I won at the races!!

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I went to Belmont Horseracing Track yesterday - my first horse race ever.

I learned the betting system pretty quickly and won $42.60 in the eighth race by placing a $2 exacto boxed bet on #3 and #5.

Now I’m addicted - it was so much fun. I went with a 71 year old guy who’s been hanging out there for years. We spent a lot of time running from the clubhouse to the track to the warm-up ring. We heckled the jockeys and hounded the handicappers.

I loved to watch the horses - the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen. The owners and trainers took such good care of them - it was heartwarming.

Who else loves horseracing? What have been your experiences with it? Any New Yorkers want to head to the track in the next few weeks?

2

I’ll admit to being a longtime horseracing fan. Welcome to our world!

My local track is Woodbine, in Toronto, though I try to get to other tracks if I’m travelling. I’ve never been to Belmont in New York, but I have been to Belmont in Perth (Western Australia)–now, that was an experience! All turf races, and realizing that all weights and distances were in metric. It took a little while, but I got used to it, and came away a winner to boot.

Nice to hear that you won on your day, but don’t get too carried away with it. Betting on the horses can be a pleasant pastime (and learning to handicap a race can be just as much fun, IMHO), but you don’t want to go overboard with it. Still, $42.60 is a nice payoff for an exactor–well done!

My best day at the track occurred when I was with a horse-breeder friend from overseas. He sized up the horses in the paddock with a practiced eye, and then said he’d go place our bets. Trouble was, he got a little confused with our currency, and ended up making a $10 win bet for each of us on a 27-1 longshot. I didn’t mind the longshot bet, but not for $10. Still, there wasn’t much I could do about it at that point.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, his eye was correct and that horse won the race. We each walked away from the window with about $268-and-change. I’ve never had a day like that since, but there’s always hope.

3

:::checks at her screenname again:::

Um, yeah. ME! :smiley:

Santa Anita is my favorite track, although Del Mar is beautiful, too. I have been following the sport since I was 13 years old, and am considered a walking database of horse racing fact and trivia. I am a complete geek when it comes to pedigrees, histories, etc.

That said, I am a completely lousy handicapper. When I goto the races, I don’t bother betting because losing (which I do all too well) takes so much away from the sport for me.

I have a friend whose husband is a trainer–he’s been doing this for over 50 years! They’ve had a few major stakes winners, but he keeps a small stable and so is not too familiar a name. Although, he does have the favorite for this year’s Breeder’s Cup Sprint (I love that horse), who was second in that race last year and third the year before. [shameless plug] There are pictures of that trainer and of me with that horse, and other trainees, at my website. [/shameless plug]

Meanwhile…can you believe Fusaichi Pegasus sold for $60 million?! Who the hell is going to pay a $200K stud fee for a freshman sire? Sure he won the Derby, but he ain’t proved himself Secretariat, at least yet. Sheesh!

4

I like to watch the horses run too. Monmouth Park, Belmont, even Aqueduct. I don’t get out there often enough (I go when my brother, the fanatic and owner of a 2-year old filly named Marseilles Ballet at Harris Farms, comes to the states). I don’t know much about horses (enough to get me in trouble) so I don’t bet much ($2 tickets) and even with those, I’m lousy. But I do love to watch them run.

Sounds like a potential Dopers Day at the Races to me. But it would have to be after my field season ends (sampling birds at horse farms for West Nile virus). Too bad I don’t have banding permits for NY - I sampled at Monmouth Park during morning workouts this season.

Bwaaahaahahaha!! :eek: (BTW, great screenname, Ruffian. I’m jealous you get to go to Santa Anita - the BEST track, IMHO. I used to go there a gazillion years ago when they had clydes pull the gates off the track. What a classy place.)

5

brachy–hey, I was at Santa Anita when they had the Clydesdales pulling the gate, too! That was, geez, ten years ago. But it sho’ was neat! My trainer friend explained to me that they got rid of the Clydes because they were too expensive to keep, and some brain-lacking dork let one of the Clydes graze in an unapproved area–where the horse chowed on some oleandar and died from the resulting poisoning.

