One of the advantages to owning a horse is that you can invite your friends to lunch at the track. I invited eight people to join us for a day at the races and lunch (our treat). It was a glorious day and my husband and I felt confident about our horse. He won the last race he entered two weeks previously and was picked to win this one.The chef in the dining room is excellent no matter what you choose. Our friends enjoyed their salmon entree and wine of their choice. I had a hamburger, which was definitely a major cut above the fast food variety. After lunch we could have stayed in the dining room but chose to move to seats in the club house.
We discussed bets and I went along with the $15 across the board -- bets for win, place and show on our horse -- my husband usually bets. Our friends could read the odds themselves and I tried not to influence any of their bets -- in fact, I down-played the betting situation. I have found that when one owns a horse one is either very reticent to talk about it or goes to the other extreme and never shuts up, to the consternation of their friends. I try to steer a middle course here.
The horses entered the racing area and the trainer's wife, a very attractive blonde, was leading our charge. He looked peppy and every inch the pure thoroughbred.
A lot of comments were made about him because this was the first time our friends had seen him. We women discussed his appearance and the choice of color -- yellow and white -- for the silks. I went on to explain that my choice was the papal colors. Now, really, how much closer can you get to a Supreme Being? I'm truly joking here; I just like the combination of colors and they enhance his black coat.
The men joined my husband and went to the paddock to get a closer view and listen to the instructions given to the jockey by the trainer. The jockey was told to go with the flow and not to try to outrun the front-runners from the beginning. He was also instructed to run wide so that he could move at the right time without being blocked.
I never understood what the right time was. Is it instinctive on the part of the horse? Or must the jockey then earn his ten-percent cut of the purse if he brings him in in a winning slot? If the horse and jockey finish in last place the jockey is paid $50 by the owner. There are many hidden payments when one races a horse.
On to the race --!! The men return from the paddock with the trainer and we all wait for the race to begin. The trumpet sounds, announcing the next race. That is a very impressive sound and as much a part of racing as the horses themselves. All ten entries parade onto the track. Again, I am very proud because our third-son looks superb! Comments from my friends are all complimentary; I hope they remain so after the race.
They finally are moved into the starting gate and the race begins. Our gelding starts out leading the pack against the trainer's advice. They round the first turn and he is four lengths ahead. I can't believe my eyes. He is leaving nine other horses to eat his dust!
They approach the final turn in the stretch and he begins to fade. NO. This can't possibly happen, --- CAN IT?
Of course it can. They cross the finish line and he comes in dead last.
I hope everyone puts friendship before betting money and remembers: