Dream Job

[mountainman]

Revisiting an old thread. I suspect that some of the tension on this forum stems from career envy.

We all like racing. Most of us have healthy egos. So it only follows that many posters would enjoy working in the industry and hold high opinions of their potential worth. When industry figures get attacked or badgered here, the never-acknowledged inference, bubbling just beneath the surface, seems to be: "I should have your job. I could do it better."

In my line of work, you encounter this sentiment almost daily. Doing TV analysis, even at a track Mountaineer's size, is considered sexy, and plenty of people I encounter BEG to be put on the air. That we never have guests, or that such a decision would be several levels above my pay grade, never occurs to them. They think it's easy and believe they would rock.

Believe it or not, I never take these overtures as insults. One or two aspirants probably WOULD make good analysts, and it IS fun duty.

In fact, it's my dream job- the thing on earth I most enjoy and believe best suits my experience and abilities. So, in that regard, I am lucky. I get paid well for doing something that , actually, I'd do for free, and I relish going to work.

How about you? What job in racing do you covet and think you'd excel at?

[thaskalos]

In the dark of night, as I lay awake in bed...I sometimes think of starting a horse racing-related blog. One day I would write an article voicing an opinion about a particular game-related issue...and the next day I would opt for the Question/Answer format...where I would endeavor to provide honest answers to whatever questions my audience might have. Maybe even publicly handicap a race or two, if the need should arise...in order to show the "practical" aspect of a competent player's handicapping process.

Is there any money to be made in such an endeavor? I don't know, and frankly, I don't much care. A voice inside me tells me that I should do it...and sometimes we ought to listen to the "small voice within". :)

[mountainman]

In the dark of night, as I lay awake in bed...I sometimes think of starting a horse racing-related blog. One day I would write an article voicing an opinion about a particular game-related issue...and the next day I would opt for the Question/Answer format...where I would endeavor to provide honest answers to whatever questions my audience might have. Maybe even publicly handicap a race or two, if the need should arise...in order to show the "practical" aspect of a competent player's handicapping process.

Is there any money to be made in such an endeavor? I don't know, and frankly, I don't much care. A voice inside me tells me that I should do it...and sometimes we ought to listen to the "small voice within". :)

You'd be great at it. And variety is the way to go. My blogs on mnr's website range from track-profiling to fictional stories.

Write things that YOU would enjoy reading, Gus, and you can't go wrong. In the end, that inner voice we all have is our best critic of style and content. What other perspective could you work from, right?

Tx for responding.

[Robert Fischer]

I would like to manage an effort to improve horse racing's use of the media.

[ebcorde]

Revisiting an old thread. I suspect that some of the tension on this forum stems from career envy.

We all like racing. Most of us have healthy egos. So it only follows that many posters would enjoy working in the industry and hold high opinions of their potential worth. When industry figures get attacked or badgered here, the never-acknowledged inference, bubbling just beneath the surface, seems to be: "I should have your job. I could do it better."

In my line of work, you encounter this sentiment almost daily. Doing TV analysis, even at a track Mountaineer's size, is considered sexy, and plenty of people I encounter BEG to be put on the air. That we never have guests, or that such a decision would be several levels above my pay grade, never occurs to them. They think it's easy and believe they would rock.

Believe it or not, I never take these overtures as insults. One or two aspirants probably WOULD make good analysts, and it IS fun duty.

In fact, it's my dream job- the thing on earth I most enjoy and believe best suits my experience and abilities. So, in that regard, I am lucky. I get paid well for doing something that , actually, I'd do for free, and I relish going to work.

How about you? What job in racing do you covet and think you'd excel at?

what job can get you to Ascot, Longchamp, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Churchill, Dubai yearly? sign me up. TVG!

[Stillriledup]

The hypothetical dream job is to manage a very rich persons racing stable, make claims, write checks for yearlings etc a caveat would be you are implicitly trusted without meddling from the owner.

[cj]

My dream job is speed figure maker / PA moderator / Uber driver. I'm 2/3 of the way there.

[ultracapper]

I like how you keep setting the bar higher.

[Dave Schwartz]

My dream job is speed figure maker / PA moderator / Uber driver. I'm 2/3 of the way there.

How long have you been driving a taxi?

Just kidding. You're actually very good at both of those jobs.