I’m very excited about the Oak Tree coming up next week–go Kona Gold!

6

I’ve been to a few tracks. I wish I had a 71 year old guy to show me the ropes! I actually enjoy losing money at a race track. Of course I’d rather win, but the entertainment value far exceeds a casino.

Anyway, I’ve been to a few heats at Los Alamitos, opening day at Del Mar the year after they last renovated (93?) and Saratoga the same year. Saratoga was cool as hell! Carry in a cooler with your own food and beer, and the only money you spend is on the ponies.

SaxFace, Saratoga is only a few hours north from you, it’s a beautiful track and you might even be able to time your trip with something you want to see at the SPAC. If you can’t find anything you want to see, I guess you’ll have to waste away your time soaking in the natural hot springs. What a drag!

If anyone wants to Dopefest at Saratoga next year, count me in.

7

I’ve never been to the tracks around here, but I always go when I’m in Ruidoso. Typically, I take $100 and do my best to make it last about half a day. I’ve never walked out ahead, or even, for that matter. It seems to be the only time I actually enjoy losing money. :slight_smile: I’m just winging it, though. I’ve never known anybody who actually knew anything about racing, or I might actually be good at it. I always go with friends and we all have expectations of losing everything we bring.

8

Ooooh, Kona Gold! I don’t know who he is running against in the Ancient but I’m hoping he’ll be More Than Ready for the BC Sprint this year. Hmmm, Kona Gold…Caller One…Kona Gold…Caller One…could be a terrific race.

Gatsby, I went to Saratoga once, to see Thunder Gulch win the Travers (he came out of the gates like a leaping tiger, a truly awesome sight to behold). Unfortunately, it was SO HOT and SO CROWDED that I felt sick and a little claustrophobic. I do want to go back and see it under less trying conditions because it really seemed like a lovely place and so full of history. Hey, I’d be willing to Dopefest at Saratoga too!

9

I enjoy going to the track. Being from NJ, The Meadowlands is where I go. I have not been there in a few years, but I would like to take my wife there as she has never been to the horse races.

My best night was when I went with 2 friends to see the harness racers. We each picked a horse for the trifecta and placed our bets ($2). We hit the long shots for $1200! After collecting our winnings I then placed a late double which hit for ~$400. It was a really good night for me. After partying the rest of the night I still had over $700 in my pocket the next day. I owe the Meadowlands money and this is probably why I havent really been back there.

John

PS- SaxFace, how was your great road trip? Was there a thread about it when you returned? Hope you had fun.

10

Thanks to all of you for replying!

Spoons: Don’t worry, I won’t get carried away. I don’t have the time or the cashola to go often, but now that I’m not too intimidated by it anymore, I feel confident in going when I can. Also, I never have made large wagers in any kind of gambling and I don’t think that will change. It was nice to buy a round of drinks for everyone, though.

I wonder what your buddy was looking for in the horses. When I saw a skittish, nervous horse, I usually bet on it thinking it would tear up the track. Well, those ponies lost for me. I won just by reading the program and asking a lot of questions about the trainers and jockeys.

How do I learn to read the horse itself?

Ruffian: You’re so lucky to be around the horses and/or trainers. I’m thinking of getting a weekend job at the track so I can hang out and schmooze with them!

Your screen-name is interesting as well - I suppose you named yourself after Ruffian the horse, buried at Belmont Park. That was a very sad story, but a nice tribute. The stories of the various horses and jockies were probably the most interesting things I learned on Sunday. You’ll be happy to know that Robbie Davis rode one of the horses that won for me. He seemed like a nice guy, I’m glad he’s still racing.

brachyrhynchos: Let me know when you can go to the track! I have a lot of questions about horses the animals that I’m sure you could answer. I fell off a horse last year and busted a kidney so I don’t think I’ll do anymore riding, but they sure are magnificent. I had never seen race horses up close before - so shiny and muscular. Loved 'em.

