What's GOOD about horse racing?

[Nitro]

What’s good about horseracing!

...There's Always another race with opportunity!

...Being able to forgo the betting on many of the local racing jurisdictions and circumventing all the nonsense.

...Being able to Play and Profit from the best racing product on the planet (literally in my PJs) with races running half way around the world in Hong Kong 2 times a week.

...Being able to Import some serious cash from the HK pools without any tariffs.

Looking forward to another healthy and prosperous New Year!

I hope you all can enjoy the same!

[Secondbest]

After the race the winner isn't doing a dance or staring at the other horses

[Parkview_Pirate]

Originally Posted by RonTiller

...

6. Being the only person in the room who bet on a horse, and then that horse wins.

This is what I like - to be "King of the World", for at least 25 minutes.

It's also fun to be outside and enjoying the races on track, and being able to evaluate the horses physicality so much better versus simulcasting. Caught some very nice weather while on track this year at Northlands, Lethbridge, Hastings and the Tillamook County Fair - and cashed some nice winners.

The online tournaments have improved a lot, with cheap feeder ones all year long. It's easier to score better when your track is in season, which for me turned out to be Keeneland in October. Some of the on-track bankroll tournaments are nice too - a definite improvement for the players.

Honorable mention to the catering service at Gulfstream too - the prime rib I had there was awesome!

[Robert Fischer]

When i was disabled, it was something that I could apply my brain energy to, and it opened doors academically into other interests.


The 'moat' around success is filled with piranhas and crocodiles, and people from all walks of life have to swim across.

[proximity]

Originally Posted by Grits

What an incredible thought, Ron Tiller!!! Thank you.

I continue to meet people, when I'm in New York, where I attended the races, that are great folks who still find horses to be incredible creatures, and this sport, still, greater than any other.

I'll tell you guys a story. I was in Charlestown, WV for Breeders' Cup. My friend with me--likes casinos. (Lord, help her.) After the races, she wanted me to go with her to the slots, as she'd been with me while betting the races for the two days. I've never seen so many people under one roof sitting in front of slot machines. Thousands of folks. Unbelievable, mindlessness.

I sat down at a machine, having no clue, how to play it. I learned "you just put money in and mash the button....over, and over, and over. For hours.

A young man beside me, (the target audience of fans you all say we need) excitedly announced, "I'm up $121.00".

I said to him, "how long have you been at your slot machine?"

"'Bout 5 hours", he announced happily. (I was speechless..then)

"Have you ever bet horse races? They run here, you know," I asked.

"No, I like slots. Do you bet on the horses? Do you win?"

"Yes, I do bet on horseracing. This weekend two horses that I bet to win paid over $25. I bet $50 on each horse getting back over $625 on each one. In about three minutes on just two races I paid for the weekend's food, hotel, etc with other money to take home. A good Breeders' Cup."

You've been sitting here for 5 hours and you're up $121. bucks? No, I don't like slots. There's a good reason I don't and you shouldn't either", I laughed while telling him.

"DAMN," he said, flabbergasted.... He went back to his machine. Clueless, he'll lose his $121 back, no doubt.

I lost $10 on the machine. And left. Merry Christmas, gentlemen.

i HATE that they never did anything (like on track rebates) to develop interest in the game (or poker) but CHARLES TOWN remains my favorite live racing experience.

did you stay at the inn?

it would be cool to wake up and watch the workouts but i usually stay at hampton or turf.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

1-The people, on both sides of the operation. My monmouth folk I see every summer in the same spots every year. Its like season tickets at a football game. Getting to know them, and honestly the best part about opening day is seeing everyone again at Monmouth. Also in racebooks that I frequent, from the book manager at the borgata right down to the bartender, and the good folks at Bellagio.
2-The smells. Double edged sword depending on the venue, but the sweet smell of cigars and charcoal at monmouth, the popcorn stand at saratoga that gets me every time I walk by, hell even the scent of chicken wings cooking at freehold
3-I have said it before and I will say it again. The next day always presents the chance at a life changing score. Simply turn the page and each day presents a new opportunity
4-Being able to see in person some of the best, even in defeat.
5-The breeders cup, simply the best two days of racing every year.
6-The good folks on here. Valuable insight and always provides me with a good laugh. And of course, misery loves company so it is always nice to see people with similar gripes.

[Track Collector]

To answer the thread question ---> The Experience!

