If you’re still feeling the Derby hangover let it go. If you’re still looking at videos and results, they won’t change. If social media is controlling you more than ever it’s time to move on. – Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now, pick up the pace as life is going on. […]

I wait for the first Saturday in May like Christmas. – Any money I have is earmarked for wagers on this glorious day. – I’m the fan you try to reach through marketing, advertising, and giveaways. – I come out when it rains, in the heat, and during the winter. – I talk up the […]

  We’ve seen good rides and bad trips. You blame the rider, the horse, or forgetting to wear your favorite hat. – But when you get that “perfect ride” there’s nothing sweeter as a racing fan with a $2 dollar ticket in hand. Years ago, I met a small gent with a kind smile. Always […]

It seems like a million years ago watching the 1986 Derby. – William Lee Shoemaker (The Shoe) broke from post one and saved ground around the historic oval. – The best part was how he had to weave through traffic after breaking from the worst post and draw off down the lane. Watching Bill Shoemaker […]

There can be so much info you need to decipher. That can be tough if you are starting the process and if you start with: The Paulick Report, Equidaily, Horse Racing Nation, The Bloodhorse.com, and Thedowneyprofile.com. – This will get you headed in the right direction. – Then, and only then go back and start watching […]

Boxers wake in the wee hours and hit the road. The fog hasn’t burnt off and the night still holds for a couple more hours. – The sun can be seen creeping over the hills as the skies turn a wondrous golden. Morning arrives and the road work is complete. – They grab a shower, […]

I surely do and it brings a smile from ear-to-ear. – Every time I think about it makes me yearn for days gone by. – I thought I had done quite a bit until I experienced my first.   I was doing a radio show and had my credentials for Churchill Downs. – I studied […]

Don’t act like you didn’t know or it was creeping up like tax day. – It is the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” and the real clock has started ticking. As we inch closer there is a process that should start now if you haven’t already. – Here are the top point earners from US […]

Leave your swim shorts at home. – This pool is all about money on one of the best days of the year to bet. – Grab 4 to 5 friends, and put up some money. It is time to pool our money and take a good shot at the brass ring. Everyone tosses in $100. […]

We are weeks away from the beautiful roses, swirling humanity and thundering hooves. Yep, it’s almost Derby time! As we get closer there is nothing better than taking stock in our handicapping checklist. The Happy Horseplayer wants to share his many years of handicapping to make your Oaks and Derby a winner.   1. – […]