I just had an awesome day. This afternoon I made my annual pilgrimage to the opening day of a horse racing meet out west. Because I am likely to go into the business in the next year or so, I went with the hopes of doing a little networking. I was very fortunate that in the very next race after I arrived I went to the paddock to watch the horses being saddled and after rider's up when a jockey was lifted into the saddle and went by me, the lady next to me shouted to the trainer and the jockey. I asked her if she was an owner or a friend, and she admitted she was the owner of the horse. We got to talking and towards the end of our conversation she said, "If he wins, why don't you join us in the Winner's Circle, that way you'll be in the picture and I'll remember you better the next time we meet."

Well, needless to say...he won. I don't think I've ever screamed quite so loud in any race I've seen. It wasn't a big race. It wasn't at a major track. It wasn't even my horse or a horse I'd ever followed before, but to my surprise I found myself, rather tearfully (I'll admit), in the winner's circle today with the owner, the jockey, the trainer, and some of their family. Being there absolutely sealed it for me. This is where I'm headed one day for myself and with my own horse.

To make it even sweeter the race photographer is printing me a photo of the finish and the winner's circle that I get to pick up in a few weeks from the track. I'll post a pic soon.