Double-Header Day at the Races

Walking through the giant gates captured your senses. The barking of the program / tip-sheet sellers; hot dogs wafting through the air and the scent popcorn off in the distance drawing you in. The whirl of humanity and bettors filled wagering lines, and the parking lot was crammed to the hilt. Ultimately you made your way through the maze to where everything begins; the paddock saddling enclosure.

As a kid it was a magical day watching 1,200 lb. thoroughbreds saddle and ready in the paddock. When the multi-colored silks worn by the riders came out of the jocks room, you could feel electricity in the air. - When the paddock judge gave the command for "riders up" you knew the show was minutes away. It was like fighters making the long walk to the ring. The contest was ready to begin.

When the bugle played my favorite song " The Call to the Post," the horses danced on tip toes and pranced before the crowd. Heads bowed and a couple would jog away from the pony to loosen up their runners. The rest stayed in a military line and slowly picked up speed with the jockey high up in the irons. As they made their way to the starting gate in a line. Some standing still and others rustling around awaiting the bell.

"And they're off!" - Runners shuffle in and out and vie for position. A horse dove to the rail and one went to the front to dictate the pace. The field begins to separate, and you'll see them settle into stride for the big move at the 3/8th's pole. This is when you see the fans press against the fence getting the garden spot watching for their runner making the winning move. - As they near the wire you can hear the throngs of cheers from the grandstand as the finish line will tell the final truth of the outcome of the race. I doubt I'll ever have this much excitement standing over a roulette wheel.

Races would come and go and the walk to the car is for making excuses or planning the next trip. I was lucky for a horseplayer. We could go to the summer day races at River Downs and a winning day was in the pocket you could count on a box of chicken and heading out to the Latonia Trotters. Man, these were the best of times. What I wouldn't give to have another double-header with my dad driving his big 4 speed truck. It seemed like they would never end, but with everything they fade into time and become a sweet memory.

Every day at the races is golden for bettors. There are only so many, and you never know when they will become a memory.