I bet on a great horse yesterday! It took seven horses to beat him. UKjockey
The first race of the season is held on Memorial Day weekend. During the playing of the national anthem my heart filled with unparalleled love and respect for our nation’s brave men and women of the Armed Forces. For without them, I wouldn’t be standing in the sunshine on a picture perfect day watching American bred horses race while I enjoy refreshments and chuckles with Trooper. It’s a sobering moment.
This year I decided not to place any bets, because I didn’t feel like making a beeline for the windows. I preferred to choose “names” that tickled my fancy and see where in the pack the horses placed. We stayed for five races which gave us several hours to view Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Appendix Quarterhorses and get us home in time to feed the dogs.
Race #1: Thoroughbreds
Here’s Impaired, a Kentucky-bred bay colt getting ready for his jockey. I thought his name might imply he was wacky but just the opposite. He entered the saddling area quietly and nonplussed about the event. In previous races he was known to take wide trips and no rally. What a surprise this handsome guy was! If he wasn’t passed near the finish line, he would have placed second. On a side note, Trooper’s selection, Never Say Know, came in last.
Race #2: Arabians
A horse is a horse, of course, of course, unless it’s Mister Edd. Hey! Where’s Mister Edd? I had snapped a photo, but the little gray guy was no where to be seen. I figured he had lightening speed or my camera was slow to capture a pic. It didn’t matter, because I discovered he had been scratched from the race.
Race #3: Thoroughbreds
Twisted Memories is wearing pink. He’s a pretty boy who never raced before but did well enough to show he’s one of the gang. He stayed in the middle throughout the whole race.
Race #4: Thoroughbreds
Wearing orange is Homerun King. I figured any name with king in it had to be a noble selection. He did make it to the home run, but where he was in the pack escapes me. If I remember correctly, my attention was directed towards a little boy blowing a bird whistle.
Race #5: Quarterhorse
Lethal Runaway, a sorrel colt, had been termed erratic in one previous race. I was interested to see how he fared in his first race of 2013. I have no idea where he was. By this time I had had enough sunshine and fresh air and missed my afternoon nap. Also, I was listening to Trooper tell me he chose a winner but failed to place a bet due to standing in a long line to buy cotton candy for me. It was a good day, but I think the next race I’ll return to the betting window.