Horsin around

Rick and I had the opportunity to spend last Saturday at Arlington Park, a horse racing track in his hometown of Arlington Heights, IL. I knew I would not be disappointed when our friends Lauren, Shaun and Harry invited us to join them for the day! I grew up with horses around and rarely have the chance to see these majestic creatures anymore.

This day was home to the 12 races taking place at Arlington and then the grand daddy of all horse races - the 136th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. I had never watched a live horse race let alone place bets on them. I read an article that $112.7 million was wagered on this year's Derby. That is an insane amount of money for a race that lasts just second over 2 minutes! The betting system even went down at Arlington and Churchill...that didn't go over well with some of the high-rollers.

Our $2 bets were fun to throw in as the day progressed but the few winnings we did have were converted into new bets. We should have learned from Harry and cashed out when we were up! We decided to make our own bets within the group and whoever picked the winning horse had to gallop like a pony to the fence. Shaun won first followed by a victory gallop by Rick and I both!

Assume your positions!

Arlington was a great place to watch horses and people alike. We saw some wild hats and even snuck our way to the elite section of the park (ooops!). Rick tasted his first Mint Julep (Bourbon and Mint do NOT belong together!). Super Saver sloshed his way to a Derby victory. On his back was Calvin Borel who won his 3rd Derby in 4 years. I hope he gave that pony lots of carrots in the winner circle!

XO,
EAT