After Christmas, the holidays, or whatever you choose to celebrate. That is right about the time that racing begins to turn the corner and makes the long run into 2023. Surrender into the new and forget about the past. The future is fresh and waiting and is sure to promise you more action than the law allows.

When the mega-day of live racing action kicks up at Gulfstream Park on 1/28/23 with the Pegasus Cup celebration, let the games begin. – I used to keep track of GP when the G-3 Holy Bull Stakes took the track that winter time racing was in a full-out sprint to the first Saturday in May.

The day after Christmas racing kicks into a frenzy with Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, and the mega-stakes card at Santa Anita. – Handicappers have been on the shelf for a few days and you can bet dollars to donuts, they will come out of their corner ready to swing. That short holiday cleansing will have punters ready to come out with Christmas money in hand ready to fire away with both fists. With all that action, it’s enough to give you the big happy.

With that in mind on opening day at Santa Anita. Here are a few horses to take a look at when digging into your final handicapping for the card:

Race #1 – #3 – I’m a Gambler = Flavien Prat in the irons for Mark Glatt and shoot for three-straight shipping over from Redcar (GB) and this son of No Nay Never will get a perfect stalking trip under turf master Prat.

Race #3 – #6 – Prince Abama = Prat and Phil D’Amato team up and cut back in distance today. He is 4/5 ITM over the course and Prat wins 27% with his stalkers.

Race #6 – #6 – Country Grammar = Comes off a two-month break for Bob Baffert and Frankie Dettori who will be riding in California for upcoming months before closing out an illustrious career with the 2023 Breeders’ Cup.

As we embark on the next chapter of where racing will take us, the holiday season is a wonderful way to segway into the next pages of history. – So, as you take down the decorations and wait for the best football of the season to arrive. Racing is off and running today and it is your duty to dig in and start handicapping. Trust me, the time has arrived.

The last time I can remember a Christmas “bonus win” was many moons ago. – It was the last race card before Christmas Eve and the joint was packed. Every gambler knew it would be a couple of days to wait for the next call to the post. Those couple of days seemed like a month of Sundays, as this was long before sports gambling and casinos.

We used to get a $100 bonus and man was it appreciated. – We could cash checks at the information window long before the casino “swipe badges” and the million rules that took the fun out of racing. – Even though there wasn’t a sign that said “employees please bet” it was unspoken that 30% of the on-track handle came from behind the windows and the betting floor from the staff. Good days, and who better to make a bet than the throng of employees who were paid to be here.

Well, my $100 bonus was put into action right from the start. It began at a turtle’s pace and as the race cards got better, my bankroll was doing well. – By 2:00pm, it was up to $250 and change. By 4:00pm, it was $500. – Took a break until live racing and played three horses I liked. They all won. – The bankroll was over $1,000 for the day and I kept making a few small place wagers. – As I cashed out before grabbing my coat to head home, I had over $1,200 and change. Not bad from a $100 start.

I drove home as snow began to fall at a wet and heavy pace. By the time I got home there was almost three inches on the ground. – I counted my money and kept $200 in my wallet for me to start after the holidays and gave my better half $1,000 to cover a good chunk of Christmas. We’d go out and have a nice dinner and I’d fill her in on the big day of winning. She couldn’t have cared less as gambling just wasn’t part of her itinerary. – But the money handed to her was always spent on the house, bills, and things that mattered. – Good to have a partner who had their feet on the ground and did enough rational thinking for the both of you.

As the blizzard was sweeping in on Thursday, I was at the track and this story came to mind. – Heavy rain turning to ice was beginning to cover the entire rail and walkways. In the last race it covered the starting gate with such a coating that one of the gates did not come open and we had a non-starter. After a 20 min inquiry, we all made our way out to the parking lot skating all the way. – It wasn’t as happy as that winning day long ago, but it gave me something to smile about while driving 10 mph to the house. – When I arrived and pulled in to park, I made it home safely and that was my win for the night.

As we celebrate our holidays, keep in mind the happy times. They are what we’ll remember for decades to come. – It was a simple wintery night that took me back in time to a special night where a few extra bucks were a welcome addition for a young couple that used the money wisely. – Enjoy your time with family and friends, and here’s to a Happy New Year from your friends at Winning Ponies. We wish you health, happiness, and memories to last a lifetime.

