why we love the game....

[westcoastinvader]

I went to the track the first time as an infant, and was probably at the track at least 100 times before I started public school.


Sort of like a bad family values episode of "Mad Men," I guess.


I've always felt warm and at home around betting on horses, in person or not.

Barley and hops replaced the pacifier I probably had in the early part of my first 100 track visits. Barley and hops sometimes seem to increase the desire to continue track attendance and horse wagering.


Not to brag, but I win nice $$ on enough occasions that I get to celebrate enough that perhaps I suppress memories of my losses.

I can watch 50 races and not have a bet on any of 'em, and very much enjoy my experience.


(that last part may not happen often, but the intent of my message is sincere)

:-)

[Split Rock]

I went for the first time the day after prom 1986. My girlfriend's father was getting into horse racing and his uncle, Jake Mauer of Big Jake's Green Sheet at Canterbury Downs, had given him some books to read, which in turn he gave to me to read.

Over the next few summers when back home from college, my dad and I would attend the races 3-4 times per week. It was a 40 minute ride to the track and we would talk about the horses, who we liked, etc. Those bonding times with my dad became some of the greatest moments of my life.

We got to watch some very nice runners live in person at CBY during those years. Runners like Who Doctor Who, Hoist Her Flag, Turbo Launch, Clever Trevor, Lost Code, Minneapple, etc.

My dad stopped following seriously in the mid 90's but I've kept it in my life since that first day I went in 1986.

The intellectual decision making required to be prolific at the game is what draws most of us. It drew me in and has kept me playing and following closely for many years.

[_ed_]

The day when a whole new group of horses turn 3 (August 1 over here).