Gatsby: What a kick ass idea! I would love to organize a Saratoga Dopefest. Plus, since we’re of higher intelligence than the general population for being on this board, I’m sure we’ll win oodles of dough and have a great time. It would be a nice way to start the summer, too.

Aglarond: It’s so easy to find someone who wants to talk about horse racing. I met the 71 year old guy in a local bar on Saturday night and met him the next morning. He was very good about showing the ropes and explaining the ettiquette and rules. He also paid for everything (admission, food, booze, transportation, etc), which REALLY got on my nerves, but I think he was glad to have company. While we were there, we met a lot of old timers who had a lot to talk about. Gotta love the old folks. Better luck next time, though!

Thing 1: I’m going to check out the Meadowlands for sure. I bet there are a lot of shady mafiosos there as well. (One gold chained/shark skinned suited guy at Belmont showed up at the cashier window with $4000 cash and placed about 12 different bets)

I love hearing about your winnings! I know it’s the best feeling in the world - congrats!

(Oh, regarding my road trip: my bro-in-law ended up staying in Philly so I didn’t make the trip. Damn. But I flew out to California (LA and SF) for a week, which was nice. Thanks for asking!)

11

SaxFace–Well, if there’s one thing I can do, it’s handicap a horse based on appearance alone (watching them in the paddock, etc.) That needs to be coupled with past performance, workouts, and so on, however, to be a more successful bettor. Anyway…

Nervous/jittery horses are bad bets because they are wasting all of their precious energy before they even get into the gate. Sometimes they will tear out of the gate like their tail is on fire, but then start falling back at the quarter pole and are completely dead by the half–they burn themselves out. Watch for “washy” horses–the ones that are speckled with white bits of sweaty foam around their neck or ribs. This is a sign of a very anxious horse.

That’s the easiest thing to watch for. The other aspects are a bit more complicated and require at least some horsey know-how: watch for slight limping (my trainer friend swears Charismatic was sore after the Derby), head bobbing, or any other indications of pain.

As for the s/n, I am a fan of Ruffian, but that actually only factors into about 50% of me choosing it as a a s/n. I also just like the idea of being a ruffian. Mmwahahahaha!

brachy: Yay! You know Kona Gold!? Who hoo! Brian (DeathLlama) and I have been in the winner’s cirlce and trophy presentations of his last two wins. We’ll be going to the Ancient Title on the 14th. It’s sooooo coooool sitting in the director’s room among the Obscenely Rich. Last time (at the Bing Crosby at Del Mar) we were making conversation with a woman seated with my trainer friend and his wife. After this woman left, my friend turned to me and said, “That lady’s husband just sold his company for $1 billion.” ACK! I have a Kona Gold Breeder’s Cup hat on my big teddy bear here at home, and will be cheering like mad come BC Sprint day. He was 3rd two years ago, 2nd last year–it’s just a natural progression that he wins this year, right? :wink:

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SaxFace, listen to Ruffian, not me, for heaven’s sake - I’ll make you loose money faster than asperagus through a goose! But I do love to watch them run. I think there is no sport more breath-takingly beautiful nor so heart-wrenching than horseracing. Right now my field season lasts through mid-November (just received notice of two more NJ horses positive for West Nile, yuck) so Belmont is likely out (although Aqueduct lasts through December, IIRC - the Cigar Mile is at the end of November). Too bad Bowie (MD) isn’t open anymore. They used to do winter racing there. And I am definitely reserving a day in November 2001 for Breeder’s Cup at Belmont!!!. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. Now you did say you’d organize a SaratogaDopaFest, right? I’ll remind you next June. :slight_smile:

Ruffian, due to those greedy bastards of cable, I only have access to regular TV (read virtually no horseracing). But I used to go onto Del Mar’s site to view their racing video archives - Kona Gold, Big Jag, General Challenge, and a favorite filly of mine, Passion Flower. But I can’t find them anymore! grrrr. My mom tapes races for my brother (the Cal-bred fanatic who lives in Zambia) and sometimes I can persuade her to send them to me first. Well, come the 14th and especially for the Sprint, Kona Gold will have coast-to-coast-to-Zambia support!