Anytime you walk into a new race track, there’s a sense of opening that first package at Christmas. – Will it be what you wanted? – Can it be more than you ever thought? – Is this your new place to call home?

Many horse racing fans have these same feelings as the others who just want to get their bet on. Either way, it serves the child in all of us ripping open our Red Rider BB Gun. Just don’t shoot your eye out. – I must admit it was bigger and brighter than the old dank and dark white elephant that opened in 1959. – It followed the original “Old Latonia Race Course” from Latonia, Kentucky built in 1883 and closed its doors for good in 1939 following the financial losses from the “Great Depression” – Years later the new Latonia Race Course rose from the farmlands to open its doors in 1959, and carried on until 1986 when it was purchased and renamed “Turfway Park” under the guiding hand of Jerry Carroll and partners. – I grew up and cut my teeth going to this winter-spring oval which at one time had one of the best fall meets in the state.

I had filled in at Turfway Park calling races in the huge creaky building that was held together by a wing and a prayer. – We had a brand-new building being created and had temporary pods where I also filled in calling races from the TV signal. – Now, the day had arrived, and once again I was called up to fill in. – The huge new building overlooks an infield tote board and the building was a palace dedicated to slot machines, a bad-ass bar, and a place for racing fans to watch and wager. – I made the long walk-in and had to be escorted up by electronic swiping passes to allow me to the next level. Bright and beautiful with many of the same faces I had come to call my friends over the years.

I got there early to polish my glasses, get my scratches and changes ready and prepare for the new era. – Not nervous, just excited like that young boy who took the trek with his dad so many times during the old Latonia days. – Glasses ready calling them on the track, and the waiting game begins. – Finally, the field assembled behind the gate and then I got to do something that most racing fans would have loved to do. – Me in a room by myself, binoculars ready, and sending them on their way for the evening.

As they turned for home it all came flooding back to decades spent with my dad watching our $2 bets bring us more joy than the law allows. I was back even for a few days. But what a few days they would be capping off the card with the $125,000 My Charmer Stakes. Solid race with an exciting outcome. – I think it came out pretty good and the crowd on the apron seemed to enjoy the excitement of live Thoroughbred racing once again.

As I packed my equipment and made my long walk to the car, my heart was filled with that old familiar feeling of spending a day at the races. – If I live to be 103 years old, there is no other action for this gambler. – Here’s a sample from YouTube of my final race for my three-day stint. – Enjoy!

(11) RACE 7 PROGRAM 12-11-2022 – YouTube

The time where friends and family gather and share a meal to enjoy each other’s company are typically thought of during this time of year. But, after the day of celebration came another form of giving thanks that didn’t involve a big spread of food, but one where good friends opened their hearts and told me what they really have to be thankful for.

The world of racing spins in a trajectory of 20-minute intervals. That is just about the time in between races. Horsemen bring over their runners, grooms tend to them and prepare for the race as riders come out of the room to receive last minute instructions from the trainer who excitedly awaits the outcome. – That is racing in a nutshell. The barns prepare to do battle for the purse monies on the track, but on the backside return to being some of the best of friends and family.

I reached out to some folks on the local racing scene in Ohio and Kentucky. Many were opening their hearts with all things good while others were a little hesitant about letting anyone know their secrets. – As with the many blogs over the years, I will leave out the names and just let you know what they are truly grateful about. Real people, real gratitude.

“Ed, I’m the luckiest guy on the planet. – I was taken over by drugs and alcohol so many times it took away my ability to be a jockey. I lost my family, and the respect of others in racing that has lasted generations in my family. Hard to believe I’d give in to these demons, but I did, and I fell hard. – I started going to meetings at another track far away and slowly I was able to work horses out again. Felt great just being in the saddle. – My daughter would come out and watch her old man slowly shed the desire to be high and be out of control to finding my way back slowly to becoming fit. – We started going to breakfast every Saturday, and now we are building back what horrible decisions took away. This makes me the happiest. – Finally, after working out some nice horses, I decided it was time to try my hand at riding again. – Hard to believe what a long hard road it was, but it was definitely worth it. – When the jockey crossed the finish line with a perfect ride, his attitude of gratitude was in full force. I asked him for a pair of goggles. This is a long-standing tradition of celebrating with a signed pair and the date marked. – He asked me why I wanted them. He’s ridden thousands of winners in his past, why do I want these? – After he looked into my eyes with tears streaming down, he said this was his best and he’d send them up to me shortly.” 

