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View Full Version : Penn National Sept.5th Race#4


no breathalyzer
09-07-2015, 12:25 AM
Ok so i watched this race about 50 times. You guys tell me who finished second this race. Now before you think I'm some crazy guy wearing a tin foil hat. the night before i bet a race there and there was a photo (friday night race#3) where i was pretty sure i lost the race and i did, but at least they presented a high quality photo clearly showing the outcome. Fast forward to this race after about 10mins of waiting they put the # :10: up for second and not the :7:. Ok i tell myself maybe i just starting to feel them beers i had been drinking. A couple mins. go by and they put this Complete JOKE of some kind of distorted photo bs on screen. Looked like Atari 2600 type of shit. It was bad it's not even funny!!!

This place is a joke. no wounder no one bets this dump.. this is the type of bs that drives people away from betting... Maybe Penn national still thinks it's 1985 and can still pull this type of stunt. but its really hard to pull this bs nowadays with the technology and the the tv feeds getting better and clearer more then ever.

EMD4ME
09-07-2015, 12:37 AM
That was a very close photo. As a former 5 day a week Penn Player back in the day, I must say that Penn has a unique camera placement that ALWAYS favors the outside runner. On the turf, the mirror is directly after the red and white pole, which adds to the confusion. Looked like the 10 got full extension downward on the mirror (god I miss saying the word line), combine that with the 'past the wire camera placement' and you have your optical illusion that infuriates the crap out of you.

I wish that when they put up the new building 7 years ago or so, they would've placed the camera right on the line. But who thinks of such minor details, right ? :bang:

I checked their website and couldn't find the photo finishes (Shocker!)

Can you post it?

I know the feeling pal....

no breathalyzer
09-07-2015, 12:46 AM
That was a very close photo. As a former 5 day a week Penn Player back in the day, I must say that Penn has a unique camera placement that ALWAYS favors the outside runner. On the turf, the mirror is directly after the red and white pole, which adds to the confusion. Looked like the 10 got full extension downward on the mirror (god I miss saying the word line), combine that with the 'past the wire camera placement' and you have your optical illusion that infuriates the crap out of you.

I wish that when they put up the new building 7 years ago or so, they would've placed the camera right on the line. But who thinks of such minor details, right ? :bang:

I checked their website and couldn't find the photo finishes (Shocker!)

Can you post it?

I know the feeling pal....


Trust me i wish i could.. its on my brothers dvr.. i watched it super slow mode time after time. i mean it looks like the 7 almost had it by a neck lol.. My point is whats up with that bs photo ... why was it super distorted AND blown up to the point you couldn't even make anything out.. while the night before it was almost in HD I'm telling you it was so bad the silks didn't even match color completely on the 10 horse .. I'm just happy it was a action bet while relaxing going over the next days plays

Stillriledup
09-07-2015, 04:53 AM
I see what you saw. You were watching the super tight ISo slow mo they showed after the race, that camera is past the finish line which makes the inside horse appear ahead, if you watch the regular pan shot in fast motion you could see the 10 gets a great bob.

Dr Gonzo
09-07-2015, 07:00 AM
This very same sort of thing once happened to me at Penn National. They hung up a photo that showed the wrong horse winning. The numbers on the horses were correct but the jockey's silks weren't even close.

As a veteran jockey once told me, "NEVER bet a horse at Penn National".

TonyK@HSH
09-07-2015, 06:02 PM
This very same sort of thing once happened to me at Penn National. They hung up a photo that showed the wrong horse winning. The numbers on the horses were correct but the jockey's silks weren't even close.

As a veteran jockey once told me, "NEVER bet a horse at Penn National".

Lol- Why would any track care who won the photo? This is paramutuel wagering. Aside from a potential small advantage on breakage and churn the track has no stake in the winner.

The are times when a photo may 'look' different if the placing judges have to zoom in to separate the horses.

