why we love the game....

[Gate Dancer]

Growing up in Omaha, it was inevitable that an appearance at Ak-Sar-Ben would be in the cards. I believe it was my sophomore year in college (at UNO) when I made my first $2 show bet and got back $6. I thought there might be something to this. After that began the period of reading anything and everything on the sport. I had always watched the Triple Crown but had not really involved myself until the actual first visit to the track. I finally sent away for a 'system' book by Prof. Gordon Jones and was convinced by blindly following his figures and instructions I would be on the path to financial security. The first opportunity to use it was at Agricultural Park in Columbus, NE. After a couple of ups and downs the 'feature' race of the day came up and the 'system' had a 13-1 shot named Flying Shoulda. It cruised and I got back over $100 for my $5 dollar win and place bets. I was totally sold at this point and that was the springboard to a continual passion ever since.

I watched the rise and fall of Ak-Sar-Ben and Jack Van Berg treated us to seeing Gate Dancer in person. To watch that horse make his move on the far turn with his specially made 'hood' (earmuffs) was stunning. I studied and played the Nebraska circuit before moving to Chicago in 1989. Arlington Park is still one of the most beautiful tracks I've been to. After a 12 year stretch in SW Nebraska (thank God for Phonebet) I have relocated here in Montana and have a very nice simulcast location a few minutes from home.

I think my passion for horse-racing is derived from figuring out the challenge that each individual race provides. I like the mathmatical part of pace, figures and final times. I get personal satisfaction from picking a winner that you just can't get from a slot machine. I realize the effort involved in learning and becoming adept at horse-racing is just too much work for the vast majority of people, but I refuse to become a 'mind numbed robot' at a slot machine. I am concerned about the future of the game and certainly believe changes must be made. It will always be hard to get new people involved due to the plethora of alternative gambling options. As for me, I'll always be looking to improve my handicapping skills and this forum is one of those ways.

[ghartman02]

My Dad owned a few horses and I grew up around the sport in all apects. It was Latonia (Turfway) in the winter, River Downs in the summer. Sometimes it was trips to Beulah as well. Then in 1969 I went to The Kentucky Derby for the first time. I was a reluctant 10 year old and was miserable: until I saw the Twin Spires. It was a lost cause, I was hooked forever. Though my parents were somewhat strict, in the early 70's I ws taken out of school to attend The BlueGrass (which used to be run Thursdays). Again it was love at first sight at Keeneland. In 1973 I didn't get to go to the Derby with my parents. I conned my cousin into driving down, made my way to the fence and saw Secretariat. Since then I've been privleged to attend most race tracks. I still am thrilled everytime I drive to Keeneland. I still get a chill when I see the Twin Spires. I loved Hialeah and hope there is a revival. The beauty, excitement of the race, and solving the puzzle. AND... I can go to a Bengal or Reds Game, it's cool, but I'll spend anywhere from $30 to $80. At a race track, I can spend the same and come home with nothing, or I can make money. In the meantime I see beautiful horses, enjoy the sunshine, walk around places like Churchill or Saratoga and realize that someone like me did the same 100 years ago. A Bud Light is the best tasting beer on a warm spring day at Keeneland, A mint julep in on Derby Day, a glass of champagne at a morning workout at Saratoga. There's nothing better.

[Thunder Gulch]

Hate to interject in all of the folks with the romantic tales about growing up loving the game and the animals, but I'm a borderline degenerate gambler by nature. That's what piqued my initial interest anyway.

Then in 1991, I went to my first KY Derby the day after my last final exam in college. We went for the party and the gambling, but I definately changed my perspective that day. Been to 19 straight since and next year will be 20.

Now, I do follow the game weekly, if not daily, and I've read 50 or so books on the history of the sport.

[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.