She was the darling of the morning jogging horses and laughing with fellow pony people. – A pony person is one who climbs aboard in the morning and works the horse per the instructions of the trainers. – She had a nasty demon that has haunted her every day and eventually led to some trouble with the law. Prison was her next stop as she was involved in more than a few DUI’s that only got worse over time. – After a period of time she was still fighting her demon but found the love of her life. – Still fighting, but her attitude is changing. – She wants more than anything to climb back into the saddle and that is a goal that only time can cure. But her life is slowly changing, and for that she is grateful at another chance at finding happiness and change. Good luck, gal. We’re all rooting for you.

Usually, stories from the backside entail families gathering for the feast and sharing good company. But these stories are about regular people who have fallen. – Life has picked them up once again, and what they make of this opportunity is all in their hands. I surely wish them the best of luck and may the “attitude of gratitude” surround them and keep them on the right path.

There are many backside charitable organizations that help and support the many who make this way of life. Many are in need and could use a hand off the floor. But this takes money. – If you have it in your heart during the season of giving, please reach out to your local racetrack and chaplaincy program who can better direct you in getting your helping hand to theirs. – Everyone can use a second chance and the gratitude may make a difference in the lives of folks who just need a helping hand.

I was hunkered in my recliner watching College Game Day. – If you’re not much of a football fan or have been marooned on an island after a three-hour tour, it is one of the highest impact chock-full of energy shows highlighting the day of college football in the land. – The hosts have a rapid-fire roundtable that used to be stats and now has gravitated to using the -6 1/2 points on the road betting gab. – How about that? I never thought we’d see the day unless you were in Las Vegas or an offshore betting paradise. What a way to start the day, and I even have an up-to-the minute injury report before hitting the local casino. Life could never be so sweet.

Racing used to have weeklong celebrations with events. – The dart contest from the best in the world, the beauty pageant, all-star dinner with all the celebs and it would all be kicked off with a real Cajun crawfish boil to support the folks on the backside. – Music, food, and fun. TVG would ship in for on-air blips and blurbs and have a studio overlooking the track. The week was a celebration. Funny how one day of racing could capture the senses of the racing fan and turn it into an event of the year.

Why can’t we do that now? – Just like “CGD” in the morning talking the doings of the day, racing could have a week to build up to every big marquee day in horse racing. – The best part is there is always something going on. There are two major channels on racing TV and FanDuel rules the day with scrolling odds on the big game while the talking head build up the card.

Not every event would be the Breeders’ Cup; and that may be just fine. – Showcase the Iowa Day of Champions, The Best of Ohio, and The Claiming Crown Series. There is always plenty at the buffet of racing and it all depends on how we serve it up. – If we just run the races and hope someone plays. There may be no real hope in trying to grow the sport from the ground up if we don’t get behind it at the seedling stage.

Fans love to get their hands on merchandise and freebie items that promote the big day. There’s no billboard in the world that shows the big day in full color like a jacket, cap, or umbrella on the rainy day. – Whenever I pull my extra-large Keeneland umbrella, it has started a thousand conversations. I should get a new one every year as I’ve been a great spokesman.

Tracks can bring back the tried and true and make them new all over again. Bringing in the people to take part in on-track promotions. It could have that CGD feel if you had drawings for large prizes, VIP dining, and a shot at winning a piece of a “Big Ticket” for the pick-four. – Fans would rally around the idea of winning a big prize especially when it’s money. How about having a fan experience where they could be right in the paddock watching the marquee horses saddle up? Winners circle picture immediately following? – Just a few ideas that may draw players closer to the game.

Now, I don’t see horse racing fans getting close to the rail with large signs with their favorite horses, but I do see them showing up early to have a special breakfast at the downs watching the big horses work in the morning. – Fans have been overlooked for so long we kind of forgot about them quietly. It is time to invest and start making the player the star of the sport as well. Because without the betting public, there would be horses running for blue ribbons. – It’s not too late and at every level of the game there are opportunities to bring the fans up close and personal to the sport.