[Tom]

I'd like to manage the casino part of the track.
You know, the side where all the people go.

[mountainman]

I'd like to manage the casino part of the track.
You know, the side where all the people go.

And that, sir, would put you smack dab in my friend zone. My deep and abiding affection for the casino end of racinos has become legend.

And I'm sure the casino crew just can't get enough of me.

[Fox]

Revisiting an old thread. I suspect that some of the tension on this forum stems from career envy.

We all like racing. Most of us have healthy egos. So it only follows that many posters would enjoy working in the industry and hold high opinions of their potential worth. When industry figures get attacked or badgered here, the never-acknowledged inference, bubbling just beneath the surface, seems to be: "I should have your job. I could do it better."

In my line of work, you encounter this sentiment almost daily. Doing TV analysis, even at a track Mountaineer's size, is considered sexy, and plenty of people I encounter BEG to be put on the air. That we never have guests, or that such a decision would be several levels above my pay grade, never occurs to them. They think it's easy and believe they would rock.

Believe it or not, I never take these overtures as insults. One or two aspirants probably WOULD make good analysts, and it IS fun duty.

In fact, it's my dream job- the thing on earth I most enjoy and believe best suits my experience and abilities. So, in that regard, I am lucky. I get paid well for doing something that , actually, I'd do for free, and I relish going to work.

How about you? What job in racing do you covet and think you'd excel at?

I would be a terrible announcer. My hat is off to anyone, such as yourself, who is capable of doing a solid job. It takes a special skill set. As far as racing careers, I'm probably best suited for mucking the stalls. I could man the hot dog stand too as a second job.

[ultracapper]

I would be a terrible announcer. My hat is off to anyone, such as yourself, who is capable of doing a solid job. It takes a special skill set. As far as racing careers, I'm probably best suited for mucking the stalls. I could man the hot dog stand too as a second job.

Remember to wash your hands.

[lamboguy]

my dream job would be the starter for NYRA.

[whodoyoulike]

I would be a terrible announcer. My hat is off to anyone, such as yourself, who is capable of doing a solid job. It takes a special skill set. As far as racing careers, I'm probably best suited for mucking the stalls. I could man the hot dog stand too as a second job.

I hope you do your jobs in the correct order each day. Or be on the swing shift each day.

[Fox]

Remember to wash your hands.

A little horse shit might actually improve the content value of most hot dogs from what I hear.

[EMD4ME]

I'd love to be in charge of integrity at NYRA :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


In all seriousness, I never gave it much thought but....I'd love to be the pubic handicapper at NYRA. It wouldn't be work. It would be a pleasure to get up in the morning.

I already do a ton of public speaking, have no fear of a camera (I'm the lead face of my institution) and would love to be ripped by people on here and elsewhere for my pics as I have thick skin.

But it will never happen so I enjoy this as a hobby.

2nd choice, track announcer. (imagine me calling a race where Irad is herding a foe out? "Stewards will have some work to do here as Irad Ortiz on It pays to be crooked came out 6 1/2 paths over to help preserve his UNOFFICIAL WIN over the runner up, Pays to be Honest." :lol: :lol: :lol: )

I'd love to call the races and mingle with the crowd before or after the races.

3rd choice, director of horse racing expansion and growth.

4th choice, trainer, as I love animals BUT I would fail as I would refuse to use disgustingly unhealthy drugs on my friends/horses.

Thanks for asking Mountainman!

[EMD4ME]

A little horse shit might actually improve the content value of most hot dogs from what I hear.

I LOVE the smell of horse shit. If I had the time, I'd make it a fragrance. Not kidding.

[Tall One]

I LOVE the smell of horse shit. If I had the time, I'd make it a fragrance. Not kidding.


I still laughed.

I'd love to work with the broodmares at any of the farms in this area.

[Stillriledup]

I LOVE the smell of horse shit. If I had the time, I'd make it a fragrance. Not kidding.

I know the smell you mean, I don't know if that fragrance is 100 horse doody, it might be a mixture of moist hay and some other stuff, but it's not the worst smell in the world.

[FrankieFigs]

Track handicapper would be my dream job. I love the handicapping aspect of horse racing and would love my job if that's what I could do every day.

[EMD4ME]

I know the smell you mean, I don't know if that fragrance is 100 horse doody, it might be a mixture of moist hay and some other stuff, but it's not the worst smell in the world.

