60

As the Earth spins at 1,000 mph and orbits the sun, we've celebrated another 365.24 days, which means we're one year older. I look back over the past year and ruminate on the beautiful things with which I've been blessed. My health is pretty good. Both of my parents are still alive. My brother has grown from that little boy who used to follow the older guys around into one of my best friends in life. My son is doing well, getting ready to finish his last bit of college and graduate. All in all, it's been a great year with much to be grateful for.

Turning 60 sounded scary, but isn't it the goal to live a long and fruitful life? In Judaism, turning 60 is associated with perfection and completeness. In Christianity, it signifies truth, grace, and spiritual fulfillment. For me, it's an introspective time to reflect on the things I've accomplished and what's on my horizon.

Looking back on my life, I see more smiles than tears. The bumps in the road build us stronger. The trials we face give us wind beneath our sails to journey forward. It may not be at the breakneck pace of a thirty-something, but just striving for it is the journey, no matter how long it takes. As I look back, I dove deep into my life, which has been spent working in horse racing. It seems like yesterday that I was a kid in the parking lot, and what a journey it has been. As I examine my life and what I've seen, growing older gives you the latitude to speak the truth with no judgments.

My first trips to the races were with my Dad. Over the years, I've told of the enjoyment two guys shared, celebrating the winning days and consoling the bad ones. We used to go out with my grandpa; my Dad would pick him up and we'd drive out for the last three or four races at Latonia, which became Turfway Park. Papaw would go broke after a good bet on the Daily Doubles, and my pops would bail him out with a few bucks to play a few more races. I can tell you we made a million trips out there, but I couldn't tell you when the last one happened. What I wouldn't give for one more ride in the backseat while Papaw smoked a Dutch Master cigar, talking horses with Dad.

Full-card simulcast lived in Las Vegas, where every horse, dog, and Jai Alai signal was on screen to watch and wager. As they said in the movie Goodfellas, "What a wonderful time to be alive." I made my first trip after graduating from college. My Dad offered to buy me a class ring or take me to Vegas with him and his wife Sandy. Needless to say, I passed on the ring and opted for a few days around Thanksgiving. Playing every signal was a dream come true for a young man from Kentucky. From there, it was a bunch of big contests, playing for life-changing money and going out for meetings at Harrah's. I couldn't have been in a better place if I tried.

I'm taking a year off to work on a few medical issues. I still call the races on big days. Next up is July 4th, and I'm counting the minutes. Next season, I'll be back in action in the booth. I am grateful, I am happy, and most of all lucky to have worked in so many capacities. The incredible people I've had the pleasure of working with, and the players, always bring a smile to my face. Hard to believe I'll be turning 60, but I have to admit I've had one helluva good time. So, as I watch the final two races at Aqueduct and they close the doors forever, I'm glad I had the opportunity to be there once. I am grateful for the opportunities, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life. May we all be blessed with incredible starts and fantastic finishes!