It’s funny you mentioned the obscenely rich. I’ve come to the conclusion that they ARE different from the rest of us hoi-polloi. We went to see the Belmont Stakes in 1997 (Touch Gold) and sat in the section next to the one holding the elite. It was a steamy hot NY day, and we sweated like there was no tomorrow. But they sat there in their linens, looking dry, no hair plastered to their skulls, no makeup smearing. I’m jealous. I want their deodorant.

13

(BTW, the Director’s Room is open to owners of horses running in a stakes event that racing day only, and their friends and companions)

Usually, the Obscenely Rich do not sit among the Commoners for a race unless they actually own a horse in it. Then, they get up off the ridiculously plush seat in the comfy, cool Director’s Room and mosey down to their box seats to watch the race. Afterwards, if their horse wins, they will return to the DR for the free celebratory champagne (and it’s goooooooooood stuff). Sometimes, a pseudo-celebrity (whoever gave out the trophy) will lead a toast to the winning owner(s), trainer, and jockey.

That free champagne can be potent, however. After Kona won the Potrero Grande in April (same day as Santa Anita Derby), I had a nice pour of the stuff and got the teeniest bit affected. Basically, my thought processes slowed–I got a nice buzz, but wasn’t really anything remotely drunk. Of course, THIS is the time I meetBob and Beverley Lewis–owners of 1997 Kentucky Derby winner, champion, etc. Silver Charm, and 1999 KY Derby winner and champ Charismatic. I was dumbstruck, and I shook their hands and said what a big fan I was of them and their horses. Unfortunately through the fog, I couldn’t remember Charismatic’s name! It came out like this: “I’m a huge fan of Silver Charm and…and…was it Real Quiet? No, that was a Pegram horse…uh…” Yeah. I’m a winner. :rolleyes:

The Director’s Room is something and a half. Santa Anita’s is jaw-droppingly stunning, both in posh design and catering. You should know that they’re women’s bathroom has, I kid you not, tampons and pads placed in decorative champagne glasses on a shelf above the toilet. Yes, they make even menstruation look fancy.

Food-wise, they offer plate after plate of buffet appetizers–we’re talking shrimp, caviar, expensive cheeses, exotic fruits, weird rolls, the whole sh’bang…PLUS an entire table of dessert foods: bananas and strawberries, with chocolate for dipping, cheesecakes, pudding, ice cream, and THE greatest double-fudge chocolate cake EVER.

All of this food is excluding the actual meal they serve you.

Think I can get them to work with my budget and cater DeathLlama’s and my wedding? $500 should be fair, right? :wink:

14

SaxFace, I wish I knew how to read a horse. Outside of the most basic points, which Ruffian explained quite well, I’m as much in the dark as anybody. But using those points, and the information in the Daily Racing Form, I can usually do not too badly.

But I’d recommend the best thing to do is just what you’ve been doing: going to the races, talking with other players, asking a lot of questions, and watching the horses in the paddock and in the Post Parade. You’ll start to see trends develop, such as the “skittish horses are not good wagers” kind.

Learning to read the DRF is a good thing also–while it can look intimidating, with a little practice you can learn to spot valuable information quickly (for example, does horse X do well in short sprints or at distances over a mile?).

The only explanation I can offer for my buddy is that he’s spent his life breeding raising thoroughbred horses for racing. I just wish he’d come visit more often!

15

I am SO blue-collar. I keep mine in a beer stein. :slight_smile:

That’s funny about the Lewises. And from your description of the Director’s Room, I’m sending my bro’s horse good karma so that one day…well, I can dream.

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials!