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....... as it were!

We were due to kill three hours at Atlanta airport, but that decreased to two as our plane from Louisville was a little late.

One of the announcements that makes me smile here is: "Passengers should maintain control of their baggage at all times".  I have a vision of the cases sprouting legs, cartoon fashion, and trying to run away! 

I echo what Dave has said about our hosts, Kim and Tony, who have shown us wonderful hospitality.  

Going The Extra (Red) Mile

Dave writes: 

The Red Mile is a harness racing track in Lexington which doubles up on non-trotting days as a simulcast betting shop. 

That means a host of TV cameras brings coverage from all venues that happen to be racing in the States that day. 

With up to 10 meetings it means there's a race every 2 or 3 minutes - with all that involves.  

Happily on Friday I came out well on top along with most of the rest of our 5-strong party and that should have been farewell to Red Mile. 

But on Saturday, on arrival at Keeneland, 10 miles away, for the big Breeders' Cup day we were dismayed to find the only thing you could bet on was -- the racing from Keeneland. 

With 40 minutes between races, nowhere to sit on an unseasonably cold day and with 11 races and eight hours spread ahead, we jumped in a taxi and went back -- to Red Mile. 

More winners followed but it meant - I can now reveal - that I witnessed the great triumph of American Pharoah on TV and not in the flesh. 

No problem though as fortunately in my Reuters days I was lucky enough to see loads of Breeders' Cup action. 

Then on Sunday with a couple of hours available before cocktails Tony and I sneaked off again to the Red Mile for a final flutter !

Great three days, great racing and super hosts so many thanks again to Tony and Kim. 

Currently at Atlanta airport and hoping we won't be fog-bound on return. 

Old Friends

After a leisurely morning Tony took Dave and me to the Old Friends Farm for retired thoroughbreds near Lexington.  

I was shocked to park up behind a car which had these messages on the back!

It was an open day to follow the Breeders Cup and seemed to have a lot of. Isidore.  We had a good barbecue lunch, heard some good blue grass music and listened to some great auctioneers, who had lots of racing memorabilia on offer to make money for the Farm.

Taking Petey out for a walk this afternoon, I loved looking at plants in the gadens, including this Nandina shrub. 

Pharaoh Rules

 Dave writes:

Three winners (4-1, 9-2 and 7-1) from 11 races on day two plus a fifth share of a 650 dollar trifecta (forecast first three in correct order) kept me well in front. 

Highlight though was American Pharoah recovering his Triple Crown form to make all the running and win the 5 million dollar Classic by six lengths in record-breaking time. 

Arc and Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn (4-6 favourite) was pipped in the Turf by Found, ridden by Ryan Moore and one of my winners on the day.

Great two days racing. 

Lingfield next up on a week on Tuesday !!