“Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.
There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.”
-Bing Crosby
Although the trek out to California was long and tiring, we “gained three hours” and I was able to sit oceanside, catch some rays and enjoy the simplicity of the beach.
The beach seriously cures a multitude of ills—I’ve know since day one that this ambassador position only lasts a year but it’s already almost September and the stress/fears of finding a new job have began to creep up on me. Luckily, a day at the beach helped me clear my head & helped me to refocus on what I want.
Solana Beach
Later that night I had to cheers to being in California with a Margarita, duh!
Early Wednesday morning we had an early morning TV interview on U-T TV.
& then we headed to see the track, FINALLY!
One of the best parts about the track is that the breeze; the weather is perfect!
We also got word that the jockey’s room makes the best breakfast burritos in California. They were some awesome burritos, I could have eaten one every morning!
Jose was obviously enjoying his burrito & Mexican coke.
{Rafael Bejarano is in the background looking over the card}
later that day the boys & I went back to the track to catch some races in our free time.
Later that night we headed out to Rancho Valencia for the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic Post Position draw.
It’s Southern California’s premier luxury resort and man, oh man, was it STUNNING!
I didn’t finish filling out all of the Morning Line Odds before taking the picture, oops!
Thursday morning we had another TV interview {so fun), this time on Good Morning San Diego.
While setting up the ABRV for our segment I saw a familiar face walking out of the studio… I thought I could be wrong but we’re in Cali so ya never know who’ll you’ll bump into. I called over to the team to get someone else to verify —
I was right, IT WAS STEVE-O from Jackass.
Team ABRV with our new pal, Steve-O
Yes, it was his idea to take individual selfies with each of us.
We got to got to the NTRA Legislative Update after the races.
Later that night we caught this awesome sunset!
Friday’s races didn’t start until 4:00 so we were able to catch some rays {&waves} at the beach before heading to Del Mar to host our VIPs.
Saturday: Del Mar {and some other groups} were trying to break the record for the World’s Largest Instagram Meet. The event was 40s themed complete with old cars & burlesque dancers. Everyone was using the hashtag #HauteAsEver13 on their instagram pictures.
It was also a HUGE day in Saratoga. The Travers Stakes is referred to by many as the ‘Mid-summer Derby’ — I was excited to watch Orb {Kentucky Derby 2013 winner}, Verrazano {Haskell 2013} & Palice Malice {Belmont Stakes 2013} go up against each other again.
To many people’s surprise Will Take Charge went on to win the Traver’s followed by Moreno & Orb.]
Back to the instameet; look how awesome some of the people looked!
Later that day a few of us went up to the press box to catch one of the last races.
How awesome is this view from the press box?!
AHHMAZING!
Sunday // Pacific Classic Day!
Although it was on TV, it was awesome to watch Royal Delta & Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith’s impressive win in the Personal Ensign at Saratoga!
Inside the paddock & view of some fans from inside the paddock.
Even ‘Pony Boy’ was sportin’ some new ABR gear 😉
Game On Dude romped in the Pacific Classic with an 8 1/2-length lead with jockey Martin Garcia. While he looked like he was the best, I was skeptical since he didn’t seem to like the poly. I was rooting for Kettle Corn (who came in 3rd).
Cool side note about Game On Dude — He’s owned by a group that includes Joe Torree, former manager of the New York Yankees.
Game On Dude just after crossing the finish line.
What a wonderful trip to California. We made so many new fans & friends. Looking forward to finally being back in Lexington in my apartment for the next few weeks before we head back out West to visit Santa Anita {near LA} for the Awesome Again Stakes.
**Also, my sister Lexi moved into her college dorm this week and started classes — ahh, now I’m feeling old.
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Horsing Around America 