A DAY AT THE RACES

Typically my encounter with the horse racing world begins every year on the first Saturday in May.  The hubby is always searching far and wide from wherever we are in the world (and we are always on the big post-tax-season trip at that time) to find a broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.  And that is not an easy thing to do … it is far easier to find soccer matches and even the NBA than this iconic race. There’s virtually no way to avoid the race outcome for another 6-8 days until we are home when we can watch what was on the DVR so concierges from all over have tried to accommodate this request, and many of them have not even heard of the race!

I definitely watch the Preakness next and, if the same horse wins both of those races, then obviously the Belmont (which happened to be minutes from the daughter’s school and a very cool site to see) is watched in the vain hope of again seeing a Triple Crown Winner.   I have even attended the Kentucky Derby, pre-children, and it was indeed a memorable trip – complete with hat (I NEVER wear hats) and mint julep in hand.  Ah, that Old Kentucky Home …

As fortune would have it, the granddaddy of all in the racing world – The Breeder’s Cup with a purse of $5 million – was at Santa Anita Park this year, and we had the opportunity to go.   

From the website:  

Two Days Of World Fame And Fortune

The world’s greatest have to start somewhere. And for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, that somewhere was Hollywood Park, 30 years ago. What began as a one day, 7-race event has grown into a two-day, $27 million extravaganza attracting the best horses, trainers, and owners from across the globe. It has also become the unofficial end and culmination of the thoroughbred-racing season, often with the Breeders’ Cup Classic being the deciding factor in Horse of the Year. And while these two days have seen legends born, history made, and fortunes won, the greatest part is that the best is still yet to come.

Waiting for the ponies

Among the more fascinating aspects was people watching for sure. There was a couple at our table (we were happily in a hosted area next to the Grand Stand) who reside in New Jersey.  There had with them their laptop, a 3-ring binder, and tons of other historical and handicapping paraphernalia.  Did that enable them to win more money?  Not sure about that.  I like my method of picking names that speak to me ... "Tap It Rich" sounded like a good one!  (But alas was not ..)   Our seats also enabled us to see/encounter a good deal of celebrities as there was an interview area up a few feet away ... Kristen Chenoweth, Bobby Flay, Richie Sambora (from Bon Jovi), etc., plus the ones below that couldn't "escape."    I actually had good reason to say hi to the Collins twins (retired players from Stanford and the NBA):  I served with their mom on the Los Angeles Taxicab Commission, so asked them to give her my regards!  As for the others, well, just having some fun...  

Wes Welker, Denver Broncos' Wide Receiver

Avery Johnson, also retired NBA'er

I AM standing up!  

From "Entourage," Jerry Ferrara (aka "Turtle) -- we discussed his
appearance on Fashion Police from the night before ..

Richie Sambora, but I'd much
rather see Jon Bon Jovi!

And then there were the hats.  I stopped a few women and told them I was writing a fashion blog (well, that was partially true) and they were only too happy to oblige.   Here are a few:  

Official "Breeders Greeters"!

Well, that's colorful for sure ..

A little somber maybe ..

My fave!  Never too young to
get started at the track ...

And when it was finally over, there was a remarkable story to tell.  The last time the hubby won big at the track was at the aforementioned Kentucky Derby in 1988 with the winner and an Exacta.  Yesterday the same thing happened during the final race of the day – the winner and an Exacta.   The winning jockey in 1988 AND in 2013?   Gary Stevens.  Well, at least I got one of the horses right on my ticket.   But his winnings are half mine, right???

Track mascot -- cousin of  Uggie from "The Artist"

Field of dreams???