Mr.Pagine
11-03-2024, 11:33 AM
It's kind of cathartic for me to write this in this group.
The reason why I love horses, and horse racing was my Dad; and unfortunately he passed on earlier week.
In 1973 we went to Woodbine to watch the Plate as a family; my Mom went to see Queen Elizabeth and my Dad wanted to win some money. My older brother who really had no interest, came along for the hot dog, coke and ice cream sandwich.
My Dad was teaching me to read the DRF, and for some reason I landed on Royal Chocolate. My Dad said the horse had no chance. I liked the name, and for some reason I was big on seeing the horses in the walking ring.
My family told me to run down, see the horses, and run back up; the place was packed. I was simply amazed at how big and beautiful these hoses were.
In 1973 it was so busy that they had 20 windows open on the main floor beside the walking ring (outside).
As every 9yr old kid does, I got in line, and when I got to the window:
Cashier: "How old are you"
Me: "I'm 9"
Cashier: You can't make a bet, you are not old enough
Me: My Dad is sick in the bathroom, I think he has diarrhea, and asked me to put $2 on Royal Chocolate to win.
Cashier: I shouldn't do this, but here you go.
I had my first betting ticket in my hand, and I was over the moon.
I went back to our seats, and 27 minutes later, as my Dad slapped his program on the railing in disgust; I was jumping up and down yelling "I won, I won"
I showed him my ticket, he grabbed me in celebration, and said "How did you do that"
That was the beginning, and having taken him to watch Zenyatta in the BC 2008, and taken him and my brother to watch American Pharoah in the Derby, and we got down to The Spa with this group. All incredible times.
I really tried to get into the BC Friday and yesterday; however, it just wasn't the same, and I ended up turning it off and cleaned my garage. (Having the Classic in the middle was a joke as well. I know it was for TV; however, it sucked)
Love you Dad, and Don't Forget to Cash In Heaven!
The reason why I love horses, and horse racing was my Dad; and unfortunately he passed on earlier week.
In 1973 we went to Woodbine to watch the Plate as a family; my Mom went to see Queen Elizabeth and my Dad wanted to win some money. My older brother who really had no interest, came along for the hot dog, coke and ice cream sandwich.
My Dad was teaching me to read the DRF, and for some reason I landed on Royal Chocolate. My Dad said the horse had no chance. I liked the name, and for some reason I was big on seeing the horses in the walking ring.
My family told me to run down, see the horses, and run back up; the place was packed. I was simply amazed at how big and beautiful these hoses were.
In 1973 it was so busy that they had 20 windows open on the main floor beside the walking ring (outside).
As every 9yr old kid does, I got in line, and when I got to the window:
Cashier: "How old are you"
Me: "I'm 9"
Cashier: You can't make a bet, you are not old enough
Me: My Dad is sick in the bathroom, I think he has diarrhea, and asked me to put $2 on Royal Chocolate to win.
Cashier: I shouldn't do this, but here you go.
I had my first betting ticket in my hand, and I was over the moon.
I went back to our seats, and 27 minutes later, as my Dad slapped his program on the railing in disgust; I was jumping up and down yelling "I won, I won"
I showed him my ticket, he grabbed me in celebration, and said "How did you do that"
That was the beginning, and having taken him to watch Zenyatta in the BC 2008, and taken him and my brother to watch American Pharoah in the Derby, and we got down to The Spa with this group. All incredible times.
I really tried to get into the BC Friday and yesterday; however, it just wasn't the same, and I ended up turning it off and cleaned my garage. (Having the Classic in the middle was a joke as well. I know it was for TV; however, it sucked)
Love you Dad, and Don't Forget to Cash In Heaven!