Ever thought of "naming" a race?

[westcoastinvader]

Without alot of obviously identifying detail, I got a wild hair to check into naming a race for the program several days ago....at a track somewhere in America.




I'd always wondered how it was done, and what it took to do so. It's a long way from ownership, but possibly good for a racing fan or a racing fan's ego trip.

Anyhow, I did it, with a nod to my father who was able to attend and was genuinely surprised to see a program race heading with a personal reference he recognized...complete with an admonition he had to look good for the winner's circle photo.

I've gotta say I had a little buyer's remorse immediately after arranging, but went on and with braggadocio invited extended family and friends to partake of "my race." I was genuinely concerned they might think the whole thing was a little goofy, but said "what the heck."

They each had a little doubt about what I was talking about, and I was intentionally vague with the details. I did promise to buy all attendees a round of drinks (or the less than 18 year old equivalent).

To my surprise all invitees attended, and were eager for details upon arrival. And betting advice. Each horse racing novice thought I had inside information they could score on, since it was "my race."

I was quite open that I had no horse I was going to favor, and my genuine only hope was the entire field would come home safely.

To digress, I booked a race that was initially carded as a better allowance, but ended up filling as a cheap claimer. I was fine with that, knowing it might happen.....but was a little concerned when I saw more than a couple 7 to 9 year olds in the field....and I wanted them to come home safely.

Long story short, I took bets from everyone and placed them in their behalf.

And admitted/told all that I was simply purchasing two tickets on every of the 9 horses in the field for myself, just so I could have two tickets of "the winner of my race" to frame for my posterity.

You guessed it, we were in the winner's circle as the horses crossed the wire, and I noted the winner was not among the pile of tickets I had purchased for my attendees. Waiting for the winning horse and the photographer, I quickly glanced to see who DID win. I had not been paying attention, since my attention had been on my guests and soon to be photo. But realized not one of my guests was going to cash a ticket.

Then I realized the winner was the longest shot on the board. By far. And realized a triple digit $2 win payout was forthcoming.

And then realized I had two tickets on the winner. For posterity.

My posterity tickets are now in my possession thanks to an accommodating window seller......and marked "paid."

The entire group seemed to have as much fun as me, and perhaps even more.

Of course, I did buy a second round of drinks.

If you ever thought about naming a race, I'd say definitely do it.

And for comparison, I've skydived....and loved it. But I would never tout someone on it.

But if you ever thought about naming a race, go ahead.

:-)