Seven Racetrack Characters to Avoid!

[andymays]

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341

Excerpt:

On good days, the racetrack is full of interesting, Runyonesque characters.
But you know it, and I know it - there are some characters you’re best served avoiding, if not because of any particular danger they pose then because being near them will probably ruin your otherwise good day. Herewith, the comprehensive guide to characters to avoid at the races:

1. Snapping Guy — you know, that guy who stands near the rail and snaps when the horses round the turn for home. Snapping? Really? What does that accomplish? Just… just stop it, dude.

For the 6 other characters to avoid go to:

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341

[lamboguy]

years ago at sulfolk downs , i used to see the guy called "tony the tout". he walked around with his binoculars every day and touted people on horses to bet. if they won, he came back to them and was looking for a handout. if they lost he went looking for new guys to fetch. he was good at what he did, he never worked a day in his life and had a tan. when sulfolk became a dead entity he moved his tack to the souther florida circuit, hialeah, calder and gulfstream. he died about 5 years ago.

the old days at gulfstream were filled with groups of people, downstairs in the clubhouse there was a boston contingency, a chicago mob, and new york cheesecake guys. i hung out at the top of the escalator next to the $50 window with jimmy the greek. i always wore shorts, and i got knicknamed "shortpants", but there were lots of knicknames at the track like "jerry the roach" or "jimmy the weasel" or "harvey one eyes"

[andymays]

years ago at sulfolk downs , i used to see the guy called "tony the tout". he walked around with his binoculars every day and touted people on horses to bet. if they won, he came back to them and was looking for a handout. if they lost he went looking for new guys to fetch. he was good at what he did, he never worked a day in his life and had a tan. when sulfolk became a dead entity he moved his tack to the souther florida circuit, hialeah, calder and gulfstream. he died about 5 years ago.

the old days at gulfstream were filled with groups of people, downstairs in the clubhouse there was a boston contingency, a chicago mob, and new york cheesecake guys. i hung out at the top of the escalator next to the $50 window with jimmy the greek. i always wore shorts, and i got knicknamed "shortpants", but there were lots of knicknames at the track like "jerry the roach" or "jimmy the weasel" or "harvey one eyes"


Some characters are very annoying but I agree with you that most of them make the experience at the track a little more interesting. Especially when you're on of them. ;)

They are a disappearing breed as are most people at the live track.

[Robert Goren]

He forgot the "every race is fixed" guy. He screams after every a race " Boat Race" He actually tries to out guess the "fixers" when he bets. If you hang around him very long, he will make you a believer.;)

[only11]

He forgot the "every race is fixed" guy. He screams after every a race " Boat Race" He actually tries to out guess the "fixers" when he bets. If you hang around him very long, he will make you a believer.;)
What about the guy whos yelling.."Come on 4 come 4 come 4...and all of a sudden the 3 wins...and the guys yells out yeeeeeeeeessss...i have the the 3 collldddd!!"

[lamboguy]

He forgot the "every race is fixed" guy. He screams after every a race " Boat Race" He actually tries to out guess the "fixers" when he bets. If you hang around him very long, he will make you a believer.;)
you used to get all kinds back then, i sound like my grandpa now, boy have times changed. i went to the racetrack every day of my life, or was in some casino sitting in a horseroom. today, i sit at home behind a computer and bet at 10 different tracks all at the same time, and have never tipped a teller once in the last decade. i only make it to the track once or twice a year, i live 20 minutes from sulfolk and haven't stepped for in the place since the masscap that offlee wild beat funnycide in. that was the first time i saw funnycide in person since he was a baby before he ever ran, and the only reason i went was because my wife wanted to go backside to see him

[Tom]

My favorite is the program whipper. He whips his leg with his program like he is riding the horse down the stretch.

[andymays]

Another version of the "finger snapper" is the "smoocher" who makes the kissing sound when his horse gets in contention.

Both of those things drive me insane and I have to walk away.

[onefast99]

My favorite is the program whipper. He whips his lef with his program like he riding the horse down the stretch.
They are known as paper jocks, each one has a different style. The best is when they lose the "paper whip" in mid stretch and resort to the hand slapping on the hip, priceless.

[only11]

They are known as paper jocks, each one has a different style. The best is when they lose the "paper whip" in mid stretch and resort to the hand slapping on the hip, priceless.
What about the jamaican....classic...sooooooouuuuuuuup jooooocccckkkkeeyyyy!

[PhantomOnTour]

I dislike the guy who begins rooting for his horse (or jockey) as soon as the gates open....good Lord.

And they're off...

"C'mon with this 2 boy! C'mon with this horse boy"...and on and on. The rooting gets louder and more fervent with every passing furlong. I got so annoyed one day that I began to shout for another horse, even though I had no bet. Dude would not stop about his 2 horse, so when he got beat I let this out:

"Ha! It was the 8 so you straight donate!!"


PS-I would be a liar if i said I didn't root my horse home, but I have some rules for this. It had better be a good score for me to get vocal. If I stand to get back 15 or 20-1 on my investment for the race I may get vocally involved. Gets really comical when I root from home with no one around.

[kenwoodall2]

If I think I am getting too noisy I just go to the outside seating where I can be alone!

[goforgin]

Another version of the "finger snapper" is the "smoocher" who makes the kissing sound when his horse gets in contention.

Both of those things drive me insane and I have to walk away.

I resemble that remark. In addition to the "kisser", I also have the "clicker" going on too (clicking the tongue off the roof of your mouth). My dog doesn't care for it either. :blush:

[PhantomOnTour]

What is your winning catch phrase? Ya know, when your horse has it wrapped up and it's clear that you will win...whaddaya say? I've heard many:

"I'll ride him from here"
"Now look for the wire"
"That's me!"
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeasy race"


Shamefully, I have been heard saying, "They don't want you!"

[Learned Hand35]

One of the comments after the blog is pretty good:

"I’ll never forget the guy who was telling people that Lasix is when the horse gets laser corrective eye surgery so they can see better when they are running (and he wasn’t joking)."

[eastie]

you used to get all kinds back then, i sound like my grandpa now, boy have times changed. i went to the racetrack every day of my life, or was in some casino sitting in a horseroom. today, i sit at home behind a computer and bet at 10 different tracks all at the same time, and have never tipped a teller once in the last decade. i only make it to the track once or twice a year, i live 20 minutes from sulfolk and haven't stepped for in the place since the masscap that offlee wild beat funnycide in. that was the first time i saw funnycide in person since he was a baby before he ever ran, and the only reason i went was because my wife wanted to go backside to see him


so true. when i went yesterday i was the youngest guy there, and I'm 48. Saw Jim Hannon and got a "Settoncourse is right on course" from him.:) It's so wierd seeing the place sooo empty. Growing up it was always hopping, especially on the weekends. I went to the track every day. Now, i barely get there. I go as many days to Saratoga as I do to suffolk.