Hopefully folks don't get tired of me saying it, but I particularly enjoy the live racing at the small/agricultural type fairs and race meets! I'm a little pressed to define exactly WHY it is a like these places, but here are a few thoughts:

--- The tracks are of the smallest around, which means excellent viewing points at many places.
--- Being under the radar, I am usually at an advantage handicapping-wise because of the software that I use, and the locals as a whole are more casual. (Winning is secondary to the total experience, but it makes things even better.)
--- Folks who help to put on the racing (like owners/trainers/jockeys) are not making the kind of monies one might make at a larger commercial track, so I believe their participation in the sport is less of a profit motive and more of a true love for the sport vs. their larger track counterparts.
--- Handicapping significantly lower talent horses still provides worthy intellectual stimulation.
--- Many of these venues have quite a bit of history associated with them, so they are a connection to yesteryear.
--- Because of multiple repeat visits (to places like Prineville, OR), I've met a number of locals who attend annually who know and welcome me like family.

As to the non-fair venues, they all have their unique/special characteristics and experiences as well.

Finally, I agree with a number of the other benefits/good things shared by others like the ability to do so from home, etc., but equally important it has allowed me to develop some nice new friendships over the past years.

[barahona44]

Originally Posted by Track Collector

To answer the thread question ---> The Experience!

Hopefully folks don't get tired of me saying it, but I particularly enjoy the live racing at the small/agricultural type fairs and race meets! I'm a little pressed to define exactly WHY it is a like these places, but here are a few thoughts:

--- The tracks are of the smallest around, which means excellent viewing points at many places.
--- Being under the radar, I am usually at an advantage handicapping-wise because of the software that I use, and the locals as a whole are more casual. (Winning is secondary to the total experience, but it makes things even better.)
--- Folks who help to put on the racing (like owners/trainers/jockeys) are not making the kind of monies one might make at a larger commercial track, so I believe their participation in the sport is less of a profit motive and more of a true love for the sport vs. their larger track counterparts.
--- Handicapping significantly lower talent horses still provides worthy intellectual stimulation.
--- Many of these venues have quite a bit of history associated with them, so they are a connection to yesteryear.
--- Because of multiple repeat visits (to places like Prineville, OR), I've met a number of locals who attend annually who know and welcome me like family.

As to the non-fair venues, they all have their unique/special characteristics and experiences as well.

Finally, I agree with a number of the other benefits/good things shared by others like the ability to do so from home, etc., but equally important it has allowed me to develop some nice new friendships over the past years.

If they're tired of you saying it, it's only out of jealousy!

Keep on trackin',TC!

[Benni]

Now days, I only bet once a year when I go to Parx for the PA Derby/Cotillion day (although I run a racing game based on points as well as participate in an ROI contest every Saturday).

For me, it’s all about the horses and the bond with my daughter.

We play in a fantasy stable league. I watch races every weekend and tell her about various horses. She’s really into the breeding aspect so she’ll study up on the horses I tell her about and we’ll discuss who looks good to bid on in the next auction. Following “our” horses as well as ones we love but don’t “own” is so much fun through both the wins and the losses. My personal favorite that we’ve “owned” is Beholder. We recently won Shophie Germain, I hope she does well!

Over the years we’ve also made many trips to various tracks to experience the fun of “real time.” One of the most memorable trips was to the Breeder's Cup 2001. Neither she or I have to bet, it’s just exciting to check out the horses in the paddock, look at PP’s, and root for who we like. It’s also great when we get the opportunity to meet and chat with trainers and jockeys we admire. I have a great photo of her and Rosie Napravnik at Saratoga.

It’s especially great when we go to Lexington and visit the horses we’ve “owned” at the breeding farms. My daughter and I love racing from breeder’s shed to race track.

[EMD4ME]

1) A very intelligent man once asked me (when I was 26) why are you playing this game? I answered, fast forward to his response: I don't need the money but I play for the mental stimulation of the game. Where else can you be the athlete, despite not being an athlete? It's you against others, score is kept, knock em dead.

2) I love animals. I look at every animal, as a seperate and individual soul. They are pure, they are loving, they are caring and they are AWESOME. In retrospect, this should be #1.

3) The smell of horse manure. For blank sakes, I created a thread about the smell, enough said (of my love of the smell)

4) Watching the bonding happening right in front of you. I see kids and parents, siblings, friends, older widows, etc etc etc bonding right in front of me, everyday. I remember my experiences from about 3 or 4 till now. A major bonding experience.

5) Memories. Thanks to the game and a DRF. I can look at a running line from 1999 and remember, where I was, who I was with, what was happening in my life and many great memories... For example: Turnbackthealarm. I remember being in Delaware when Turnbackthealarm won at the SPA. It was the late 90's. I remember parking in a field of weeds, seeing an awesome paddock. My dad buying me ice cream after this young and aggressive young guy TAPPED out on some horse he loved early in the day.

