A Day at the Races

By Ken Bounds

On March 25, twenty-eight members and guests gathered at the Hawthorne Race Course for the NIRG Day at the Races.  On a day where rain was predicted, who would have known it would be sunny and warm, with the early spring temperature reaching nearly 80?  If we had checked the crystal ball, we could have brought our V-8’s and parked them in the infield; maybe next time.  Our thanks go out to Ron and Arlene Blum for putting together a memorable event.

Everyone arrived just before noon and began by enjoying a terrific brunch that lasted until 4:00.  There was a wide variety of food to satisfy any taste and a large selection of desserts.  The food alone was worth the price of tickets, but we were also treated to parking, a program, admission to a private area in the Gold Cup dining room, a race in our name, and even one $5 bet on the house.  The betting on the thoroughbreds was lively.  At the end of the 9-race card, there were a few who said they came out ahead, but some of us left with our wallets comfortably slimmer.  The writer was not troubled with any trips to the pari-mutuel window to cash in any winning tickets.

Post-time for race #1 was 1:10 p.m.  After getting our feet wet with some friendly wagers, it was quickly time for race #2, in the name of the NIRG, Early Ford V-8 Club.  As the horses approached the starting gate, many of us in attendance proceeded trackside and watched three-year old Batten, ridden by jockey Timothy Thornton, win the 1-1/16 mile race. After the race, we appeared in a photo taken trackside with the Thornton – April’s photo of the month.

As the afternoon progressed, there was plenty of time for getting together with old friends, many trips to the wagering windows, nibbling at the buffet, cheering for the horses, and hanging our heads when our picks seemed to think the view was better from the rear.  You could tell it was hot in the building because Lenny was apparently suffering from heat stroke, causing him to buy a round.  A terrific time was had by all.  In attendance were our hosts Ron & Arlene Blum; NIRG President and First Lady Dan & Diane Pudelek; Ken & Carolyn Bounds; Don & Elaine Braun; Lloyd & Gladys Duzell; Stan Gaynor & guest (who he claimed was his Blackjack dealer); Earl & Gene Heintz; Paul Jensen; Joe & Nell Kozmic; Paul Linzer; Frank & Phyllis Madrigali; Joey Novak; Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell; Art Russell; Len & Irene Vinyard; and George Zulas & guest.