A Day at the Races – 2008

By Ken Bounds

What a nice day we had!  After unseasonable snow the day before, March 27 was bright and sunny.  Even though the chilly high of upper 30’s kept our V-8’s in the garage a few more days, the horses didn’t mind and a hearty group of 20 V-8ers had a great time at the Hawthorne Race Course for A Day at the Races, 2008.  Our thanks go out to Ron Blum for once again setting up a great event.

As usual, Ron’s arrangements were first class.  We had a private suite high above the track with our own bartender, our own waitress, and a dedicated tote machine and operator – no long lines!  We were treated to a buffet lunch of sandwiches, various sides, chili, and delicious desserts, backed up by an open bar.  Not bad!  From our warm and toasty suite we could go outside into the stands and get a closer look at the horses and the races.  It really was not bad in the sun. 

Before the 1:36 p.m. post time, Ron gave a little talk on handicapping and shared with us some “sure things” he had learned from contacts at the track.  We all had a good time placing bets on the nine races and I’m not sure if anyone got rich on Ron’s “insider” picks.  In our suite you could hear the shouts of success as winning picks crossed the line, as well as cries of despair as someone’s favorite sauntered to the finish with a great view of the horses that had long before finished.  The fifth race was dedicated to the Northern Illinois Regional Group with a horse named Streak edging out Awesomewithbroads and paying $13.40 to win.  Our group was invited down to the winners circle for a photo with the winning jockey Carlos Silva.

Those attending our first weekday afternoon event at Hawthorne and showing their smiling faces in our Photo of the Month on the back page were our hosts Ron & Arlene Blum, President and First Lady Dan & Diane Pudelek, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Lloyd & Gladys Duzell, Stan Gaynor, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Joey Novak, Art Russell, Stan & JoAnne Stack, and Len & Irene Vinyard.