Some random thoughts on race day

 

• Some of the owners met Friday morning for breakfast. We finalize that NC will run Saturday, second race . Bill figures that she's good in the outside spot as there is no one on her right to bump in to . She's also the last to load in the gate which is good. I order the Western omelet...yum
• No issues for me  falling asleep  Friday night . I hope Northern Cotton is sleeping well.
• It's race day ! Every hour I announce how much time left before post time. Joc is getting the rolling pin out. 
• We eat our hamburgers ( made on the BBQ by moi ) and head to the track. For the first time I'm feeling a bit nervous. 
• We get to the track at about 6:50  and wow, there's lots of cars already  . More people to admire us as we strut to the winner's circle ?
• I see a bridal party. Looks like a marriage will take place in the winner's circle. Sure  enough I check the program and the fourth race is a "Go to the Post" wedding race. OK, I promise not to make any 'nag' jokes.  
• Our friends and family are already there. It's great to see them and I'm happy they came. However there's a part of me that just wants to be alone, kind of take in the moment by myself. It would have been nice if her race came later on in the night.
• I feel a certain amount of pressure that she needs to do well. As if I'm being judged by how she does.
• I don't study the first race at all. I make my 2 standard bets and don't try anything else. Did I win....HA !
• I make my bets early for race 2 . The guy at the track who comments on every horse  says that "there's a lot of money on Northern Cotton"  
• This is unlike any race I've ever waited for. I don't even care about my bets
• Time is just flying by , 2 minutes to post already !
• And they're off ! Not a bad start...she's in fifth but definitely in the race...she's coming up as they head into the turn...I kind of lose her in the turn...they're coming down the stretch and she ain't gonna do it....fifth place
• Disappointment is my first feeling...as if grey reality has set in. I can see that people aren't quite sure what to say, even though I warned everyone that she could well finish last . 
• I talk to Bill. He has some good insights in to what happened. She ran like a green horse . I learn later that Cotton came through fine, no injuries or health issues.  We'll get 'em next time.
• We invite friends over to our place for some drinks. Great way to wind up the evening  as we sit outside on the warm summer bugless night . Fantastic day...