Does horse racing define you?

[2MinsToPost]

What a great set of questions. For me now this is what Horse Racing does for me -

Takes me to another place. I swear to each and every person who might read this, there is nothing now on this earth that brings me satisfaction (of course sex is the obvious) to the extent that spending an hour or two on a Friday night with the DRF, playing a Pick 3 or 4, and cashing provides.

This is what I so love about this industry from my perspective as a gambler - It provides one with the chance to use some intellect while gambling to score.

Originally Posted by Gander

Ever think about what your life would be like without horse racing?

Does it make you part or all of who you are?

For some its a weekend hobby, for others its a career in some way or another, for some its a vice that interferes with relationships and personal goals.

You tell me. Who are you?

[TheSpyder]

I use to hitch hike to the Big T when I was 14. I had my high school senior scheule arranged so I'd make 1st post. I've been to the Derby 7 times and about every race track in the US and several in England. I now treck to Saratoga every year I can 8 out of the last 10 years.

36 years later I have seen that the track has molded me as a person in a very positive way. Each day at the track is a microcausium of life itself. You have winners and losers, you compete against the same people that are your best friends, the puzzles of each race (always different) are like each day you awake and each challenge you face in life.

Living in SC I got away from the ponies only to find them again bigger and better on the internet. Reading the form (I use brisnet) is the anaylical brain excersise that keeps me young and drives me beyond the finish line to each of lifes challenges.

We are a rare breed, especially those of us that love the game to be sitting here now doing this instead of hundreds of other things. In the end, my life is so much better for the challenge. If life is about the journey and not the end result it's a joy to know that it's 5 minutes to post time somewhere in the world right now and always.

Yea, I could quit horse racing and I could quit breathing. I don't see much pay off in either.

Spyder from SC

[miraja2]

uhhhh........no it does not define me. I think if a person has any ONE thing that defines them, they may need help.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by TheSpyder

I use to hitch hike to the Big T when I was 14. I had my high school senior scheule arranged so I'd make 1st post. I've been to the Derby 7 times and about every race track in the US and several in England. I now treck to Saratoga every year I can 8 out of the last 10 years.

36 years later I have seen that the track has molded me as a person in a very positive way. Each day at the track is a microcausium of life itself. You have winners and losers, you compete against the same people that are your best friends, the puzzles of each race (always different) are like each day you awake and each challenge you face in life.

Living in SC I got away from the ponies only to find them again bigger and better on the internet. Reading the form (I use brisnet) is the anaylical brain excersise that keeps me young and drives me beyond the finish line to each of lifes challenges.

We are a rare breed, especially those of us that love the game to be sitting here now doing this instead of hundreds of other things. In the end, my life is so much better for the challenge. If life is about the journey and not the end result it's a joy to know that it's 5 minutes to post time somewhere in the world right now and always.

Yea, I could quit horse racing and I could quit breathing. I don't see much pay off in either.

Spyder from SC

I think I just shed a tear....BRAVO.....(whistles).....bravo

[randallscott35]

I don't know that define is the word Tim was looking for. Frankly, if you have taken the time to find a horse racing message board and are a regular poster, than you aren't like most horse racing fans. Secondly, there are a group of people at the track who are there simply to gamble, i.e. they would be gambling on dogs or anything else if it was within driving distance. Then there are those who love horse racing and therefore gamble on it.

I can't envision my life without horse racing in it, but it doesn't define me. It takes up more of my time than any other hobby I have by far. But I feel like its quality time if I can make a buck at it....But the fact that Breeders Cup Day is my favorite day of the year times 10 makes it obvious that horse racing is more than a simple vice. Just a great game.

[Thunder Gulch]

It is my principal hobby, but that's what it is. I spend time almost everyday thinking about racing, reading books on the sport, or just trolling over here at Derby Trail. However, I have a family, own a business, and still enjoy other activities such as golf and going to football, basketball, baseball games, etc., so no, it doesn't define me.

Originally Posted by randallscott35

I don't know that define is the word Tim was looking for. Frankly, if you have taken the time to find a horse racing message board and are a regular poster, than you aren't like most horse racing fans. Secondly, there are a group of people at the track who are there simply to gamble, i.e. they would be gambling on dogs or anything else if it was within driving distance. Then there are those who love horse racing and therefore gamble on it.

