January 20, 2022 - First Horse Races of the Season

After a 2021 Covid hiatus the horse races are back at Roberts Downs. They are held in the open-air pavilion. It was unknown what type of crowd would be attending in these crazy times but the crowd was just right with a number of newbies attending. I was asked to be the substitute announcer this week and accepted the challenge, never having done it before. Here is a picture of me in back of the track explaining the rules and betting. 

There are three races with six horses in each race. The jockeys are changed for each race. The bet is $1.00. All money is paid out after each race to those who picked the winning horse. All betters were required to wear masks when in line for the betting.  Here is a picture of those lined up to bet.

Once all the bets were placed the jockeys mounted their horses for the first race. Here is a picture of the jockeys ready for a roll of the dice to make their moves out of the gate.

The horse races are always a fun time but it was extra exciting for us yesterday because Kelly won first place in the 50/50 drawing and collected $117.00. (I didn't draw the ticket, really.) After the festivities ended we gathered outside George and Janet's motorhome for a few cordials and lots of laughs. The weather cooperated all day but is going to turn rainy and cold Saturday which is bad because there is a meal and dancing music scheduled at the pavilion. We are hoping the forecast changes for the better. I'll keep you posted. 

A number of us are playing nine holes of golf this afternoon. I hope to improve my game. I can only get better!