How did you get into racing? - Page 2

kenny p · #1 10-17-2006, 09:51 AM

In the early 70s I worked in produce with " wiseguys' . They owned trotters. Every friday for about 8 weeks I won more than my salary. this was at Roosevelt Raceway. Kellytuck Direct and Greentree Phantom are 2 that I remember. Then I went to the flats at the Big A and that was the end of my trotter career. I still like going to Aqueduct. KP

infield_line · #2 10-17-2006, 01:58 PM

took me to watch the morning workouts at Hollywood Park in about 1954-55 I'm guessing. Then move to L'ville 40 year later and loved hanging out at the Downs, but did not get serious about learning to handicap until I discovered I was the older brother of the famous Hooves.............lol

Still learning all that I can afford, more or less... will play until they make me stop in the retirement home.

Chris

2MinsToPost · #3 10-17-2006, 03:46 PM

Sitting in a bar in Grove City Ohio talking to the guy next to me and he said why don't you come tomorrow, meet me over at such and such place. Hooked since. Made many friends at the track and the barns. Burned a lot of cash. Love every aspect of this game and crave information like mad. Love the stars of the show, the horses, like no other.

mclem10011 · #4 10-17-2006, 08:41 PM

In racing peaked about 3 1/2 years or so ago. Of course I knew or had seen a race or two before, but flipping channels stumbled upon HRTV. My eyes lit up with dollar signs, at some of the incredible payouts. Still, I had no idea of how to go about making a bet. Later on, I had found the local dog track, and went on Kentucky Derby day, and actually got a win on the first bet I ever placed. Naturally, that day a huge longshot like 44-1 or so won the derby, that was the horse I didn't have a bet in on, so I had things to learn. Moving ahead, I had switched dish companies, and was watching TVG, and I also opened an Xpressbet account. Then I was off and running, too much my now wife would say lol. I know people can't stand TVG, and they are more awkward glitz then racing info at times, but I did begin to learn more about the sport. Like all players, I want to take down scores, and make coin, don't we all right lol? However, I have come to enjoy racing, as an exciting and entertaining sport. My respect for the athletes (equine and human) is immense, and the trainers aren't slouches either. I know you guys are thinking, shut up already lol? I will, but that is how I got started, and where I'm at now, still learning alot each day.

hoovesupsideyourhead · #5 10-17-2006, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclem10011

In racing peaked about 3 1/2 years or so ago. Of course I knew or had seen a race or two before, but flipping channels stumbled upon HRTV. My eyes lit up with dollar signs, at some of the incredible payouts. Still, I had no idea of how to go about making a bet. Later on, I had found the local dog track, and went on Kentucky Derby day, and actually got a win on the first bet I ever placed. Naturally, that day a huge longshot like 44-1 or so won the derby, that was the horse I didn't have a bet in on, so I had things to learn. Moving ahead, I had switched dish companies, and was watching TVG, and I also opened an Xpressbet account. Then I was off and running, too much my now wife would say lol. I know people can't stand TVG, and they are more awkward glitz then racing info at times, but I did begin to learn more about the sport. Like all players, I want to take down scores, and make coin, don't we all right lol? However, I have come to enjoy racing, as an exciting and entertaining sport. My respect for the athletes (equine and human) is immense, and the trainers aren't slouches either. I know you guys are thinking, shut up already lol? I will, but that is how I got started, and where I'm at now, still learning alot each day.

great post.....

AeWingnut · #6 10-17-2006, 08:58 PM

The first time I went was with my uncle Charlie I was hooked. I guess it's in the blood. His uncle owned horses until his ex-wife gave the 2nd set of books to the IRS.

Charlie actually did well enough to make handicapping his full time job. Then one day his horse got taken down and he had to get a real job.

#7 10-17-2006, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeWingnut

The first time I went was with my uncle Charlie I was hooked. I guess it's in the blood. His uncle owned horses until his ex-wife gave the 2nd set of books to the IRS.

Charlie actually did well enough to make handicapping his full time job. Then one day his horse got taken down and he had to get a real job.

Wing baby!!! An old Espn classic in the flesh!!! good to see you my man!!!

Honu · #8 10-16-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Honu...

If you happen to be taller and/or heavier, can you still exercise thoroughbreds? I'm just over 5'6" and about 130 lbs.

I always wanted to get into that (I've got a ton of riding experience), but wasn't sure about height and weight restrictions for exercise riders.

Sure you can , people seem to like smaller gallop people for the most part in the west, but back east they dont care if you are 165 lbs as long as you can gallop a tough one. To me size doesnt really matter for galloping horses, if someone "rides light" per say and can think "horse" then it doesnt matter what they weigh . For working horses lighter is better in most cases but some big strong horses a heavy work rider can be a benifit. ( when I say heavy its all relative).
My boss is lucky that no rider in our barn weighs over 135 and they are all very good horse people.
If you have never galloped a racehorse before , you can simulate it with an english saddle by adjusting the irons , then my next suggestion would be to find a training center near where you live and start there.

