A fond farewell from longtime racing handicapper Joe Kristufek
My entire adult life, I've been fortunate enough to get paid to do a hobby.
I've held dozens of freelance jobs in the horse-racing industry, but for the past 19 years, my space in the Daily Herald has been a constant.
In my line of work, depending on the day, you're either a hero or a goat. People often judge solely based on productivity — picking winners and return on investment.
Let's face it, being right and cashing tickets makes a day at the races more fun, but I've always fancied myself as more of an ambassador and educator than a handicapper.
As a whole, the horse racing industry has done a less-than-adequate job in developing the fan base. It's a grass roots effort, and I hope over the years, from reading my selections or columns or if we've had the pleasure to meet in person, I've contributed to your love of the game.
From the Chicago Racing Report to Horsin' Around TV to Night School to countless paddock and winner's circle tours, hands on wagering lessons, program stories and track tips … I've always wanted you to love horse racing at least half as much as I do.
From Black Tie Affair to One Dreamer to Polar Expedition to Stevebiscuit to backstretch softball and throwing darts and Jimmy D's, Illinois horse racing, and the people who live and breathe it every day, will always be in my heart.
Several years ago, limited local opportunities and the state of Illinois racing inspired a tough realization. If I wanted to continue to make a decent living doing what I love, I was going to have to look elsewhere.
In 2015, I was fortunate to land a seasonal job as the racing analyst for Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, and for three years I commuted back and forth from Chicago to Louisville. This past winter, I was brought on in a similar role at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, and with Twinspires.com adding me to their staff during the non-racing months, I recently embraced a full-time position.
When I called to inform Daily Herald Sports Editor Tom Quinlan that I would have to relinquish my role at the paper for a great opportunity, he couldn't have been happier for me.
While a good percentage of daily publications nationwide “don't have the space” for horse racing, Tom and his awesome staff have continued to work with me to keep our local coverage alive. In fact, they've even expanded by including Joe Mazzone's daily harness racing selections via the Daily Herald website.
Today I am proud to pass the reins over to Ron Uchman, a long-time handicapper and a dear friend. He knows the Illinois circuit as well as anyone. You're in good hands.
My connection to Arlington Park remains through the morning-line odds, and I'll be back to cover Arlington Million Day, and to hang out with a cold one as a fan, as often as possible.
I've visited dozens of racetracks across the country and the world, and few can hold a candle to Arlington Park. Hawthorne Race Course has come a long way since I was the talking head there in the 1990s, and they treat their fans like gold.
The local tracks, horsemen and fans deserve better. Illinois, if you need a reference, you know where to find me.
• joeydak@aol.com