Horse Racing Fantasy Community

Hi Kayla :
Nice to met you . Please just post your entries here to this blog. We want the community to read them all and have fun. if you win please come by and say hello .
Joe

I'll just tell you the plain truth on why I want them. I'm not going to lie or improvise or anything else:

I've never been to ANY horse race before but I've always wanted to go to one! The problem is that I don't live in a state that really takes part in horse racing and there are no tracks or racing stables even close to us. How neat would it be to say that the first horse race I ever went to was the Breeder's Cup!?

Also, I know it would inspire me even the more! I plan on going to Chris McCarron's college to become a jockey and I would love to get a taste of racing first hand!!

I really can't explain just how much this means to me! None of my friends really believe that I'm going to become a jockey and they just roll their eyes and call me "obsessed" when I talk about horses. But I know that I do have the power to make my dreams come true (although the part about being obsessed about horses is true). It would be....I can't even think of a good word....so AWESOME to be able to go, because I really don't have anything to keep my dream of being a jockey alive all the time. Whenever I feel discouraged though I go to this website or talk to my parents and my dream is restored and I have faith in myself again. This is just a great oppurtunity to make my dream start to feel like a reality!

To be able to meet people I have admired and looked up to for so long, to be able to witness one of the greatest events in horse racing, to just BE there would be indescribable.

When I read the article earlier I was so excited I just skimmed over the part about what you have to do to enter. Then I came back later and saw the rest of it about meeting the jockeys and maybe even getting your picture taken with a race horse! What I've thought and dreamt about for so long, is so close, I feel like I could reach out and touch it! I still just can't believe it. This means the world to me.

Well, I guess that's all.

I do have one semi-funny coincidence to tell you before I end though:

You know the great female jockey (now retired), Julie Krone? Well, I have her initials backwards! Mine are KJ and her's are JK. I know it's kind of lame....but I got a big kick out if when I discovered it.....oh and she's also from Michigan which is where I'm from.....

Thanks for reading (I've got my fingers crossed),

Kayla

PS It's also kind of funny because I planned on watching the BC this weekend on TV with my grandma. I can't imagine how suprised she would be if I said I couldn't come over because I was going to watch them in REAL LIFE! :)

WOW! OK...I have equinus adsuentudo corripio (horse addict disease). It is usually acquired as a teenager, I acquired it as a child of two. It usually affects the female gender however males can be afflicted as well. Some outgrow it while others become internallly, physically, psychologically, and socially afflicted. Most of us will live just above being homeless to satisfy the needs of this condition while a few will be blessed enough to have the means to sustain the condition to it's highest maintenance.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:
1. Total and complete disinterest in the opposite sex unless he/she is likewise afflicted.
2. Equine Fecal matter appeals to the senses at a higher level than perfumes, soaps, etc.
3. A complete and total loss of reasoning when in the presence of a well bred and well trained
subject.
4. Complete and total loss of reasoning in the presence of any equinus subject.
5. Cardiac dysrhythmias and hyperventilation in equine events (saltem equinus corripio)
6. Economical challenges to support this condition.
7. The inability to abstain from equines.
8. Admitting that one has the addiction but the inability or disinterest in fighting it.
9. Willing to shop at Goodwill instead of Nordstrom's to afford this habit.
10. Willing to eat hamburger instead of filet mingion to afford the best feed for your equine.

Most of us, including myself, who are afflicted with equinus adsuentudo corripio will never be able to be among those so blessed with being able to afford to purchase tickets to the Breeder's Cup. Travel and lodging expenses being what they are. We must remain content to sit in a tack room or in our living room or at a friends house on borrowed cable (because we must support our habit) and watch the Breeder's Cup from a distance, dreaming of feeling the thunder of hooves, the equine aroma, and the energy of the crowd. Yes, this is our lot in life...unless I win these two tickets...

