ANDERSON, Ind. — It starts with the horses breaking out of the gates.
A moment of intense acceleration follows as the horses prepare for the long haul.
There’s a rush of adrenaline everyone from the jockeys to the owners to those in the stands can feel it Will the horse break late? Will the leader falter on the final turn? What will the race to the finish hold in store? A trip to the track is more than just a question of how much to bet?
I enjoy the occasional outing to the track. And I have no problem laying down a few dollars in the hopes that I hit it big. But for me, there’s more to a trip to the track than gambling. It is the experience.
There’s strategy involved picking a horse that fares well in good weather and on a dirt track. There’s the chance to witness a spectacle of powerful animals performing at their best And there’s simple pleasure enjoying an afternoon outdoors with cheap entertainment.
I can’t say rm a regular to the track. And by no means am I addicted I haven’t pawned all of my furniture to place a bet on a long shot thoroughbred (a couple of bucks perhaps Tm still hoping for the $1,000 payoff on a $2 bet).
With my camera in hand, I go to the track for the overall atmosphere watching the races, checking out the horses, and snapping a few pictures … make that a few rolls (I never go anywhere without my camera). Expecting to drop all the money I bring with me, I chalk up the day’s losses to the price of a day’s entertainment Besides, what’s the worst that could happen I go home rich? If that’s the case, I’m buying dinner.
Personally, what I look forward to most about a trip to the track is not the excitement of the races or the thoroughbreds.
It’s spending time with my friends; I never go alone. There’s usually a contingent of us who have driven from around the region for a day at the track and a night on the town. There’s plenty of time to shoot the Horses break out of the gates Aug. 9 at breeze in between races and catch up on old times, except as post time draws near and bets must be placed.
For anyone who has never thought to experience the thrill that is horse racing, there is no time like the present Admission is usually inexpensive, especially when compared to other sports. And gambling is not required.
Horse racing has not yet come to Ellis Park In Henderson, Ky. Tennessee. But Kentucky is nearby and filled with tracks within a short drive. Louisville, less than four hours away driving, is the home to Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Lexington is home to Keeneland. Henderson, Ky, is home to Ellis Park. All tracks are worth exploring. Or, better yet all can be done as a day trip or as a weekend getaway.
Further proof that good, out-of-town fun is within driving distance.