TonyK

no breathalyzer
09-07-2015, 06:12 PM
Lol- Why would any track care who won the photo? This is paramutuel wagering. Aside from a potential small advantage on breakage and churn the track has no stake in the winner.

The are times when a photo may 'look' different if the placing judges have to zoom in to separate the horses.

TonyK

I don't know there never a situation where they would care since they never bet.. :lol: anytime there is $$ involved there it's posable .. highly not likely tho. My point is maybe the camera malfunction or something.. and they truly didn't know who to put up.. why else would they show that sorry ass photo that you couldn't make out anything????

no breathalyzer
09-07-2015, 06:17 PM
This very same sort of thing once happened to me at Penn National. They hung up a photo that showed the wrong horse winning. The numbers on the horses were correct but the jockey's silks weren't even close.

As a veteran jockey once told me, "NEVER bet a horse at Penn National".

so this has happened before.. good to know.. amazing silks didn't match up here either.. but hard to tell since it was so disturted

proximity
09-07-2015, 07:35 PM
That was a very close photo. As a former 5 day a week Penn Player back in the day, I must say that Penn has a unique camera placement that ALWAYS favors the outside runner. On the turf, the mirror is directly after the red and white pole, which adds to the confusion. Looked like the 10 got full extension downward on the mirror (god I miss saying the word line), combine that with the 'past the wire camera placement' and you have your optical illusion that infuriates the crap out of you.

I wish that when they put up the new building 7 years ago or so, they would've placed the camera right on the line. But who thinks of such minor details, right ? :bang:

...

i don't think it's the photo camera, but rather the fact that neither building was built perfectly parallel to the track? tonyk (aka "mr mountainview" :) ) can correct me if i'm wrong.

the big problem with pen today isn't suspicious photos (or even juice), but rather the lack of an adult player rewards program for both the horses and the casino. this is what makes the place "a joke."

Dr Gonzo
09-07-2015, 09:50 PM
Lol- Why would any track care who won the photo? This is paramutuel wagering. Aside from a potential small advantage on breakage and churn the track has no stake in the winner.

TonyK

Well I guess it depends upon who's involved in the fix. I don't play Penn National much anymore but in the old days, anyone with a modicum of brain activity and a good pair of binoculars has seen unbelievable race result manipulation at that track. I could tell you stories until dawn.

EMD4ME
09-07-2015, 10:02 PM
Well I guess it depends upon who's involved in the fix. I don't play Penn National much anymore but in the old days, anyone with a modicum of brain activity and a good pair of binoculars has seen unbelievable race result manipulation at that track. I could tell you stories until dawn.

I grew up close to Penn and loved it for years. Once the slots came in, it went to HELL.

However, I do love a good story, please tell :)

I have a couple of my own but want to hear yours.

proximity
09-07-2015, 10:11 PM
lol, tonyk is possibly the biggest insider there.

EMD4ME
09-07-2015, 11:58 PM
i don't think it's the photo camera, but rather the fact that neither building was built perfectly parallel to the track? tonyk (aka "mr mountainview" :) ) can correct me if i'm wrong.

the big problem with pen today isn't suspicious photos (or even juice), but rather the lack of an adult player rewards program for both the horses and the casino. this is what makes the place "a joke."

That is a great point, about the unparallel construction of the grandstand, compared to the track. What in the world is that about???

Especially after they tore the building down and rebuilt it from scratch....

Why not place the camera on the ground level, like NYRA does now? That is an AWESOME SHOT that NYRA provides these days.

Dr Gonzo
09-08-2015, 07:05 AM
I grew up close to Penn and loved it for years. Once the slots came in, it went to HELL.

However, I do love a good story, please tell :)

I have a couple of my own but want to hear yours.

Seems as if we have similar backgrounds regarding Penn Irrational. I go back to the origins of the hellhole when one didn't know if the person sitting next to you was a horseplayer, a pickpocket, or an FBI Agent.

I'd love to swap race fixing stories with you but don't want to hijack this thread. Now, if no breathalyzer wants to read them ....

