The End of Summer

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 6, 2021 in General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | Comments Off on The End of Summer

As the cooler winds replace the blistering heat we complained about for weeks; it only signals one thing. Summer is coming to a close. Yeah, I can feel the cool breeze starting to rustle the leaves gently as we prepare to move on to our next chapter of the year.”

 

Labor Day has always been the line of demarcation between hitting the beach and starting to dig out your hoodies. – We waited with bated breath as the year prior held so many questions only to see fans back in the stands and a sense of normalcy return. But, not too hasty my friends. If we want to continue our lifestyle we must remain vigilant and take precautions. It’s a small price to pay to enjoy what we love.

As a kid, Labor Day was the final day to work in the parking lot and expected a huge crowd for the Cradle Stakes at River Downs. Ready to move onto the next chapter, but still had one more busy day to enjoy as the sun glistening on our shoulders. Oh, what great times these were. We’ll be eternally young in my mind’s eye.

As time breezed through our days, we made our way over to Turfway Park for one of the best months of racing on the calendar with  September and the Kentucky Cup Day of Champions. – To this day, this was one of my favorite months of the year to wager and watch on some of the best runners in the country converging on your backyard oval preparing for what lay ahead.

Then came the 15-day month of Keenland. A boutique meet that never disappoints. – As I walked through the hallowed grandstand there were a thousand memories that will last a lifetime. – Breeders’ Cup was an invention of leaders of the sport to celebrate the equine on the biggest stage in the world. – From watching the first from my dad’s living room betting with a local bookie to making treks to Churchill, Keeneland, and Santa Anita to watch the best in the world do battle. The winds of fall brought some of the best racing the year would see and from the eyes of a younger man filled with excitement to the mature gent that looks forward to making the trek a time or two a year. These were some of the best times of my life.

This year, I’m going to make a few trips to Lexington. I’ll watch “racing as it was meant to be” with the sounds of echoing hoofbeats from a time gone by. – I relish the fall like a fine cigar. Toasted end, and swirling the Maker’s Mark stogie in my mouth tasting all of what Kentucky has to offer in one gift. – I’m not sad, but this time of year brings back memories of friends to enjoy and others who have become part of the historical tapestry of time.

But, with a little over a month left for live racing at Belterra Park. I’ll take the time and savor the moments. Another summer in the books doing what I love. – I’ll treat it as a fine cigar enjoying every draw until it is time to lay down the butt and move on to the next chapter. Thank you for a beautiful summer, and the travels of many who made the time joyous. Best of luck, and only a handful of days to join us for live racing action. – “What are ya waiting for? It’s almost post time.