Investor or Loser?

What a wonderful way to end a weekend! On Sunday, my son Matthew and I headed to Santa Anita Race Track for the annual Day at the Races that benefits the Crescenta Valley and Montrose-Verdugo City chambers of commerce and the CV Sheriff’s Support Group. So many familiar faces shared the day at the “Top of the Stretch,” the area set aside for the day for our group. Tickets were just $25 and let me tell you – what a steal! Not only did we gain access to the track that included parking and a program, but we also had a fabulous lunch courtesy of Schreiner’s Fine Sausages – grilled to perfection by former MVCOC president Eric Hamilton and board member Rick Dinger. There were also yummy homemade desserts. For those wanting something a little stronger than the water and soda provided (Mimosas, anyone?) there was a full bar just a few steps away.

We all marveled that despite its age the Santa Anita Race Track is really well maintained. For example, while looking out over the track, I noticed that some of the box shrubs were expertly trimmed into the shape of a horse – with a jockey mounted on its back! Real attention to detail.

My son had never been to the track before and he was particularly fortunate in that Santa Anita provided a true handicap professional for our group. Don King has been with Santa Anita over 16 years and was on hand to give us his overview of the next race, the jockeys and the horses they were riding. His expertise was invaluable and I’m so glad he was there to soothe any nerves for the first time bettor.

Despite his accurate predictions, there were still some of us who were left with worthless squares of paper after the winners of a race were announced.

“Ah, I lost!” was heard more than once.

But au contraire! I beg to differ. We were not losers at all – I prefer to think of us as investors. Though we may have walked away with wallets a little lighter, we could rest assured in the knowledge that our investments in the Santa Anita Race Track would continue the success of this Southern California staple (or should I say “stable”? – a little race track humor).

Speaking of investors I offer a thank you to those who have already chosen to invest in the future of the Crescenta Valley Weekly by taking advantage of the tiered subscription levels offered now until April 30. You have said how much you enjoy the paper not only with your words but also with your wallets – and I am truly appreciative.

Premium subscriber spots are still available; check out page 9 for details.

And to see some great pics from Day at the Races, check out Between Friends on page 19.

  robin goldsworthy