A Day at the Races

Just got back from Delaware Park where my Dad and stepmom had a horse running, their one and only.

Her name is Once is Enough, she's a two-year-old filly and it was her first race. After leading most of the way, she came in third.

It's been more than 35 years since I've been to Delaware Park. I recall being taken there by my folks when I was kid. It looks exactly as I remember it, except for the balloon slide and the slot machines. It's as pretty as ever.

Because my folks are up in Saratoga where they go every year at this time, my brother and I were ordered to represent the family at the race. If Once happened to win were were supposed get our pictures taken in the Winners' Circle with her. She didn't win, but what a nice day.

We and our friends got to go inside the paddock and meet Once's trainer J. Larry Jones. He is one of the top trainers on the East Coast.

(I had no idea. My friend Kathy Kane who rides every year at Devon, had to fill us in. As in -- "LARRY JONES is your trainer?" And "She's being ridden by MARIO PINO? Don't you know WHO these people are?"

Jones had just come down from Saratoga himself where he won the King's Bishop yesterday with his 3-year-old colt Hard Spun. Pino, his regular rider, was on his back.

After the race, both Jones and Pino looked happy with Once's effort. Kathy, a good judge of horse flesh, was impressed too.

"Look, how sound she is," she remarked. I pretended to know what she meant.

I look forward to seeing Once run again.

I'm not much of a handicapper but I'll get back down to Delaware Park sooner rather than later.

Once every 35 years is not enough.