The best part of being a handicapper were the friendships made along the way. – Feel free to quote me if you wish. Not that “Papa” Hemingway would be jealous or Bukowski angry. – It was the friendships that made the cold nights watching cheap Thoroughbreds seem like the Kentucky Derby. I was too young […]

  Perry Wayne Ouzts is a fixture on the Ohio scene and a legend in the history books. On July 7th, he turned 65-years-young doing what he loves. – He had a spill at Belterra Park on July 28th. – For the 51,218 mounts in his career, you can bet this isn’t his first injury. […]

My Dad was a hard worker all his life. – When I was a kid I used to be amazed at how strong he was and the amount of work he could handle. – ” Iron doesn’t rust.” – That was one of his many lines about how he was in such good shape. – […]

There is a bevy of good races for the holiday weekend. – I used to relish the nine live races at our local track years ago. Now, with a full card of simulcasting ready for betting it is like a non-stop buffet of action. – Sit back, and take a look at these runners. Use […]

  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 […]

The cold winds are blowing and snow replaces the rain. A sign that racing is shifting towards winter is in full effect. That’s just fine as horseplayers don’t need a calendar as we tell what time of year by which tracks are open. – Fair Grounds, Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Turfway Park, Tampa Bay, and Oaklawn. – […]

  Isn’t it fun to visit old haunts? – You know, the places we used to go on a regular basis. – I’ve been away from playing in handicapping contests for years.  I used to play every weekend online, and sometimes make the trip to tracks. There was nothing better than watching your 15-1 shot […]

It may be a large oval where marquee races are held, events of the year take place and the biggest players in sports call home. – Or, it may be the quaint little oval that has the spark of a country fair, and generations of horsemen have worked in the sport they love. I have […]

Another month in the books, and racing marches on to the next stop. – Fall time racing is a signal for the Breeders’ Cup. – As Keeneland opens you can feel the breeze turning cooler and leaves starting to change. The Happy Horseplayer looks forward to some special times this month. Last year I found […]

The week started out as many, but last week had some special magic. – Perry Ouzts was three wins away from 7,000 career wins. If it sounds like a great number, that’s because it is. – He is now the 9th rider in the history of racing to reach this milestone. To say this is […]