Ever thought of "naming" a race?

westcoastinvader · #1 07-09-2008, 01:10 AM

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.

:-)

ALostTexan · #2 07-09-2008, 01:28 AM

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...

slotdirt · #3 07-09-2008, 08:05 AM

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.

GPK · #4 07-09-2008, 08:47 AM

Rumor has it there is certain person in Virginia that is petitioning to have the Virginia Derby renamed the English Channel Stakes.

MaTH716 · #5 07-09-2008, 10:00 AM

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".

slotdirt · #6 07-09-2008, 10:30 AM

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.

GPK · #7 07-09-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Tool.

GFY

Dude...Im gonna be at Colonial this coming Tuesday night. Get yourself down there.

FGFan · #8 07-09-2008, 12:03 PM

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.

DerbyCat · #9 07-09-2008, 12:45 PM

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!