what got you in .. why is horseracing ...

[phystech]

Grew up just down the road from Laurel Raceway (harness track) and used to get tips from the drivers/trainers who would come into town to do their laundry. I'd always fanagle a free season pass from one of them, then would get my exercise by running the 2 miles to the track most nights. Made a lot of money off those tips as a teenager.

My father's side of the family loved gambling - horses, playing cards, slots, you name it. Spent a lot of Saturdays with my father, a cousin and an uncle at Laurel, Pimlico, Bowie, Timonium, Charles Town, Shennendoah Downs. Used to really love tagging along on those Bowie/Shennendoah marathon days.

Went to high school with the Dutrow brothers. Spent a lot of time with Tony and Rick at Bowie during the winter, and always laughed my ass off at Rick and his charades.

My father had hoped to own a horse someday. He died before he ever got the chance. After his death, we found money from his overtime work he had been stashing away in a sock. A buddy of his came forward after the funeral and told us they were saving to buy a horse together. He died in his sleep 24 years ago today - at the age of 49 - after he had spent the day at Laurel watching the Washington DC International.

I happened upon a racing usergroup on the internet 12 years ago and they were trying to buy a horse by putting together a partnership. I put in $400 and became a horse owner a few weeks later. I've been lucky enough to be involved as an owner ever since. Guess you could say I'm living my father's dream......