TonyK@HSH
09-08-2015, 11:47 AM
I grew up close to Penn and loved it for years. Once the slots came in, it went to HELL.

However, I do love a good story, please tell :)

I have a couple of my own but want to hear yours.


Certainly no doubt that racing took a back seat to casino games. The new building is far from racing friendly with no grandstand seating for horse racing and an HVAC system that chases customers away (even in the dining room) due to extreme temperatures.
I too am disappointed that the angle of the camera leaves horseplayers guessing at 'who won'. Many other racing deficiencies as well.

That stated, I cant support the notion that photos are intentionally altered at any racetrack. To much at risk for the owners of Racinos.

TonyK

TonyK@HSH
09-08-2015, 11:54 AM
Seems as if we have similar backgrounds regarding Penn Irrational. I go back to the origins of the hellhole when one didn't know if the person sitting next to you was a horseplayer, a pickpocket, or an FBI Agent.

I'd love to swap race fixing stories with you but don't want to hijack this thread. Now, if no breathalyzer wants to read them ....

Welcome Dr Gonzo-

Like yourself and EMD my experience with Penn dates back into the '70's. I still love the place as most of my friends and family are there. Heck its likely our paths have crossed there at one time.
Good luck

TonyK

no breathalyzer
09-08-2015, 11:58 AM
Seems as if we have similar backgrounds regarding Penn Irrational. I go back to the origins of the hellhole when one didn't know if the person sitting next to you was a horseplayer, a pickpocket, or an FBI Agent.

I'd love to swap race fixing stories with you but don't want to hijack this thread. Now, if no breathalyzer wants to read them ....

i don't mind i would like to read them aswell

no breathalyzer
09-08-2015, 12:09 PM
My main point is why the sorry ass photo finish while any other time i see photos there (the night before) they are clear as can be and not distorted.. now i agree theres really no reason to fix a photo to much at risk. but is it possible the camera had a malfunction and didn't work or take the image properly or in a timely fashion? Cause that photo they put up should never be allowed... they were better off not even offering a photo like some tracks like to do.. I really wish i could post a side by side comparison of these to photos to paint a better picture.

Dr Gonzo
09-08-2015, 12:10 PM
Welcome Dr Gonzo-

Like yourself and EMD my experience with Penn dates back into the '70's. I still love the place as most of my friends and family are there. Heck its likely our paths have crossed there at one time.
Good luck

TonyK

Thanks for the welcome,Tony K. Yes, we have met, although many years ago when you were the public handicapper for the Harrisburg Patriot. I remember you as a friendly and helpful student of the game. :)

Dr Gonzo
09-08-2015, 12:43 PM
i don't mind i would like to read them as well

Ok then.

In the old days at Penn, there was only 1 trifecta per card (then called The Big Triple) always on the last race of the day. The worst cheating usually happened during this race due to the potential for a huge payoff.

Charlestown shippers usually didn't fare well at Penn, but on this particular night, the CT shipper was mysteriously bet down to tepid favorite in the final minute before the card's last race, a 6F dash for $2500 claimers.

The horses shot out of the gate, except for the CT shipper, who was left in the chute and in fact, broke about 16 lengths behind the field. On the turn, the other riders knew something was wrong, as they all turned their heads back looking for the favorite who apparently was supposed to be in the lead.

Watching thru binoculars, I noticed the jockeys of the horses on the pace take a sharp hold of their mounts until the CT horse could catch up. Once the CT horse finally got a big lead, they resumed normal riding.

To all but the most naive, this was one of the most blatant fixes in Penn National's checkered history. No action was ever taken by the stewards, who were so crooked, they made congressmen look honest.

These races should be assembled into a book entitled, "Buzzers and Boat Rides".

Ok... your turn, EMD4ME....