The posted photo of Sunday Silence and Easy Goers Famous duel is my artwork. A print was auctioned off at Bay Meadows Racetrack to raise money for the families of fallen jockeys.

By the way, I'm the proud owner of a Breeder's Cup Nominated Thoroughbred mare who ran at Santa Anita and fell through the racing cracks into the loving arms of a dear friend of mine who lives in Southern California and eventually ending up in my loving arms. In her lineage are greats such as Count Fleet, Tom Fool, Nasrullah and Swaps. My heart skips a beat every time I gaze upon her beauty, feel her sweet warm breath on my cheek, feel her power as I ride her, and reflect on the royalty she comes from. I'm afflicted, but at least it's not fatal.

It was early August in 2001. I had only been to Monmouth Park only once before, but I was slowly gaining an interest in horse racing. In reading the stories in the local paper, I had a feeling something special was about to unfold at the Haskell that year. Point Given was coming to town, and from what I learned... he was a real stud. I got up at about 6 am on the morning on the race. I had a friend that worked at a local airport who had told me a private jet was coming in from San Diego. I thought, it had to be the big horse's trainer... Bob Baffert. I went over to await the plane. As it landed, I realized it was. I walked out as he walked off the plane with his wife and kids, and shook his hand wishing him luck on the tarmac. Fast forward to just before 6pm that evening. As the field for the Haskell came out of the tunnel, I can only remember that roar of the crowd as Point Given came out... flicking his ears back and forth like... "Its my party, thanks for coming." I had chills as Point Given hit the track for the post parade. When he got up at the wire in the final furlong... I truely fell in love with not only the sport, but the horse and those people who got him there. Since that moment, I have grown to love the sport and the storylines that have made it so great. My Trevor Denman impression is flawless, and my knowledge and handicapping sucess in Grade 1's is tough to beat. I was lucky enough to spend my only week of vacation last year traveling home from Florida for the Breeders Cup at Monmouth Park. While the weather was brutal, it was truly one of the best vacations I have ever had. While I attended the 2 day event alone, I was surrounded by not only the people who love the game like myself, but the human and equine superstars that I've come to follow and adore. As I write this, I'm surrounded by photos of Barbaro, Curlin, Afleet Alex, Rags To Riches, and Point Given on my tiny apartment walls. While I struggle to continue on in the pursuit of my career away from home, I would love to have a weekend at another Breeders Cup.... surrounded by the horses and people that have provided so many memories and motivation to plod on. Thanks for reading my post. And awaaay I go.

so do you pick the winner? i have watched you since you started. im just a horse crazy girl. my nine-year-old bay quarter horse is literally my best friend. im eighteen on the 27th. i already posted my entry but i must tell you that you deserve your nickname "smokin joe talamo" you have crazy talent for beeing so young. the biggest fantasy i have is being a jockey but im addicted to the can chasing races ahaha. anyway just had to tell you i enjoy watching you ride, and hope you have a long and successful career ahead of you!

I would love to go to the track the only one around here is like two hours away and it only runs for like 4 weekends. I love this game with my heart and would give anything to be there and say i was there when one of the best horses won his second classic. I am glad that they have horse racing on tv all the time now as that is the only way i can watch it and feed this need to see every race and notice every detail of every track and see the best jocks in the world compete. This has got to be the best bc in the history of this event and with more races and two days it will be the greatest.

thanks,
mike

I have never been around horses before this past year and a half I didnt live anywhere near horses so i never had friends in school so i never met anyone with a horse to go see them and i had always watched horse racing and anything to do with horses on tv I never got to ride or even be close to horses and my family seemed to care less that i loved them so much but when i got into the 9th grade i finally got some friends and in my senior year in high school i had a friend whos sister worked at a barn that was close by my house (i moved my junior year) and my friends sister had to quit working at the barn due to bad grades so i went with her to the barn and met the owner and I was able to take her job of cleaning stalls I was estatic I had never been around horses at all before that and I was so excited to start its been a year and a half since ive worked there and with juggling school and other things I continue to work there cleaning stalls daily and feeding 4 times a week hey I also got to start riding and im now taking lessons to improve my riding skills and all of a sudden I get to do things i have never done befor lie go to Quarter Horse Congress with my friends who work and ride there as well and I get to go to different farms and meet all these people and horses and its been a life changing experience now theres only one thing left to do and my liffe would be complete and its go to the breeders cup world thoroughbred championships this saturday it would mean the world to me and i could live the rest of my life with that memory in my mind forever.