The smoke has cleared, the champions crowned and congrats to the winners and excuses from the losers. – Like in every sport, there is always plenty to say after the fact. But my reflection is more about the beauty of the day and cashing tickets.

If you played the Keeneland meet, you would’ve been aware from Race #1 there was a red-hot speed-bias. It harkened back to the golden rail days that played like a conveyor belt. Pat Day would notch a lead by a half and hold on to that same lead all the way around not using the crop more than 5 times. – He would use a side arm swing brushing gently against the front quarter of the horse. – Upon asking him at a PDJF function he told me his secret weapon. He communicated with the horse with his hands. – He knew at the 1/4 pole if he had a shot. Day was ultra-impressive on speed and Keeneland this meet would have had him atop the rider standings by dozens. To this day I have never seen any rider win by 1/2 length more than the great Pat Day.

Thinking back to working at Keeneland I used to get there early with glazed donuts and orange juice. – I watched a speed biased oval all meet long and the final two day before the end of the meet I saw them adding material and for some reason they were harrowing the opposite direction. – Not sure if any of this made a hill of beans, but the closing couple days for the meet prior to the BC showed me an oval that slowly began to play more favorably. – Those were the best donuts watching the works.

I watched the speed dominate all meet, and now I was betting off-track enjoying the action. – For the Breeders’ Cup, the track was fair and was open to the best runner in my book. – I loved how horses could be wide, dominate with speed, and make a mid-pack run. I’m not much a bragger, but Keeneland was very good to me this year.

In the $6 million dollar Classic we were treated to something special. – Flightline romped home by 8 1/2 lengths and did it with the greatest of ease. – Anytime a horse makes an explosive effort as such, the 1973 Belmont and Secretariat are following shortly after in discussion. – I hate to make hasty calls regarding a horse to “Big Red”, but this was as close as I can remember in my lifetime. – We are always looking to find that next great one, but they are finer than frog hair.

I have watched more races than the average player. There have been many that made me wide-eyed just watching greatness hoping for the next champ. – At the end of the day, I don’t think it is fair to judge any one horse against another from history. Let’s just enjoy and hope to see a little more if we are lucky. Just to whet your whistle; wait until the babies hit the sales ring someday.

I have played the Breeders’ Cup in person at Churchill, Keeneland, and Santa Anita; here I met the best guys in racing from Winning Ponies. All have been incredible in their own right, but if I had to give a nudge it would be to Keeneland. – I usually put in a great deal of time handicapping the races and slow down my betting for 45 days or more. – Like the old butchers saying, “steel sharpens steel.” – I’ll take my 45-day standing eight count and focus more directly on fewer plays. This keeps me ready to roll when January approaches and the stakes schedule starts over again at Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, Oaklawn, and Santa Anita.

Drop us a line and let us know how you did? – Winning Ponies always loves to hear how you’re doing and hopefully the E-Z Win Forms are doing you well!

As the winds of autumn swirl and blow, you’ll hear that hollow growl below. The numbers jumble and make no sense, as you’re almost down to your last pence. You’ll search and look but not to find, that golden ticket that will be kind. – So, keep to task and don’t delay, you’ve almost found your winning day. 

How many times have you done your homework and came up empty? Me too. – Or how many times have you stumbled from blind luck onto a big payout? Yep, that too. – Handicappers for eons have searched to find the perfect recipe for finding the winner and reaping the reward at the windows.

As we’re in the throes of the spooky season, a haunting story comes to mind. – A handicapper who can pick like magic. He studies and finds while his compadres watch and wonder. He can make that 10-1 shot look like 1-9, and his picks are something of pure gold. There is only one thing that can undo his wizard’s way. – When he makes a $2 bet on his own selections.

It seems unstoppable until he pulls out a couple bucks and all goes to hell. – A clocker by trade who enjoys talking horses with me. We’ll yack for hours about the ones he clocked and tracks far away. The love of racing courses through our veins and the conversation is never boring. That is a gambler’s friendship.

His stories of how he goes to the races and studied the night prior unearthing hidden gems. They pop up like hidden coins from the sand, and he knows his picks are solid. – There’s a disconnect between picking the horses and making bets. – I told him I’ve seen this curse many times before. Great handicappers who never win, and winners who don’t have an idea about handicapping. – If you really enjoy the sport you want to possess both. It’s a validating feeling of knowing you’re on the right path and being rewarded for your knowledge.

