Hundreds of stories

I was about 5 or 6 when I first started going to the track. My grandfather owned a number of horses in the '50s and '60s. I remember a few of those times I would get mad at my mother because she made us get dressed up because Grandpa told my parents that his horse would probably win that day so we'd get our picture taken in the winners circle.

One of his horses was El Misterio which set the track record for a mile and a half. I still to this day remember all the thousands of losing tickets that bettors would hastily throw on the floor of the old grandstand.

When I was in my early 20s, I unfortunately made the mistake of winning my first two times out betting the ponies. I was hooked ever since. I recall in the '70s betting on Pat Days' horse in a great stretch dual that he lost by a nose. As Pat Day came out of the tunnel for the next race, my friend yelled at him "Why didn't you hit him with the stick Pat." Pat Day who didn't use the whip as often as other jockeys glared at my buddy, who was 6'2 and 200lbs and responded "When was the last time you rode a horse." It was hilarious. Just one of a hundred stories like that over the years. So sad for it to be all over.

Terry McDonald

Arlington Heights