I want to go.... Please just give me the ticket as I want to feel special. Thank you

Well, Here Is My Response:

I Have Spent The Last 3 Breeders Cup Days/Weekends In My Basement With My 13 Year Old Daughter. We Spend The Whole Weekend Screaming Our Voices Hoarse As The Horses Come Down The Stretch. We Have Watched History Making Horses Win Spectacular Races Over Spectacular Fields. I Remember When Hystericalady And Ginger Punch Dueled Out The Last Furlong In The 2007 Distaff, Curlin Splashing Through The Mud En Route To Classic Victory. I Remember When Invasor Ran Down Bernardini In The 2006 Classic, When Midnight Lute Came Home From Last In The Sprint, Street Sense's Electrifying Juvenile. I Treasure These Moments Very Much, And I Plan On Spending Friday And Saturday In My Basement With My Daughter, Watching The 2008 Breeders Cup World Championships. To Be There Live Would Be The Highlight Of Many People's Lives, Our's Not The Least. We Are No More Deserving Of These Tickets Than Any One Of The Other Amazing People On This Board, But It Would Be Incredible To Be Able To Take My Daughter To This Spectacular Event.

Tracy

This event is the great finale, the awaited award for owners, trainners, jockeys, and most important of all for we the fans, its a mix flavour of silks, excitement, thrills and mix emotions sorrounded by the unknown would the specimen with the best blend make it happen or not, its the greatest sport of all its electrefying and mind bubbling, it different and always something different from expected shows up.

I'm fairly new at being at Monmouth. Went for the first time 3 years ago. I've been so lucky in my betting. The first time I went, I won 4 races out of the 4 I bet. I would look at the horses in the paddock, look at their structure (sinews) and personalities, and it worked. People told me this was beginner's luck and that I'd be disappointed when I lost the second time I went. The second year, I won 2 races out of the 2 I bet. This time I had a different strategy. I chose jockey Eddie Castro and both races I bet, he won for me. I was standing by the Winner's Circle and I blew him a kiss and thanked him and he smiled at me.

I had such fun at the Crabcake/Fair Day a few weeks ago. I kept telling people that Eddie was a winning jockey. He won 4 out of the 5 races I bet on that day. One guy listened to me about Eddie's expertise and won bigtime. He came over later to thank me. Another guy got frustrated when I won my fourth race. He came running over and said, "Tell me you didn't just bet on Eddie again!" I said, "I did"--and I'd won again. He was mad. If he'd only listened. Smile.

I had bet Eddie in the last race. A kindly gentleman came over and told me Eddie had just pulled out, wouldn't be riding. I went back to the ticket window and asked for my money back prior to the race. The woman tried to talk me into keeping my "horse", saying the horse would still be racing. I told her without Eddie, the horse would lose. It had top ratings to win. Reluctantly, she refunded my money. I watched the last race of the day and the horse Eddie was to ride lost, didn't even make the top 3. I know if he'd been the jockey, the horse would have been a winner.

I think Monmouth is so beautiful and I'm so excited about my new pastime. When Queen Elizabeth watches horse races, she stays demure and quiet. When I watch a horse race, I scream enthusiastically the whole time and when I've won, I jump up and down with pure excitement. I notice people smiling at my enthusiasm I'm definitely not part of the "aristocracy", but I'm sure having fun.

