Today, I received a call from a friend of mine from Keeneland. He wanted to talk about doing some joint ventures, and he said that I always come up with some aggressive ideas. That was the best part of my day, until what he had to tell me about a group of angels.

I asked Jim if we were doing enough to court women players.  He laughed, and said overall probably not. But, it was at this point he told me a little info about a special club from Lexington, Kentucky.

There are three ladies, all in their sixties…. One was a wife of a trainer, the other an owner, and the final lady was one from “old money.” They met daily and had lunch at Keeneland. They had their own private room, and lunch was always on the house for the “ladies club.”

As luck would have it, all were left comfortable livings by their husbands who had passed away. Two of which early, and one in the past five years. They were accustomed to being with their man in groups and functions at the track. It was in their blood. They are called the “Gold Gals” by the inner sanctum of Keeneland management. Their daily play level was enough to choke a horse… The room handled anywhere between $100,000-$200,000 on a good day, depending on the grind.

They were real handicappers. As some ladies would go to clubs or meetings, they played the ponies. The best part about their venture was to donate ALL of the money won to various inner city charities. According to them, there were enough people taking care of the fine arts. They focused on inner city school trips, feeding many throughout the year.  Clothes to needy individuals, and medical assistance to those who could not afford it on their own. This was their business, and business is good……

They would take donation letters that would be sent to a P.O. Box in the downtown area. It was after the races that they would decide on to whom to send the money. Never during racing, as that was business….

They always had assistants who carried out their deliveries. They wanted no recognition, or to be known. For the many kids in the area that had new shoes, or the pee-wee teams that received new uniforms, it was all good stuff….

I asked him how long would they continue. He told me that they have begun to accept a new member this year. They wanted to bring them along slowly, and get them into the business of racing. It only applies to handicappers, and all is taken seriously, as there is much to do…

I asked if I could ever meet the club, and he kindly told me they wish to be left alone. They don’t want to be known, and need to focus on capping. He informed me that to date they had raised over $400,000 to various charities. Keeneland provides them with their secret room to wager, and a lunch that would fill a queen…

The year is not over, and they have bankrolled over $300,000 to fire with on Breeders’ Cup Day. I sure hope they do well. We have all heard of syndicates and groups who play for themselves. But never in my time, have I heard of a group that played for such a noble reason. Good luck ladies, and may fortune meet you at the door each day….