[andymays]

I resemble that remark. In addition to the "kisser", I also have the "clicker" going on too (clicking the tongue off the roof of your mouth). My dog doesn't care for it either. :blush:


It's not too bad if you're on the same horse and it's going to win. But when the "finger snapper"/"smoocher" has the winner and he beats your horse for the win then it's cruel and unusual punishment. :)

[onefast99]

What about the jamaican....classic...sooooooouuuuuuuup jooooocccckkkkeeyyyy!
Or hey trainerrrr how you lookin today.

[Bruddah]

If you could put any of us, which have replied to this thread (including me) on the rail at any track, you would see every characterization mentioned, plus a few which haven't.

[toussaud]

who are you?

I think i'm pretty good. But i'm the closest to the obsecure pedigree guy. I've been known to ramble about pedigrees.

[riskman]

There are many characters in the Pub/OTB that I visit usually on a Friday. Most are in their 70/80's and are retired city workers.
There is one that bets cat horses, if the third letter in the name is an "R" and of course the "ninth in the ninth". Another player when his horse runs out which is eight out of nine times says "Go take a shit for yourself." Most need reading glasses and refuse to wear them. They bring a magnifying glass with them to see the paper or program. Then there is "first time latex" one of my favorites.

[Bruddah]

who are you?

I think i'm pretty good. But i'm the closest to the obsecure pedigree guy. I've been known to ramble about pedigrees.

I am just an old handicapper with 45 years of playing the ponies. If you have a passion for the game, it would be hard not to admit to imitating any of those characters, just once in a lifetime.

It has nothing to do about being good or bad. It has to do with having a heart beat (being live or alive) when they come running in the stretch. That's what kept me a fan all these years. Well, plus making a little money.

[OTM Al]

He forgot the Mush.

[Space Monkey]

Saw Jim Hannon and got a "Settoncourse is right on course" from him.

Jim Hannon is still alive??!! He must be 90!!

Where are the railbirds nowadays? Well at least at Tampa they are among the missing. I can remember the grizzled old vets leaning over the rail to give a jock a hard time after a bad ride back in the day at New England tracks. My first visit to Tampa was the 2001-02 meet. I can remember watching a race where the heavy fave got an absolutely horrid ride. I purposely went down to the rail to catch the show. Nothing happened. Nobody said anything. I couldn't believe it. Please tell me that "jock abusing railbirds" are still around somewhere.

[SansuiSC]

How about the guy who has his horse in front and as others are charging closer in the final 1/8 or 1/16 he starts yelling "Come on wire, come on wire" about 10 or more times.....hmmm was there a horse named wire in the race? :lol:

[Trotman]

There used to be this guy everyday at Woodbine who called himself Sandy Hawley. The elevator didn't go all the way to the top as he actually believed he was Hawley. The first time I saw him after I saw his antics I gave hime the name jockey fall off. When the horses turned into the stretch in the left hand he would hit his left leg with the form and then hit his right leg with the program while hollering all the way down the stretch.

[BetCrazyGirl]

Most need reading glasses and refuse to wear them. They bring a magnifying glass with them to see the paper or program.

I had taken my grandfather to the National Orange Show once so he can make his bets, it was before I was into horse racing or really knew much of it, and while he was in line doing his bets I was sitting at a table and had a person come up asking me if I could read some things from her program for her, but after that I started to get serveral people asking me to do that.

Its like someone put a sign on me as the designated reader for those who probably needed reading glasses lol.

[toussaud]

What about the guy whos yelling.."Come on 4 come 4 come 4...and all of a sudden the 3 wins...and the guys yells out yeeeeeeeeessss...i have the the 3 collldddd!!"
man i wanted to spit my coke out when i read this. man

we need to make a let it ride part 2

[Run Nicholas Run]

these "characters" or what they really are
SCUM , are one of the reasons the attendance is
down to almost nothing.

You thing a family of 4 wants to go to belmont , arlington or monmouth
and see these scumbags?

[rastajenk]

You can't be serious. Which do you think the track would rather have, a family of four licking ice cream cones, or these SCUM characters betting real money? Characters in front, by many. :rolleyes:

[Robert Goren]

How about the guy who has his horse in front and as others are charging closer in the final 1/8 or 1/16 he starts yelling "Come on wire, come on wire" about 10 or more times.....hmmm was there a horse named wire in the race? :lol:Guilty as charged.:lol:

[ArlJim78]

there are some guys who just don't seem to know when their horse has lost all hope. the number they're following will flattern out and start to fade with a furlong and a half to go, yet they keep cheering loudly like the horse may just sprout wings and come back to life.

then there is the guy who yells "stop the race!", when the horses are on the backstretch.

always love the guys who offer their breeding recap for a field of conditioned 5K older claimers. when the horse is 2 for 47 lifetime don't start talking to me about how he's bred for the distance.

[PhantomOnTour]

there are some guys who just don't seem to know when their horse has lost all hope. the number they're following will flattern out and start to fade with a furlong and a half to go, yet they keep cheering loudly like the horse may just sprout wings and come back to life.

then there is the guy who yells "stop the race!", when the horses are on the backstretch.

always love the guys who offer their breeding recap for a field of conditioned 5K older claimers. when the horse is 2 for 47 lifetime don't start talking to me about how he's bred for the distance.
I love it! :ThmbUp:

'Stop the race' guy is truly a thorn in my ass.

[rastajenk]

They are known as paper jocks, each one has a different style. The best is when they lose the "paper whip" in mid stretch and resort to the hand slapping on the hip, priceless.I tried to portray these guys in the match race scene in Seabiscuit. They directed us to stand there on the apron and cheer as the horses came up towards the line. Fine, I thought, but how realistic is that? And, I over-thought, wasn't War Admiral like the 3-5 fave, so shouldn't there be some form of disappointment in the outcome along with the cheering? So I paper whipped 'em for about 20 yards and slammed my Form in disgust when the outcome became inevitable. Alas, my attempt at method acting is still carpetting the cutting-room floor. It probably cost them the Oscar. :p

[jamey1977]

How about the guy who has his horse in front and as others are charging closer in the final 1/8 or 1/16 he starts yelling "Come on wire, come on wire" about 10 or more times.....hmmm was there a horse named wire in the race? :lol:
That kind of race is the one where the screamers come out. I had a 8 to 1 in front the other day. I was screaming in my house. " Come On. Come On. " Now the neighbors think we're crazy, screaming at computer screens . I told them I play the horses. Now they know. I won the race. Got My 1000 dollars. Man, those are the screamers. LOL

[BlueShoe]

Could perhaps add at least another half dozen or so types to stear clear of. One character to keep at a distance at all costs is a dolt I will call "Jealous Julius". This is the guy that just cannot stand to see another player cash a ticket. So help me, given a choice, he would rather see you lose than for him to win. When his horse finishes fifth but yours gets beat a nose, he has a happy smirk on his face. This is the guy you summon all your restraint to keep from punching.

[Grits]

Ones that particularly bother me, are those that yell . . . . "DIE, four, DIE, four." Or worse . . . . "DIE, MFer, Die". They cross the wire and he's still ranting, "damn MFer". Obviously, this one's not their winner, or part of their ticket. The DIE thing is pretty bad; it gets me. I distance myself pretty good from these guys. And yes, characters they are.:faint:

[rwwupl]

Thanks Andy,for a most entertaining thread...

The Guy who approaches you and says, "I'm on a losing streak, I need some help ...If you would give me your best bet just once, I would be eternally grateful and maybe I could turn things around"

If the horse wins, he returns and says "I did not have enough money on it to do any good, Whats the best next one"

If the horse loses, he returns to inform you that you are a dog or stiffed him and you should learn how to read a form...because if he had not taken your stupid advice, he knew the winner and would have bet it. :)


Don't you love it? I would rather be at the races than anywhere else.

rwwupl

[tzipi]

What about the guy whos yelling.."Come on 4 come 4 come 4...and all of a sudden the 3 wins...and the guys yells out yeeeeeeeeessss...i have the the 3 collldddd!!"

LOL! There's a guy at an OTB near me who yells out EVERY DAMN TIME when two horses(Lets say 5 and the 6) have the lead in the stretch, "COME ON 5-6, COME ON 5-6!, I GOT THIS EXACTA HARD!" Then another horse will always come in and ruin his exacta and then he always yells, "Ok I got that too!" :lol: :lol: :lol: Everytime.

Every single time(99%) a horse beats him he's still got it in his ex's and triples even though he never mentions the number beforehand. Everyone just quietly laughs at him. I don't know why he doesn't stop.

[only11]

LOL! There's a guy at an OTB near me who yells out EVERY DAMN TIME when two horses(Lets say 5 and the 6) have the lead in the stretch, "COME ON 5-6, COME ON 5-6!, I GOT THIS EXACTA HARD!" Then another horse will always come in and ruin his exacta and then he always yells, "Ok I got that too!" :lol: :lol: :lol: Everytime.

Every single time(99%) a horse beats him he's still got it in his ex's and triples even though he never mentions the number beforehand. Everyone just quietly laughs at him. I don't know why he doesn't stop.
This thread belongs in the PA HALL OF FAME.................TRUST ME WE COULDNT MAKE THIS UP ITS ALL TRUE>>>PEOPLE LIKE THIS REALLY EXIST>>

[fmhealth]

There are two memorable characters that quickly come to mind.

The first is a rather large fellow, about 350 Lbs that is a regular in the TUP CH. Everytime his horse is in contention he yells at the top of his lungs, "C'mon #3 I have candy for you, you like candy"!!! Everyone smiles.

The second is another odd chap. Never has a program or DRF but always sits & reads the "Wall Street Journal". A regular in the TUP CH as well. Sits in front of two TVs, one TV is on the races, the other on CNBC. Bets a few races, almost always loses & leaves quietly. Wait a second, scratch this one, it's me. O'Boy, I really have to get a life.

[Hanover1]

Then there is the "Let me see your DRF a second...." then follows it up with a "Got a pencil?" I always ask how they managed to afford getting in the place......

[only11]

Then there is the "Let me see your DRF a second...." then follows it up with a "Got a pencil?" I always ask how they managed to afford getting in the place......
yep or the guy whos looking over your shoulder trying to peak at the pps then takes a wad of hundreds from his pockets..then proceeds to wager...

[DeoVolente]

What about the 'One Time' guy.. "One time with this 4 horse, one time.''

Never seems to help the horse.

[Bruddah]

these "characters" or what they really are
SCUM , are one of the reasons the attendance is
down to almost nothing.

You thing a family of 4 wants to go to belmont , arlington or monmouth
and see these scumbags?

Sir, I read your post and immediately had the same reaction as yours. However, you were the focal point of my disdain.

[WinterTriangle]

I avoid the same types at the track as I would anywhere else in public.

Overly-drunk people who may throw up on my shoes.

Tobacco chewer-spitters who might let go one that finds its way onto the bottom of my jeans.

Or, people carrying cups of hot coffee in a crowd. :eek:


All of these things have happened to me at different places. The drunk was in the subway, and it wasn't just ON my shoes, it was IN my shoes.

I try to be philosophical about it: there are risks when going out into the public. Of course, the alternative is to become agoraphobic. :D

[andymays]

I avoid the same types at the track as I would anywhere else in public.

Overly-drunk people who may throw up on my shoes.

Tobacco chewer-spitters who might let go one that finds its way onto the bottom of my jeans.

Or, people carrying cups of hot coffee in a crowd. :eek:


All of these things have happened to me at different places. The drunk was in the subway, and it wasn't just ON my shoes, it was IN my shoes.

I try to be philosophical about it: there are risks when going out into the public. Of course, the alternative is to become agoraphobic. :D

Too funny. :ThmbUp: :lol:

Probably not too funny when it happened though. :eek:

[andymays]

How about the "end of the world" guy.

I know a guy who cries every time he has a tough beat. Sometimes he yells out "I hope I die" "I hope I die". You can't help but laugh at him and that gets him going all the more.

[Hanover1]

Then there is always the guy who bets the hot jock of the meet. Rider crosses the wire 3rd, and he yells out "Ya dirty stiff"........

[Stillriledup]

I consistently see the every horse in the race guy. I can't tell you how many times ive seen a person rooting violently for a horse and then all of a sudden, at the last moment when his horse is going to lose, he starts rooting for the winner like crazy. There are SO many people like this around. Scary stuff.

[Grits]

How about the "end of the world" guy.

I know a guy who cries every time he has a tough beat. Sometimes he yells out "I hope I die" "I hope I die". You can't help but laugh at him and that gets him going all the more.

ROTFL:lol: :lol: :lol: LOLOLOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

[Robert Goren]

I don't mind people rooting on horses. It is part of the game. I don't care if it a guy with a $2 ticket on a 3/5 shot or a $100 on a 20/1. They laid down their money they have right to cheer. In the 40 some years I have been this game, I know how hard it is get a horse even close. A lot of bets don't even show up in the stretch. It nice to have something to cheer for. It doesn't happen every race.

[thespaah]

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341

Excerpt:

On good days, the racetrack is full of interesting, Runyonesque characters.
But you know it, and I know it - there are some characters you’re best served avoiding, if not because of any particular danger they pose then because being near them will probably ruin your otherwise good day. Herewith, the comprehensive guide to characters to avoid at the races:

1. Snapping Guy — you know, that guy who stands near the rail and snaps when the horses round the turn for home. Snapping? Really? What does that accomplish? Just… just stop it, dude.

For the 6 other characters to avoid go to:

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341
bY far the worst is the "interloper"
This is the guy who walks up to two or more people engaged in conversation and interjects HIS thoughts. The interloper is usually a chronic loser at the windows and his tactic of sidling up into a conversation is a means to whine about how he just lost the last race.

I have learned to handle these PITA's...
Took this line from one of my favorite movies, "Back to School"...
" I don't believe I was speaking to you"...
The interloper usually slams the brakes on his yapping, looks coldly toward me and makes some comment about me being unfriendly then storms off in a huff. MIssion accomplished. The interloper now thinks I am a prick. Good. One less person I have to worry about.

[therussmeister]

Kramer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiUjb2HRxEY)

[Hanover1]

yep or the guy whos looking over your shoulder trying to peak at the pps then takes a wad of hundreds from his pockets..then proceeds to wager...

I bet its the same guy.....

[thespaah]

I dislike the guy who begins rooting for his horse (or jockey) as soon as the gates open....good Lord.

And they're off...

"C'mon with this 2 boy! C'mon with this horse boy"...and on and on. The rooting gets louder and more fervent with every passing furlong. I got so annoyed one day that I began to shout for another horse, even though I had no bet. Dude would not stop about his 2 horse, so when he got beat I let this out:

"Ha! It was the 8 so you straight donate!!"


PS-I would be a liar if i said I didn't root my horse home, but I have some rules for this. It had better be a good score for me to get vocal. If I stand to get back 15 or 20-1 on my investment for the race I may get vocally involved. Gets really comical when I root from home with no one around.
I keep it low key. SOmetime I will take a couple of cracks at my thigh with the program ,but only if I lost by a nostril. I will root for my horse if it's real tight.
I never get too excited. maybe a "yesssss"..Or the old "just sank a 15 foot birdie putt" fist pump....I actually was accidentally struck in the head by a wild ass program whipper. What a jerk. I let it go because the guy apologized profusely.

[thespaah]

How about the guy who has his horse in front and as others are charging closer in the final 1/8 or 1/16 he starts yelling "Come on wire, come on wire" about 10 or more times.....hmmm was there a horse named wire in the race? :lol:Which brings to mind the "STOP THE RACE" guy..
Yeah.....they are still a 1/2 mile out and this bozo yells STOP THE RACE!!!
Oy vay!

[thespaah]

yep or the guy whos looking over your shoulder trying to peak at the pps then takes a wad of hundreds from his pockets..then proceeds to wager...How about those that stand outside the gate waiting for the admiossion to be no charge after a certain race.
These people, beg for a program from those leaving as well.
They will then go and wager a few hundred on the last race..
I don't get it. They have hundreds in their pockets but are too cheap to buy a program and pay the two bucks to get in the track...
When were kids we used to tease these people by throwing a dollar bill each at their feet and watch them try to kill each other to pick it up....Comical...

[trackrat59]

There's one person at my local OTB that drives everyone in the room crazy. This person is a mega screamer - I win every race kinda nut.

Picture a room full of TVs. Let's say there are 10 different tracks playing on these TVs all day long. Now this person will not yell for a horse until the horses are coming down the stretch. This person ALWAYS yells for the horse that's running his/her butt off down to the wire. Then when the running his/her butt off horse does not win, they say, "ok good, I have the 2 also".

Now multiply this 3 times within 3 minutes. Goes from TV to TV and does this like we're all gonna believe that this person hit 3 races at 3 different tracks within 3 minutes. :bang:

[badcompany]

What about the guy whos yelling.."Come on 4 come 4 come 4...and all of a sudden the 3 wins...and the guys yells out yeeeeeeeeessss...i have the the 3 collldddd!!"

Here's a story that's a variation of that theme.

I few years ago, I was in the NYC OTB on 71st and 2nd to make a deposit. On line, there was a really tall guy in front of me. When I took a closer look, I realized it was former Yankee pitcher and current announcer Jim Kaat.

So, he gets to the front of the line and I hear him make a win bet on the 5 horse at Belmont. The race goes off and the 4 horse ends up winning.

A few minutes later, I hear a guy say to his buddy, "Did you see Jim Kaat over there? He just gave me the 4 horse."

[Run Nicholas Run]

Sir, I read your post and immediately had the same reaction as yours. However, you were the focal point of my disdain.

Disdain all you want, you soup dribbling grandstand goof.

[Trotman]

We have another fellow around the track who just keeps moving amongst everyone watching the race on tv. He keeps slapping his hand with the program harder and harder saying nothing till they cross the finish, then he bellows out "Thats another home run" but yet no one ever sees him bet or cash a ticket.

[only11]

Theres this older fellow @ the simulcast very well dress ....early 60's ....i have sat next to him on a few occasions.....
Every time the toteboard lights up with huge numbers he screams''''

"How long has this game been going on!!

Characters like him is why this game is still alive today...

[JohnGalt1]

One of the best threads, thanks.

There's always someone who points at the TV screen after a huge payoff, say a $100+ winner or a $15k super at a track no one is playing, including the pointer.

But there is always one who opens his form to that track and announces "I'm going to play there since I'm not winning at Belmont."

I've seen some get 86'd after displaying a loud foul mouth.

Then there's the "I should've boxed it" guy. His 3 horses made up the trifecta, but he (always) plays it straight for a dollar.

My biggest irritant is the guy who roots against your pick when he's not even playing the race.

I do admit I root against the finger snapper's and other irritating people's horses, but silently, hoping they they lose their $6 daily handle and go away.

[DeoVolente]

I observed this one guy a couple of months ago at the Meadowlands, screaming wildly for 5 horses as the horses are approaching the quarter pole. When it became obvious that the 4 horses was weakening, he starts rooting for the the new leading. 'Five Five Five Yes Five.' I continued to watch this guy as he headed to the exits, he stopped briefly to take his frustration out on a trash can.

What about Harvey Pack, writing about racetrack characters. The one guy who bragged to another individual that he was the lone winner of the pick 6 only to learn that the person he was talking to was in fact the only winner.

[onefast99]

Kramer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiUjb2HRxEY)
One of the best.

[onefast99]

The guy who takes his frustrations out on the garbage cans. Last year at the Meadowlands a fellow kicked the garbage can and the garbage went all over the place as he started to walk away the security guard went up to him and said he has to clean up the mess he made, he did.

[eastie]

i love when someone drops something or breaks something that makes a loud noise, and everyone in the place yells HEY ! really loud.


Here's one that you all forgot. guy who yells OHHH when the numbers have been flashing for a while on an Inquiry or objection. everyone looks up right away, only to realize that he "made them look" aand that the numbers are still flashing.:)

[Bruddah]

Disdain all you want, you soup dribbling grandstand goof.

Let's not ruin a good thread with insults. So, thank you for the compliment.

[Dan Montilion]

THERE OFF!!!!!!! From the back of the Bay Meadows clubhouse... "there goes my money".

[toussaud]

the guy who attemps to tel tell you why every wager you make will run up the track and why you should wager what he is wageirng on

[Fingal]

Those that yell " STOP THE RACE " after their horse is in front after a 1/4 mile.

The ones that are down at the paddock & indulge in longshot talk before the race, then turn into Mr. 20/20 logical favorite AFTER the race.

[shouldacoulda]

One of the comments after the blog is pretty good:

"I’ll never forget the guy who was telling people that Lasix is when the horse gets laser corrective eye surgery so they can see better when they are running (and he wasn’t joking)."

Ever see a horse wear glasses?

And since when doesn't snapping your fingers make the horse go faster? I like the tossing sideways snap from the elbow. It's all about the body English. :D

[Grits]

Those that yell " STOP THE RACE " after their horse is in front after a 1/4 mile.

The ones that are down at the paddock & indulge in longshot talk before the race, then turn into Mr. 20/20 logical favorite AFTER the race.

'specially when its 1 1/8th or more. LOLOLLLLLLLLLLLL:lol:

[only11]

What about Body english................we all are guilty of it..............i have fallen to the floor because I THINK IM RIDING THE HORSE :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[andymays]

What about Body english................we all are guilty of it..............i have fallen to the floor because I THINK IM RIDING THE HORSE :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


The quarter horse guys that stand up front in front of a big screen all tilt their heads after they start, then they start leaning to the right with their heads tilted, then their whole body moves about 3 feet to the right as they hit the wire. funny stuff.

[Tom]

How about those that stand outside the gate waiting for the admission to be no charge after a certain race.
These people, beg for a program from those leaving as well.

That was ME for many years in the late 60's early 70's.
I probably had 6 bucks in my pocket. Get, bet the 7,8,9.
If they hadn't opened the gates and some folk hand over a program or paper, I and a few others never would have stayed with the game.

No bobble heads, no hats, no stupid crap - give us a way in and shot at a program and the game had 6-8 new fans. 5 of us are still playing it today.

How many tens of thousands of dollars do you think got pushed through the FL windows from 1075 - 2010 from us bums?

FL wised up - there is now free parking and free admission. They seemed to have realized you want potential bettors inside the gates, not outside. I can not respect any track that charges admission or parking.

Which brings me to a funny one - as I was hanging on the fence one day, waiting for the gates to open, a guy is walking out and he says to me......you're lucky kid, I wish they'da locked me out earlier today.

[andymays]

We made equidaily with the thread. www.equidaily.com


>>> Internet racing fan forum picks up on blogger's 'racetrack characters' list -- adds some of their own... How about? "My favorite is the program whipper. He whips his leg with his program like he is riding the horse down the stretch."

>>> Today's funny: Blogger lists the Seven racetrack characters to avoid... Includes:"Snapping Guy - you know, that guy who stands near the rail and snaps when the horses round the turn for home. Snapping? Really?"

[Spendabuck85]

Tom,
Just wondering if FL went to free parking and free admission before or after the VLT's were installed.

[Tom]

Before.

Parking has been free for years - much longer than admission.
I actually missed the admission, because I would always buy a season pass and they would throw us a picnic/party in the fall in the festival tent.

[Spendabuck85]

Before.

Parking has been free for years - much longer than admission.
I actually missed the admission, because I would always buy a season pass and they would throw us a picnic/party in the fall in the festival tent.

Thanks for the reply. I need to take a trip out there sometime, never been to that area of NY.

[Tom]

Let me know if you do...we can get together.
I sometimes see a few of the guys from Pace and Cap there, too.

[horses4courses]

Having managed, and frequented, racebooks in Northern Nevada, some great characters come to mind over the years. They were good guys - just a little out there!

In the late 80s, early 90s, we had a good player from So.Cal. named Ernie, who would stand near the counter during a race (always at the So.Cal track running at the time) watching the race unfold on the giant screen. He was always a treat to watch while in action.
Ernie had a very high-pitched voice and, if his horse had a chance nearing the home turn, he would start yelling it's number "Come on with the 3!!!, Come on with the 3!!!". Now, not only would he yell, but as the horses rounded the final turn, he would stand on one foot and lean to one side as the horses made the turn. He was leaning with his horse, and would go to either side depending on the direction he felt his horse should take. What a sight Ernie was!

Another guy who brightened up our day around then was T.J. (aka Teaser Man). As eccentric a horse player as you could find, he loved being the loudest guy in the joint - especially if he was having a good day!
He will be remembered fondly for his favorite catch phrase, which he used with bravado if his horse hit the front near the eighth pole.
T.J., when he felt things were turning his way late in the race, would often be heard chanting loudly "Wrap it up and take it home - wrap it up and take it home!!!"

Last, but not least, was Freddie. Freddie was of Middle Eastern descent.
I believe his first name was actually Farhad, but everyone called him Freddie.
Originally from Iraq, he would never acknowledge that Iraq/Iran existed.
According to Freddie, he was Persian.
Freddie loved short priced favorites. His favorite play was wheeling them in an exacta, and praying for a longshot to run second to his chalk.
Anything over 2-1 scared the heck out of Freddie. He just couldn't pull the trigger if his horse drifted over 9-5. Now, on the other hand, if the horse continued to get hammered down to evens, or less, then his hands went into all pockets with gusto.
Needless to say, Freddie's betting angles yielded little success overall.
He was never going to able to sustain that method forever.
I heard that he eventually moved out of the area under some sort of financial cloud - go figure. His legend, though, lived on through the nickname bestowed upon him by one of my co-workers. Recalling Freddie's betting system one time, he was fondly referred to as "The Ayatollah of Chalkola".
That pretty much said it all..........

Those were just three of many colorful race/sportsbook types I came across years ago. Good times! :ThmbUp:

[ldiatone]

i get a "jolt" after each race as all the lossers "pound the table/sports book seat". or the guy comes up and asks me what my computer 'says' about a race

[shouldacoulda]

I love the guys that think they are the only ones that lose and belt out strings of profane words tied in with the F-bomb. It's worse when my 80 year old mom tags along. That's 1 of many reasons why I hate going to OTB. We all lose now and then. If you can't handle it find another game.

