Today we were invited to go hang out at the local racetrack by my mother in law and her boyfriend. We actually have a really nice track. Also we've lived here for two and a half years and haven't been out to see it. Perhaps its about time?We were seated in the box seats inside the building. There were some people hanging out outside the building but most people, I think, were inside. It was nearly 100 degrees (38 oC ?) outside with a cloudless sky doing nothing to block sun. There were 10 races today. One for each half hour. The time in between races was spent knitting on my part and for everyone else deciding who to bet on. I'm not a gambler but it was fun to watch and to hear the excitement and the energy of everyone in the building. Also everyone in our party did decently well at picking winners (or near winners). So that makes things fun too. The reason my mother in law likes the races? This is the first thing she had her boyfriend go and find. Its definitely movie theatre popcorn. Pretty yummy.
Oops, sorry that was a diversion. The races themselves of course are quick and they really are exciting. People get really into cheering for "their" horse.
This ambulance raced around the track after the riders. The horses look like they are going fast but not nearly as fast as they are going apparently. The ambulance has to really push it to keep up. Fortunately, there was only one incident of concern that needed an ambulance. During the fifth race a horse stumbled and a jockey was ejected from the saddle over the head of the horse. Both horse and jockey landed on the ground. The horse got up right away and the jockey didn't. It took several minutes before he did get up and walk off the track without assistance. The horse was limping and they drove him off. I'm hoping it was only a sprain and not a break that made him limp.
Some photos of the horses, jockeys and races. My flickr set has a bunch more too.They paraded the horses and jockeys in front of the crowd before each race so they could introduce them. Some of the horses (especially the fillies) had some SERIOUS attitude. You could see it as they paraded and didn't always behave. The all female races had a very difficult time getting into the blocks. Also these ducks? So weird. There were two ponds. They kept walking back and forth and getting out at either end. If you haven't spotted them look closely between the two ponds they are walking in a single file line.Its a lovely track with gorgeous grounds. The day ended with a gorgeous flower as we waited for the car from the valet. Tomorrow is v.2. The part where I talk about that knitting I mentioned above.
7 comments:
Looks like a fun day at the races. From the picture and the distance - those look like Canada Geese.
Sounds like a wonderful day. You know we have a track here too and I've never been, perhaps I shall go this summer. Your pictures are lovely and that flower is just beautiful!
It was always my horse-racing theory that the horse that was the most difficult to get into the gate was the one that would win.
That theory works quite a bit of the time.
Beautiful hibiscus at the end.
A day at the races... that always sounds like something you need to dress up for. Your popcorn looks really good! I need to go back to the racetrack in Toronto the next time I'm home - up here (like in Texas) we use horses for the rodeo fun :)
How fun! I love going to the races, even though we don't go very often. I took the girls once, and they picked my one and only winner :)
I've never been to the races, but your pictures are awesome, as always!
Looks like a super fun day! We have a race track here too - the Hippodrome, I've never been though. I wonder if the boys when they're a little older would enjoy it.
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