Lexington Racetrack Offers Delightful Surprises and Unexpected Twists

As the racing season heats up in Lexington, Kentucky, our intrepid reporter Gordon Waterstone takes us on a captivating journey filled with delightful surprises, unexpected twists, and a deep passion for the sport of harness racing. From the Tigers' playoff run to the search for the perfect breakfast, this article offers a unique insider's perspective that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

Savor the Excitement of the Playoffs and the Thrill of the Racetrack

Riding the Tigers' Playoff Wave

Waterstone's excitement was palpable as he recounted the Detroit Tigers' two-game sweep of the Houston Astros, propelling them into the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. The euphoria of his hometown team's success had him soaring on "cloud nine," setting the stage for an eventful week at the racetrack.

The Breakfast Dilemma: Donuts or Bagels?

Arriving at The Red Mile, Waterstone was disappointed to find only donuts on the breakfast table, instead of the anticipated bagels and cream cheese. Undeterred, he reached out to Emily Ratcliff, the track's director of sponsorships, who explained the local bagel shop's 48-hour notice requirement for large orders. Waterstone's persistence paid off, as Ratcliff promised that Friday's breakfast would indeed include the coveted bagels, sponsored by Waterstone's own sponsors, the Stewarts of Hunterton Farm.

The Donut Temptation and a Chance Encounter

Waterstone's resolve to abstain from donuts was tested, and he eventually succumbed to the temptation, indulging in one of the last remaining glazed treats. To his chagrin, Ratcliff witnessed this moment of weakness, adding a touch of humor to the day's events.

Prioritizing the Tigers over the Yearling Sale

Waterstone made the conscious decision to forgo attending the third session of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale in order to watch the Tigers game. He reasoned that he would not miss any exciting events, such as "guys rolling around on the ground wrestling," and instead focused his attention on the high-stakes baseball game.

The Search for the Elusive Bartenders

Waterstone's concern for his favorite bartenders, Greg and Natalie from Frank and Dino's, led him to ponder their whereabouts. He had previously encountered them in a frantic search for Natalie's car, and was relieved to learn that the establishment had reopened after a power outage, suggesting the duo had found their way back.

A Chance Encounter and a Celebratory Toast

Waterstone's dinner at OBC Kitchen was enlivened by a chance encounter with Norm Parker, the brother of his former boss, Kathy. Norm invited Waterstone to join his group at Malone's, where he offered to buy Waterstone a celebratory shot to toast the Tigers' victory, a gesture that Waterstone found particularly meaningful.

The Mysterious Driving Assignment

Waterstone was intrigued by the unexpected appearance of Hall of Famer Ron Pierce's name on the driving assignment for Saturday's race. After some investigation, he learned that the listing was a result of a miscommunication, and that it would not be a momentous occasion for Pierce's return to the racetrack.

Exploring the Backstretch and Catching Up with Old Friends

Waterstone's stroll around the backstretch allowed him to reconnect with familiar faces, including PJ Fraley, Tina Duer, and Debbie Daguet. These chance encounters provided opportunities for casual conversation and updates on the happenings at the racetrack.

The Futurity Draw and the Tension-Filled Interview

As Waterstone waited for the Futurity and Filly Futurity draws, he joined Nick Salvi, Vicki Gingras, and the USTA's Wendy Ross, among others, on The Deck. The draw itself was a lively affair, with Yannick Gingras and trainer Nancy Takter engaging in a playful rock-paper-scissors duel to determine who would conduct the on-air interview, adding a touch of excitement to the proceedings.

Yannick Gingras' Harrowing Drive and the Upcoming Sale Update

Waterstone learned of Yannick Gingras' close call on the rainy roads while driving from Lexington to Hollywood Dayton, a testament to the challenges faced by the sport's participants. As the article draws to a close, Waterstone promises to provide a sale update the following day, while also noting the continued drop in gas prices, a detail that adds a touch of optimism to the overall narrative.