Stillriledup
09-08-2015, 12:48 PM
Certainly no doubt that racing took a back seat to casino games. The new building is far from racing friendly with no grandstand seating for horse racing and an HVAC system that chases customers away (even in the dining room) due to extreme temperatures.
I too am disappointed that the angle of the camera leaves horseplayers guessing at 'who won'. Many other racing deficiencies as well.

That stated, I cant support the notion that photos are intentionally altered at any racetrack. To much at risk for the owners of Racinos.

TonyK

But the owners of the racinos wouldn't be the ones altering photos.

proximity
09-08-2015, 05:50 PM
Certainly no doubt that racing took a back seat to casino games. The new building is far from racing friendly with no grandstand seating for horse racing and an HVAC system that chases customers away (even in the dining room) due to extreme temperatures.
I too am disappointed that the angle of the camera leaves horseplayers guessing at 'who won'. Many other racing deficiencies as well.


i actually think the clubhouse there is a great place to take in the combination of live racing and simulcasting. physically, it's a nice track.

you are right though about the ac and friday it was about the worst it's EVER been. even with a sweatshirt on i was still freezing.

taking the paper towels out of the bathrooms was a terrible decision and as i said the player rewards are a complete embarrassment.

the grandstand is usually a ghost town but apparently there are certain nights where you have to pay to sit in seats at the far end of the clubhouse?
one night recently i noticed that NOBODY was sitting there until a man and his young son "snuck" down to these humble seats only to have security come and kick them out. NOBODY was sitting there with like a race or two left in the live card and they certainly weren't hurting anything so why be rude to new fans???????

EMD4ME
09-08-2015, 05:57 PM
Thanks for the welcome,Tony K. Yes, we have met, although many years ago when you were the public handicapper for the Harrisburg Patriot. I remember you as a friendly and helpful student of the game. :)

Dr. Gonzo, forgive me! I didn't realize you are new here. Welcome to the PA team :)

I too wonder if I know any of you.

There was a jill who was a nice waitress in the old Pennational (pre slots). She always was courteous fun and engaging. She worked in the dining area.

She had told me back in the mid 2000's that she was dating David Cora.

Is she still around?

EMD4ME
09-08-2015, 06:03 PM
Ok then.

In the old days at Penn, there was only 1 trifecta per card (then called The Big Triple) always on the last race of the day. The worst cheating usually happened during this race due to the potential for a huge payoff.

Charlestown shippers usually didn't fare well at Penn, but on this particular night, the CT shipper was mysteriously bet down to tepid favorite in the final minute before the card's last race, a 6F dash for $2500 claimers.

The horses shot out of the gate, except for the CT shipper, who was left in the chute and in fact, broke about 16 lengths behind the field. On the turn, the other riders knew something was wrong, as they all turned their heads back looking for the favorite who apparently was supposed to be in the lead.

Watching thru binoculars, I noticed the jockeys of the horses on the pace take a sharp hold of their mounts until the CT horse could catch up. Once the CT horse finally got a big lead, they resumed normal riding.

To all but the most naive, this was one of the most blatant fixes in Penn National's checkered history. No action was ever taken by the stewards, who were so crooked, they made congressmen look honest.

These races should be assembled into a book entitled, "Buzzers and Boat Rides".

Ok... your turn, EMD4ME....

I wasn't privy to race fixing directly. Can't lie....but I always remembered the jockey scandal there back in the day.

I have a few boring stories. Don't want to bore people with them. I'll keep them short.

Once loved a horse that was owned by Gill and ridden by Clifton back in 2003 2004 or 2005. I made large wagers in all possible pools (P4, P3, WP, Exactas and Tris). The horse won and I was all proud of myself because the horse had run on a dead rail, had made a sneaky good move in the race prior etc etc back at a time where replays were scarce to find.

I walked up to Clifton as he jumped off (I remember being inside the 1/16 and before the wire-they didn't take pictures in the winner's circle that we have now) and told him why I loved his ride and how I loved the horse.

He brushed it all off as he put a hose to the dirty saddle and said : Don't kid yourself buddy. Michael Gill is the only reason the horse won. None of that crap matters.

Kind of ruined what was left of my pollyanna virginesque horse racing soul :blush:

proximity
09-08-2015, 06:03 PM
Is she still around?

no.

EMD4ME
09-08-2015, 06:04 PM
no.

Thank you...Is she alive? Ok? Do you remember her?

EMD4ME
09-08-2015, 06:12 PM
i actually think the clubhouse there is a great place to take in the combination of live racing and simulcasting. physically, it's a nice track.

you are right though about the ac and friday it was about the worst it's EVER been. even with a sweatshirt on i was still freezing.

taking the paper towels out of the bathrooms was a terrible decision and as i said the player rewards are a complete embarrassment.

the grandstand is usually a ghost town but apparently there are certain nights where you have to pay to sit in seats at the far end of the clubhouse?
one night recently i noticed that NOBODY was sitting there until a man and his young son "snuck" down to these humble seats only to have security come and kick them out. NOBODY was sitting there with like a race or two left in the live card and they certainly weren't hurting anything so why be rude to new fans???????

That is not nice (throwing them out)....

I remember being there in the old building, the lights would go out as post time came close. All you heard was the track announcer's voice. LOVED IT.

Last time I went, I sat in the new building top floor. I tried to get a dinner table for 6. They brought me down to a table past the finish line. I asked where are the nearest betting machines. I WAS APPAULED.

The new hostess told me: Weeeeell there is 1 machine at the top of the stretch. I looked at her with disgust. She said: Aaaannn there's another one, up the stairs, to the left (pretty much way out of my way).

I asked for a tiny tim. She didn't know who Tim was :bang: :bang: :bang:

That was in 2009 I believe. After going there once a month for many years, that was my last trip to Penn.

Also, I was repulsed by the fact that there was music playing while the race was going off. Please tell me that stopped!!!! They also didn't turn the lights off when the live race was going off.

I literally cried as I drove away that night. I'll never forget leaving the parking lot, looking in the rear view mirror as I drove to that long funnel, saying "They tore down paradise and put up a racino that should ROT"

Never went back after that.

thaskalos
09-08-2015, 06:27 PM
Ok then.

In the old days at Penn, there was only 1 trifecta per card (then called The Big Triple) always on the last race of the day. The worst cheating usually happened during this race due to the potential for a huge payoff.

Charlestown shippers usually didn't fare well at Penn, but on this particular night, the CT shipper was mysteriously bet down to tepid favorite in the final minute before the card's last race, a 6F dash for $2500 claimers.

The horses shot out of the gate, except for the CT shipper, who was left in the chute and in fact, broke about 16 lengths behind the field. On the turn, the other riders knew something was wrong, as they all turned their heads back looking for the favorite who apparently was supposed to be in the lead.

Watching thru binoculars, I noticed the jockeys of the horses on the pace take a sharp hold of their mounts until the CT horse could catch up. Once the CT horse finally got a big lead, they resumed normal riding.

To all but the most naive, this was one of the most blatant fixes in Penn National's checkered history. No action was ever taken by the stewards, who were so crooked, they made congressmen look honest.

These races should be assembled into a book entitled, "Buzzers and Boat Rides".

Ok... your turn, EMD4ME....
Is there any evidence to suggest that things have changed there, in these more "modern" times?

proximity
09-08-2015, 07:20 PM
Is there any evidence to suggest that things have changed there, in these more "modern" times?

the 2000s were the worst with the super-trainers.

today i'd worry a lot more about the field sizes although you can still find winning overlays like e biscuit (apologies to ts) and diana's vendetta from friday.

i agree with tony that there aren't any doctored photos and prefer to save my cries for when there's an actual wolf..... and there are wolves out there in this game.

overall penn national never even reached a fraction of its potential with the slots. disappointing. and sad.

