[westcoastinvader]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

A great, lengthy piece from 1968, "The Mafia at Saratoga."

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...1804/index.htm

Thanks for that SenttoStud. A very nice piece of historical fiction.

I've gotta say I have similar memories of such characters from attending tracks as a little kid in Cleveland in the late 1950's and early 1960's.


One of my greatest motivations for eventually jacking my bets up to the $50 and $100 level was so I could have a special window. I miss those days! They weren't around much longer after I could legally bet.

I actually remember a "Combine" window, just for bets across the board on a single horse.

Anyhow, a nice story from 1968, and thanks for sharing.

And I especially appreciate going to the SI Cover of that issue and seeing my 1968 Ohio State Buckeyes!

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...1786/index.htm

Here's a bit more on the author....and it's an OK read, too.