My Dad and grandfather were big fans of harness racing. They and their buddies went to Pocono Downs outside Scranton or Monticello in New York state at least once a week...often twice...during the summer.
I sort of grew up on that and so followed the trotters myself as a college kid and for a few years after getting married. In all that time, the most I ever won on a single evening was $75. Never broke $100. In fact, if I won enough to cover the cost of the program and snacks, I was happy.
I haven't been back to the track in 30 years but still have fond memories of warm summer evenings at Pocono Downs.
I remember kneeling for a decade of the family rosary, demanded by Mom before Dad left for the track...and one evening his improvised prayer: "Bless this horse, oh Lord I pray...make him win and make him pay." Mom was none too pleased by Dad's lack of reverence.
