The Happy Horseplayer

The cold winds are blowing and snow replaces the rain. A sign that racing is shifting towards winter is in full effect. That's just fine as horseplayers don't need a calendar as we tell what time of year by which tracks are open. - Fair Grounds, Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Turfway Park, Tampa Bay, and Oaklawn. - Fall flew past quickly as it went from 78 to 28 overnight. But with the winter ovals comes the time of hope. - The entire seasonal shift brings about stakes races, new runners, and the run for the roses. By the way, there are only 152 days until Derby.

Breeders' Cup is a memory, and the talks of who will be the horse of the year are taking place. - There are sales that take place around the globe as the movers and shakers gather to spend millions of dollars hoping for the future. - Right after Thanksgiving, the racing world seems to take a little nap. Well needed so we come back strong and prepared for the future. - The breeding sheds will be packed as the future runners will come to life. - What a game. - Just as we complete the cycle it takes a breath and comes back again.

I finished up my season at Belterra Park watching spring and summer racing. - Calling the races and creating the morning line is the most exciting job I've ever had. My personal countdown to April is underway as I await the first group of runners heading to post. - I am working at Turfway Park in the racing office and a placing judge at night now. - I enjoy seeing the familiar faces in the morning and watching them run at night. - The Polytrack is a softer gentler surface and must be studied as such. - When it is warmer there will be plenty of moisture on the surface and the times may be quick. When the cold takes over the surface and plays a bit slower but safe none the less. - There is something special about night time racing. - The glowing light illuminates the oval and keeps the action red hot.

For me, this year is special as I'm working in racing again. - Last year I was on the shelf mending. - I watched races from my phone and computer, but there's nothing like being there in person. Friends and fans enjoying the action and working with longtime faces is a joy I'm glad to have back. - I'm very grateful for the opportunity, and you can bet dollars to donuts there will be more good days than bad. - Come to think of it, there's no such thing as a bad day at the races for a true fan.

I'll mix my races with the end of the football season. Call it my version of "pigskins and ponies." - I'm ready for the next season of action and await the races that will kick off the action. - The preps we watched last year return with new runners holding the promise for the future. - Racing fans have a mental countdown for big races that will start after the holidays. It seems that January has always been a sprint to the first Saturday in May. - Until next month, The Happy Horseplayer wishes you and yours a safe and beautiful holiday season.