This post was written by Paul Turney and originally appeared in the Daily Racing Form Friday, October 4, 1996. It is about one of his favourite topics…his Dad. Enjoy!
Fort Erie, Ontario – Pops is coming for a visit. At 83, he’s somewhat eccentric, but loves the horses. He’s been punting at Winnipeg’s Assiniboia Downs for as long as I can remember, but the only other track he’s been to is Hastings Park, in Vancouver. My brother lives on the West Coast and when dad visits, they make it a point to take in a few days of racing.
I can’t wait to show off Fort Erie. Pops has always been one to appreciate lush, manicured greenery. I know that because of the way he made me trim the edges of our own lawn when I was a youngster. I grew up hating the sight of shears.
He also loves to wager – lotteries, Oscar the Mouse and horses. Even now the first thing he asks when I call him in Winnipeg is, “How’s the horse?” Not how are you, how’s the family, but how’s the horse. Pops is also quite an armchair trainer. He diagnoses ailments from 1,500 miles away, but his prescription invariably calls for a change in distance.
Pop’s been buying Daily Racing Form since before I was born, but I’m sure all he reads is the total money won and place of birth. Naturally, he bets on the horse which has earned the most cash, especially if it was foaled in Kentucky. His most important source of information, however, is ethereal. He sees numbers in the clouds, numbers in his dreams, and numbers in coffee stains. He lives to see numbers and then reroutes them onto tickets at the track.
I’ll never forget the time we were walking into Assiniboia Downs and he stooped to pick up a nickel from the asphalt. Studying the coin, he mumbled “1962. Nine and one is 10, six and two is eight. It’s going to be a 10/8 double.”
He trundled over to the wickets to place his bet, while my friends roared with laughter. Just before post time, I snuck away and bet that same double and put a fair bit of money on 10 in the first. The horse was a longshot, but I knew how lucky my pop was. Ten came home on top and I was up a chunk. Pop was grinning like a cheshire cat and my friends stopped laughing. We all be the 8 horse in the second – although the “guys” were somewhat tentative because this horse, too, was paying boxcars. I went to the $20 dollar wicket. Sure enough, here came Mr. 8, ears pricked and prancing at the front.
Pops was really happy now. He’d made about $130 but more importantly had something to talk about. I was up well over a grand but preferred to keep it quiet in case he wanted royalties.
I’ll be bringing pop to the races this weekend. I know that once he gets over the initial realization that a track can be an aesthetic wonderland, he’ll love it here – there’s a whole new bank of ticket sellers to entertain. You’ll know him when you see him. He’ll be the guy with sparks in his eyes when you tell him he can’t bet a 1-1 exactor. He doesn’t like the new rules and figures he’s been betting 1-1 for 40 years and should be allowed to continue. I’m sure glad he wasn’t here Monday when Mike Newell sent out his 1 and IA entry Layfield’s Locks and Royal Don to run one-two in the second race. The exactor was paid off on one-three, as Scottie Jr. ran third. Pops would have been a tad upset.
And me? I’m eager to see if my dad’s luck transcends geographic boundaries. He’s cashed some handsome wagers at Assiniboia and at Hastings, but after all, this is Ontario, a whole different country as far as racetracks go. Moreover, it’s Fort Erie. You need to read the Daily Racing Form. I’ll introduce my dad to Ken Jones at Handicapper’s Corner. Kenny deserves an opportunity to learn a different way to pick winners.
Happy Birthday Paul.
I hope you enjoy this blog put together especially for you.
Love,
M
Thank you M. You’ve sent me off on another adventure. Love you.
I love reading these again, Dad. I love you so much and I miss you. Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Ker. Sorry about the lateness of this reply. I didn’t know you could do it. Of course we’ve talked since your comment. Enjoy Lanai!
I hope this was the bestest birthday you could ever have
I miss you I hope you have bestest of this very special day.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you honey. I hope to see you soon.
paul paulsy turney is a chap I have known for over 30 years and one that really introduced me to the world of horse racing. I like to call him my best friend paulsy and do not ask me why, it is just that way. In 1977 we bought our first horse together, an old runner that Paul loved and sure enough he won first time out for us and I was hooked.
Paul and I worked at times together in the press box and our difference handicapping methods often had the box hot and heavy.
When paul left for Fort Erie things got real quiet and we seldom had contact but thankfully in 2002 you called me and we were back together and enjoying the Fort’s press box. Then you dummy, you left for Woodbine and broke up a great partnership in doing so.
But we get together often enough and I hope your new adventures with the magazine prove to one and all that you can make it a great success.
the happiest of birthdays paulsy,,,,cheers Bud
Thanks Budster. You’re the best!
Happy BirthDay grampa
Thanks big guy. See you soon! Love you.
I hope this birthday was the best in anyway that you could imagine.
I hope this very special day is the best because every birthday has a meaning.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Cyndi. You made my birthday more special than ever! Love you, sweetheart.
Reading about Grandpa brought tears to my eyes, you completely captured him with your words. I love you and hope you have a fabulous Birthday!
Me too, Trish. Thank you!
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