GO BABY, GO!

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Originally Oct 18, 2014

Pick your pony. This Saturday I convinced my friend to rent a car, drive to Golden Gate Fields, and bet on some horses at the racetrack. It is a dangerous thing for a friend to ask me last minute what I am doing because it might entail getting roped into some random scheme I have going. That day was not an exception.

I had been to the race track when I was very young and completely forgot what it would be like as an adult. I imagined big hats, champagne, gloves, etc. I did have a notion this might not be the case knowing that some people spend their lives gambling. My suspicion was correct. The crowd was "interesting" to say the least. There were a few young people. I would say the majority were veterans in the gambling business. Entrepreneurship is still entrepreneurship in the Bay.

First we had to ask what the rules were, how to bet, and which horses would be likely to win. There is a TV that ranks the horse and has expected odds to win. Then theres the ever so scientific art of choosing a horse by the name. Some of the names were quite funny and clever. Others were sexual innuendos that made me a little uncomfortable screaming on the track. The best strategy was asking the ticket salesperson. If they are nice they will tell you what they think. Some are impatient and clearly have no idea what is going on with the horses or jockeys. However, if you find a good teller they may be the key to success. 

Success, mind you, is loosely defined by me as "redeeming my bet" or even "winning a dollar". Because in the end winning is winning. And winning a dollar feels better for morale than loosing 9, even if you don't break even.

Another pro-tip for this activity is to go on $1 Sundays. This clearly is the more economical choice, but does not work with someone with a strict day of the week blog.

Overall, the races were short so the highs of rooting for a horse were worth the thrill. I would stay for at least 3-4 races to make the drive worth it. Either way it doesn't need to consume the whole day.

Until next time. Stay Tuned.