Childhood Memories of Thanksgiving and Horse Racing
As a kid growing up in northeast Baltimore, Thanksgiving Day was much like any other household in the United States. Wake up by 9:00am to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, go outside for a quick pickup football game in Herring Run Park with whoever may show-up, return home in time to watch the early NFL game from Detroit and then…
Well,
as I grew older it became apparent to me that my family’s Thanksgiving Day
tradition took a small detour from the majority of Americans. That most
families dinner commenced around 3pm, give or take an hour. Not so according to
the Quill family Thanksgiving tradition. We could watch the Dallas football
game until about halftime which was about the time my Pop-Pop Quill
and great-uncle Ray would arrive at our house from a day at the track.
Priceless!
That
was back in the 60’s and early 70’s. I miss those days… and my Pop-Pop and
Uncle Ray, who have long passed. And with their passing, so did the Quill
family Thanksgiving Day tradition. My Dad and I are still able to enjoy a day
at the races from time to time, but never on Thanksgiving Day. The Quill family
is now scattered throughout our great country and over the past 20 years I can
count on one hand the number of times we’ve been together on Thanksgiving Day.
Be thankful if you can spend this Thanksgiving Day with your entire family and
think about what tradition is special to you on the last Thursday in November.
A Thanksgiving Day Pick-4...
Laurel
Park has its own Thanksgiving Day
tradition which they started 26 years ago, in giving away either a pumpkin
or apple pie (after the 5th race). First race post for the nine-race card is
11:05 a.m. Pies will able available at both Laurel Park and Pimlico. For
those who wish to arrive early to handicap the card, free donuts with coffee or
cider will also be available from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. And if you get a call from
home telling you they burnt the turkey, invite them to meet you at Laurel’s
terrace dining room for a traditional, home-style Thanksgiving buffet for $22.95.
Friday
will be “Guys Day Out” with free
admission and live racing program for Laurel Park’s nine-race program as well
as $2 Natty Boh draft and Concession
Specials for all men at Laurel Park.
If
you need some help with your Laurel Park selections, you can always get my FREE opinions here on race day morning.
Best of Luck and hope you have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!