Calm Before the Storm

January 24th, 1978. The "Blizzard" that shut down most of the country was in full effect. It seems like yesterday when the billowing wall of darkness was rolling its way to Florence, Kentucky. It was the home of Latonia Racecourse which became Turfway Park; my Dad and I were out for a day at the races but that was cut short with the ominous announcement from Mike Battaglia urging fans to go immediately home as the races were cancelled and the storm which was supposed to arrive that evening was right on top of us. - I remember watching fans run to their cars and my Dad and I were already there and moving. We made it home just in time as golf ball size hail pelted the area like boulders from the heavens. It was a day of firsts in my life. The storm of the century had arrived, and I had my first Daily Double as the races were cancelled after the 2nd race.

I'm not sure if it was the long hiatus before seeing the ponies or the crippling snow. It was dumping down like a 1,000-ton shovel being dropped to Earth. - Our small town was blanketed as well as the entire state. Schools were cancelled and kids enjoyed the sled riding and snowball fights as the "white death" was pummeling our town. Great time to be a kid with a snow shovel as we were bundled two coats thick. People needed walks shoveled and cars needed cleaning as most had to work to navigate the snow. For me, it was a great time to make extra money and be ready when the races returned. Funny how horseplayers think, huh? Even young players who would were just beginning their journey as a gambler, but the time off made the heart grow fonder for the races. - In the meantime, make money and be patient for the call to the post.

As neighbors and visitors were able to walk across the frozen Ohio river; the river was frozen solid as people drove cars on the river and hordes of kids ran across from Ludlow to the banks of Cincinnati, Ohio. - My mom wouldn't allow us to make the polar trek and looking back I owe her a big thanks. - I just watched TV and shoveled snow around the neighborhood. - With every shovel full I daydreamed of hitting the races with Dad again.

Back to my first Daily Double win. - Dad gave me $6 to bet on the day's races, but the joy was cut short due to Mother Nature's fury. - There were a ton of scratches, and the majority of the jockeys didn't ride to get home sooner. - Small fields and visons of hope danced in my noggin as the wall of pitch-black clouds rolled in quickly. I bet a jockey by the name of Carl Faulconer. He was a fireman from Lexington who also rode some horses for friends who owned Thoroughbreds.

But the "Blizzard of 78" still comes to mind as tracks across the nation are taking days off and the stores are all out busy with folks loading up supplies. - As Grandpa used to say; this too shall pass. - So, stay warm, check on your friends and hope the weatherman comes up wrong. Even as we make plans and take precautions, that kid in me still looks forward to when the bugle sounds once again and the horses take to the track.