Posted in A Day at the Races

Back at the track

The humidity has been nil the last couple of days, so we ran out to our local thoroughbred racetrack to take some pictures. I lost $2 the first race and didn’t bet anymore, but Casey cashed in a couple of tickets.

The place is still a bit of a dump, but it does look like they’re trying to keep up with the aging facility. I guess the new concrete pillars holding up the grandstand had to be done first and there are new concession signs. Besides, I don’t really want it to be too nice – the vibe has always been a little seedy, like a familiar, neighborhood dive bar.

There’s a carnival-like atmosphere…

The Clubhouse and Sky Theatre are fancy restaurant/bars upstairs in the a/c, but unless it’s a heat index over 100, we’ll probably be in what we call the tunnel,

but ready to stand out at the finish line in the sweltering sun to cheer our horses in.

Last year when the NewYorkers were here, it was so hot that they had to cancel the races for the good of the horses. That broke a decades-long tradition of annual family trips to the track. The Irish Dancers will be visiting in a couple of weeks, so fingers crossed we get back to the old ways…

Hope you’re winning in your neck of the woods…

Peace

Posted in ......And they're Off!!!

Back at the Track

Ellis Park, home of thoroughbred racing, opened Friday, but the torrential rains and subsequent humidity kept us away. Today felt humid to me, but there was a nice breeze and we sat in the shade. All of the turf races were moved onto the dirt, so horses were scratched like crazy — there were only four horses in the first race. I was griping, not really feeeling any of the horses/jockeys/names, so sure enough, I lost every bet. When I am not feeeling it, there’s nothing to be done, so I only bet three races ($6) and we came on home. I’ll be going back on Friday and hopefully I can sync in…

But there’s so much more to the races than betting my $2 show wager–

exciting races run by beautiful horses

and fine company…

Lana and Charley met up with us, and they were actually winning…

I must remember to take flat Ronna next time to bring me luck…

It looks like a beautiful week ahead for us; hope it’s just as nice in your neck of the woods…

Peace