Horse Racing at the County Fair

Ever since I was a young girl, I have been going to the races at the county fair. My father got me hooked when I was about nine years old. I can remember dreaming that I would one day be a jockey. I could picture myself sitting high in the saddle at the fair, with my family members in the grandstands cheering me on. Even though my chance of living that dream is long gone, it doesn't stop me from enjoying an annual trip to the county fair for some horse racing, and a walk down memory lane.

This year was a first for me, however. I bet on every race, and won cash on all but one of them. The one I didn't win was when I bet the long shot. I am not a gambling woman, and when I do, I don't wager a lot. I love the sights and sounds of the races more than the gambling aspect. This year was my first time to sit in the trackside terrace, and that was a deliciously good time in and of itself. In any case, after wining in some way for seven races, to my surprise, I didn't come home with any more money than I had to start.

Brad won a lot of his wagers as well, and he also experienced the same phenomenon - breaking even after all races had been run and it was time to go home. It got me to thinking... people must not be truthful about how well they do at the races. All this time, I've never experienced as much winning as I did this past visit to the track. I can't see how we could have done any better. Yet no extra money for us. If I had it to do over again, I would. But I doubt I'll ever go there again thinking I am going to win a lot of money. If I'm not mistaken, most folks pay for every moment they spend at the track. I will continue to go for my love of horses, the sound of the bugle, and the thrill of hearing that infamous line, "The horses are in the starting gate... And they're off!"