What Makes You Happy ?

by Ed Meyer

posted on July 18, 2018 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

Every morning your feet hit the floor should be first. But it’s what comes after that says a lot about you. – For me, it’s my son, family, and friends. Work comes closing fast to complete the superfecta and ranks pretty close. – I’m very grateful and have been most of my life. Maybe it was my mom’s doing, or getting to enjoy the small things that turned out to be the best things. Either way, I’ve enjoyed this summer immensely.

My job is one of the best in the world, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to have 100 resumes waiting on my bosses’ desk. – There hasn’t been a day where my car hit the parking lot and I regretted being there. – My dad told me to find something you love and you won’t have to work again. I’ve been off enjoying the eternal summer for quite some time and I hope it lasts for many moons to come. – I may be just getting started.

Watching jockeys has always been interesting for me. – Pound for pound they are the best athletes in any sport. I watch them ride in the heat, the cold, and everything in between. – I’ve seen them get tossed off an 1,100 pound Thoroughbred, and get right back up and win the next. For me that’s amazing. – The way they balance the tip of a boot with only toes in the stirrups or pull a horse right back up when they went to their knees at the start. It’s like watching a ballet dancer with the strength of an ox. Amazing. – Perry Ouzts is 64-years-young. He’s quiet and never claims a foul. – His ability to get a horse to break quickly is nothing short of breathtaking. He is the 9th all-time leading rider in history and has 6,954 wins. He is 46 away from 7,000, and we have 46 days left in the meet. I’m sure I don’t need to mention it to him as it’s probably one of the greatest things on his mind besides his beautiful family. – I’ve never seen anything like him before and doubt I ever will. He told me after 6,900 at the beginning of the meet; “Ed, I’m gonna’ get it right here at Belterra this summer. If Perry tells you something like that you can start etching it in stone. – I sure hope Perry gets his milestone. Nothing makes me happier than watching him jog slowly back to the winner’s circle like he’s enjoying a fine wine. He savors every step and knows what he wants to accomplish. – Age is a number and he’s sure called its bluff. – Best of luck, Perry. I want to be there when you and yours celebrate the big win.

Betting this year has been a little slower for me. – I’ve concentrated more on my job and love handicapping for our tip sheet. I’m winning at 30% and ITM almost 78%. I sure hope anyone who buys a copy is riding right with me. – Plus my son is graduating high school this year, and college is closing fast on the outside. – I never really tried to make him a race tracker as a promise to his mom. She never knew the beauty and excitement of the sport, but I’ve kept my word. He’s been with me many times and has fun trying to win a few bucks. – He asked me the other day; “Dad, when I get to college and the guys want to go to the races will you show me how to handicap?” – You bet, my boy. I’ll be glad to show you.

This year has me more grateful for things we sometimes take for granted. – I have family and friends, and one of the best brothers money couldn’t buy. Add in a job I love and a roof over my head and you have one happy camper. – Oh, I’ll fire up a couple days at Saratoga, and who knows maybe it will be a sweet win. But I’m happy none the less. – Age has given me a sense of calm and an appreciation of what matters most. – I’ve been writing for Winning Ponies since 2008, and this has been one of the times to sit down and talk about racing and what matters. I have light music in the background and just speak from my heart. – It’s the only way I know, and they have given me a platform to do what I love. – Good people who do great work. If you haven’t already, check them out and see for yourself. – Be sure to listen in on Thursday nights to the Winning Ponies Internet Show. One of my best friends is on, and he can spin a tale or just bring the best of racing to your ears. John Collins Engelhardt has been one of the best guys I’ve met in racing. He’s helped me land a few jobs, and has shown me more than I can remember. For that, I’m eternally grateful.

While we just started summer take some time and appreciate the days. – If you go to the races, take your time. Walk down and watch the horses saddle. Listen as trainers impart worldly wisdom as the riders get a leg up in the saddle. – Make your way to the rail and watch as the assistant starters jostle around keeping riders and horses safe. – Once the gates break feel the whooooosh of air as the horses blaze from the gate. Go the winner’s circle and watch the happy winners, and see the losers console and make plans for next time. – Nothing like it.  – Just take the time and head out for a day at the races. I think you’ll fall in love all over again.