You're right. It's not true horse poo poo. As I would drive to CT back in the late 70's early 80's you could really smell the track (or so I thought) as you got closer. What I really smelled was the horse farms and the mixture you speak of.

[SG4]

I'm the lead face of my institution

So based on your ability to post here so often, I guess that means Creedmore has good WiFi? :)


I was able to score an interview with NYRA for a finance type job a few years ago, think I was a little too enthusiastic on the racing end & that ultimately hurt me. Of course I was just hoping it'd be a foot in the door to everyone's dream job of public handicapper. Now I realize if I had to give a thorough opinion on every race on the inner track I'd hate that job too by now.

[olddaddy]

I wanted to be a mutual clerk at the $50 window.

[mountainman]

I wanted to be a mutual clerk at the $50 window.

Now that's what I call Ooooooold school, daddy...gota dig it.

[Bennie]

I'd probably want to be a steward so I could make sure all the inquiries and objections went my way. ;)

[EMD4ME]

So based on your ability to post here so often, I guess that means Creedmore has good WiFi? :)


I was able to score an interview with NYRA for a finance type job a few years ago, think I was a little too enthusiastic on the racing end & that ultimately hurt me. Of course I was just hoping it'd be a foot in the door to everyone's dream job of public handicapper. Now I realize if I had to give a thorough opinion on every race on the inner track I'd hate that job too by now.

That gave me a whole hearted laugh :D :D :D

I'm actually in Kirby not Creedmore :lol: . Now, if I keep typing at 12 am, I'm going to hit the isolation room as punishment :(

Time to respect their need to sleep ! :D

[ReplayRandall]

I wanted to be a mutual clerk at the $50 window.

I have a sign from Churchill Downs, before they refurbished the ticket windows, $50 Win-Place-Show, green letters with white backing. If you would like to buy it, PM me......

[TJC]

I would like to be a track photographer or one that takes pictures of stallions, mares, and their foals.

[stuball]

My dream job is speed figure maker / PA moderator / Uber driver. I'm 2/3 of the way there.

I live a very sheltered life in a small town---Why a Uber driver?
Am I missing something? Thanks to Wall Street and the government I am scheduled to lose 1/2 of my pension and have to look for work an 73 yrs of age.

Stuball :bang: :bang: :bang: :mad:

[cj]

I live a very sheltered life in a small town---Why a Uber driver?
Am I missing something? Thanks to Wall Street and the government I am scheduled to lose 1/2 of my pension and have to look for work an 73 yrs of age.

Stuball :bang: :bang: :bang: :mad:

Just seems like a cool job where you get to meet new people all the time, plus you set your own hours!

[wisconsin]

Craig Braddick invited me to Arapahoe Downs to appear in his "Guest Handicapper" show a few years back. Was a real blast, would like that dream gig at any venue. Not polished enough to be on TVG, for sure, but that too would be great. Someone told me they pay $200 per shift. 5 shifts per week is $50k a year doing something you absolutely love to do.

[mountainman]

Craig Braddick invited me to Arapahoe Downs to appear in his "Guest Handicapper" show a few years back. Was a real blast, would like that dream gig at any venue. Not polished enough to be on TVG, for sure, but that too would be great. Someone told me they pay $200 per shift. 5 shifts per week is $50k a year doing something you absolutely love to do.

What's Craig doing these days?

[MonmouthParkJoe]

I am aiming for something in line with general manager or eventual racing secretary when I am done here. My business background should cross over easily.

Having done the handicapping show this past weekend and live show from the paddock, I love it. The money isnt there, but I enjoy the interaction with the fans.

Its interesting being on the other side of things for a change. The atmosphere is amazing, but kind of like having the forbidden fruit in front of you all day long. I LOVE sitting in the backyard and drinking and having a good time. If I am at NYRA for the summer it will be tough for sure. Obviously working at Saratoga is something many people would love. On the flipside, it will be tough to not have a nice shandy and a cigar at 11am:bang:

Sure beats working in finance that for damn sure

[wisconsin]

What's Craig doing these days?

Have been out of touch, last I heard he was golfing and waiting for the next announcing gig. He has lost a ton of weight.

[rrpic6]

I wanted to be a mutual clerk at the $50 window.

How about punching straight 10 cent superfectas? :cool:

RR

[Track Phantom]

I LOVE the smell of horse shit. If I had the time, I'd make it a fragrance. Not kidding.
Not sure to laugh or cry at this :)

[Dave Schwartz]

Have been out of touch, last I heard he was golfing and waiting for the next announcing gig. He has lost a ton of weight.

I have spoken with Craig a couple of times in the last 6 months or so. He has certainly had some struggles in the past few years.

He's quite a nice fellow, really, and I always root for him.

He actually is a pretty good announcer - heard him at TDN. Very easy to follow and mistakes are rare.

I think he could be really good if he caught a break.

[thespaah]

I could have been a chart proof reader and chart caller for the then Sports Eye.
Had the job actually. But the pay was sorta low and the commute from North Jersey to Port Washington or was it Port Jefferson, always get those two mixed up( about 45 miles) would have been killer.
I was in my early 20's and the thought of a media credential to get me into the tracks and do a job I would have enjoyed was enticing. But the economics of it just didn't pan out.

[olddaddy]

How about punching straight 10 cent superfectas? :cool:

RR

And .20 cent pk3's, 4's, 5s and 6's, No thanks.

[v j stauffer]

I could have been a chart proof reader and chart caller for the then Sports Eye.
Had the job actually. But the pay was sorta low and the commute from North Jersey to Port Washington or was it Port Jefferson, always get those two mixed up( about 45 miles) would have been killer.
I was in my early 20's and the thought of a media credential to get me into the tracks and do a job I would have enjoyed was enticing. But the economics of it just didn't pan out.

Port Washington. I worked in that office for a short time in the mid 80's. Mike Francesca was an editor.

Lived in Huntington Station.

[NJ Stinks]

Port Washington brings back fond memories. Not that I worked there but I used to buy The College & Pro Football Weekly (Francesca was a solid football handicapper in younger days). And Sports Eye's main harness writer would pen entire articles that consisted of nothing but questions. Seems like that style would be a bit of a headache but damn if it didn't work. :cool:

Anybody remember the harness writer I'm thinking about?

[mountainman]

Racing Sec is a gratifying, but deceptively pressure-filled job, Joe. A racing sec serves many masters-or at least lost of factions that consider themselves his master.

And beyond writing the book and performing some of the job's other sexy aspects, a racing secretary must supervise an entire crew, which entails intimate knowledge of each official's individual duties.

In short, the job is much more complex and difficult than most people realize. I would estimate that from every 20 or 30 officials, perhaps 1 or 2 have what it takes to be a good racing secretary.

[TJDave]

Had a good friend who worked security at the jock room at Del Mar. He took the job to get enough years in to get a second pension. When that day finally came I begged him not to retire. Said I would match his retirement. ;)

[biggestal99]

My dream is to become a horse trainer, a one horse stable, which i will be able to afford on my retirement from my job. Buy a nice yearling at keeneland and train him my way. I am great at getting up early and working hard, been reading up on horse care and will get hands on experince in the next year or two.

Allan

[PaceAdvantage]

Port Washington brings back fond memories. Not that I worked there but I used to buy The College & Pro Football Weekly (Francesca was a solid football handicapper in younger days). And Sports Eye's main harness writer would pen entire articles that consisted of nothing but questions. Seems like that style would be a bit of a headache but damn if it didn't work. :cool:

Anybody remember the harness writer I'm thinking about?Clyde Hirt.

[thespaah]

Port Washington brings back fond memories. Not that I worked there but I used to buy The College & Pro Football Weekly (Francesca was a solid football handicapper in younger days). And Sports Eye's main harness writer would pen entire articles that consisted of nothing but questions. Seems like that style would be a bit of a headache but damn if it didn't work. :cool:

Anybody remember the harness writer I'm thinking about?
I cannot remember the guy's name but his column was called "impertinent questions"...Oops....edit before posting.....
Just looked it up...Clyde Hirt

[thespaah]

Clyde Hirt.
Beat me to it.....
I loved that publication....I was really into harness back then.....
If the office just wasn't so darned far and difficult to get to....Who knows.

[thespaah]

Port Washington. I worked in that office for a short time in the mid 80's. Mike Francesca was an editor.

Lived in Huntington Station.
No kidding. I always thought of you as a West coast guy

[thespaah]

Racing Sec is a gratifying, but deceptively pressure-filled job, Joe. A racing sec serves many masters-or at least lost of factions that consider themselves his master.

