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.
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.
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