The best was 2 "experts" I came across at the end of the day at an OTB in another town. One guy kept telling the other why this happened and that and who to play in the next race. I overheard them pooling their remaining cash for the last race. It totaled just over 40 cents. They were not giving up though. They were going to play 4-10 cent superfectas. :bang: I didn't stick around long enough to see how they did. I've seen the end of that movie before.

[badcompany]

Disdain all you want, you soup dribbling grandstand goof.


Let's not ruin a good thread with insults.

As far as insults go, it was a pretty damn good one.:ThmbUp:

[SoCalCircuit]

what about the guy who has to announce to the entire room that he hit the exacta

[thespaah]

What about Body english................we all are guilty of it..............i have fallen to the floor because I THINK IM RIDING THE HORSE :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
I have caught myself doing the "lean" when it's a head bob.....Sort of like Vijay Singh doing that "oh crap that's leaking right" lean.

[thespaah]

Here's a story that's a variation of that theme.

I few years ago, I was in the NYC OTB on 71st and 2nd to make a deposit. On line, there was a really tall guy in front of me. When I took a closer look, I realized it was former Yankee pitcher and current announcer Jim Kaat.

So, he gets to the front of the line and I hear him make a win bet on the 5 horse at Belmont. The race goes off and the 4 horse ends up winning.

A few minutes later, I hear a guy say to his buddy, "Did you see Jim Kaat over there? He just gave me the 4 horse." Kaat has been a horse player for years. Used to see him at Saratoga a lot. He's tough to miss.

[thaskalos]

I have a friend who is older than me (he is 60), who loves betting the horse with the most early speed in every race, no matter what the situation might be.

We spent the day together at our local OTB the other day, and every time a horse would take a clear lead, an old man who was seating behind us (he must have been 80 years old) would scream at the TV screen in a loud voice: "Die you mo**er fu**er, die".

In race after race, my friend's horse would take the early lead, the old man would scream his obscene remark, and in every single case the front runner would lose, sometimes right on the wire.

On the day's last race, my friend told me that he had his best bet going, and he would make his biggest bet of the day.

As soon as my friend's horse takes the lead, the old man behind us screams in a booming voice his customary "die you mo**er fu**er, die".

Exasperated, my friend turns around and screams to him in an equally booming voice: "YOU DIE, YOU MO**ER FU**ER".

This game brings out the worst in us sometimes...

[johnhannibalsmith]

...The first is a rather large fellow, about 350 Lbs that is a regular in the TUP CH. Everytime his horse is in contention he yells at the top of his lungs, "C'mon #3 I have candy for you, you like candy"!!! Everyone smiles...

You forgot the extensive collection of colored markers that match his fantastic attire and the other phrase that never stops coming from his mouth, "...come on graaaay horse!"

[johnhannibalsmith]

I got through the whole thread after reading the blog and can't believe there's no mention of the guy that carefully monitors the trends of "which numbers" have been coming in all day. He's usually talking to his pal who remarks in amazement that he can't believe he missed out, because those are his numbers.

[Bettowin]

As a young single guy playing the horses and watching what the leaners, the shouters and the profanity laden people who couldn't stand up for the entire race because of their physical condition, had to offer I figured my best play was to make bets and act like I won if I didn't and tip well.

Served me well even if I didn't win that night. The bartenders and WAITRESSES noticed:)

20 years later I catch myself leaning and shouting:)

[Hanover1]

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341

Excerpt:

On good days, the racetrack is full of interesting, Runyonesque characters.
But you know it, and I know it - there are some characters you’re best served avoiding, if not because of any particular danger they pose then because being near them will probably ruin your otherwise good day. Herewith, the comprehensive guide to characters to avoid at the races:

1. Snapping Guy — you know, that guy who stands near the rail and snaps when the horses round the turn for home. Snapping? Really? What does that accomplish? Just… just stop it, dude.

For the 6 other characters to avoid go to:

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341


Pletcher does this alot... :lol:

[badcompany]

I love the guys that think they are the only ones that lose and belt out strings of profane words tied in with the F-bomb. It's worse when my 80 year old mom tags along. That's 1 of many reasons why I hate going to OTB. We all lose now and then. If you can't handle it find another game.



If I have to cop to one, this is it. Playing harness, the races go off faster. A few bad beats in a row can get the expletives flying.

It's nothing I'm proud of.

[rastajenk]

The quarter horse guys that stand up front in front of a big screen all tilt their heads after they start, then they start leaning to the right with their heads tilted, then their whole body moves about 3 feet to the right as they hit the wire. funny stuff.I'm a leaner. But I usually lean forward, like those 3 or four inches are going to give me a better look at the image on TV. Taking several steps forward to get closer? Nah. Leaning in and squinting hard? For some reason, that's the ticket. :)

[PhantomOnTour]

The popularity of this thread has shown me why most of us stay home to play the horses...who wants to be subjected to all that behavior at the track or OTB?

Comically, every OTB I've been to has a sign stating that abusive language will not be tolerated....sure it won't. The next guy I see thrown out for bad language will be the first.

[Fingal]

The guy who loses a photo, curses, crumples up his form & throws it on the ground. A few minutes later he has to sheepishly pick up the pieces up because it was only the 2nd race.

[shouldacoulda]

Hey Bad Co. We've all been there. Show me someone that never swore, and I'll show you someone that never played a horse!

The guy who throws his tickets away before it's official only to scramble to find them when an inquiry is announced.

[ArlJim78]

When I used to go to the track or OTB, I was pretty mild mannered, and didn't want to be one of "those guys" like are being discussed here.

But playing from home it's a totally different story, its liberating. I do it all, leaning, snapping, cursing, throwing objects. In fact I have really developed some creative cursing routines that I use for losses. I don't know where it comes from, it just spews out like a stream of consciousness.

[Johnny V]

There is this one guy who is the snapper from hell. His snaps are so loud and continuos that my fingers hurt just hearing him. Not only that, he leans so far forward his upper body is almost parallel to the floor with his head looking up.

This other guy I know is always yelling, "Don't stop", when his horse is in the lead in the stretch. Inevitably the horse will stop. If I happen to have a ticket on that same horse I know I am doomed when I hear him yell that. (SENTENCE REMOVED BY MODERATOR)

A long time back at Mth there was this one old guy who would have a coin in his hand and he would just rub the coin over and over over the horses name in the program that he bet on all during the race while mumbling something to himself. Every time.

I could go on and on. I'm sure we all can . Funny thread.

[wisconsin]

Funny stuff.

I'm always get a kick out of "rhymers". You know them.