Dr Gonzo
09-08-2015, 09:10 PM
Dr. Gonzo, forgive me! I didn't realize you are new here. Welcome to the PA team :)


Thanks for the welcome, EMD4ME. :)

One of my old Penn buddies was a small time trainer who had an interesting way of "handicapping" horses. He would watch for the UPS truck to show up on the backstretch and make note of which barns got deliveries. The horses from these barns would miraculously wake up and run well for a few weeks.

We used to joke that if only we could hack into the UPS Delivery System, we would have the world's finest handicapping software program. :lol:

Dr Gonzo
09-08-2015, 09:17 PM
Is there any evidence to suggest that things have changed there, in these more "modern" times?

In the old days when the track was populated with $2500 claimers, the purse values were so low that trainers had to cash tickets at a good price to make ends meet.

With today's casino inflated purses (for what I still consider plow horses), I doubt that a high level of chicanery still goes on but I don't play or get to Penn very often anymore. TonyK would probably be the person to ask.

EMD4ME
09-08-2015, 09:21 PM
In the old days when the track was populated with $2500 claimers, the purse values were so low that trainers had to cash tickets at a good price to make ends meet.

With today's casino inflated purses (for what I still consider plow horses), I doubt that a high level of chicanery still goes on but I don't play or get to Penn very often anymore. TonyK would probably be the person to ask.

You HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!

I loved PENN for many years as I had a knack for finding the horse with darkened form and was looking for the horse that the stable was prepping for a good price.

Once the slots came in, I was bombing left and right and quit Penn back in 2009. Too chalky as stables didn't need to do that to survive. The purses were enough and the prices got too chalky all too often.

Maximillion
09-08-2015, 09:56 PM
I actually think the racing here is pretty formful....they do a nice job of maintaining the track and its bias free for the most part.Unlike the other track in the state,i think you can focus more on the horses (and improving/declining form) rather than the trainers if thats the way you play.
The biggest issues to me are field size,and some of the races can come up very weak....when it looks like a Beyer speed figure of 30 will win the race,no outcome should be surprising.

TonyK@HSH
09-09-2015, 06:22 PM
Dr. Gonzo, forgive me! I didn't realize you are new here. Welcome to the PA team :)

I too wonder if I know any of you.

There was a jill who was a nice waitress in the old Pennational (pre slots). She always was courteous fun and engaging. She worked in the dining area.

She had told me back in the mid 2000's that she was dating David Cora.

Is she still around?


Jill is no longer at PN nor is she dating David- but she is alive and well working as a waitress at an upper class restaurant in Harrisburg.

When I see her I will tell her she was fondly remembered.

TonyK

TonyK@HSH
09-09-2015, 06:35 PM
That is not nice (throwing them out)....

I remember being there in the old building, the lights would go out as post time came close. All you heard was the track announcer's voice. LOVED IT.

Last time I went, I sat in the new building top floor. I tried to get a dinner table for 6. They brought me down to a table past the finish line. I asked where are the nearest betting machines. I WAS APPAULED.

The new hostess told me: Weeeeell there is 1 machine at the top of the stretch. I looked at her with disgust. She said: Aaaannn there's another one, up the stairs, to the left (pretty much way out of my way).

I asked for a tiny tim. She didn't know who Tim was :bang: :bang: :bang:

That was in 2009 I believe. After going there once a month for many years, that was my last trip to Penn.

Also, I was repulsed by the fact that there was music playing while the race was going off. Please tell me that stopped!!!! They also didn't turn the lights off when the live race was going off.

I literally cried as I drove away that night. I'll never forget leaving the parking lot, looking in the rear view mirror as I drove to that long funnel, saying "They tore down paradise and put up a racino that should ROT"

Never went back after that.