6) The exhiliration of planning bets for 4 days, going in, having that butterfly feeling in your stomach, watching it all come to fruition and then rooting the horse(s) home with love. Cashing the ticket is secondary.

7) I've watched other people root their horses home (mostly when I pass a race and watch it live for the continued awesome experience of it) and I love watching people root their horses home. I feel the love.

7A) There is or was, I don't know if this older gentlemen is still alive, this older gentlemen, who would watch a race live, next to me, inside the 1/16 pole on the old 3rd floor at Belmont. After EVERY single race, after any combination hit the wire, he would look up and say exuberantly : OH BOY, WHAT EXCIIIIIIIITEEEMMEEEENT!! This from a man, who looked to be watching races for 70 years

8) When your fear of death not only involved, leaving behind loved ones who will have shattered hearts for losing you BUT for knowing that you won't be able to handicap a card anymore and enjoy taking your drive to the track the next day.

9) Pace Advantage-seriously. Most people call me the crazy one on here. I think, all of y'all are crazy for thinking I'm crazy . Yes, Pace Advantage. I wish this was around when I was the only 2nd grader who was studying the DRF from 10 pm on a friday night, till Saturday's ride to the track came!!!

10) Tomorrow. Wise man once told me, EMD4ME, we lost today but that's why god created tomorrow. Go work on tomorrow's card and let's get outta here!

[Maximillion]

Took a break and now im totally immersed in the game again,maybe more than ever.No other sport or gambling game gets (and holds) my interest like this one does,in spite of its flaws.
Miss going to the track but this place is the next best thing as i admire and respect many of the posters here.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by Maximillion

Took a break and now im totally immersed in the game again,maybe more than ever.No other sport or gambling game gets (and holds) my interest like this one does,in spite of its flaws.
Miss going to the track but this place is the next best thing as i admire and respect many of the posters here.

Glad you're back. I hope you just live far from a track and it's not something else.

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by Track Collector

To answer the thread question ---> The Experience!

Hopefully folks don't get tired of me saying it, but I particularly enjoy the live racing at the small/agricultural type fairs and race meets! I'm a little pressed to define exactly WHY it is a like these places, but here are a few thoughts:

--- The tracks are of the smallest around, which means excellent viewing points at many places.
--- Being under the radar, I am usually at an advantage handicapping-wise because of the software that I use, and the locals as a whole are more casual. (Winning is secondary to the total experience, but it makes things even better.)
--- Folks who help to put on the racing (like owners/trainers/jockeys) are not making the kind of monies one might make at a larger commercial track, so I believe their participation in the sport is less of a profit motive and more of a true love for the sport vs. their larger track counterparts.
--- Handicapping significantly lower talent horses still provides worthy intellectual stimulation.
--- Many of these venues have quite a bit of history associated with them, so they are a connection to yesteryear.
--- Because of multiple repeat visits (to places like Prineville, OR), I've met a number of locals who attend annually who know and welcome me like family.

As to the non-fair venues, they all have their unique/special characteristics and experiences as well.

Finally, I agree with a number of the other benefits/good things shared by others like the ability to do so from home, etc., but equally important it has allowed me to develop some nice new friendships over the past years.

I wish I could have the time to visit those fair tracks line Prineville and Grants Pass. Always see them in the charts but never know what to visualize. I've Youtubed some of them and found 1 or 2 but not as many as I would like.

Shucks, I'm still ticked off I wasn't alive for Bowie Or Shenandoah downs.

Great post TC!

[Maximillion]

Originally Posted by EMD4ME

Glad you're back. I hope you just live far from a track and it's not something else.

thanks,and no its all good....just a convenience thing is all.
Good stuff in that maiden race btw.

[Lemon Drop Husker]

This is great stuff.

It all means something different to everybody, but we all do love this game.

For me it is:

1. The pounding of the hooves. I mean, I live for that sound, I love that sound. It feels like home.
2. The atmosphere. Being at the track, outside, breathing it all in. Especially on great race days around the country. You get to meet great and interesting people anywhere you go.
3. The 'Capping. Digging your heels in. Doing the work. The process. It is an intellectual man's game. Absolutely no doubt about it.
4. The horses themselves. Beautiful animals. Built to run. I don't know a more beautiful animal on the planet (course I could be prejudiced).
5. Winning. There simply isn't a greater high than putting in the effort, and watching that effort roll home at 10/1 or more with solid to serious money on the line, and especially in a big race.