I would be thrilled beyond thrilled to win tickets to the Breeders' Cup Day on Saturday.

I got engaged last week to Tom Benitz. It was my fiance, Tom, who told me/taught me about Monmouth Park. He is the consummate Monmouth Parkian, having spent nearly every childhood Saturday watching from outside the fence with his mother and brothers while his Dad went inside and enjoyed the day. When he became an adult, he spent a great deal of time at Monmouth, as well. Tom was an attorney and his firm owned Partier 57. During racing season, he'd be down there once a week. It was Lynch, Mannion, Martin, Benitz and Lynch's Partier.

He told me a funny story about being at a family picnic one time. It was pouring outside. Tom had a hot tip. Without telling anyone, he got into his car, flew to Monmouth, got there just in time to make his bet, lost, then rejoined the picnic as though nothing had happened.

I would love to give Tom, my Monmouth Park mentor and love, a surprise gift--tickets to the Breeders' Cup. And maybe, I'll even get to meet my "hero", Eddie.

Okay here we go...I thought long and hard about what I was going to say in this post. I could lie, cheat, steal, beg, and cry. But honestly, I thought I would tell you my sob story and let you decide for yourselves. Honesty is the best policy, right?
I became interested in horse racing when I was 11 years old and read the book Man O'War by Walter Farley. For some reason I became enamored with racing and that amazing horse. My parents were divorced and my mom and I had recently moved to Colorado (in the middle of nowhere) to live with her new husband. I talked to my dad who lived in California about the book and the next time I came out to visit he took me to Santa Anita Park where I fell in love. I was OBSESSED. At 11 years old I was reading the racing form, learning about stats and speed figures when I should have still been playing with my barbies! (okay, I was kind of a tomboy and hated barbies, but whatever...details! bah!) I read every book on racing I could get my hands on. To this day, I dont think theres one book I havent read and RE-read. I was even fortunate enough to have my parents buy me a retired thoroughbred. His name was General and he was my best friend. I rode all over the land around my house for hours. Horses gave me something that I could hold onto through all the years of confusion and frustration. When I was 17 my mother decided to divorce my step dad and move back to California, but I decided to stay. After all, I was young and had moved around so much. I had my friends and my horse.
Well to make a very long story short, somewhere between when I turned 15 and the time my mom decided to leave I met a guy (shocker). I was with him for 7 years of physical and mental abuse. I had to sell my horse in order to have enough money to stay in Colorado. It was the saddest day of my life. Needless to say, this guy controlled every facet of my life. I had no friends, barely talked to my family and spent my life being ashamed and scared. Needless to say, my dreams of become a horse trainer and living the life that I loved, died along with a part of me. I didn't have the opportunity to go to the races or be a part of the community that I had loved so much. But I secretly still followed the races. It was the one passion that kept me going and gave me something to look forward to during those very dark years. He could try to break my ties with my friends and family but I would not let him win, and I wouldn't let him take away the thing I loved. 7 YEARS later, I had enough. I packed up my stuff, took my dog, and left him.
It's been 10 years since Colorado and my horse. I am now happily married to an amazing man who supports me in everything I do. Even my crazy racing obsession which I must say, has come back with a vengeance now that I am able to be my own person. We live just outside of Barstow, CA on an army based called Fort Irwin (my husband is actively enlisted in the army). When I heard the Breeders Cup was going to be held just a short 2 hour drive from my house, I almost passed out!!! I've been trying for weeks to budget and be able to afford the gas and admission to be able to go. When I saw the prices for seating I literally cried. And then I get the fantastic email that I had ONE MORE SHOT to get tickets! And here I am!
So that's my story, sad but true. Boy, after re-reading it I almost feel sorry for myself!!! Yes, I came on here and shamed myself to relive the horribe past that I have overcome. Yes, its cheap, I know. But I need this!!! Now wipe up your tears from that sob story and PICK ME!!!!!