1-2 buckle my shoe

he's home jerome

four's gonna score

4-5 ain't no jive

come alive with this five

There's a guy around the OTB's near me that always likes to say "that's what I'm talkin' about"

On the flip side, I cannot stand those losers that talk like this:

"C'mon you pig. Beat this piece of sh*t you pig" "Mother f***ing piece of sh*t"

[citygoat]

WIRE TO WIRE!


NOT ENOUGH!


DID YOU SEE HIM STIFF THAT HORSE?

[rastajenk]

"Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!" :D

[theguarantee]

I'm very mild mannered in watching races, don't even say a word 95% of the time...unless trackside. If everyone didn't yell trackside what fun would that be? The rumble of voices as they turn for home is half the fun.

That said those yellers at the OTB that everyone asks "can the horse hear you from here" don't bother me like they apparently do most others. Certainly some are annoying, only once was a guy standing so close to me and literally screaming so loud about some lousy Finger Lakes race "beat this 4!!! beat this 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" that I really thought my ear drums broke...course the 4 gets beat and some longshot went right by them all and he says "oh well, didn't have it anyway." Really ruined what was a nice exacta and tri I just hit.
Beyond that I'll agree that the ones saying "I told you this 3 is going to win" 10 seconds into a route race are a bit annoying...Bottom line is, gamblers are an annoying, blood boiling breed...the loud characters are mostly the best entertainers if you don't let them get to you.

[46zilzal]

One of the comments after the blog is pretty good:

"I’ll never forget the guy who was telling people that Lasix is when the horse gets laser corrective eye surgery so they can see better when they are running (and he wasn’t joking)."
You would not believe the moronic comments we hear in the winner's circle each and every day......WHY in the world would anyone wager on a game they knew so little about?

[Bruddah]

The guy who loses a photo, curses, crumples up his form & throws it on the ground. A few minutes later he has to sheepishly pick up the pieces up because it was only the 2nd race.

I love to watch the Tote Flippers. Especially those that are skilled enough to turn them over with just the tips of their shoes. They turn them over and then look around to see if anyone is watching. When they find a good one, they dive on it like they have found a lost child.

[SMOO]

They are known as paper jocks, each one has a different style. The best is when they lose the "paper whip" in mid stretch and resort to the hand slapping on the hip, priceless.

This usually happens when they try to switch their program to the other hand to straighten the horse out in the stretch.

[tzipi]

The guy at the end of the day who wants to sell you the exacta or late double to you for half the winnings because he's broke. Yeah, you're so good you have no money left. :D

[Hardspun]

I can't stand the guy that handicaps at the ticket machine. At the dog track I bet at in Panama City, FL EBRO. I allways get stuck behind someone handicapping at the machine or making 30 show bets on the dog with the longest tail. I have a creative imagination, and just set their thinking of how nice it would be to shank them or beat thier head against the machine. Sorry for the violent post.

[thespaah]

Oh...the guy who spends what seems like an eternity turning his program each way to read off the numbers he's written down and NEVER has his money in hand. Always has to dig for his wallet, take out money, TRIPLE count it then looks for the smallest bills he has because he doesn't want to break $20's..
I had a frend back in the 80's that did all these things...I knew better than to get in line behind him.

Then there's the guy who NEVER writes down any of his bets and by the thme he gets to the window he has to play guess your best..
These are also the jerks that have 78 $1 bets to make with 2 mins to post.

[thespaah]

I can't stand the guy that handicaps at the ticket machine. At the dog track I bet at in Panama City, FL EBRO. I allways get stuck behind someone handicapping at the machine or making 30 show bets on the dog with the longest tail. I have a creative imagination, and just set their thinking of how nice it would be to shank them or beat thier head against the machine. Sorry for the violent post.
There is a less violent but equally cruel yet comical way to deal with asswipes like that...
One is, drop a dollar on the floor right at his feet and tell him you think he just dropped his money on the floor"...He will frantically stoop down looking all over while claiming the dough is his....He's out of line , you step up and make your bets...
Spill cold soft drink on his shoes by "accident"...No beer. He could claim you're a drunk...
Knee right behind his knee. His leg buckles and he has no idea who did it. He will look around for the culprit just long enough for you to get by and make your bets.
Or you could simply walk up behind him and knock his stuff out of his hands....well maybe that's a bit high schoolish.....

[badcompany]

Oh...the guy who spends what seems like an eternity turning his program each way to read off the numbers he's written down and NEVER has his money in hand. Always has to dig for his wallet, take out money, TRIPLE count it then looks for the smallest bills he has because he doesn't want to break $20's..


This one transfers over to everyday life. Whenever I'm on any cashier line, the person in front of me always seems shocked to find out that he/she has to pay for the merchandise.

And don't get me started on the women (and a few) men with the change purses.

[tzipi]

Oh...the guy who spends what seems like an eternity turning his program each way to read off the numbers he's written down and NEVER has his money in hand. Always has to dig for his wallet, take out money, TRIPLE count it then looks for the smallest bills he has because he doesn't want to break $20's..
I had a frend back in the 80's that did all these things...I knew better than to get in line behind him.

Then there's the guy who NEVER writes down any of his bets and by the thme he gets to the window he has to play guess your best..
These are also the jerks that have 78 $1 bets to make with 2 mins to post.

Totally agree. I don't mind people enjoying the races and maybe they take their time to say a bet but no one should go up there not knowing what they want to bet and go through their program to see or have the money for their bets in their wallet and not even taken out. Happens all the time and people really get mad. Always know your bets before you get up there and have your money ready. That's all.

[salty]

I hate going to play on any big days when there are morons at the machine making their bets for the big race when theres 1 minute to post for the 2nd race. All I do is just stand behind them and get everyone else in line on the guy until he just takes his voucher and gets out of the way.

My least favorite track character is the bad teller. I hate going to the window and having a teller that looks like you are bothering their private sitting in the chair staring blankly at the wall time. Or the teller that is more than half deaf and can't hear you even when there is hardly any noise. Or the teller that keeps punching in the wrong number. The worst is the teller that puts you at the wrong track and its too late to fix the bet for the track you are betting.

I also hate the guy behind me that seems to have hit every superfecta all day. He always sits right behind me and i always hear. Oh that was an easy one when a 20-1 wins. And he always seems to be right except when i decide to put the horse in my tri or super.

I like the tall old man at simulcast that sits upfront and when he wins he stands up and says yabba dabba doo.

I like people with accents that say something like "The two is the wiener, the two is the weiner!"

