Races in the Rain

Have you ever been the track? Where the horses race? In the rain?

Well, I've been to the track, where horses run but never in the down pour we experience over the weekend. While our friend had never been to the races and had asked if we'd go with her. So despite the rain we headed out.

During the race season at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, every Sunday is dollar day. Meaning parking is a dollar, the entrance is a dollar, the program is a dollar, beer is a dollar and I bet you can't guess how much the hot dogs are... yep, you're right a dollar. When we arrived a guy was on his way out and handed us the program, so we saved a dollar to bet later.

There is a cover section on the bottom floor where you can purchase food and place bets. Placing bets is the best thing about going to the races. And even better if you have no idea about the horses or know what the odds mean. Plus, most of the data that is provided does not account for the track condition, which was squishy at the very least.

My first bet was to show, meaning I was hoping for my horse to come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd - which it didn't. Then we bet on a race at Santa Anita track, or that was the plan. Our friend forgot to tell the clerk that she wanted the Santa Anita race so her bet was placed for the next Golden gate field race. Oops. We notice in the program later that it tells you to check your ticket before you leave the counter, just for this reason.

J went for a Perfecta or Exacta or Straight Forecast (UK). A bet placed on two horses but they must cross the finish line in exact chosen order.

We lost our bets, like many others. But we had a fun time, and that's what really matters.