I really enjoy reading all the posts.
#7 & 8 I used to go to the track and OTB's much more when I was single. I used to be able to bet much, much more too. But now that I am married (for the record I am very lucky too, my wife used to go to the track with me every weekend. She also loved Saratoga, and even put up with me dragging her to Saratoga Harness one night. But if it wasn't for her I would probably be in a OTB right now, dead broke, picking tickets off the floor yelling "does anyone know who won the 3rd at Delaware".) with kid #2 on the way, it is much harder to find time and extra cash to go to the track with. Also, when I had a few extra bucks I would tell her that I would take my son to the park or the zoo on Sunday's and really sneak him off to Monmouth Park. But, he can talk now and that puts the kabosh on that! But I do still enjoy watching the races and now when I am able to get away for the day it really means alot. My son also likes the horses, so I really can't wait for him to get older and really try to teach him a thing or two.

[mark2061mn]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

1. Call me Casper.

2. I'm college educated, but I consider that an impedement in life. Just look at Sal, for instance! In all seriousness though, college is unimportant in life.

3. Is 17 considered young? I was exposed to racing in high school, and ended up spending the better part of my senior year creating ways to ditch class and go to the track. In fact, I used to run bets out to Santa Anita and Hollywood Park for a few of my teachers.

4. I spent most of my life in southern california, and then moved to southern maine. So, count me in on that one too.

5. Turning 40 this week. yay.

6. I came from the old AOL boards back when it was run/sponsored by ABC. Way back in the mid 90s.

7. I no longer bet. Given the choice of watching a horse I like lose when I bet it, or having it win when I don't bet it, I opted to just watch and let the poor thing win.

8. Not married.

Pretty close description! I had no idea I was so predictable and categorizable! Maybe I'll move to Ottomwa, Iowa, get married and work on my tan.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

1. Call me Casper.

2. I'm college educated, but I consider that an impedement in life. Just look at Sal, for instance! In all seriousness though, college is unimportant in life.

3. Is 17 considered young? I was exposed to racing in high school, and ended up spending the better part of my senior year creating ways to ditch class and go to the track. In fact, I used to run bets out to Santa Anita and Hollywood Park for a few of my teachers.

4. I spent most of my life in southern california, and then moved to southern maine. So, count me in on that one too.

5. Turning 40 this week. yay.

6. I came from the old AOL boards back when it was run/sponsored by ABC. Way back in the mid 90s.

7. I no longer bet. Given the choice of watching a horse I like lose when I bet it, or having it win when I don't bet it, I opted to just watch and let the poor thing win.

8. Not married.

Pretty close description! I had no idea I was so predictable and categorizable! Maybe I'll move to Ottomwa, Iowa, get married and work on my tan.

I kind of like sociology stuff so I was reading a book today about things like this and decided to come up with some things.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

It's easy to say a love of horse racing, but I think there is more to it than that. This could be an interesting thread for the group to comment on. Some of these you may agree with and some you surely won't.

Let me generalize about the people on this board for a moment, again these are generalizations. Here are 8 items to consider:

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range. Yet when I go to the track, other than Saratoga, a good portion of the clientele are minorities.

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy. That says something about the competency of the people here and their general work ethic outside of the hobby of horse racing.

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age. While this seems obvious, I would say there are a lot of people that grow to like horse racing even if they weren't exposed to it early--but those people, to me, are less likely to have the kind of passion to seek out a message board on the subject.

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area. This is anecdotal, but it says something that generally speaking the south is less well represented here. Obviously, some of the best racing comes from the areas where most posters are, but demographics play into this....The retirement crowd of Arizona and Florida are not Internet savvy, and even if they are horse racing fans, they aren't seeking out a message board to post.

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50. Which quite honestly makes sense, but I do think the the patronage of the track is older than this on average, especially on a lonely day in March at the big A.

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show. Advertising of some other kind could surely boost our numbers, but would it water down the content?...The many new friendships made on here were the result of only a few people. Speaking for myself, one of the nice things that Mike did was introduce me to Steve and Kevin. Saratoga has become a haven for these meetings, as I've been able to meet many others and strike up a friendship with Pais even though I only got to hang out with her for one single afternoon in Toga.

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet. I say most, especially the Selection board crowd on here. Sure there are 5$ bettors, but I'd say a good portion are betting more serious sums of money. Could be the general ability levels here and comfort with making larger wagers b/c of much more study into day to day racing. Could be we have a crowd here who are "bigger" gamblers in general. Could be we have more disposable income to be betting...don't believe it's this one by the way.

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true. More likely, b/c serious gamblers do not often make good mates. I think they are less likely to want commitment and are independent types in general. Plus, handicapping, if you are serious about, is a time consuming process.

Now, how far off am I? Randall

1. Mom is black....Dad is Asian...but I am white

2. Some college education...didn't graduate....but I did complete PGA School.

3. Was not exposed to horse racing until I was 30.

4. East coast...from the 757 (Holla...)

5. 34...but my body is 74

6. Stumbled across ESPN on my own...where I met many people who I feel lucky to call great friends today.

7. Small bettor

8. Not married...divorced actually...and that is what drove me to get into horse racing....something to occupy my mind while going through the divorce. Been hooked ever since....*note to self....send ex-wife a thank you note*

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

1. Overwhelmingly the people on this board are white, I'd put it in the 90% range.

I'm white.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

2. Most of the people on this board are college educated, at least the ones of age who could be. I would put that number in the 80% range easy.

