Kentucky Derby postscript

[tomm5647]

Please allow me to post my observations and memories on my first derby. Friday for the Oaks was just great weather wise. Tickets were at the 8th pole and the view of the track could not have been better. I have a twin spires account that I use very little (personal preference) I like to lay down my money when I bet and collect my winnings if I win after the race and put it in my pocket. It was obvious that CD wanted everyone to bet electronically with their app. It seemed incredible to me that so many of the mutual clerks were obviously working their first day at the track and they had no idea how to punch in things as simple as a trifecta part wheel. I spoke with someone later in the day and was told that CD just hired temps for the mutual machines. I guess i'm going to have to get more comfortable with the phone betting since its obvious that's the way it is going to be. On saturday we got to the track with a light drizzle and were optomistic that the day would get brighter. Not the bet to make, the rain continued all day, when it did slow down to a drizzle it seemed like heaven. My seats at the 8th pole were uninhabitable and Churchill Downs age was evident with the drains all around the facility backing up creating large puddles and closed access stairs. The bathrooms in the entire facility became unisex with the males having full access to the urinals while the stalls were taken over by the female race goers. When the derby came close, back to my seat to stand on the seat in a light rain as did everyone else. The pre race festivities were only given a cursory look as you tried to maintain balance on the benches. The post parade was awesome and the race did not disappoint even with the rain. I was with Steve on the Justify bandwagon and had several winning bets that made my day even without a profit. After the race I was not surprised to see the bulk of the crowd head for the exits. The final races could have been held at Fairmount Park to a larger on track attendance. That being said I don't know if I've ever been soaked to the skin quite so much while having a wonderful time. I made my hotel reservation for next year yesterday. At 69 years of age for my first derby I don't want to miss another