Sleepless Night – Time Well Spent

I awoke from a dream the other night. You know, as men get older we spend more time letting the dog and ourselves out for overnight relief. But I digress from the image you have about my old dog and his middle age owner. Racing has been my passion, an outlet, a time of reflection, […]

Holiday Cheer

The chatter was joyful as the holiday party settled down. I haven’t seen the old familiar faces in quite awhile. Many have retired, some to other work, and many have since passed. A day of celebration for the season of life as we ate and had drinks together. As the conversation would have a lull […]

Can You Remember the First Time ??

The best part was when they handed you the dirty dollar bills. If you were lucky, there were a few coins you’d grab up and shove into your pocket. – There was no sweeter feeling in the world. You were the big winner. The gambling bug had bitten, and my love affair began. I recall with vivid detail […]

A Tale of Two Good Guys

Think of this as a report card on what’s happening in the world of racing from a handicapper’s eyes and ears. – I listen to the players. I’ve always enjoyed that part, and the players have always been the best part of racing. – For years that’s been my stance, and it’s not to say there aren’t […]

Turning For Home

Mother Nature rained down on many parts of the country and my neck of the woods was good and soggy. The 4th of July was one of those days when my family would meet under the old oak tree at River Downs and have our family picnic. The big three; Memorial Day, Independence Day, and […]

A Handicapper Looks at 50

I love the people in racing. I always want to know how you’re doing and if you’re picking any winners. – I know more about most local horse players than they know about me, and that was by design. The patrons who support racing are the lifeblood and what they say is important. – But […]

Year Three

Life has returned to normal, and all is well with the world. – When you hear those words from this handicapper, that probably means I’m back to work. – Belterra Park started racing on 4/29, and I’m a happy camper as I begin my third year as announcer and morning line odds maker. Racing […]

Remembering Good Times

Where did you get your start ? – You know, where did you cut your teeth as a horse player ? – For many there wasn’t a visit to the Spa, or where the surf meets the turf. It was the small tracks. The little ovals that had a charm or lack there of all […]

What’s Your Favorite ?

I was having a couple of beers with a good friend. – It was his birthday, but I didn’t find out until our fifth beer. I know, I know. Sometimes a few can be more than one, and less than 100. He wanted to stay and bet a few simulcast tracks, and he sure didn’t have […]

All I Ever Wanted to Be Was A Horseplayer

There was something magical about going with my Dad to the local bar/bookie. The room was filled with smoke, and men stood in a back room sipping draft beer, and reading the Daily Racing Form. I would occasionally see another local kid or two, and we would just hang around and wait. This […]

Winning Ponies

Posts Tagged ‘River Downs’