A Night at the Races

By Ken Bounds

Ron Blum once again hosted one of our most popular events – a Night at the Races.  This year a group of 35 V-8 members and family experienced the trotters at Maywood Park Racetrack.  Although it was chilly, the horses didn’t mind and the weather was dry.

As members began arriving around 6:00 pm, some noticed that our group was not seated exactly on the finish line, as we usually are.  Because of this, Ron was able to negotiate three rides in the starter car for our group instead of one.  So many went for the ride that we couldn’t even list all the names.  We are sure they all agree that riding in the starter car just inches away from the thundering horses was a unique thrill.

Everyone hit the delicious buffet as soon as it opened at 6:30 so we could analyze the program and get the bets down for our first picks.  Soon it was time to prepare for the 3^rd race, named for the Northern Illinois Regional Group.  As the 3^rd race was getting ready to start, several of our group went down to the finish line to get our picture taken with the winning horse and driver.  Just like last year, the winner was a longshot.  This time Huga Yankee driven by Michael Oosting went off at over 30-1.  One of our own members had bet this horse “across the board” and took home a tidy profit.  He even told us that he had picked the winners in the first two races! 

As the evening continued we put some miles on our shoes making trips to the buffet, the dessert bar, and to the betting windows.  Several members told us that they had won several races while Carolyn and I did our best to support the local economy.

Our thanks to our outstanding host Ron and to all the members and family who made this a memorable evening.  We missed Arlene Blum this year who was home rehabbing from a knee replacement.  Attending were our host Ron, Ben & Ginny Ashley with Ruth Downey, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Joe & Marie Dispensa, Terry & Kitty Freihage, Paul Jensen, John Judge, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Joe Novak with Millie Olds, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell with daughter Maureen Joos, Dan & Diane Pudelek, John & Este Scheve, John & Barb Slobodnik, Stan & JoAnne Stack, Ron & Colleen Steck, Len & Irene Vinyard with son Jeff, and George & Dawn Zulas with son George.