June 2009 Archives

Horses can teach us a great deal about Life:  all we need do is observe their lives and listen to their words of Wisdom.  The eyes of a horse are the windows into profound insight, if we humans can just slow down long enough to gaze into these deep pools of knowledge.

So every now and then, capital-W Wisdom comes my way, and I feel compelled to share.  These insights usually come oozing in because I've been around a horse, or a horseperson (who passes on the knowledge, second-hand from her critter).  Not that I fancy myself to be a font of Wisdom, but I catch glimpses of it in the breeze every now and then.  I reach out, grab it, process it and pass it on when it seems appropriate.

Lots of the things that pass for Wisdom these days--isn't.  Celebrities spout personal platitudes, often inane--but because they're famous and the words are written in exotic fonts--they get a book deal.

You won't get a book deal by participating in "Horse Sense" here on Saratoga.com, but you may make some friends who appreciate the Wisdom that you share here.  Please do make comments about the column, and please share your own Wisdom!  It's by reading and exchanging ideas that we learn about Life:  we can create here a community of Horse Sensible People.    How cool is that?

Every year, like most Saratogians and all true racing fanatics, I start counting the days--oh, starting the day after Labor Day--'til the next Opening Day at Saratoga.  This year's meet opens on July 29th...which is 35 days from today, to be exact.

But that countdown doesn't include the three days prior to the meet's opening--and that day, that of the NYRA Open House--is just as important, in my heart.  Why?  Because the Open House is NYRA's way to extend a big, friendly "Welcome!"  to everyone who's in town.  Once the meet starts, locals will have to share our Race Course with thousands of visitors from places with exotic-sounding names like "Bayshore," "Bayonne" and "Bahrain"--but on July 26th, before the tourists check into their hotels, the beautiful, historic track is all ours, compliments of the New York Racing Association.
(Photo above compliments of NYRA--New York Racing Association)

Introduction
 
Racing is the oldest sport in America, and surely, the most beautiful.  Those of us who love the sport are fans for life.  We hope to pique your interest, so you can join us in this exhilarating endeavour and become part of our community of fans and professionals.
 
Hence, Racing 101.  This course is designed to help those of you who may be fascinated by the sport of horse racing, but have not-yet experienced the thrill and majesty of it all.  Or you've gone to a racetrack, and immediately felt lost and confused.  We want to help you overcome those feelings!  Week-by-week, we'll explore terms, strategies and factoids that will help you feel like a pro in no time.  You may already be an experienced fan--this course is still for you!  Your comments can help our "students" learn:  Please feel free to write in and become involved.  As we all learn more about the sport and bring others into the fold, the sport will grow.

Follow the lead of our magnificent Thoroughbreds, and remember to Run Fast, Turn Left--and never, ever give up.