Harness Racing, Binoculars, and the Wolverine State

My apologies in advance if this turns into a rant.

Harness Racing

The Sport of standardbred racing is something that I have held very dear for the majority of my life.  When I was 7 or 8, I became fascinated with the mathematical aspects of the betting game, and I was hooked when my mom first took me to the track on my 12th birthday.  I met Dave Palone in the winner's circle after the 2nd race, and I was hooked since.  Dave Palone and I have since become friends, and I am fortunate to have my livelihood grounded in the Sport that I so love.  Simply, I love what I do, and I'm grateful to be doing it on the grand stage of harness racing.

Binoculars

I know in the English tradition and at some Canadian tracks, the commentators do not watch the race through binoculars as much as in the Australian and American traditions of racecalling.  If that works for you, I won't complain.  Ken at the OJC and Gary at Flamboro are the best two examples I can come up with for staying clear, concise and correct  without using binoculars.  They simply don't need them, and it works for them.  This said, it puzzles me to no end to see racecallers not use binoculars when they are constantly stalling to identify a horse on the far turn of a dimly-lit 5/8-mile track with relatively poor camera quality.  Calling solely off the monitor limits one's perspective of the race far too severely, in my opinion, and stalling to identify a horse not only cuts back on being clear and concise, but also compromises the chances of being correct.

The Wolverine State

It's been a while since I've been in Michigan--the 2007 Croswell Fair, to be exact was my last visit.  I have to thank a few individuals along the way in Michigan for their help, including (but definitely not limited to):  

- Bill Rayle.  A true journalist and student of the game, Bill prepared me for the politics and what-not that's inherent in the Sport, let alone anything.  He taught me how to chart, and I am fortunate to call him a friend.

- Brett Boyd.  Brett's passion for the Sport goes unmatched in the Midwest.  He owns, trains, breeds, announces, and truly serves as an ambassador for harness racing.  In the summer of 2006, we called at Croswell and Holland together, and his demands as a trainer that year opened up Vassar for me to call.  Brett's done a great job promoting harness racing in Michigan, and the full grandstands at Jackson alone attest to that.  Again, a true friend.

- Gary Rankin, Sue Whitney, and Earl Welling.  The three racing secretaries at the fairs I called were all very hospitable and welcoming to me and my old 2003 Cavalier.

For the most part, Michigan is home to great people, and to everyone whom I encountered in my time in the Wolverine State, be you friend, foe, or after-the-fact back-stabber, I thank you.