why we love the game....

[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.