And beyond writing the book and performing some of the job's other sexy aspects, a racing secretary must supervise an entire crew, which entails intimate knowledge of each official's individual duties.

In short, the job is much more complex and difficult than most people realize. I would estimate that from every 20 or 30 officials, perhaps 1 or 2 have what it takes to be a good racing secretary.
Once heard a racing secretary being interviewed and he said his job was to write races with the idea of creating as close to a full field dead heat for win as he possibly could...
Now THAT is a difficult task.

[mountainman]

Once heard a racing secretary being interviewed and he said his job was to write races with the idea of creating as close to a full field dead heat for win as he possibly could...
Now THAT is a difficult task.

The job entails making tough, either/or calls on a daily basis. And to be really candid, if a racing sec isn't pissing SOMEbody off, he isn't making the hard decisions in a confident, competent manner.

Similarly, since horsemen and jockeys are (understandably) (hyper) sensitive about their work and the animals it involves , a tv analyst they aren't PERPETUALLY ticked off at is probably phoning it in.

And, trust me on this one, there is NOTHING that horsemen more relish than being indignant. Nothing.

[VigorsTheGrey]

I couldn't think of a more dream job than riding as a jockey...I am sure the reality is VERY DIFFERENT. But how thrilling it must be to IN the race and to not olny ride but ride the winner!

As an aside...I have always been struck with the statement attributed to Bill Shoemaker, I recall (correct me if I am wrong) that at least HIS JOB was to "Ride and STIFF horses".

I sometimes wonder what sort of machinations go on in the minds of the jockeys themselves with regard to certain undisclosed aspects of their jobs..for example doing what the trainer wants instead of riding to win the race...say the trainer wants you to get in a pace call but not persist with the horse after....what do you do then? What the trainer wants or WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS which is. I presume, is to ride to WIN THE RACE. What say ye?

[eqitec]

You are welcome to use my web site for the purposes you described. It has all of the features you need and won't cost you a dime.

[MutuelClerk]

My ultimate dream job in racing would be owner/trainer/driver of a horse that wins the Little Brown Jug. I've worked in the mutuel department for close to forty years. Yes mutuels not MUTUALS, sorry pet peeve. That's a joke amongst us. Realistically I've done everything in my department except be mutuel manager. And yes dime supers suck, especially when you have a person struggling to call at the bell and you know the next guy in line is going to spends hundreds if not more.

[mountainman]

My ultimate dream job in racing would be owner/trainer/driver of a horse that wins the Little Brown Jug. I've worked in the mutuel department for close to forty years. Yes mutuels not MUTUALS, sorry pet peeve. That's a joke amongst us. Realistically I've done everything in my department except be mutuel manager. And yes dime supers suck, especially when you have a person struggling to call at the bell and you know the next guy in line is going to spends hundreds if not more.

My pet peeve is when I'm behind somebody who's making up bets at the window. Even worse is when they get done calling bets, and slowly reach into back pocket for wallet. I mean, COME ONE... you knew that tickets cost money.

[NJ Stinks]

Thanks, PA and Thespaah, for naming Clyde Hirt. I can't say I thought Clyde had a dream job in racing because I don't know how big his audience was at Sports Eye but I can say he was an exceptional ambassador of harness racing. I looked up Clyde on Google and found this from the Baltimore Sun:

July 31, 2000

Clyde Hirt, 73, a longtime sports columnist and a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, died at the home of his daughter in Mount Laurel, N.J., yesterday. Hirt, editorial director and executive columnist for Sports Eye, began his career with the New York Daily Mirror after graduating from New York University. Following a stint as a publicist for Roosevelt Raceway, he joined The Racing Form and was with Sports Eye for the past 20 years.

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2000-07-31/news/0007310183_1_mote-hirt-hall-of-fame

[thespaah]

I may have some editions of Sports Eye around here somewhere.
I saved a lot of my programs from the tracks I've visited.
I will see if I can dig up some of them and scan in a few examples of Hirt's work..

[Stillriledup]

I couldn't think of a more dream job than riding as a jockey...I am sure the reality is VERY DIFFERENT. But how thrilling it must be to IN the race and to not olny ride but ride the winner!

As an aside...I have always been struck with the statement attributed to Bill Shoemaker, I recall (correct me if I am wrong) that at least HIS JOB was to "Ride and STIFF horses".