When he looked at me and asked; “what am I doing wrong. I know my picks are solid from many decades of handicapping with great teachers.” – The answer came to me from many years of playing the races. – It’s the money that gets in the way. You may be playing with scared money you can’t afford to lose, or the thought of loading up gives you second thoughts. – He shook his head slowly.

So, the golden answer is how does he beat the demons that keep him from cashing? – I told him to make no more than two small bets for his day at the races. – If you like them to win, bet them to place. If it’s a 20-1 shot who glimmers like gold, just make a small wager for fun. No big losses coming your way and you get to enjoy a little action while watching the sport you love. – All that I asked was to tell me how he did after a trip to the races.

A week later he came into my office. – “I cashed two small tickets that should have been a big winning day, my friend. – Yeah, but you won a few bucks and enjoyed what you love. No big investments and no huge losses. No harm, no foul.” – Then I gave him another homework assignment. Go to the races and just watch and keep track of your selections. Take copious notes of how much you would bet, and how you did for the day. Tell the truth as we can get down to what is holding you back.

He is now picking up steam and still sends me his daily picks. Today it will be for Keeneland, and I’ll be rooting for my friend. – He said, “You root for me as much as I do. – My friend, never gamble or talk betting with someone who is not happy to see you win.” 

Those may be the secret words of wisdom that will break his curse. If not, it is a start in the right direction for sure. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies, and get hot and stay hot, my friend!

As Mother Nature rings in a new season, we give thanks for the excitement of the past and await the cool crisp days of autumn. I’ve always said; “This is the best time to be a horse racing fan.” – The only way to put it to the test is make plans to enjoy a beautiful day of live racing action for yourself. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it all over again.

If you have the opportunity to make your way to Kentucky. There is a meet worth its weight in gold. – Keeneland kicks off an incredible meet on Friday, October 7, through Saturday, October 29, 2022. There is no racing to be held on Monday or Tuesday for the meet.

You have to go online to purchase your tickets for general admission and seats (if available) at Keeneland.com. – You’ll want to make a note for the spring season to do this well in advance to secure your favorite seating and dining. The beauty and scenery will be enjoyed by all, and the racing is sure to get you up on your feet cheering home your runner to the wire.

The 17-day boutique meet will attract large fields filled with the best in the nation converging on Lexington, Kentucky. – You’ll be treated to Keeneland’s 22 stakes races including six Grade 1 races – five of which are run on opening weekend, Oct. 7-9.  Saturday, Oct. 8, alone will offer five graded stakes with three Grade 1’s. There will be no other track more important in terms of Breeders’ Cup races than Keeneland, firstly because it will be the 2022 host track, and secondly because the track will host nine “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series races during its opening weekend, according to America’s Best Racing.

When looking ahead to the Breeders’ Cup, it is important to remember that the winners of more than 40 Breeders’ Cup races down through the years have made their final prep at Keeneland’s Fall Meet, according to America’s Best Racing. – Look for top riders Irad Ortiz, Tyler Gaffalione, Jose Ortiz, Luis Saez, Florent Geroux, and Flavien Prat to name a handful. Trainers target the meet all year long looking to cap off a great year. You’ll see; Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott, Brad Cox, Chad Brown, Ken McPeek, Steve Asmussen, and a host of many talented conditioners looking to have a big meet at Keeneland. The action will be served up on a daily basis and all you have to do is be there.

According to America’s Best Racing:

When analyzing the preferred Keeneland main track running styles, horses would seem to have their best chances to win by staying within two lengths of the lead at the first call in sprints, and within four lengths of the lead at the first call in routes. Keeneland often features a good rail on the main track and handicappers need to factor that into their picks. In dirt sprints, post No. 1 can be expected to win about 15%. For example, at the 2022 spring meet the rail post accounted for 12 wins in 59 dirt sprints for a 21%-win percentage. Horses can win sprints from anywhere in the starting gate, but the inside posts 1-4 offer the best chances. – In Keeneland dirt routes, front-runners also do well, particularly at the 1 1/16-mile distance, with about 20% of those winners going wire-to-wire. In addition to speed and tactical speed, the other thing you want in dirt routes is an inside post. The inside four post positions do the best.

