Riders Up! Handicapper Down...

By Lee G. Harvey

‘Riders Up, Handicapper Down!’ A roller coaster ride of winning & surviving! It comes alive with descriptions of the Del Mar Race Track at Fairgrounds, its’ architectural beauty overlooking the waves of the Pacific Ocean moving in musical motion, caressing the shore. You sit in the stands, rooting for that special horse that was born to be a star! This is heaven, a great day at the races!
But wait! A young lady is missing, after winning a large amount of money at the track. Driving down the road a happy winner! Without warning her world falls apart! Kidnapped, not for the money she had won, but for an unusual reason that will blow your mind!
Be with her, hold her hand as she goes through this harrowing experience! Say with her to the end as the story concludes it will grab you. You may cry…but assure you the ending will bring smiles back to your face! ENJOY!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664137288

Lee G. Harvey

Lee is a transplant from the Smokey Mountains to San Diego. There is a saying in the mountains, ‘ You can take the girl out of the mountains, but you can’t take the mountains out of the girl’s heart.’ So true! Glass Ceilings were broken time and again as she tackled all the construction trades in the State and conquered them. Holding numerous licenses. She had a desire in her heart to write from a young age but never had time, until now. She has authored three books, two published, one on the way to the publishers and one in process. “Terror on Top of Ole Smokey” & “L.O.L. Laughing Out Loud @ Myself” Published on Amazon “Riders Up, Handicapper Down” In Publication Read one of her books and you are addicted!

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

What a beautiful place, Del Mar Fairgrounds! Shy felt right at home, a sense of belonging. Living in the San Diego area for several years, she had visited this site many, many times. There were the yearly attractions such as the Home Show, the Garden Show, the Antique Show, and the Del Mar Fair, as well as many other activities going on that drew large crowds. She had attended many of the special events through the years, however, the thrill of the race track was what she loved!

As she approached the entry to the Del Mar Race Track she glanced back to the parking lot behind the Exhibition Hall where she had parked her truck. For years her route into the track was off Via De La Valle at the west end where you could park behind the building and avoid the long lines of cars waiting to park in the front parking lot.

The history of how the race track came about is an amazing story in its self. Would you believe that Bing Crosby was the enthusiastic catalyst who saw a vision of what this area could become…not only a great Fair Ground, but also a Race Track that would bring thousands of people to enjoy the excitement of the races!

Like the laid back Bing, the Del Mar Race Track has a similar mood.

Patrons seem to move more slowly through the crowds and a friendly chat with others waiting to place their bets. Bing brought other well-known friends such Pat O’Brien, Oliver Hardy, and other interesting people to serve on the Board of Directors where he served as President.

Others joined with enthusiasm, Joe E. Brown, Gary Cooper and other prominent people. The place came alive!

William Murray seemed to sum up the trade mark of the track in his book, Del Mar Its Life and Good Times. What this is, it’s more of a mood, a way of life.

Now Shy felt the same emotions for the track, the races, and the feeling of being with friends who share the excitement of a long time sport. As she entered the racing area she walked over to the paddock to view the horses that would be in the next race. Checking out each horse as it pranced by the crowd she could see the glistening muscles along the hip area, shining from the loving brush down they had received.

Passing by Shy, as she leaned over the barricade, was a horse that walked with its head up and doing a little dance for attention. As he came close, his head went up, his bright shining eyes catching eye to eye with Shy. His head swung close toward her and she could swear that he winked at her! Her heart was pounding as he danced and pranced by her. When the last horse for the paddock walk passed by she turned and entered the building.

Approaching the betting area she selected a teller that she knew and waited a few minutes in line talking ‘horse talk’ to the man in back of her in line. The teller flashed a smile and a big hello at Shy as she placed her bet.

How’s the wife and children, Hubert? Hope they are all well. Shy leaned in close to the teller so the line behind her would not get irritated at the time she was taking, but there was plenty of time before the race would start.

Oh, everyone is doing fine, and you? This patron was his favorite and they had become friends during the many seasons Shy had come to his window.

Well tell Gwen I really liked the cookies she made for me during the last run. Now she has me spoiled on her homemade ones. Thank her for me, okay?

Sure will, she will be happy you enjoyed them. Here’s your ticket, and best of luck to you, Shy.

Thanks, Hubert, this is the only race I’m doing today. Bye now! Shy turned and smiled at the man behind her in line. Good luck to you today. As she walked away.

Without hesitation she made her way to the seat she always occupied. Her favorite seat was on the apron of the Club House, front row, right at the edge of the track. This was the ideal seat to be able to see the horses up close as they crossed the finish line and be able to clearly identify the winner.

So many of the early races were Maiden Races. These horses were young, some had raced a few times but others were racing for the first time. Hard to handicap, so Shy always passed on those races. Her arrival was perfect, the horses for the main event were being walked toward the gate.

CHAPTER 2

The English tinged voice of the caller of the race came loud and clear throughout the stands as she came to her regular seat. Hundreds of racing fans stood in expectation of the excitement of the next seconds when the call would come, Riders Up!

"The horses are approaching the gate and all going in. Wait a moment!