I sometimes wonder what sort of machinations go on in the minds of the jockeys themselves with regard to certain undisclosed aspects of their jobs..for example doing what the trainer wants instead of riding to win the race...say the trainer wants you to get in a pace call but not persist with the horse after....what do you do then? What the trainer wants or WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS which is. I presume, is to ride to WIN THE RACE. What say ye?

You can be a harness driver if you possess some Athletic skill and don't weigh 3 bills. :D

[MutuelClerk]

My pet peeve is when I'm behind somebody who's making up bets at the window. Even worse is when they get done calling bets, and slowly reach into back pocket for wallet. I mean, COME ONE... you knew that tickets cost money.

It's changed so much over the years. My pet peeve now is people handicapping at the window. After I've had enough I politely tell them the tables are for handicapping the windows are for betting.

I agree with you though. Not having your money out prepared and ready to pay is a selfish act.

[Stillriledup]

It's changed so much over the years. My pet peeve now is people handicapping at the window. After I've had enough I politely tell them the tables are for handicapping the windows are for betting.

I agree with you though. Not having your money out prepared and ready to pay is a selfish act.

When I was younger I would ask them 'are you handicapping? Betting? What's going on' and if they got snippy with me I would kinda tell them they're being inconsiderate, not that my speech will ever work lol

[PIC6SIX]

Hey "Mountainman" I used to go to Waterford Park in the mid 6os. I used to see some of the same faces there every time I made the trip from Youngstown. Some of the faces were professional bettors or jockey agents I believe. Maybe you can expound on some of the characters I refer to like, "Nick" (I think he was a ticket seller at one time), "Manual" (hanged at the lodge after the races and lived in the trailers across the road, I believe) and "The One Armed Guy" who I think was a jock agent. David Appleby and Paul Bender ("The Whipper") as I named him were some of the top jocks. WP home of the Twin-Trifecta. Just reminiscing. Thanks for any comments you care to offer. Wow how racing has changed.

[whodoyoulike]

Once heard a racing secretary being interviewed and he said his job was to write races with the idea of creating as close to a full field dead heat for win as he possibly could...
Now THAT is a difficult task.

I've also heard that this is their goal or one of them.

But, I've also read or heard that in certain types of claiming and allowance races, they write it up for certain horses in mind since they're supposed to be aware of the horses stabled at their track. And, if you're able to figure it out you've got an edge in those races. I think the starter allowance type race is one of them.

But, I'm uncertain if this is really true in all or just some of the time. After all, horses go in and out of form at that level and no one could be that knowledgeable. Otherwise, they would be the best handicapper around.

[johnhannibalsmith]

My dream is to become a horse trainer, a one horse stable, which i will be able to afford on my retirement from my job. Buy a nice yearling at keeneland and train him my way. I am great at getting up early and working hard, been reading up on horse care and will get hands on experince in the next year or two.

Allan

Do it. Don't put yourself in a spot where losing money will wreck you, but if it's a dream for you, just go out and do it when you get the opportunity to do it right. You won't regret it.

[whodoyoulike]

My ultimate dream job in racing would be owner/trainer/driver of a horse that wins the Little Brown Jug. I've worked in the mutuel department for close to forty years. Yes mutuels not MUTUALS, sorry pet peeve. That's a joke amongst us. Realistically I've done everything in my department except be mutuel manager. And yes dime supers suck, especially when you have a person struggling to call at the bell and you know the next guy in line is going to spends hundreds if not more.

And, you (guys / gals) always have my mutual (or is it mutuel??) respect because I can see it getting very stressful at certain times before every race.

[Stillriledup]

My dream is to become a horse trainer, a one horse stable, which i will be able to afford on my retirement from my job. Buy a nice yearling at keeneland and train him my way. I am great at getting up early and working hard, been reading up on horse care and will get hands on experince in the next year or two.

Allan

Go for it!!

[EMD4ME]

My pet peeve is when I'm behind somebody who's making up bets at the window. Even worse is when they get done calling bets, and slowly reach into back pocket for wallet. I mean, COME ONE... you knew that tickets cost money.

If I continued to utilize a teller window, I would have been arrested by now :lol:

The things you see at a teller window make you happy you are betting against others and NOT the track :lol: :lol: :lol:

People capping on line. Reaching for their wallet after all their slow and stupid bets are placed.