Aaahhh- I also remember those good ole days. Sorry to say that the facility is still not very racing friendly. Music pumped in before and after each race, lights not dimmed for the race and a pretty uneducated dining room staff when it comes to racing.
But I can still be found at my table in the dining room every racing day buying overpriced and poorly prepared food. lol
All that being noted there is nothing like being at the track to me.
EMD it is still worth a periodic visit-

TonyK

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 07:42 PM
Aaahhh- I also remember those good ole days. Sorry to say that the facility is still not very racing friendly. Music pumped in before and after each race, lights not dimmed for the race and a pretty uneducated dining room staff when it comes to racing.
But I can still be found at my table in the dining room every racing day buying overpriced and poorly prepared food. lol
All that being noted there is nothing like being at the track to me.
EMD it is still worth a periodic visit-

TonyK

I absolutely adored Penn..... :(

Like a jolted lover, once you burn me, I don't go back.

I'm going through my break up with Emerald right now LOL. Reduced handle big time, no confidence whatsoever that I am betting on a legitimate product and now repulsed by the sight of their entries.

It's been many years.....I don't think I can go back to music during a race, lights on, 5 horse fields, 3/5's galore, 8 race cards etc.

I loved Penn so much, I was on a roadtrip with a GF years ago. Took the circuitous route home through Grantville ON AN OFF DAY to stop into the track around midnight. I drove my car to the 6F chute. Parked in the chute. Got out and had her snap a pic of me while I kept 1 leg up on the left side of horse #1's gate and 1 leg on the right side of where #1 would line up!

And then drove home. No bets, no nothing.....

No more, they abandoned me, so I abandoned them.

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 07:46 PM
Jill is no longer at PN nor is she dating David- but she is alive and well working as a waitress at an upper class restaurant in Harrisburg.

When I see her I will tell her she was fondly remembered.

TonyK

I doubt she'll remember. Tell her the 6' 1" Greek guy who would show up once a month with his 5 ' 1" shortie cutie and would yell longshots home race after race and would always order the best dessert in the state (the chocolate brownie with ice cream) before driving back to NYC, says hello.

She was always a pleasure to deal with. Very friendly and courteous. She got it.

My dad was a waiter for 61 years, trust me I know a good waitress/waiter when I see one.

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 07:48 PM
Aaahhh- I also remember those good ole days. Sorry to say that the facility is still not very racing friendly. Music pumped in before and after each race, lights not dimmed for the race and a pretty uneducated dining room staff when it comes to racing.
But I can still be found at my table in the dining room every racing day buying overpriced and poorly prepared food. lol
All that being noted there is nothing like being at the track to me.
EMD it is still worth a periodic visit-

TonyK

One last thing, I loved Penn so much, I would come there

1) during the renovation of the new building, to sit in that box by the 3/16 pole.

2) and make sure I said hello to the horse (outrider's horse, always wearing red and shaking his tail) that would always appear at 6:30 (back when post was 7:25 7:15 or 7:30) on the broadcast.

proximity
09-09-2015, 09:25 PM
But I can still be found at my table in the dining room every racing day buying overpriced and poorly prepared food. lol


us clubhouse railbirds
we rue your plight
as we sneak in our subs
from Italian delight...

---proximity (2015)

v j stauffer
09-09-2015, 09:42 PM
I absolutely adored Penn..... :(

Like a jolted lover, once you burn me, I don't go back.

I'm going through my break up with Emerald right now LOL. Reduced handle big time, no confidence whatsoever that I am betting on a legitimate product and now repulsed by the sight of their entries.

It's been many years.....I don't think I can go back to music during a race, lights on, 5 horse fields, 3/5's galore, 8 race cards etc.

I loved Penn so much, I was on a roadtrip with a GF years ago. Took the circuitous route home through Grantville ON AN OFF DAY to stop into the track around midnight. I drove my car to the 6F chute. Parked in the chute. Got out and had her snap a pic of me while I kept 1 leg up on the left side of horse #1's gate and 1 leg on the right side of where #1 would line up!

And then drove home. No bets, no nothing.....

No more, they abandoned me, so I abandoned them.

