A Night at the Races

By Ken Bounds

A crowd of 49 V-8 members and family turned out for the ever-popular Night at the Races event, hosted by Ron & Arlene Blum April 20 at Maywood Park Racetrack.  Our group began arriving shortly after 6:00 pm, in time for the super buffet meal that began serving at 6:30.  We had to quickly enjoy our food and analyze the race program to get our first wagers in because the featured Northern Illinois Regional Group race was the second on the card.  But minutes before post time of the first race, a power failure knocked out the entire facility.  Racing began about 20 minutes later after all power was restored.  Fortunately, it was still light, so we weren’t in darkness.

Before the second race, several of us went down to the winner’s circle to prepare for a group photo with the winner, John Roberts driving Picasso’s Boy – see the photo of the month.  Picasso’s Boy went off with odds of 19-1, so anyone placing a $2 bet on him won $40.40 – not bad!  Also, three lucky members had the unique opportunity to ride in the starter car: Ben Ashley, Joe Dispensa, and John Slobodnik.  This is an incredible experience where you can feel the power of the horses just inches away.

Our super-host Ron set us up with fantastic seats right behind the windows at the finish line.  As the evening went on, our group wore out the carpet making trips to the betting windows to place bets and to pick up winnings.  Actually, there were probably more trips to place bets.  Some went home a little richer, some lost more than they won, but everyone had a great time.  The lucky winners of dinner for two at the racetrack were Delice Serritella and Joe Kozmic.  Although there were 14 races on the card, not many of us made it past the 8^th race.  We have enjoyed the trotters for the past three years, but Ron is already talking about going back to the thoroughbreds next time.  What do you think?

Our thanks to all the members and family who made this a memorable evening and especially to our outstanding hosts, Ron & Arlene.  Attending were Dottie Alfini and daughter Sue, Ben & Ginny Ashley, Ron & Arlene Blum with 6 guests, Dennis Bohannon and son, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Joe & Marie Dispensa, Ron Dopke with Norm Lang, Paul Jensen, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Tom O’Donnell with 6 guests, Dan & Diane Pudelek, Joe & Delice Serritella, John & Barb Slobodnik and son, Len Vinyard and son Jeff, Alan & Lois Wall, and George & Dawn Zulas with 3 guests.