Derby Trail Forums

Go Back   Derby Trail Forums > Main Forum > The Paddock
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-09-2008, 01:10 AM
westcoastinvader westcoastinvader is offline
Washington Park
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 843
Default Ever thought of "naming" a race?

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.

:-)

Last edited by westcoastinvader : 07-09-2008 at 01:24 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-09-2008, 01:28 AM
ALostTexan's Avatar
ALostTexan ALostTexan is offline
Sheepshead Bay
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,101
Default

I had two groups come out to the track last spring with races sponsored for them. For $150 per group I got them set up in the Clubhouse, their name in the program, their named announced pre- and post-race, a picture in the Winner's Circle, plus a copy of the Winner's picture.

The guys all still talk about it 6 months later, and the pictures are still hanging in the break rooms. It was a great way to expose some people to the track...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-09-2008, 08:05 AM
slotdirt's Avatar
slotdirt slotdirt is offline
Atlantic City Race Course
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 4,894
Default

Charles Town's races are nearly always "Bob Frankendoodle's Birthday Race" or something to that effect. It always cracks me up to see the newly married couple or the birthday boy in the winner's circle handing out some bitty trophy.
__________________
The world's foremost expert on virtually everything on the Redskins 2010 season: "Im going to go out on a limb here. I say they make the playoffs."
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-09-2008, 08:47 AM
GPK GPK is offline
5'8".. but all man!
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: 3 miles from Chateuax de la Blaha
Posts: 21,706
Default

Rumor has it there is certain person in Virginia that is petitioning to have the Virginia Derby renamed the English Channel Stakes.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-09-2008, 10:00 AM
MaTH716's Avatar
MaTH716 MaTH716 is offline
Flemington
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Jersey
Posts: 11,438
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by slotdirt
Charles Town's races are nearly always "Bob Frankendoodle's Birthday Race" or something to that effect. It always cracks me up to see the newly married couple or the birthday boy in the winner's circle handing out some bitty trophy.
She's a keeper, having her wedding reception at the track!

I can see it now, "The bride will dance with her father when she gets back from putting in her early doubles".
__________________
Felix Unger talking to Oscar Madison: "Your horse could finish third by 20 lengths and they still pay you? And you have been losing money for all these years?!"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-09-2008, 10:30 AM
slotdirt's Avatar
slotdirt slotdirt is offline
Atlantic City Race Course
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 4,894
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GPK
Rumor has it there is certain person in Virginia that is petitioning to have the Virginia Derby renamed the English Channel Stakes.
Tool.
__________________
The world's foremost expert on virtually everything on the Redskins 2010 season: "Im going to go out on a limb here. I say they make the playoffs."
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-09-2008, 11:22 AM
GPK GPK is offline
5'8".. but all man!
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: 3 miles from Chateuax de la Blaha
Posts: 21,706
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by slotdirt
Tool.

GFY

Dude...Im gonna be at Colonial this coming Tuesday night. Get yourself down there.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-09-2008, 12:03 PM
FGFan's Avatar
FGFan FGFan is offline
Fairgrounds
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,624
Default

That's a nice story, glad to hear you and all your people enjoyed themselves. They do that at the Fairgrounds, and you see people having birthdays and anniversaries all the time. I think it's a nice idea and everyone always looks like they are having a good time.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-09-2008, 12:45 PM
DerbyCat's Avatar
DerbyCat DerbyCat is offline
Churchill Downs
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Carlos, CA
Posts: 1,772
Default

I had a named race this past season at Bay Meadows, I name it "Proud Patrolman Fans" after my favorite ten year old $4,000 claiming horse (he's since been retired, living the good life as his trainers pony). In order to reserve the clubhouse patio, I had to guarantee and pay for 50 guests. I had about 40 friends pay their way and I covered the rest, then I opened up the patio with the really nice buffet spread and the keg of beer to the "regulars" at the track. I had trainers, jockey agents and degenerate gamblers that I was friends with all eating a free meal and having a blast. It was the greatest party I ever had.

And the best part is, a few of my "civilian world" friends that came are now hooked on racing, I'm even talking about going in with a few of them to own another horse!
__________________
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.
- Friedrich Nietzsche on Handicapping
Reply With Quote
Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.