I can't envision my life without horse racing in it, but it doesn't define me. It takes up more of my time than any other hobby I have by far. But I feel like its quality time if I can make a buck at it....But the fact that Breeders Cup Day is my favorite day of the year times 10 makes it obvious that horse racing is more than a simple vice. Just a great game.

I echo a lot of what Randall said but would add a few things. To "define" someone is a label thats just about impossible to assign without knowledge of another person completely. I'd have to say that anyoen who is defined by one thing in life has a very empty existence.
Life is completely bland when you only care about one thing. This is a horse racing board so thats what we basically speak about. I'm sure that I, like others, reach a point in the day when we have just had enough. Politics, movies, reading, sports, just so many other things hold my interest. Then of course we all have duties or responsibilities in life that we don't choose, they are just there and must be performed. Horse racing is something I have great passion for, but too much of anything will make you sour on it.
I think that many only view racing as a gambling outlet. These are the folks who are constantly bitter about the game and speak a lot of negativity about it. Some of us can watch races or handicap a card as a mental exercise and enjoy it without betting. Some of us really get pumped up watching a great horse like Ghostzapper run just to see him perform. The fact that he is 1-9 is meaningless. There are a lot of races to bet every day but so rarely do you get to see a great animal run.
I think thats what seperates the people here, some with passion for the sport,and some who only view it as gambling.

[Pointg5]

It's my main hobby and interest, I bet mainly on weekends, but even when not betting, I read and try to learn all that I can. I don't golf or have any other expensive hobbies, so I don't feel the least bit guilty betting, I figure if I golfed I probably would spend more money with little return. There's nothing better than picking up a Form on Friday and looking at it all day at work and seeing all of the races and getting excited, putting together tickets. Also, my dad loves horse racing, so it gives him and I something to talk about, so that's pretty cool. Also, my best friend is into racing as much as I am, he's very busy, with 2 kids and a wife, it gives him a release as well. He's taught me a ton, but now that I have more time than him, I keep him up to date on alot of stuff.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Well put Mike. It's been 20 years this month that I've been really interested in thoroughbred racing. I don't know why, but the challenge of taking a field of horses and predicting which of them will finish one/two/three got me hooked. I am a "small time" bettor, but just love to handicap the ponies. Could I live without it? Probably, but it's the one thing in my adult years that I'm most proud of. I never went to college, my job isn't the greatest. But, the love I have for this sport will never die! I am person who can remember little details from my past. In horse racing, I can remember those same details too.
Never made a lot of money in the sport, but wouldn't trade the past twenty years for nothing.

[TheSpyder]

First I think some of you are in denial, but that's for you to decide.

Second according to the dictionary define means:

To give form or meaning to: “For him, a life is defined by action”

Now, that does not mean that your don't "care about" anything else. In fact, it does mean just the opposite. example: Barbaro

Maybe some of you have not logged approaching four decades of horse racing and maybe you don't care to, but, just like the ponies we play, I guess we are all different.

I just think I have found so many life lessons over the years and in each race that, yes, it does define me and I think I'm a better person for it.

Spyder from SC

[whorstman]

I may be a seasonal person. I also play golf, softball etc. I love all types of sports. I would say sports in general define a big part of me. Come the fall, when the NFL kicks in, I will be bouncing back and forth w/ Derbytrail and CBSSPORTSLINE CREEKDOGG FANTASY FOOTBALL!!! I finnally broke through after years of disapointment and won my first title last year. I was actually runner up in the other CREEKDOGG league, we have 2. Damn near won them both in the same season, instant hall of fame they said. Oh well. Back to racing, I love it. I always have. I am on a new level with it now thanks to DT, I pay more attention and have learned tons from many many people on here. Most will not hesitate to answer any questions and I have a lot of fun reading and posting on here. Kinda feel like a know a few people on here, even though in reality I guess I don't. I can tell you this, I pulled Saturdays PPs yesterday and began handicapping 2 days in advance! I NEVER would have done that before. If there was a REAL good reason why I had to give it up, I would. It would have to be a damn good one though. I have to be at the track when betting though. My friends make fun of me because I get so juiced during a race I am shaking for at least 5 minutes afterwards. GD it's great excitment!!! I'll give you the emotiocon gammit of my racing emotions....

Before the race
During the race
After the race (WIN)
After the race (loss)

[Cajungator26]

It consumes me. I don't have a whole lot of money to gamble, but I enjoy the sport and I enjoy it mostly because of the horses themselves.