I left highschool before graduating, simply to have the needed time and focus to prepare for gambling on horses day-to-day.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

3. Most of the people here were exposed to horse racing at an early age.

As far back as I can remember. My parents both trained horses, and rather unsuccessfully. I also have a lot of old horseowners and bettors in my family.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

4. The majority of posters on here are from the coasts, especially the east and a good portion from the Chicago area.

Western PA.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

5. Which leads me to age. Steve might have more stats on this but I'd say 75% of posters are between 25 and 50.

25

Originally Posted by randallscott35

6. The majority of the posters came from the ESPN board, that much is true. But the new group is here by word of mouth, or through Steve's radio show.

Came here from Pace Advantage....a glitch in my computer led to the misfortune for you guys.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

7. Most of the people here bet 8-10 times what a normal patron at the track will bet.

When it's your only real souce of income, until you've built up a lot of profit, you have to wager sometimes uncomfotably large sums of money.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

8. Most of the under 40 crowd are not married. Especially the men on here. Why is the bigger question? Maybe b/c our hobby is not conducive to meeting women, which is undoubtedly true.

I am not married...and my relationships, while not always short, have ended up complete failures.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

25

I didn't realize you were so young!

[2MinsToPost]

An escape from the reality that is called life for us working folk who pay taxes

1. I like analyzing athletic performances, and athletically nothing seems quite as pure as running.

2. I like numbers which hope to somehow describe a physical event and enjoy breaking down the numbers into significant and insignificant information. I enjoy watching a race and then looking at the numbers and the different ways people try to portray the event that I have witnessed.

3. I use to run a whole lot myself and tried to run very hard in races, so I feel a bit of a bond with an animal that tries to do the same without knowing exactly what he/she is supposed to do. I liked training for an event in a way in which I hoped to get maximal performance out of myself. Running distance competitively is an exercise in courage and learning how to cope with chronic pain associated with a big effort. And the horses do it for free...
This paragraph would probably put me in the weirdo group with the exception of a few on this board who know what it is like to endure significant pain while trying to perform to the best of ones physical capabilities.

4. I think it is interesting how betting money seems to give people some added reason to become interested in an athletic event. My brother and cousin are the best examples for me. I find people who wager money on athletic events much more interesting than people who wager on almost anything, including slots and cards. I like to read about how people like to put money on the outcome of certain events because they feel they have a handle on the probability involved, rather than just throwing money down and praying.

5. Most importantly... I have very few friends that actually have any interest in horse racing, so I feel somewhat an outcast. I can go to a simulcast facility, and after having read about some of the more significant races, just have a ball watching the races. For this I am considered strange. The few friends I have that will watch racing, also play the lottery, etc... which just baffles the crud out of me.

So where else to go because of my bizarre nature...

And the fact I was trained in the sciences really puts me out of bounds with many people I know well. I have an aquaintance that is a statistician for a very large scientific group here (she basically helps people analyze data for research papers) and I know she finds it sort of deviant that I would put effort into thinking about racing. She will still help me with probability questions.

I had to dump this out. Sorry I did not stay with the original profile given. This is like going to confession where I know I will be forgiven.

Everything I have posted above would indicate I should look exactly like Randall's picture but I dont.

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by pgardn

1. I like analyzing athletic performances, and athletically nothing seems quite as pure as running.

2. I like numbers which hope to somehow describe a physical event and enjoy breaking down the numbers into significant and insignificant information. I enjoy watching a race and then looking at the numbers and the different ways people try to portray the event that I have witnessed.

3. I use to run a whole lot myself and tried to run very hard in races, so I feel a bit of a bond with an animal that tries to do the same without knowing exactly what he/she is supposed to do. I liked training for an event in a way in which I hoped to get maximal performance out of myself. Running distance competitively is an exercise in courage and learning how to cope with chronic pain associated with a big effort. And the horses do it for free...
This paragraph would probably put me in the weirdo group with the exception of a few on this board who know what it is like to endure significant pain while trying to perform to the best of ones physical capabilities.

4. I think it is interesting how betting money seems to give people some added reason to become interested in an athletic event. My brother and cousin are the best examples for me. I find people who wager money on athletic events much more interesting than people who wager on almost anything, including slots and cards. I like to read about how people like to put money on the outcome of certain events because they feel they have a handle on the probability involved, rather than just throwing money down and praying.

5. Most importantly... I have very few friends that actually have any interest in horse racing, so I feel somewhat an outcast. I can go to a simulcast facility, and after having read about some of the more significant races, just have a ball watching the races. For this I am considered strange. The few friends I have that will watch racing, also play the lottery, etc... which just baffles the crud out of me.

So where else to go because of my bizarre nature...

And the fact I was trained in the sciences really puts me out of bounds with many people I know well. I have an aquaintance that is a statistician for a very large scientific group here (she basically helps people analyze data for research papers) and I know she finds it sort of deviant that I would put effort into thinking about racing. She will still help me with probability questions.

I had to dump this out. Sorry I did not stay with the original profile given. This is like going to confession where I know I will be forgiven.

Everything I have posted above would indicate I should look exactly like Randall's picture but I dont.

You are forgiven my son.