| Over the years I have learned a lot of life lessons | | | | close finish in a horse race or to watch a race that |
| from horse racing and my involvement in the sport. I | | | | they have bet on. No bet, no thrill, but they rarely let a |
| have also garnered a few simple truths about horse | | | | race pass without having a little something on it. They |
| racing and the people who prepare them for the races | | | | are gamblers and horseracing is one of the types of |
| and then guide them through the race. | | | | gambling they enjoy. Though they may not particularly |
| The first thing I can tell you is that there are three | | | | care for horses, they help to support them with their |
| distinct groups of people involved in horse racing. 1. | | | | bets. |
| people who love being around horses and taking care | | | | Then there is the third category, of which I consider |
| of them 2. People who love to gamble and bet on | | | | myself a member. We love horses and also love to |
| horse races 3. people who love horses and gambling | | | | bet on them and try to see how good we are at |
| on horses | | | | gauging a horse's chances of winning and its ability. |
| There are people who own and train horses who | | | | We love to win money, we also love to watch horses |
| never bet on horses. They love to own them and be | | | | and try to figure them out. |
| involved in the career of a horse, but they are not the | | | | My advice, no matter which group you may be a |
| kind of gamblers who get their kicks putting money | | | | member of, is that you continue to enjoy the races, |
| through the windows. But let's be honest, anyone who | | | | and be honest with yourself about why you play the |
| invests money in a race horse, even as a simple | | | | races or go to the race track. If you do enjoy the |
| hobby, is still taking a chance. They are fragile and | | | | betting and gambling, that's fine, but take a few minutes |
| subject to many injuries and other problems. I know | | | | to really watch the horses in the paddock and to see |
| first hand that they will sometimes break your heart. | | | | just how beautiful they are. You've paid for the thrill, so |
| Horse ownership is a risky business, so it is gambling. | | | | you might as well partake of all the pleasures of horse |
| Then there are those people who are thrilled to see a | | | | racing. |