We stayed at home and tried to watch the ball drop with anticipation. But, 2020 was a tough one. For many, this used to be an evening of wishing the past year goodbye and welcoming the new. – For many 2020 was a year filled with anxiety, worry, and sorrow. But as we get ready to really get rolling, let’s think about three wishes for the upcoming season of racing

– Tracks have taken it on the chin. Some meets were canceled, postponed, and abbreviated. As we ready for the ovals to open the doors and welcome back patrons. Make it a resolution to make the trek to the races. If you use to make five or six trips to your favorite oval. Try adding another 3 or 4 trips instead of wagering from home. The track will thank you, employees getting back to work, horsemen, and your fellow players. Nothing like looking around and seeing fans in the stands. This player looks to the day when I can share some track talk, trade our best bets, and hear the cheers of the fans as the horses turn for home. – Make 2021 a great time to be a racing fan!

– I’ve been seeing smaller groups come together to buy small or mini-percentages of a racehorse. No better way to get in the game than coming out to see your runner take the track. – No big payments out of pocket, but the excitement is still there. There are many great groups to join, and they keep you up-to-speed with workouts, upcoming races, and Facetime with your horse in the barn area. Take a look at Brilliant Racing; Buckeye Racing, and Churchill Downs Racing Club. All great fun, and you’ll be hooked for life!

– Bring a friend when you come. Whether it be a new fan or a long-time lover of the game who hasn’t been in a while. Racing was the only sport taking place when COVID first spread. Many tracks had postponed action or raced with great regulations. What a treat it was watching small circuits race live. It was the only sport going at the time and it gave us a sense of normalcy.- I can’t wait to see new faces reading a program with the sun on their face or veteran bettors returning to the game they love. What are ya’ waiting for? – It’s almost post time!

It has been a tough year for all of us. Our country is getting ready to open the gates and start rolling out a sense of new normalcy. Let’s put it behind us and remember the many who won’t be with us this year. Most tracks have a matrix board and would love to memorialize a race posted in the program and on the big board celebrating the wonderful people who won’t be with us this year. Sadly, we all have been touched in one way or another, but we will see better days. – I look forward to seeing you at the races.