She kindly offered the trip to anyone who wanted to join her, so a group of us (including three-week-old Claire) went along to brush up on our finance too.
Golden Gate Fields is within walking distance of the village, and offers a $1 deal on race days: $1 for entrance, $1 for a beer, $1 for a hot dog. In the UK this would mean that you're going to a greyhound track, but here they have real horses! I had worn my cowboy hat especially, but evidently they frown on people wanting their photo taken sat on the winner.
My strategy for not losing money was not to bet any. I did manage to sneak into the VIP section through an open fire door, where you can throw your dollars away at your own silver-serviced table. Perhaps after their exams the Haas students will have learned how to beat the odds.
Horsies! I made an in-depth study of form before the race.
The horses get introduced by a trumpeter. It's true!
Vince and his dad Dick are confident they've picked the winners.
Under starter's orders.
Um...I missed the vital moment there.
Come on number nine!
Photo finish.
Not so good for Vince.
Dana feels at home in the VIP section.
"I was trying to tell him to parlay a pick-six on number five," Claire reflects.
