ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY OCTOBER 05, 2001

Opinion

My old Army buddy Marty called me and said, "Let's spend Saturday at Belmont Park and watch the ponies run," and I accepted. Marty, or should I say, Dr. Martin A., was a former horse owner and had gratis entrance into the Horse Owners Club. I was instructed by my pal to wear a shirt, tie, and sport jacket.

We met in the elegant arcade that leads into Belmont Park. When we arrived at the club I was surprised. There was a beautiful room with a fabulous view of the track and an even more beautiful smorgasbord of fresh and delectable foods. There was a "soup to nuts" meal with great food and drink.

We also had our own betting booth and we would not have to fight the crowds to collect our money after we won a fortune.

It was luxurious! Where was this little piece of heaven all my life? I always was a sucker for the "top of the line." I haven't always attained it but I was, and am, sharp enough to know when I am onto something special.

Everything in that room was refined and understated. The people were a bit older and definitely financially comfortable. No raucous yelling or pushing with the other racing fans. Stanley, this was the Waldorf.

My pal Marty had been a horse owner for about three years and like most owners had suffered a financial and emotional collapse. His horse Citadel had sinus problems and couldn't breathe properly when running. That was a serious handicap and the results were sad and costly.

As they say about boat owners and horse owners, "The best two days are the day you buy them and the day you sell them."

We started betting and eating around 12:30 p.m. and the first race started at 1 p.m. I bet the horses' names and Marty bet the facts and figures. "How much has the horse won previously?" "What is their best speed?" I asked.

Some of the horses I bet on were Shady Lawyer, Head of State, Freddie the Leader, Dame Edna, Conflagasion, Dat You Miz Blue and finally my only winner ($9.30 for place and show only), Wrangler.

Marty had lost every race and I had lost every race but one. We left after the seventh race, but I loved every minute of it.

Total deficit $38, but a lovely gracious afternoon, well spent, with an old pal.