#9 10-16-2006, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honu

Sure you can , people seem to like smaller gallop people for the most part in the west, but back east they dont care if you are 165 lbs as long as you can gallop a tough one. To me size doesnt really matter for galloping horses, if someone "rides light" per say and can think "horse" then it doesnt matter what they weigh . For working horses lighter is better in most cases but some big strong horses a heavy work rider can be a benifit. ( when I say heavy its all relative).
My boss is lucky that no rider in our barn weighs over 135 and they are all very good horse people.
If you have never galloped a racehorse before , you can simulate it with an english saddle by adjusting the irons , then my next suggestion would be to find a training center near where you live and start there.

A friend of mine who trains here in NY has an exercise guy who looks like a damn linebacker.

Honu · #10 10-16-2006, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oracle80

A friend of mine who trains here in NY has an exercise guy who looks like a damn linebacker.

I bet he gets all the "rats" and unmanagable ones, Im glad Im not big lol.

kentuckyrosesinmay · #11 10-16-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honu

If you have never galloped a racehorse before , you can simulate it with an english saddle by adjusting the irons , then my next suggestion would be to find a training center near where you live and start there.

You know, it's funny that you say that because other riders at my barn think that it is wierd when I do this on my hunters across pastures at a hand gallop. I'm not so wierd after all...LOL. I need to get an exercise saddle...

Honu · #12 10-16-2006, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

You know, it's funny that you say that because other riders at my barn think that it is wierd when I do this on my hunters across pastures at a hand gallop. I'm not so wierd after all...LOL. I need to get an exercise saddle...

Just get a leather punch and put more holes in the stirrup leathers,you can jack them up as short as you want . The shorter you ride the stronger your legs will become , pretty soon youll be crouching down like your working one when you are flying across the field.

#13 10-16-2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentuckyrosesinmay

You know, it's funny that you say that because other riders at my barn think that it is wierd when I do this on my hunters across pastures at a hand gallop. I'm not so wierd after all...LOL. I need to get an exercise saddle...

They have never heard of the two-point postion at a gallop in an English saddle? Do they ride western?

#14 10-16-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

Honu...

If you happen to be taller and/or heavier, can you still exercise thoroughbreds? I'm just over 5'6" and about 130 lbs.

I always wanted to get into that (I've got a ton of riding experience), but wasn't sure about height and weight restrictions for exercise riders.

That's not heavy at all for galloping. Even with all the experience you have, still listen to people that have been galloping for awhile. Riding jumpers compared to racehorses is a totally different ball game. One of the main things in learning to gallop a racehorse is how to throw a cross.

Honu · #15 10-16-2006, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Eyes

That's not heavy at all for galloping. Even with all the experience you have, still listen to people that have been galloping for awhile. Riding jumpers compared to racehorses is a totally different ball game. One of the main things in learning to gallop a racehorse is how to throw a cross.

Excercise riders dont throw crosses , jockeys do. Exercise riders are paid to pull not push.

Bigsmc · #16 10-16-2006, 05:41 PM

My brother took me to DRC in the early 80's. I distinctly remember him telling me "don't tell Mom". It was our little secret.

#17 10-16-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honu

Excercise riders dont throw crosses , jockeys do. Exercise riders are paid to pull not push.

Ummmm..... when I galloped, I galloped in a cross. When you have a tough pulling horse, a full cross really comes in handy. Good luck to anyone that can ride a direct rein on a tough pulling horse. BTW, exercise riders better know how to "throw" a cross (especially) if they are going to be working horses. So yes, exercise riders DO throw and ride in crosses.
I take it you just went straight to riding races? Never was an exercise rider?

boswd · #18 10-16-2006, 03:38 PM

at first it was growing up about 45 mins away from Saratoga in the 80's and it was a great place to go party when we were teenagers and check out girls. Then when I was a little bit older and was working my summers up in Lake George in the 90's got into the actual racing and apprection of the sport been a huge fan ever since.

boswd · #19 10-16-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardus

What a shocker for Saratoga to provide the inspiration to follow racing.

I love Keeneland (never been to Del Mar), but there is nothing else like a big race day at The Spa!

I'm dying to go to Keeneland. My brother and I are making plans for their spring meet. Everyone has said the two best places that gives you that chills down your spine for horse racing are Saratoga and Keeneland. Been to 'toga I don't know how many time now it time for Keeneland.

randallscott35 · #20 10-16-2006, 05:27 PM

Loved to gamble, even took action in Middle School. Progression led me to racing where I felt with the proper time put in you could make money. Aunt and Uncle ran a BNB in Toga. Rest is history.