Brings me back to the great memories I have as a kid, going to Aqueduct in Queens NY with my Dad on a Monday. Priceless ! I too loved Secretariat, and a shout out mommy Paul.
I'll take the great RR (Roosevelt Raceway for those of you that don't remember) any day. That was even closer to your house than Belmont, if I remember correctly. Pocomoonshine for the win!
While hopefully not "on the doorstep", I did schedule my Saturday calendar around being in front of the TV at 7:00. As is tradition, I doubled down on my Derby also ran with full belief that this was the race. Once again, a tough lesson learned.
Perhaps racing is not on the radar of casual fans anymore. It remains an escape for the monied and well off. It will survive despite the average fan's indifference for that reason.
That and the belief that The Belmont's mile and a half distance is just what a horse needs to fatten a wallet, is the life support for this game. While a shorter distance this year, The Belmont signifies the end of spring in my book.
Thanks Roy, need to plan my yearly pilgrimage to Saratoga before Labor Day.
I learned so much and had a blast riding the horses with you in this column, Roy. But I agree, the best part was with your grandmother and seeing the smile on her face. I envision that’s what pure joy looks like. Ty for this great piece.
Mommy Paul for the win! ❤️
You the best!
Nostalgic. I watched Secretariat AND Mr. Ed!
Thanks for remembering Secretariat. I was at the Preakness in 1973. What a magnificent horse.
Brings me back to the great memories I have as a kid, going to Aqueduct in Queens NY with my Dad on a Monday. Priceless ! I too loved Secretariat, and a shout out mommy Paul.
I'll take the great RR (Roosevelt Raceway for those of you that don't remember) any day. That was even closer to your house than Belmont, if I remember correctly. Pocomoonshine for the win!
While hopefully not "on the doorstep", I did schedule my Saturday calendar around being in front of the TV at 7:00. As is tradition, I doubled down on my Derby also ran with full belief that this was the race. Once again, a tough lesson learned.
Perhaps racing is not on the radar of casual fans anymore. It remains an escape for the monied and well off. It will survive despite the average fan's indifference for that reason.
That and the belief that The Belmont's mile and a half distance is just what a horse needs to fatten a wallet, is the life support for this game. While a shorter distance this year, The Belmont signifies the end of spring in my book.
Thanks Roy, need to plan my yearly pilgrimage to Saratoga before Labor Day.
And work on a trip to Vegas…
Sweet nostalgia and nice to hear.
nice memories Roy... I'll be at Saratoga all summer again
Wonderful, emotional, and memorable… Thank you for the SMC… BTW, I spent many a racing day at the historic Saratoga Racetrack… 😃
Good one Roy
Eric Wilson
Another good piece mixing personal and sports nostalgia.
I learned so much and had a blast riding the horses with you in this column, Roy. But I agree, the best part was with your grandmother and seeing the smile on her face. I envision that’s what pure joy looks like. Ty for this great piece.
Jill- Joy can also be a three day old bagel on loan from a shiva.
Oy vey, Roy! Do you believe that ‘Seinfeld’ story?!?
Priceless.
I’ve never been to a racetrack in my life. Boring. I could get laid with so much time between races. 8-9 times.
I was 30 when Secretariat won the triple crown. I was sold to stud after the racing program.
Great blog though.