I can remember getting up early. My dad was known as the neighbor who liked to play the races; but on this day that was just fine as he gathered up bets from neighbors, family, and friends to get their action down. – There was nothing better than the excitement of things to come and […]

It was back in March when the announcements began. – Life as we knew it was changing drastically. It seemed as if our worst nightmares were coming true and uncertainty the rule of the day. – Families were being asked to keep distance, and the economy was short of collapse. All seemed bleak and there […]

I know, it sounds crazy. But, in the times of Corona-19, it may be the new norm for a while. – This Saturday would have been Kentucky Derby 146. – We just need to sit back, chill out, and wait for the ponies. They’ll be heading to post in about four months. Churchill Downs has […]

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, […]

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. – […]

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 […]

        The Triple Crown has been won and “lucky #13” is in the books. – Justify is undefeated and has done nothing wrong to date. But after the race there’s usually some hullabaloo about something that transpired. – He jumped from the gate, drew off quickly and settled in for a 1 […]

The Kentucky Derby is in the books and your favorite summer ovals will start racing soon. There is something about the change of seasons and the opening of new ovals that really get my blood pumping. There is nothing like the spring and the opening of Keeneland to get my inner-horse player revved up. The babies […]