Wouldn't That Be Great Again

Horse racing has given me some of the best memories of my life. There is nothing like the feeling of watching a majestic animal come thundering home doing what God intended them to do. As much as I loved watching, when wagering came into play it became my first love. But looking back and relishing the years of being a young fan to working in the industry for 40 plus years. I’ve always felt it was the people who made the game special. Horses did the heavy lifting, but they can’t sit and have a beer and talk on the front porch with you. But, for me, it was always the people and the memories we had made and shared. Here are a few that bring a tear to my eye and a smile in my heart.

 

Papaw

In Kentucky there are about a million names you could call your grandpa. – We all grew up calling him Papaw, and getting to know him over the years was ultra special. – He loved going to the races. I still have the 1938 Official Program on Kentucky Derby Day where he stopped off in Carroll County with Mamaw and got married before going to the races. I have stolen a page from his book by taking more first dates to the races than anywhere else. – My Dad and I would pick him up and head out to catch the final four races. They stopped collecting for parking and admission about an hour prior and getting in on the cheap was magic. – He would cuss and act like the other 4,000 fans, and when he cashed a ticket, it was never on the chalk. – I sure miss those days with him and Dad. Wouldn’t it be great to jump in the drop-top red boat my Dad drove and enjoy just one more night? – I’d sure give a pot of gold to smell his cheap cigars and listen to his stories just one more time. Wouldn’t that be great?

 

Dad

My Dad is 82-years-young. He used to come out to the track and see me in every capacity I ever worked. His favorite were the years I called the races at Belterra Park (River Downs). We would hit River Downs in the summer and Latonia (Turfway Park) in the winter. – It was a treat going to the “Lebanon Trotters” with him and making a million treks to the races. He never bet much, but his stories were better than a Dick Francis novel for me. – Long before simulcast we would listen to the race on the radio on WNOP “The Jazz Ark.” WLW 700 for Latonia, and WLAP 840 Louisville listening as the radio would have us riveted to the end of our seats. – Dad doesn’t go much anymore but still plays a bit at home from his ADW account in his man cave. But wouldn’t it be great if Dad would holler down to my room and ask me if I wanted to go out to the races with him? – Wouldn’t that be great…

 

John C. Englehardt

I have worked at five tracks in my life. Long way from the parking lot, huh? – But the day John called my house and asked if I wanted to interview for the Director of Marketing was a call that would change my life. – Working at River Downs as a kid in the parking lot was a long time ago, and having the opportunity to work with John was like joining a fraternity. Matter of fact, above our door at Belterra Park was a small “Academy Day Camp” banner that he had attended as a young boy. – He had already spoken for me, and I had the job without knowing. To this day, one of the greatest shows he has ever witnessed was watching me sell myself to our boss like my life depended on it. He even called me to be the track announcer at Belterra Park. Thanks, John. – Joining him was the greatest time of learning about the business of racing than anywhere I have worked. He taught me to do radio and showed me the magic of teaching people handicapping without taking ourselves too seriously. – I was the second seat on a handicapping show called “The Regular Guy.” Just two average guys who shared their love of racing by teaching you to handicap with humor, info, and enjoying the ride. John was a man for all seasons as he worked for River Downs for almost 40 years. He handled P.R and was an incredible photographer who has an eye for capturing the perfect moment. He also taught me a great deal about Marketing and became one of my best friends; but John was a friend to everyone as he never knew a stranger. He was also the hiring voice for our boss Jack Hanessian. If you like the dulcet sounds of Pete Aiello at Gulfstream and Jason Beem at Colonial and other tracks during the year; they got their start at River Downs by John telling our leader these guys were going to be the voices we’d hear for years. I think he had a pretty good ear for talent.

The greatest line I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me sharing rolled off his lips in the winter in 2008. It was simulcast season and we were slowly turning an empty calendar into a carnival of fun events that the entire family would enjoy. It was at this time he looked at me and quietly muttered the truest words I’ve ever heard. – “Ed, you know, we’re never going to have jobs like this again in our lifetime.” – Man, he was correct!  Where else could two horse players meet and have more fun than the law allowed? – When I worked at Keeneland, I was approached by the President of the track, Nick Nicholson. I extended my nervous hand and introduced myself until he said the best words I’ve ever heard. ” I know who you are. You're one of The Regular Guys.” – There was nothing he could have said that broke the ice so perfectly. I just wish John would have been standing next to me. – Wouldn’t it be great to drink another beer with him as we watched concert goers’ parade past our windows for the venue next door? Do another thousand radio and Regular Guy TV handicapping shows with him. – Wouldn’t that be great?? – You were right, John. We’ve never had jobs that were as much fun as my years working with you.

These are a few people who mean the world to me. To enjoy what you do is a rare and sweet feeling. These are the people who gave me my love of racing and taught me how to make a living doing what I loved. Wouldn’t it be great to spend just a little more time like this? – You bet!