2007 - The Highs And Lows

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Really curious to read what the fellow members on this board consider their highs and lows from this Horse Racing year. It can be from any angle from ownership, gambling, training whatever. I'll start.

The highlight of my year was being able to travel to several tracks with my Granny. She got to see Churchill for the first time. When I pulled that car into Lot 17 and I glanced over the look on her face was great. All day long she just smiled. So did I. I decided on that day that my ashes when I leave this earth will be spread on the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs.

No question another highlight for me was another great experience at The Little Brown Jug. Folks, whether you love, hate or are neutral on Harness Racing you owe yourself at least one visit to this piece of American Pie. An atmosphere second to none - every one of your senses will be in full swing. From hearing the legendary Roger Hustons' voice bellowing thru the speakers, the smell of the fair food bringing you back for more, a quick walk thru the Hall of Fame and the new barns the list just goes on and on.

Another high for me personally was the quick realization that my gambling was close to getting out of control. I caught it early in the year and have held steadfast to my word to keep it inline. I now find myself having more fun then ever at the track.

Without question my biggest low for the year was seeing how racing in Ohio is on a slow decline. As our neighboring states fuel their purse money with slots we here in the Buckeye State keep plodding along with cheap purses, cheap horses and the future does not look good. Sure I still love those hard working friends I have made thru the years who send out those Maidens in that race at Beulah but times are moving ahead everywhere else and at Beulah and all other tracks in Ohio time is not standing still but rather falling backwards. Why in the world people turn their eye on slots is beyond me when the Ohio State Lottery is present in every Gas Station and Convience store known to man. Not too mention most of those who voted against the slots are the same ones who support Bingo at the local "Firemans Hall" or Church. I don't want slots at the track but I don't want these Horsemen to move their tack elswhere when they have all this right in their backyard and have for decades. Their is something to be said for history is their not?

Looking forward to reading your replies and best wishes for the New Year!