#HORSERACING: A YEAR IN THOROUGHBREDS (2013) BY MR. WILL

Anyone who knows me knows exactly where to find me on weekends.  I’ve been going to Woodbine Racetrack pretty much every weekend since Childhood – something that surprises many.  My Saturdays and Sundays were spent accompanying  Mom & Dad at the Races and as odd as it sounds, it was our Family thing. Instead of doing Homework, I’d study the Daily Racing Form and the Racing Journal.  And while other Kids my age were playing Video Games and watching Saved by the Bell, I was analyzing Bloodlines and Pedigrees, concocting imaginary Champions in my mind if one day I were to have millions and build my own Stable.

After taking a break through a stretch of the 2000s, I found myself missing the Sport v. much, occasionally keeping-track from afar. My Brother and I occasionally would update each other on the status of our Virtual Stables.  Of course, his always was doing better!

Visits  to the Races often were limited to occasional Family Dinners at the Track’s amazing Buffet.  It was $7.3-million-earning Superfilly Zenyatta who got me back into the Sport about four years ago, giving me someone to root for and thanks in due part also to my Buddy Keith who created popular Racing Blog TRIPLE DEAD HEAT,  I’ve fallen in love with  the Sport all over again.  I love bringing my Friends to the Races and some of them have walked away winning a pretty chunk of cash!

Of course, I don’t want to give the impression that I’m in it for the money – I’m more of a $2 Bettor myself to be honest.  My day at the Races gives me that much-needed pick-me-up and a recharge as more often than not, I find myself drowning in work whether it be my Office Job or my Blog.  Woodbine gives me that bit of an escape I need. And because it’s something so dear to my heart, there is something comforting about it that connects me to the Person I was growing-up.

With the 2013 Racing Season at Woodbine just having concluded last week, I find myself looking through the thousands of Photos I’ve taken throughout the year and reminiscing. As unconventional as it sounds, photographing Horses has made me a better Photographer in general, skills I can apply towards the Celeb-centric Photography I do on my Site.  As always is the case, I’m at a loss what to do on weekends for the next four months as our Equine Friends get their much-deserved Winter breaks at the Farm or training down south.  We truly are spoiled at Woodbine, getting to see World Class talent throughout the year in addition to the prestigious Queen’s Plate (July) and Pattison Canadian International (October).

I thought I’d share with you some of the Snaps I’ve taken of these gorgeous, talented Animals and Key Personalities in the Sport!  Horse Racing as you will see, is a v. visual Sport –  full of colour, flare and spirit.  Even when you lose a bet, it’s hard not to be happy for the Winners as their passion is infectious.  Behind every Horse is an intricate Team whom help craft that Success Story.

I love my Horses. But please keep that a secret from Billy though… we’ll keep him thinking Pups are #1!

See some of my Snaps below in this fast-paced Video Retrospective:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Audio content: Universal Music)