Giddy Up!!

The Kentucky Derby is supposed to be the super bowl of horse racing. To me it is a reminder that God has a sense of humor.

Growing up my fascination with horses ended when a pony stepped on my foot at the age of 5. I kept my distance from them since that point. A friend in College was an equestrian rider. She took to me riding one day and got over my fears. Horses are remarkable animals. They are like giant dogs always starving for our attention. Our ability to domesticate them as animals has been essential to our history. What would story of Paul Revere if he had rode a camel??

I used to live in San Mateo, CA, which is 20 miles south of San Fran. About a mile from my apartment was a horse track called Bay Meadows. I have always wanted to see a horse race, so one weekend some friends and I decided to go. I had no idea what I was doing. I lost every bet for a total of $20. (I really broke the house) Horse betting can be a tricky thing. We had a great day just hanging out in and around the track though. My favorite part of the event was to go down and check out the horses before the race. Getting up close and personal with these majestic animals gives you a better understanding of who they are. My appreciation for the sport rose immediately and I went back a few times.

A friend came out to visit and my roommate and I took him to the track. Again I was in awe to see these four-legged gladiators take to the track. As I strolled through the gallery of horses, I picked my pony!! I was sure as anything that this horse was going to be a winner. I scooted up to the window and placed my two dollar bet. I can’t recall the odds, but it was around 12 – 1 or something. A nice $25 payday would have made up for the previous shortcomings of wagers past. With ticket in-hand, I headed over to our box. With a sound of the trumpet and shot of a gun they were off. The thunder from a horse track is nothing like that of a Nascar car event, but it is still exhilarating. As the horses made their way around the track my eyes began to sparkle as my horse edged to the front. With a photo finish he crossed the line in first place!!! Finally, victory was mine!!!

I walked up to the counter to cash in on my winnings. The payout would be enough to bring me back a couple more times I was sure. I don’t really enjoy gambling. I do it for the fun and do not put too much stock in my bets. Truth be told, I am a horrible gambler because I just don’t have that zest for cash as some people do. Handing my ticket over the cashier I noticed his odd look did not match my Kool-Aid grin.

“This race has not been run yet” He said
“Uh, no I bought this from you ten minutes ago” I replied.
“Sorry sir, but this is for a later race at another track, did you tell me for the race at Bay Meadows”
“Why else would I be here!!”
“Sorry, the best we can do is a refund”

My once proud prance had turned into a slow limp back to our box. My friends were amused by my ever-steady streak of bad luck. At this point I was convinced through and through:
God has a sense of humor…. and I am the butt of every joke!!