Random Thoughts on Race Day

You want it, you crave it. It's Gerry's "Random Thoughts on Race Day" post .

• I took the day off as we had other errands to run. It felt a bit different than other race days, we seemed a bit less involved given that she's running 1,700 miles away.
• Joc and I  leave for Assiniboia Downs to watch the race on TV  with co-owners Michel, Bill/Shelley,  and Larry. The fifth owner Dean ( no relation to the fifth Beatle ) is in Tampa Bay to watch the race live.
• We find out later that Dean got to sit in a private box  , was privy to confidential discussion between our trainer and the jockey and bragged to everyone that he picked Northern Cotton.
• We arrive at Assiniboia Downs and find out that there is an exhibition called Taboo exploring alternative sexual relationships. The exhibition takes up the whole main floor  And here I thought a race track was all about saddles, riding whips and training...Hmmmm, wait a minute... 
• We find the gang at the second floor  restaurant and settle in and make our bets. Michel disappears for a long while. Bill thinks he's throwing up in the bathroom. I suspect it has something to do with the Taboo exhibition downstairs...
• It's post time and she gets into the chute with no problems. They're off and she's sitting in a good spot down the backstretch . I'm wondering if she'll stay in the pack for the rest of the race or if she'll show her stuff. 
• We're all watching and cheering as she comes down the stretch passing the #6 horse to grab second place. It's a mixture of relief, joy and a tinge of disappointment. Relief because she showed she can compete down there. Joy as second place is nothing to whinny at. Disappointment  as she could have won that race. It's all good though.
• After the race , people who were watching come by to congratulate Bill . He seems to know everyone there , I give random "thumbs up" to  no one in particular, trying to look like I know people.
• Calls are being made to friends and spouses. I see Larry walking towards me saying "I love you".  I'm thinking that our ownership group is a little closer than I thought it was. Or maybe it had something to do with the exhibition downstairs. Of course Larry is talking to his wife on his cell , I settle for a firm manly handshake.
• We analyze the race and discuss options for NC's next race. Will she do better in a longer race ? What's the next step ? What are the options ?   I really enjoy race days.