There's a line in the Movie "Silverado" in which the character played by Kevin Klein says something about stinky saloons being the only place he's really happy. That's sort of the feeling I have regarding Horse Racing Tracks... although they certainly aren't the only place I'm happy.

Never been to one I didn't like... the looks, the atmosphere, the smells... everything about them. BUT.. I haven't really been to all that many. Maybe a half dozen, perhaps a couple more than that. I have NEVER been to Santa Anita. I rode around Churchill Downs but didn't go in so that doesn't count.

And some of the ones I went to no longer exist. I'm not even sure how many still exist in the USA... I don't think many, I could be wrong.

I don't have a favorite because, like I said, I loved them all. Nothing quite like a day at the track. I used to LOVE getting the racing form and then applying my expertise to the stats to pick my choices..... and I should note that I had no expertise at all. Didn't matter. It was FUN.

Had some friends who owned race horses so a few times I got to help out... back in the stables. Interesting people. Very different... they live very much in 'their own little world'. Here's an insider tip.... those in the 'know' regarding horse racing, (unlike me with no expertise), actually aren't 'in the know' either... they're no better than us... "I like the one with two white socks".

So a perfect day - at the track, at least some cash on hand, a beer or 5, watching the odds board, rating the bugler, bragging about betting the favorite to show and winning, yes siree... my kind of life. - jamesJM