In terms of running style preferences on the Keeneland turf, it’s better to stay on or close to the pace than it is to try to come from too far back. The majority of winners lead or have gotten within 2 ½ lengths of the front at the half-mile marker. Closers have their best chance on the grass in races at 1 1/8 miles and beyond.

Post positions are important handicapping factors on the Keeneland grass course. In turf routes, inside posts are best with posts 1-4 winning the most. The far outside posts are not great at most distances on the Keeneland grass. Based on a large sample size in turf routes run at Keeneland since the fall of 2014, various posts 1-7 yield between 10-14% win percentages, but there is a steep drop-off after that in terms of winning percentages. The least advantageous distance for outside posts is at one mile, and the absolute worst posts for all turf routes at Keeneland are posts 10 and outward. Those posts combined to go 0-for-47 a few years ago and have been only slightly better ever since. At the 2022 spring meet, horses breaking from posts 10 and out took the collar, going winless from 48 starters.

Keeneland doesn’t card very many turf sprints. There were 15 such races at both the 2021 and 2022 spring meets, and there is a similar amount in the condition book this fall. With stats in these races going back to 2006 you can build a Keeneland turf sprint winning profile despite the fact they don’t run many annually. Based on the long-term figures, off-the-pace runners that rally from between two lengths and six lengths behind with a half-mile to run tend to do well. However, tactical speed has improved in results from the most recent meets. Lately, most of the winners had already gotten to the lead or within 2 ½ lengths of the front by the time then entered the stretch. In terms of turf sprint post positions, 12 of the 15 winners last year broke from posts 1-5. At the Keeneland 2022 spring meet, starters drawn in posts 8 and out went a combined 1-for-55 in turf sprints.

The fall season culminates with a tremendous battle for the championships with the Breeders’ Cup. This will take place at Keeneland on Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6, 2022. – There will 14 championship events worth over $31 million dollars, and can be viewed on the NBC Sports Network, FanDuel TV, and FS2. – You’ll want to follow the races during the meet to get ready to do battle with the best in the world on this weekend.

Keeneland is a magical place. Like Brigadoon, a magical Scottish village which appeared once every hundred years for a single day. Keeneland rolls open the gates every April and October for around 15 – 17 days. – It begins as you walk through the bucolic settings of tree lined parking rows to the majestic Sycamore tree that stands guard over the paddock where many champions have been saddled. Keeneland is a tradition. One where you’ll keep on your calendar for years to come. The slogan for the track has been in place for decades; “Racing as it was meant to be.” 

The wafting smell of fresh popcorn as you walk through the gates. As you make your way to the program stand and purchase your book for the day, tip sheet hawkers yell out their sales pitch of winner’s from yesterday, and the ones that await today. – You have made your way into the massive confines of the racetrack. Some are monsters that once held the larger crowds of yester-year, and the new, more streamlined tracks are a bit smaller but offer up just as much excitement. In my opinion, smaller tracks are like the long-ago slogan for Avis Rental; “We try harder.”

Smaller tracks offer up a close-up view of the paddock where the horses are saddled. You can almost reach out and touch them as they take the track. – Before the races I saw a security guard tossing football with his grandsons in the winner’s circle. Not a sight at Keeneland, Belmont, or Churchill Downs prior to the races. – The smaller ovals offer a bevy of family fun and make it a complete day of entertainment.

There are pony rides in the paddock for the kiddies, as they wear the silks of a jockey with safety helmets walking in circles led by a lucky intern. – Father’s Day was a free track cap with the purchase of a program, and Mother’s Day was track logo T-shirts with a red rose for everyone. – Beer mugs with the past winner’s names printed the year they won the marquee race on Labor Day, and family fun day with games for the kiddies and entertainment all day long. – Free tickets to be drawn for a big concert right next store, and a host of constant fun on a daily basis. – I learned more from River Downs than any other track I’ve worked put together. – Treat people to a day they will remember, and we’ll make fans, friends, and players to last a lifetime.

I think it’s a tough time to compete for the discretionary dollar. A million casino and racinos, lottery, and even bingo halls with loaded with scratch-offs with a bevy of games cut into the profit. Add-in 700 channels on TV that offer up movies, sports and bring the races right to you without leaving the comfort of your home. – If we’re going to survive and plan for the future, we have to distinguish ourselves from the others.

