What Happened at Belterra This Week

There were eight live races each day Wednesday - Saturday, as fans came out to enjoy the live racing action. - There is something special about attending the races instead of watching and wagering at home on the computer. Save those days when the weather gets cold and you're just as happy wearing your fuzzy sweats and playing the ponies at home. Sunshine, warm weather, and even though the track was sloppy one day and good another, looking ahead to this week are cooler temps and sunshine to keep the turf in good order.

Wednesday:

The first two races were won by a neck in each event. But the special part was watching the fifth leading rider in history win both and head home on his black souped-up motorcycle. The 2nd race was a four-horse race due to scratches and a horse reared at the start spotting the field 12 lengths. Gabriel Lagunes did an incredible job of coming from last place to grab the lead down the stretch. All looked like an incredible feat until the 70-year-old magician in the saddle came up the rail and squeezed through a spot where you could hardly throw a playing card. As they neared the wire they were on even terms until Perry Ouzts went to the left stick and came through getting up right in the shadow of the wire. - A 70-year-old rider won for a 76-year-trainer. Take a look for yourself.

RACE 2 PROGRAM 8 14 2024 (youtube.com)

Saturday:

Every once in a while, you see a couple of riders you know have bigger things on the horizon. I have watched a young rider by the name of Yoel Navas who will have big things in his future, and another by the name of Irving Moncada. The latter is more ready to make that next big move, and it is only a matter of time before he'll make the big break in his career. Here are a couple mounts he had on Saturday.

(1) RACE 3 PROGRAM 8 17 2024 - YouTube

RACE 5 PROGRAM 8 17 2024 (youtube.com)

I saw many friendly faces during the week, chatted with some long-time friends, and enjoyed every single minute of live racing action in the summer. - With only 29 days left in the 93-day meet, it won't be long until they'll be moving on. If you are close enough to catch the action, come on out and spend the day. If not, watch and wager from your favorite OTB or just play from home. You'll see riders on their way up the ladder to bigger things and jockeys still plying their trade after all of these decades.

Nothing like the sun on your face; a cold drink in your hand and hollering for your horses as they turn for home. If it's not here, catch some live racing action before the summer fades to fall. Trust me, a bad day at the track beats a good day at work! - Best of luck from Winning Ponies!