Having been one myself I'm pretty sure it's " jilted " lover. :)

Perhaps Ramon Chapa once had a jolted lover?

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 09:45 PM
Having been one myself I'm pretty sure it's " jilted " lover. :)

Perhaps Ramon Chapa once had a jolted lover?

HA HA HA. I'm sorry. Was typing too fast and didn't proof read. You are 100% correct. That stupid O is right next to the I on the keyboard.

Fat fingers :lol: :lol: :lol:

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 09:46 PM
Having been one myself I'm pretty sure it's " jilted " lover. :)

Perhaps Ramon Chapa once had a jolted lover?

And that was a very solid funny VIC, like it!

proximity
09-09-2015, 09:47 PM
I loved Penn so much, I was on a roadtrip with a GF years ago. Took the circuitous route home through Grantville ON AN OFF DAY to stop into the track around midnight. I drove my car to the 6F chute. Parked in the chute. Got out and had her snap a pic of me while I kept 1 leg up on the left side of horse #1's gate and 1 leg on the right side of where #1 would line up!


glenn firestone's walkie-talkie says:


(cracking static) "emd4me is on the grounds... over." (static) :)

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 09:50 PM
glenn firestone's walkie-talkie says:


(cracking static) "emd4me is on the grounds... over." (static) :)

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

PIP...P In Pants!!!

Scanman
09-09-2015, 10:00 PM
Aaahhh- I also remember those good ole days. Sorry to say that the facility is still not very racing friendly. Music pumped in before and after each race, lights not dimmed for the race and a pretty uneducated dining room staff when it comes to racing.
But I can still be found at my table in the dining room every racing day buying overpriced and poorly prepared food. lol
All that being noted there is nothing like being at the track to me.
EMD it is still worth a periodic visit-

TonyKAmen to that my brother. Took down #341 (Belterra Park) and #342 (Van Wert County Fair) and snuck in a repeat visit to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs for some pictures.

Stay well my friend.

EMD4ME
09-09-2015, 10:10 PM
Amen to that my brother. Took down #341 (Belterra Park) and #342 (Van Wert County Fair) and snuck in a repeat visit to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs for some pictures.

Stay well my friend.

342 tracks that you've been to?

WOW that is AWESOME. Love it !!!

Scanman
09-09-2015, 11:38 PM
342 tracks that you've been to?

WOW that is AWESOME. Love it !!!Yes. It all started at "the Penn" back in 1974. TonyK and I are childhood friends, so glad I got to spend some time with him few weeks ago. His pop was our "horsey" mentor and I miss him terribly. Always feel his presence every time I visit a new track.

All things considered, "the Penn" will always be a special place for me. It's where I fell in love with the sport. It's where I cut my teeth, made my first bet at 14, and developed into a passion that has lasted for over 40 years and continues to do so.

The best part in what I do (track collecting), is looking forward to the next great racing adventure. Whether it's Saratoga, Ascot, Baden-Baden or the grassroots racing of the Australian picnic circuit; it's all incredible. But I always enjoy coming home to "the Penn".

proximity
09-09-2015, 11:54 PM
TonyK and I are childhood friends,


:eek: :eek: :eek:

tony k is a great man!

and you are both legends!!

awesome thread!!!

TonyK@HSH
09-10-2015, 04:34 PM
Amen to that my brother. Took down #341 (Belterra Park) and #342 (Van Wert County Fair) and snuck in a repeat visit to Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs for some pictures.

Stay well my friend.

Hey Scan- good to hear from you!! Hope all is well with you and your family. Taking a breather following the Saratoga meet but back to work tomorrow at Belmont. Looking forward to a visit next week from Ashley Broussard, Cory and my new G-son. Haven't met the young man yet but so anxious to do so.

Stay in touch

TonyK@HSH
09-10-2015, 04:37 PM
342 tracks that you've been to?

WOW that is AWESOME. Love it !!!

Yea- and Scans visits span the globe- he's got quite a collection of programs and racing forms to validate the visits.