People that speak super slow and stall when they're betting, to stall for more time.

People that call out multi race wagers, only to have the clerk tell them that 2 horses are scratched etc.

Sigh.....

[Stillriledup]

If I continued to utilize a teller window, I would have been arrested by now :lol:

The things you see at a teller window make you happy you are betting against others and NOT the track :lol: :lol: :lol:

People capping on line. Reaching for their wallet after all their slow and stupid bets are placed.

People that speak super slow and stall when they're betting, to stall for more time.

People that call out multi race wagers, only to have the clerk tell them that 2 horses are scratched etc.

Sigh.....

You ever notice the people with the smallest vouchers take the longest to bet ? :lol:

[EMD4ME]

You ever notice the people with the smallest vouchers take the longest to bet ? :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

True story......I'm at AQU yesterday. Last race before they close. Greek guy asks me for the winner at Santa Anita. I tell him, I don't follow Cali too close. I quickly cap the race, tell him to bet the 11 a FTS at 25/1. (had very good matching workouts to barn mates who fit the par for the race)

He tells me I'm stupid as the chalk can't lose. I wasted 1 minute of my life (that I will never get back) and told him the 7 couldn't rebrake in his 6F race and was on the wrong lead. Today he's going 7F, don't see it happening.

He said he bet it ALL on the chalk and that I'm crazy to think the chalk will lose.

The 11 wins at 25/1. 7 flounders home on the wrong lead. I look at him, he says I only lost $2 :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Guess who's taking the longest to wager all day? You guessed it.....Mr $2 chalk player.

[Stillriledup]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

True story......I'm at AQU yesterday. Last race before they close. Greek guy asks me for the winner at Santa Anita. I tell him, I don't follow Cali too close. I quickly cap the race, tell him to bet the 11 a FTS at 25/1. (had very good matching workouts to barn mates who fit the par for the race)

He tells me I'm stupid as the chalk can't lose. I wasted 1 minute of my life (that I will never get back) and told him the 7 couldn't rebrake in his 6F race and was on the wrong lead. Today he's going 7F, don't see it happening.

He said he bet it ALL on the chalk and that I'm crazy to think the chalk will lose.

The 11 wins at 25/1. 7 flounders home on the wrong lead. I look at him, he says I only lost $2 :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Guess who's taking the longest to wager all day? You guessed it.....Mr $2 chalk player.

That 'ask you for the winner' stuff isn't so they can glean information to possibly use to their advantage, it's so they can root against your pick, gives them TWO rooting interests in case their horse is DFL turning for home.

Very few people like that will ask and bet your pick, if they bet your pick they have to give you credit if it wins, and people HATE giving credit!

[EMD4ME]

That 'ask you for the winner' stuff isn't so they can glean information to possibly use to their advantage, it's so they can root against your pick, gives them TWO rooting interests in case their horse is DFL turning for home.

Very few people like that will ask and bet your pick, if they bet your pick they have to give you credit if it wins, and people HATE giving credit!

NY was colded in (new phrase LOL) this weekend so I bet from home. What a pleasureful experience. Took mom out for air on Monday (to Aqu) and I paid the price. People yapping all day. People touching my TV. People watching a race on MY F'N TV and when I would ask for them to move they got annoyed.

To answer your point, I bet an 11/7/ 49/all and 11/7/all/49 super in that race. In greek, I muttered to my mother that I only had a win bet, no super in the race. Came in 11 7 3 6.

Guy heard me and mocked at me, how stupid can you be, you didn't have the super (which paid $26,000) :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Instead of a thank you for the $52 horse, you get an attack.

I politely told him, as he is an elder, you are too STUPID to even know that you are STUPID. You and I will never interact again.

Wished him good health and walked away.

One at a time, I let them all know, leave me alone :D :D :D

[v j stauffer]

Clyde Hirt.

AKA "bow tie clyde"

Knew him well.

Nice man.

[ReplayRandall]

AKA "bow tie clyde"

Knew him well.

Nice man.

Clyde Hirt, 73, a longtime sports columnist and a member...