Number 5 has decided he would rather play to the crowd, dancing and prancing. Showing his spirit! The rider is now gently nosing him into position."

The horses are in the gate, Riders Up. A loud clang is heard as the gate in front of each horse is opened in unison as thousands of pounds of horseflesh take off. This is their life! Every thoroughbred, every jockey, trainer, and a true race fan lives for this moment of expectation and glory! Ten beautiful shining horses rush by in front of the stands. The sound of hooves are thunderous and with the stamping of human feet, as well the roar of the crowd, shakes the stands. They are off!

Shy stood with the crowd and cheered. This was exciting! Shining horses flying past, hooves barely touching the ground! The favorite was out in front by four lengths. Shy had not bet on the favorite but a longshot, Number 5, running in the back of the pack. The majority of racing fans always bet on the favorite even if they were seasoned bettors.

Many of the fans bet on the jockey, the trainer, or even the color of the jockey’s shirt. Having been at the races through many seasons Shy had overheard women in the bathroom discussing their bets on the best looking jockey.

The caller was excitingly calling furlong by furlong as the horses continued around the track. Two or three going to the front but some of the horses were moving at a slower pace, saving energy for the important last stage of completion. A good Jockey knows his horse. They are acutely aware of the ability to keep a slower pace and then come alive with speed when needed to win.

Blazing round the first turn a couple of the horses had changed positions. Shy’s Number 5 was in the middle of the pack, crowded close to the rail, a really bad spot, the leader about five lengths in front. Down the back stretch they come! Like a moving army racing shoulder to shoulder not giving an inch. Along the backstretch the horses began to move up, prepared for the last turn in the track.

The horses come to the top of the stretch, in a cluster, ready to break out when their jockey asks for more speed. Occasionally you could now see the slight flip of the whip. The rules of using the whips are very strict. If used in a way that could hurt the horse that rider could be disqualified.

With the jockeys urging them on to the finish line to win first place the horses responded with a burst of unbelievable energy. The jockey on Number 5 had jostled his way out of the crowd and was now racing in second place. As they neared the finish line he appeared to been given a shot of adrenaline, pulling up almost neck to neck with the leader.

The thousands of fans in the stands are now on their feet, shouting, whistling and rooting for the leader. As the horses reach the finish line the favorite’s head goes down as the long shot tosses his head up and up, and even higher. Another couple of inches made the difference! Won by a nose! For a split second the crowd went silent, only a handful of people were cheering…..race won by a 40-1 longshot!

The last race was a maiden race and Shy never bet on those due to the uncertainly of picking a winner. Shy compared Maiden races to throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what would stick! She gathered up her things and made her way to the betting windows. After several years of betting she knew that with her winning a large amount that she would have to visit the IRS teller.

CHAPTER 3

As she approached the IRS window, Bob, the teller, a person she knew very well from many trips before, saw her and a big smile came flashing from the round friendly face.

I was wondering a bit ago if you were here and waiting to see your ticket. I keep hoping that one day you will give me your secret of winning. Oh, my goodness, the 40 to 1 winner! Wow, that’s a good one. He continued to smile and shake his head as he counted out the bills. Then she filled out the required IRS information.

Looking around the area he spotted a uniformed staff member and called him over. Where is Keith, I need him to escort this young lady out to her car.

Well, Keith is not here right now, he’s with another patron. Let me find someone else.

Shy spoke up quickly and said, That’s okay, I will be fine. I am parked just behind the Bing Crosby Hall. That area is well lighted, don’t worry.

Bob spoke up quickly, No, we will get an escort right away, my supervisor would be very upset if I let you walk out with this amount of money without security. Now, just sit down over there and someone will be right here.

Not wanting to cause any problem Shy sit in one of the chairs. Bob was right. A uniformed security officer came over to her and said, My name is Harley and I will be happy to walk with you to your car. Shy waved to Bob as she left the room with the guard by her side across to the parking lot where she had parked her truck. The security guard waited patiently while she started the truck and pulled out of the space, waving to her as she left.

There was only one other car that was waiting to pull out as she passed. Someone else leaving early.

The traffic out of the lot would be easy. The days were short this time of the year and a cape of gray darkness was beginning to settle down over the area as she exited the entry gate. Stopping as she came to Valle De Villa she waited for a couple of cars to pass.

Hardly any traffic at this time. Turning right she picked up speed and immediately she felt a change in her truck, it was pulling to the right and she could hear an unusual sound. ‘I had better pull over, must be a tire.’

Pulling off the street she stopped and got out of the truck. Now darkness was setting in so she took the flashlight out of the pouch on the door. Clicking it on, she walked around the truck checking the tires. There was the problem! The right rear tire was almost flat on the ground. ‘Must have picked up a nail somewhere along the way. Shining the light on the tire she could not see what had caused the flat, ‘Oh well, I will have to call AAA.’

She stood up just as a van pulled up behind her car. Walking back to her front passenger door she laid the flashlight on the seat.

As she turned the van driver was walking toward her. Do you need help, what’s the problem? Telling him about the flat he asked did she need to change to the spare.

No, I have AAA and I will call them to come out. I’m okay and will just sit in the truck until they come. They are always very prompt when one calls.

Shy never heard the approach of the person