SEE YOU AT THE RACES !!!

By Kelly Rae Coroy —-
Staff Writer

After a couple of weeks of persuading by my friend, neighbor and editor of Tracksideview, I agreed to put pen to paper and write about my experiences at the races. Already knowing that my knowledge of racing was limited, he assured me the essay would be about fashion, food and fan experiences.

When I awoke on the morning of December 11th it was windy and raining, sensing that I was looking for any excuse to bail from the assignment, he had Tracksideview’s De Facto boss, wife Debbie contact me to make sure things were still a go, you don’t say no to the boss.

We arrived at Fair Grounds to sunny skies and breezy temps, which I was told would have the horses ready to run.

Settling into our grandstand box, I immediately began looking for the fashion, which was minimal considering the days weather forecast; food, where I found the gumbo and a New Orleans staple red beans and rice to be top shelf and for fan interaction the paddock area offered plenty.

Fair Grounds paddock area I’m told is one of the most inviting due to the close proximity of horses, trainers and owners and it didn’t disappoint. It’s there you will most certainly run into people you know, which I did and there are no shortages of “free” picks offered from the the observing crowd.

Today’s card was a special one as it featured numerous stakes contests restricted to Louisiana-breds; however our early success was somewhat dampened by the fact it was nothing but “chalks” winning, I’m told those are prohibitive favorites.

With bankroll dwindling, I ventured back to the paddock to find the pearl in the oyster and as luck would have it, I did. Staring at me was a strapping gray filly by the name of Buckley Bunny and it was then I knew where my $10 win wager was going.

As she pulled clear of the field in the final yards, the scope of that $10 wager on a 93-1 shot didn’t register until I was cashing the ticket; my friends and even the lady at the ticket window were ecstatic.

From the staff at Fair Grounds and to all the people I met you’ve made the day a most enjoyable experience and can’t wait to return; and to all my friends and acquaintances, go to a live racing event you won’t be disappointed, and bring someone with you.

SEE YOU AT THE RACES !!!!!