Memories of Hollywood Park
It was nearly 15 years ago when I made my first visit to a racetrack. My grandparents were visiting my family in Los Angeles and we had a “down day” with nothing on the schedule. So my mother suggested that we all go to Hollywood Park. This was my introduction to the world of racing, and although it did not leave a lasting impression at the time, I would later revisit the foundation that mother had poured that day. For the more-than-causual race fan visiting the racetrack with family makes the entire atmosphere different
So as the sun sets for the final time on the historic Hollywood Park, I have found myself reflecting upon the significance of this track as it pertains to my love of racing. Many friends on social media have been discussing their favorite memories, races, or horses throughout Hollywood Park’s esteemed history. I have only been there once, and I cannot remember a single horse or race that I watched, but I do remember the anticipation as the horses went to post. I do remember the exacta that we hit when my grandfather said he added $1 dollar to his bet for me. I do remember hearing my mom cheering in ways I had never heard at Dodger games. It was the perfect introduction to the sport of kings.
My wife recently gave birth to our two twin boys, and as I was sitting in the hospital room this past Saturday afternoon, I had some down time of my own. So while holding my sleeping son Andrew, I opened my laptop, fired up my sling box, and turned to TVG. It was 15 minutes to post on the Native Diver Handicap. I was super excited that this would be Andrew’s first exposure to racing, and even though he will never remember it, I will. Blueskiesnrainbows was my choice for this race in my handicapping competition, so I was curious to see how he would do.
Before the start of the race, I was sure to turn my 3-day-old sleeping child toward the computer screen as if I was expecting it to elicit some type of response. When Blueskiesnrainbows won the race in wire-to-wire fashion, I raised my son’s tiny arms in the air so he could celebrate with me. My wife was shaking her head at me with a smile on her face, most certainly thinking how ridiculous I looked. It then dawned on me that my son’s first exposure to horse racing may not have been at Hollywood Park, but it still used the track’s classic backdrop as the setting. This moment instantly became my favorite memory of the track.
It is sad to think I will not be able to start a multi-generation tradition by taking them to Hollywood Park, but I am already beyond excited to share that first live racing experience with them, wherever that will be. The specific track is only one part of the equation. Other traditions, such as the anticipation of the race, grandparents hitting their exactas with help of a beginner’s luck, or dad’s embarrassing screaming and cheering will always be there. I can only hope that one day, my boys look back at this moment with as much joy as the first day at Hollywood Park was for me.