Horse racing

Photo by Timothy Lloyd

I’m not much of a gambler. I’d prefer the immense thrill of opening a clean skin bottle of wine and finding it’s actually good or jumping out from behind a door and scaring the bejesus out of Chris, than the prospect of winning or losing money.

I do however, enjoy a day at the races mainly because it’s a chance to hang out with friends and frock up (no, I didn’t just swear at you. It’s Aussie for getting dressed up). And not only can you chance your luck with the ponies, but you can do the same with the wine.

Half our group

Generally the only sure winner at the races is the establishment because the prices they charge are, how can I put this tactfully? Freakin extortionate! Bloody capitalist, corporate box frequenting, hard earned cash stealing pootangs!

Anyway, Chris and I went into the day prepared to lose no more than $50, which we would have, given I use a highly complex system of choosing horses based on their name and, if I’m feeling particularly reckless, their colours.

My method did prove successful for race 1, however, when we put $5 each way on “Sam The Flirt” (for, I would hope, obvious reasons). In fact I strongly insisted she was such a sure (and sexy) thing that our entire group was to bet on her or risk the wrath of Sami. I’m not sure if it was due to her track record, fear or simply to shut me up but they obliged. Lucky they all did, because she won and then promptly sashayed around the winners’ circle winking, blowing kisses and waving her tail around. A mare after my own heart!

Kiles, Mandy & Sami

The next 3 races were less successful and it is likely our run would have persisted had it not been for one of our party somehow being blessed by the gods of horse racing. He insists he didn’t sacrifice a virgin and simply studied the form guide. Whatever he did worked because by race 4 he’d had 3 wins and a place. It was about this time we decided to get on board (no one can accuse us of being fast learners). Lucky we did because we, or rather he, picked the next 2 winners.

One of the winning tickets

Chris and I ended the day with a nice little sum of around $300 much of which was given over to the bloody capitalist, corporate box frequenting, hard earned cash stealing pootangs in exchange for entry, other bets that didn’t quite go to plan and less than thrilling wine. Oh well, we didn’t lose our $50, made a bit of a profit and had a shed load of fun with good friends. Can’t complain about that.

Sami’s Sageisms;

  • When gambling, stick with a set amount you’re prepared to lose. That way you won’t be disappointed if you bet on ”Sami The Stunning” only to find she’s still racing days later.
  • Make the time to have fun with friends. We had many a laugh and much fun with our peeps. Not to mention, I can now bring up the fact that they can thank me for cashing in on “Sam The Flirt” at every conceivable chance I get.
  • Betting on a horse’s name and/or colours alone isn’t particularly successful. As my good mate Rodders said, “It’s a mug’s game”! Who you callin’ a mug Rodders?!! Find someone who’s less of a mug and steal their tips!

PS. Thanks Chick J for the feedback of including life lessons (or rather, sageisms). I dedicate this post to you!

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5 Kick arse comments on “And They’re Racing!”

  1. Lance said:

    Hey Sami,
    You know what…you remind me too much of my wife. She has this skill of hiding behind a door and scaring these same bejesus’ out of me every time!

    So – a fun day at the races … way cool! And you didn’t swear at me…and you didn’t kick me! Woohoo!!

    The Sami Sageisms…rock!

  2. Veronica said:

    Sami –

    Please translate ‘mug’ into dumb-American… :)

    Sounds like tons of fun! I’m getting myself down to a harness racetrack here in the states some time soon for some good old fashion betting action. Thanks for reminding me I needed to do so!

    Veronica

  3. Sami said:

    @Veronica
    Oops, my bad. Forgot about the slang! A “mug” is someone who’s easily swindled and generally gullible and a “mug’s game” is a foolish, profitless or hopeless endeavour. Better add that to my slang page me thinks!

    Have fun at the harness racing!

  4. Laurie | Express Yourself to Success said:

    Gambling is a lot of fun if it’s done with a “healthy” approach – having fun with friends and not losing your house (which would totally ruin the day). You’re wise to have set a limit, I do that too, but I tend to leave the event without it. Glad you had a good time and left with your $50!

  5. Sami said:

    @Laurie
    Haha, yeah losing the house would totally ruin the day, especially as it’s not my house to lose!

    We’d normally leave the event without the $50. This time was different thanks to stealing the tips from someone who does a tad more research than just going on the horse’s name!

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