Let's hope the gambling bill gets passed with slots at the race tracks.
Hopefully this clears this up, I haven't turned into a turncoat.I do miss playing at home,I do miss my friends, and family and the Great things to see and do back in Chicago. We must admit though that the terain of Illinois racing has changed a lot since the 1970's we've lost numerous farms to Shopping malls and sudivisions.We have lost Trainers who left Illinois to race elsewhere,because horsemen have gotten the short end of the stick in Illinois for far to long,and you know that that is True. What say you to that ?
szulcc,I never said that we should end racing in Illinois forever.Nor did I imply that.There are a lot of good illinois horsemen around,and a lot of us whos careers in racing started in good ol Land of Lincoln. Still working at tracks around our Country and the World. However,New York finally got slots and they have been trying for longer than us. How long must we endure, without slots? Plus you're right about what you sat as to the difference between Arlington and Hawthorne clientel. At times I do miss racing at home along with our going to see ourHawks,Bears, Cubbies,Sox,
It was so great getting to know you Chris, and most everyone else you've mentioned. You're doing a great job as the Chicago Dark Horse, and you eloquently brought the big events and heartwarming aspects of the premier Chicago meet to your audience. Enjoyed reading your posts, and look forward to more...as we move on to Hawthorne. My fave AP memories included the smaller races as much as the big ones...especially those that yielded winners. Friday afternoons...an instant tonic for the stress of the work week. The intensity and passion of James Graham. And oh, yeah...hearing Happy Trails at the end of a racing day! The last one on Sunday, I hung around for...I wanted to soak it all in, just one last time.
Hawthorne is the exact opposite of AP. NOt that that is a bad thing but it is defnitely not the same experience.
Hawthorne, has a diffeerent clientel compared to AP, you'll see some of the same Trainers and Jockey's as at AP. However,the best days for Haw,are unfortunately behind that intown track.,and has been for quite some time ( like 1978 it should have closed with the traumatic fire the occured that year to the grandstand and Clubhouse ) AP gets the best dates ,far better horses,and location. Why not just toss in the towel HAW. and let AP extend their dates as has been discussed before?
I enjoyed watching /simulcast of the AP Million,looks like the Euros are going to beat usin the BC Turf as well .Especially if we use the AP Million as a yardstick, to guide our judgement.
you are a true friend chris and a great writer.
Great coverage of Arlington, Chris! Treasure Beach's Secretariat was the AP meet highlight for me :)
Interesting John, can you elaborate on that?
Some of the links are surprises though, stay on your toes!
I loved Fantasia's Modesty win as well as the Arlington Million...I think Arlington had a great racing season! Also loved Stacelita. You're the master of "links" in these posts, great piece Chris!
Thank you, Chris ... It was a great meet at Arlington, and becoming friends with you was one of the highlights.