I like it when my friend that has been betting for 15 years and doesn't even know what a maiden is wins with his numbers. :D

[only11]

My teller story..A few years ago i was @ tampa bay downs simulcast...I was capping churchill downs ( it may have been the Foster Cap)...
Finally i made my way to the window to bet Guided Tour...My bet $200 win and box him in exactas ...
The teller had the nerve to tell me "HOLD ON IM ALMOST DONE... IM BETTING TRIPLES AT GREYHOUND..."Say what...
Next thing you know i get shut out and you guess it Guided Tour wins and pays $33..(forgot what the exacta paid)
I went back to the teller and me and her went at it dropping FF bombs..
Finally i get escorted out and banned for 6 months...
Wait i forgot to tell you....the teller was about 76 years...!

[BlueShoe]

Do not patronize a mutual clerk, use the sam's, but that means a different set of dolts to avoid. For starters, here are three to never get in line behind them:
The Dreamer-This is the guy that when he gets to the machine he leans forward, puts his elbows on the ledge, and goes into a trance. After what seems like forever, he leisurely thumbs through his program or form, making an occasional bet.
The Dime a Dance-The player with a 10 dollar voucher that plays the dime superfectas. He punches in lots of numbers, seemingly at random, and about half the time, he clears the ticket and starts all over again.
The Communicator-This man spends lots of time on his cell phone. He will take a call anytime. If he is at the machine, if his phone rings he will stop betting to answer it and stand there and talk.

[only11]

I love to watch the Tote Flippers. Especially those that are skilled enough to turn them over with just the tips of their shoes. They turn them over and then look around to see if anyone is watching. When they find a good one, they dive on it like they have found a lost child.
:lol: :lol: :lol: i cant get enough of this thread..

[horses4courses]

Haven't we all been in line, stuck behind a guy handicapping as he bets?
This can also apply to SAMs, but having to listen to someone like this makes it even more annoying.

He's the guy betting partial wheels, willy nilly, as post time draws near.

Totally oblivious to anyone who might in line behind him, he calls numbers
as they pop into his head:
"Give me a $2 exacta partial wheel - umm 5 over the 2,3,....6...umm 4, and 1,
and the 8. Ummm...... a $1 trifecta....." And so on.

These people need to be insulted. It's mandatory.
"Give someone else a chance....You done yet?....Is this your private window?"
You get the idea........

It is your own problem, though, if you regularly hit the windows with 1 min to post.
But the window handicappers are the worst.
I used to give them a hard time, occasionally, when managing a race/sportsbook. They regularly shut out good players. Everyone gets hurt.

Rule of thumb:
Don't handicap at the window.
Know your wagers as you approach the window.

Good luck!

[DeoVolente]

The Monmouth park mutual clerks are a trip. Last week made a hit and went to the window to collect with my 12 year old daughter tagging along. I got paid from the clerk and gave my daughter 20 bucks only to hear him saying that I shouldn't be doing that at the window and that I was breaking the law!

[JohnGalt1]

I forgot to add the guy who doesn't talk much, because he's so busy writing down the odds for every horse at every flash of the tote board. He fills a sheet of paper for every race.

He's never had time to explain his method of who and how to bet his selection.

This thread reminds me of the old comic strip "They'll Do It Everytime."

[Trotman]

Tellers in the union, they will finish the bet their taking then get up and go for their smoke break with a line up out the door. At the same time the self bet machines go on the fritz. :bang:

[jamey1977]

I forgot to add the guy who doesn't talk much, because he's so busy writing down the odds for every horse at every flash of the tote board. He fills a sheet of paper for every race.

He's never had time to explain his method of who and how to bet his selection.

This thread reminds me of the old comic strip "They'll Do It Everytime."
I tried that once. I guess he was trying to find so- called smart money. 1000 dollars to win. Flashing the odds board 3 places. From 5 to 1 down to 3 to 1 and then back up to 9 to 2. You might be able to get a winner. But horses don't care. I quit when the overlays kept coming in. Cruddy horses lose, great horses lose. They don't see the board flashes. LOL

[Canadian]

http://www.thatsamorestable.net/blog/?p=341


1. Snapping Guy — you know, that guy who stands near the rail and snaps when the horses round the turn for home. Snapping? Really? What does that accomplish? Just… just stop it, dude.



I swear to god I made horses win races by rolling up my program and pounding the table.

[Canadian]

He forgot the "every race is fixed" guy. He screams after every a race " Boat Race" He actually tries to out guess the "fixers" when he bets. If you hang around him very long, he will make you a believer.;)


So true. That's the most common in my books, their the loudest too. I get a couple of guys that no matter how the race unfolds, their dictating that "this is what the drivers want", "he let the 4 get a hole", "They want that 20-1 shot in there". Of course as the race changes, as it does every single time, as does their set up story....... 4 or 5 times their story changes during the race. But in the end they're as confident as ever..... "see what did I tell ya".... Of course they're ripping up their tickets.

[only11]

The Monmouth park mutual clerks are a trip. Last week made a hit and went to the window to collect with my 12 year old daughter tagging along. I got paid from the clerk and gave my daughter 20 bucks only to hear him saying that I shouldn't be doing that at the window and that I was breaking the law!
he may have said that because you didnt tip...

[only11]

what about the 10% guy who wants to cash your ticket when you make a huge score!!!
I know alot of them make a living cashing tickets for others........

[BlueShoe]

He forgot the "every race is fixed" guy. He screams after every a race " Boat Race"
A variation of this is the "they stiffed the favorite" characters. These are the guys that whenever a favorite loses, which they do two times out of three, run around and in loud accusing voices inform everyone that the crooks had just robbed them. "Did you see the way they stiffed that horse", "He could have won the race for fun, but they werent even trying". "That bleepin jockey never even asked him to run a step", and so on, ad nauseum. When an odds on favorite loses, the shrieks from these types usually rise several levels on the decibel scale.

[magwell]

This usually happens when they try to switch their program to the other hand to straighten the horse out in the stretch. Classic..:)

[PaceAdvantage]

I have a friend who never fails to crack me up whenever we happen to be in an OTB (which is not very often). He has a nasty habit of cheering LOUDLY for whatever horse looks like the winner down the stretch, even though he hasn't bet one penny on the race...I find it hilarious...

[johnhannibalsmith]

I have a friend who never fails to crack me up whenever we happen to be in an OTB (which is not very often). He has a nasty habit of cheering LOUDLY for whatever horse looks like the winner down the stretch, even though he hasn't bet one penny on the race...I find it hilarious...

Do I know you? I'm the guy that can sit at the races all day and never bet if I don't see anything worth playing, but will stand up and root with all my might for a certain winner the moment I hear people around me screaming for other horses.

When the outcome looks pretty cut and dried at the eighth pole, I'll even give it the old "come on with the three for second, run up into third six, come on now, all I need is an eight or ten for the super... BINGO!!!!...." just to aggravate the guys around me... at which point I head off to a window to ask for a printout of the scratches from about five tracks....

Sometimes you have to invent fun.