And They're Off - Riders Up! Launches

Welcome to Riders Up! The essence of the blog will capture my passion for horse racing while its birth is derived from my annual newsletter of the Kentucky Derby.  In 2005 it started with an e-mail to friends and last year blossomed into a full-blown newsletter and a larger following (stable).  This year, I enter the "blogosphere" with my maiden entrance into this media.   

Horse racing has been a passion dating back to pre-high school when my parents (Jim and Barb) would pack us (Tracy, Jason and I) up and take the Chevy Astro to Canterbury Downs.  My Dad then claimed Super Count as a Christmas gift for my Mom.  Memories of driving to a horse farm on Christmas day to "meet" our new family member are forever ingrained.

My affinity for the Kentucky Derby dates back to 1995 when as a college senior I made the pilgrimage  with many friends from Notre Dame down to Louisville.  Road trip yielded one speeding ticket, three stops and arrival in time to see the ladies load into the gate for The Oaks.  On a whim and watching from the infield, I was able to hit with Thunder Gulch.  Jackpot! And so began my love for the fastest two minutes in sports and all its pageantry -- hats included. 

Thunder Gulch 1995 Derby Winner

I have since graduated to the grandstand when my now wife (Hillary) and I took in The Oaks and Derby watching Smarty Jones stomp through the mud to victory. She's hooked now after hitting the trifecta!  Unfortunately that was six years ago and my last voyage to the Twin Spires.  Unavoidably detained with my two children (James and Elle) and even school (Notre Dame MBA) I manage to remain an active punter with the Run for the Roses. 

Smarty Jones 2004 Derby Winner

The blog will have my past newsletters/e-mails (save 2005 -- no idea where it has wandered) and future posts of the grandest races.  Additionally, many tales and influences from my days at the track will be sprinkled in for comedy purposes.   It will be educational from envisioning a race unfolding to betting techniques to money management (being a trader this is highly important to a fruitful day at the races). 

Fun. Fun. Fun.  My commitment to provide comical yet useful insight to races the casual fan tunes into in conjunction with the non-Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup stakes races that are pivotal to trackside veterans will be ongoing. So with that off to the post parade and into the starting gates.  I unveil Rider's Up!  

Thank you for reading and feel free to spread the word about Riders Up!  Any feedback will be gladly accepted.  See you in the Winner's Circle. Riders Up!