July 31, 2000

Clyde Hirt, 73, a longtime sports columnist and a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, died at the home of his daughter in Mount Laurel, N.J., yesterday. Hirt, editorial director and executive columnist for Sports Eye, began his career with the New York Daily Mirror after graduating from New York University. Following a stint as a publicist for Roosevelt Raceway, he joined The Racing Form and was with Sports Eye for the past 20 years.

[v j stauffer]

No kidding. I always thought of you as a West coast guy

Back then I went wherever I could work. I was hired by a guy named John McGourty to call charts for Sports Eye.

Said I could choose any circuit I wanted. I chose Maryland.

Also got to call the chart for the 84 Derby won by Swale.

[thespaah]

My pet peeve is when I'm behind somebody who's making up bets at the window. Even worse is when they get done calling bets, and slowly reach into back pocket for wallet. I mean, COME ONE... you knew that tickets cost money.
THat is a killer for me as well.
Back in the day when the Meadowlands was always packed on Saturday nights. I got pretty savvy at scoping out the lines.
If I saw a person or people reading their programs on the line, I would find another line.....

[EMD4ME]

THat is a killer for me as well.
Back in the day when the Meadowlands was always packed on Saturday nights. I got pretty savvy at scoping out the lines.
If I saw a person or people reading their programs on the line, I would find another line.....

Ahhh the good ol days. I miss the long lines in the old Meadowlands.

The bright lights, the lights going off during the race etc.

Dave Johnson screaming AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME (after the winner was obvious lol)

[thespaah]

NY was colded in (new phrase LOL) this weekend so I bet from home. What a pleasureful experience. Took mom out for air on Monday (to Aqu) and I paid the price. People yapping all day. People touching my TV. People watching a race on MY F'N TV and when I would ask for them to move they got annoyed.

To answer your point, I bet an 11/7/ 49/all and 11/7/all/49 super in that race. In greek, I muttered to my mother that I only had a win bet, no super in the race. Came in 11 7 3 6.

Guy heard me and mocked at me, how stupid can you be, you didn't have the super (which paid $26,000) :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Instead of a thank you for the $52 horse, you get an attack.

I politely told him, as he is an elder, you are too STUPID to even know that you are STUPID. You and I will never interact again.

Wished him good health and walked away.

One at a time, I let them all know, leave me alone :D :D :D
What a jerk.....I always had a policy at the track that paralleled "never a borrower or lender be"....In other words, i won't ask you who you like and I won't ask you....
I rarely interacted with people I did not know unless the conversation started it was about something other than the upcoming race or a loss of a bet that evening/day....On the other hand, If i'm with a friend or two and something jumps off the page at me, or the tote tells me something's going on here God dammit( thanks Ed Rooney from Ferris Bueler's Day Off), I will do a "hey look at this".....
But to give a total stranger a winner and have the guy bust my stones like that? He'd have been wearing my beer.
You have the patience of a saint....

[thespaah]

Back then I went wherever I could work. I was hired by a guy named John McGourty to call charts for Sports Eye.

Said I could choose any circuit I wanted. I chose Maryland.

Also got to call the chart for the 84 Derby won by Swale.
I cannot remember the guy that hired me. 1984.....Small world....Imagine that. You and I could have been working together..Or at least for the same company.....

[pandy]

Clyde Hirt, 73, a longtime sports columnist and a member...

July 31, 2000

Clyde Hirt, 73, a longtime sports columnist and a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame, died at the home of his daughter in Mount Laurel, N.J., yesterday. Hirt, editorial director and executive columnist for Sports Eye, began his career with the New York Daily Mirror after graduating from New York University. Following a stint as a publicist for Roosevelt Raceway, he joined The Racing Form and was with Sports Eye for the past 20 years.


I worked with Clyde Hirt. I actually had to take his column off the old fax machines, which had rolls of paper back then, and I had to read and do a pre-edit before it went to the editor in chief, part of my job as Sports Eye's "Communications Editor." It was a lot harder to check for accuracy without the internet. I would call people or call Clyde who would then check his info. He had so much copy that it was not the easiest column to edit.

[AlBundy33]

Back then I went wherever I could work. I was hired by a guy named John McGourty to call charts for Sports Eye.

Said I could choose any circuit I wanted. I chose Maryland.

Also got to call the chart for the 84 Derby won by Swale.

I was about to say "weren't you calling at DRC?", but I remembered that the dates were still split between DRC and Hazel Park at that time. Not that remember much because I was only about 6 at the time.