View From the Roof

by Ed Meyer

posted on May 25, 2021 in Blogroll, General Discussion, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | Comments Off on View From the Roof

It seemed like a hundred years ago. We were on lockdown and lodged in the house more than ever before. – If you were lucky enough to go to work, you had a little break and felt a sense of normalcy. But, at the end of the day, you headed back to your stall and longed for the world to return. Well, that time is here.

My work is a labor of love. I’m one of the lucky ones who get to do something I enjoy. – From the time I pull into the lot I’m content. I’m lucky enough to talk horses with jockeys, grooms, and fans getting the early-bird seat. Not a better way to start the day. – Just yesterday as the horses were working out on the track a rider was jogging his horse back and hollered; “Hey, Ed! – Great call on our horse yesterday!” He won by a mile easily. – Yeah, a good way to start the day.

I have the best seat in the house and watch over the entire day. Not from a perspective of judging, but enjoying the goings-on. I lock my binoculars on a group of fellas enjoying a cold beer in the sun. For quite a while I was pretty sure this was going to be a memory. – The jockey’s wife and young baby under at a table with an umbrella keeping the warm sun off the little one. – The older couple getting there early to secure that table close to the paddock and even closer to the betting windows. Enjoyable being the voyeur of happiness.

I watch the horses come up the stretch walking slowly to the paddock to be saddled. Some walking quick, and others just taking a walk in the sun. Talk about beauty and pageantry. – The riders coming out of the room decked out in full colors ready to join a 1,100 pound thoroughbred ready to take the track. – I enjoy watching young riders ride like the wind as they’re part daredevil and part high-wire walkers. When I can, I like to toss in their name down the lane when they have a horse in gear heading to the wire. They love hearing this, and I follow them a little later posting pictures on Facebook. Family from far away are able to follow their sons and daughters’ progress, and I spend time each evening after the races giving hearty congrats for their hard-worked efforts. This part has really grown on me. I look forward to hearing back from them enjoying a new friendship.

Lucky. – I’m lucky to do what I love. – I’m not the game, but just a spectator like you enjoying the sport from the best seat in the house. My booth is always open to anyone who wants to stop by and talk horses or catch a race from the best seat in the house. This part is my favorite. I like to share the ride and bring you as close to the action as possible. Think of it as a great roller coaster. It wouldn’t be any fun if you were the only one on board. It’s a whole lot more fun when you pack the room and let people enjoy the view right with you.

The fans are allowed to put away their masks with a few rules and being fully vaccinated. It’s great to see smiling faces in the sun enjoying the races. – I started to wonder if we’d ever enjoy this level of normalcy again. -It is starting slow and the feeling is coming back quickly. I love seeing a full house crowd playing the ponies. Having a cold beer in the warm summer sun sharing good conversation in between races. Nothing better.

As I have a couple of days off I wanted to share my birds-eye view with everyone. – It is absolutely beautiful. There are new players and some have fallen out of the routine of making the trek. Sure hope they come back soon. And for the friends who are no longer going to be sitting next to us handicapping. You are remembered and missed. You’ll be there in spirit and thanks for spending time with us enjoying a sport we all love. – See you at the races!