A Day at the Races • Hawthorne Park - Cicero

By Ken Bounds

On April 26, Ron Blum once again arranged the ever-popular Day at the Races, this year to see the thoroughbreds run at Hawthorne Park.  The weather cooperated as 31 members, family, and friends had a great time in a section of the Gold Cup room reserved for us right in front of the finish line.  It was a special treat to have Dotty Alfini and her daughter Sue join us.  Dotty gave us the terrific news that she is now cancer free.

The fun began with a buffet luncheon at noon.  Our waitress gave us attentive service all afternoon, ensuring that our beverages were readily available.  There was a constant stream to the ticket seller set up right in our area.  Most were there to place bets, but a few very lucky winners (you know who you are) raced up to collect their winnings.  No one was more thrilled than Este Scheve when she won the 5th Race Exacta.

This date was quite popular at Hawthorne with four $100,000–added stakes races on the card.  The 7th race, named for the Northern Illinois Regional Group, was won by Big Legacy, ridden by Rosemary B. Homeister, Jr.  He paid $15.80 to win.  After the race, our members gathered in Winners Circle for a photo opportunity with the winning horse and jockey.

As the day’s events wound down, everyone began going their separate ways.  A big NIRG Thank You to Ron Blum for arranging an always fun event.  Ron plans to show a DVD of the race and our gathering in the winners circle at the May meeting.

Enjoying a wonderful outing were our hosts Ron & Arlene Blum, Ron’s sister Ileen and friend Susan, Dotty & Sue Alfini, Ben & Ginny Ashley and friends, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Joe & Marie Dispensa, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Joey Novak & Millie Olds, Dan & Diane Pudelek, John & Este Scheve, John & Barb Slobodnik and sons, and Alan & Lois Wall.