Day at the Races

Since I was a young boy, walking into the track was exciting. Maybe it was not knowing what the evening held, or maybe it was the sights and smells of a familiar place like an old friend. Either way, it never went away, and as I age gracefully I savor the trip through the gates anytime I'm there.

I was filling in announcing the races. This was not a hard ask, and don't share this, but I would've paid them to do it. - Getting there. Seeing old friends. Nothing better. Funny how a place you loved allowed me an opportunity to fall in love all over again. With the sun shining bright on a perfect autumn afternoon. Eight live races and the best in simulcast from around the world allowed me to feed my inner horseplayer.

Programs and Daily Racing Form all laid out, my binoculars needed a quick cleaning, and off we go! - I called them like they were G1 stakes races. I wanted to share my love of the excitement on the track with anyone in earshot. Some folks would come up and say hello through the glass windows and even a few stopped by for a race. The day had some mixed feelings and I didn't think about it until it drew closer.

My friend Vince Cyster, who is calling the races in my absence, was taking the day off to spend time with family as they were having a memorial for his wife. - "Jules" was an exercise rider and they were a couple of years into marriage when she passed away. He treated her like a rare gem, and she enjoyed her man. Toss in some dogs and cats and it was a life he always wanted. - When I looked down at the winner's circle to read a short memorial in her honor, I had a revisiting with old feelings when my own wife left me too early. Funny how something 20+ years ago comes flooding back as you see the brilliant picture slate on the infield board for all to see. - This wasn't my pain, but I could see from a distance that they still carried theirs. Just took me back. - A place I love to spend my hours was a lump in my throat for a few minutes. Until I saw someone corralling folks into the winner's circle for picture opportunities and getting them ready. Yeah, I was awfully glad to see my old friend John Engelhardt at the track again.

John was coming down for the day, and I had his program all ready for when he walked in. - John and I had the privilege of working at one of the best small tracks in the nation: River Downs. I have never learned so much about marketing, writing, event coordination, and television handicapping as I did as half of the "Regular Guys." We even had a radio show during this time and this is what grew my love for the game even stronger. - If John sounds familiar, just travel back and catch one of his many podcasts for WinningPonies over many years. They still sound great to this day.

I learned more about the racing industry than any of the tracks prior, and more about myself from my friend and cohort. We gave each other a hearty squeeze like two guys who were brothers, and with that said, we are. It was great to talk horses with John, and catch up. He has been handling some family matters and something tells me we won't waste an opportunity to sit and play the races very soon. - The day was filled with introspection and extreme happiness seeing my friend. Even after all these years the track still shows me something new every day. A day at the races is always filled with an unbridled optimism. Two friends, different circumstances, and another day at the track I won't forget soon. - Working at the races was a job, career, therapy, and the best show on turf. I have made some wonderful friends over the years, but on this day one was spending time with family and the other was back at the races where he always belonged. Yeah, I am one lucky fella...