The other day a high-ranking casino manager came up to see me and was asking questions. Most were great fodder for discussion while others came from a handbook he must have read. Then came the $10 question; “Why is racing such a special thing? I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal?” – The answer was easy. We are an entertainment destination. “What do we have that the others don’t?” – He shook his head and looked lost. – Racing; We offer something the others don’t and won’t have. – He still looked lost probably trying to figure out the profit margin which sways highly to the rapid-fire slot machines. But it’s still something completely different they’ll never have. That what makes us special.

Smaller tracks are a gem. The oyster hidden in the smaller grandstand with incredible views and the best soft serve ice cream around. – If you’re looking forward to your once-a-year trip to Keeneland, Belmont or Churchill. Make a couple of trips to your local track. It may be smaller, and you won’t see a Derby winner. Wait. The rider who won this year’s Derby and the trainer have horses on a daily basis at our place. But I digress.

Take the time and make the trip. You’ll probably see some of the old faces from long ago and go ahead and introduce someone new to the game. Best action in town by a mile. How many times have you seen a hundred people cheering for a slot machine? Never. – Go ahead, make the trip, you’ll enjoy yourself if you’re not careful. Who knows, maybe you’ll see the 6th all-time leading rider in the world, or the rider who won the Kentucky Derby this year, or a new jockey plying their trade climbing the ladder to bigger and better things. – Sometimes the hidden gems are right around the corner. The popcorn is still hot and fresh, and the action is second to none. Hope to see you at the races!

My son and I were watching a day of college football. He’s not a big fan like the old man, but still enjoyed it. “Why is it such a big deal with the fight songs and music when they get close to scoring?” – It really didn’t hit me until the game was over and I was on my way to bed. Music makes the sport, game, or event build into a fever pitch. Your excitement levels reach new highs, and you find yourself leaning closer to catch every moment. As he was walking away, he was humming the Ohio State fight song and didn’t even know it…

(1883) Ohio State University Fight Song- “Buckeye Battle Cry”, and “Across the Field” – YouTube

Racing is not above the absence of music and emotion. When you hear the “Call to the Post” at the races you can feel your hair stand up on your arm. It signals the excitement of things to come. – The call dates from the French cavalry- “Pour la Reunion des Trompettes”-1804 by David Buhl. The first U.S. usage is found in 1834 as a trumpeter’s call, according to Taps Bugler: Jari Villanueva.

(1883) Call to Post at Churchill Downs!! – YouTube

Once upon a time when at the races as a horse was entering the winner’s circle. You would hear a bevy of different songs playing in a brief blast. This was the rider’s favorite song and it used to catch your attention even when you weren’t watching closely. – Hearing some smooth Latin music or the dulcet tones of Lemmy from Motorhead would immediately let you know who was entering the winner’s circle. – It was popular in the early 90’s, and just faded away quietly. I liked it, and still do to this day.

In between races, as your signal gets sent out around the world, fans are treated to varied sound of jazz, rock, country and everything in between. – Some racinos have a piped in station that sells music to play in the background between races. Many people have told me they love our music and where can they find it. – Easy, just go to the races or watch us on your favorite ADW site.

Music has been an integral part of warfare and the soldier’s life since the dawn of history. Even the instruments on which music is played have themselves acquired great symbolic power — a regiment’s drums are second only to its colors as an emblem of honor and tradition. In the 18th century, the act of enlisting was described as following the drum, according to History Net.com.

Music makes the event bigger. – When you’re standing with 150,000 people and “My Old Kentucky Home” plays at Churchill Downs. I’ll bet dollars to donuts there’s not a dry eye in the house. – It reaches fans in many different ways. – When you hear the fight song at the big game, everyone is on their feet cheering the warriors to do battle in the game of sport. But nothing competes with hearing the “Call to the Post” for me. – It takes me back as a young boy standing with my dad as the horses paraded in front of the grandstand ready to do battle on the track.

Just pay attention as the big game is close, and you’ll hear dueling bands trying to drive their team into a frenzy, or the beauty and pageantry amplified by the long tradition of call to the post. – I bet it will have your full attention.