Happy Wednesday to ALL!
It is amazing that in our horse racing world…things really do not stop. Amidst all of the holiday activities, we still have to plan for the future and get everything ready to begin one of the biggest race meets of the year in our industry…”SANTA ANITA–THE GREAT RACE PLACE”!
During the current week, there is NO live thoroughbred racing in California. It is a bit of a breather in that regard for everyone. The day to day work, though, continues. This morning, ENTRIES will be taken for Santa Anita’s Opening Day! This means that the Racing Office will be getting the RACE CARD organized for December 26th. So many tasks must be completed in advance to make all of this information available to the Racing Fans.
This morning, trainers will enter their horses to run on opening day. When they have the ‘fields created’, the race card will be put together for that day. This information is then sent out to the Daily Racing Form and various other publications so all of these facts and details can be shared with you, the FANS.
The data for the programs is then compiled so they can be printed and ready to go as soon as the gates open at 10:00 that morning.
Entries are normally taken ‘at least’ 48 hours in advance. This is true of all race tracks around the country. In California, it is often done 72 hours out. This gives all of the different offices the time required to complete their tasks. The goal of all of this is for the racing public to have as much information as possible when doing their handicapping and making their race day selections.
Such FUN!
It does amaze ME, though, how in all walks of life so much goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to make everything work perfectly. Last night, when MY JOHN and Dottie were walking SOPHIE at Santa Anita, the crews were doing TEST RUNS on the tote boards and the new infield video BOARD to be sure all would be working without a glitch. They have also installed new state-of-the-art VIDEO BOARDS out by the paddock…all to make the racing experience for the fans the BEST IT CAN BE!
From what MY JOHN and Dottie saw last night…these boards are really high-tech!
I must say, I DID LOVE RUNNING AT SANTA ANITA! It will always hold a very special place in my heart, for sure!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Especially Trina Nagele…for the beautiful Anniversary Poem she wrote for MY JOHN and Dottie…Thank you SO MUCH!)
Z
Paul
Zenyatta, I am looking forward to the opening of Santa Anita on December 26th. It sounds like they are working very hard a week or more in advance to make sure horses are entered to race, the place is cleaned up, the new video boards are installed, and many other things. Kudos to all of those people. Doesn’t it make you jealous because you aren’t racing any more? I would feel that way if I were you.
Debbie G/Kentucky
@signofthetimes – Thank you for the links to those adorable colt videos. They are too cute! And I loved the horses in the snow. I never get tired of watching these majestic creatures.
@Peggy N – I just said a prayer for you. I hope you get good news next week.