Amen Skipper. Add Jug, Hal, Champ, Jazz, Yeah Baby, Just Saying, and a few others to the mix and let the debating begin. I sure hope everyone can make it to Balmoral 11/9 to hopefully get our picture taken again.
For those of you who have been to Balmoral with us the last few years, you might remember my co-worker Greg. Greg lived in Crete so he lived only a few minutes from the track. He jumped at the chance to join us at the track, meet some new friends, have a few beers and laughs, and make a few wagers. Greg is on the far left in the photo below. Greg had this win photo in his office and was PROUD to have been there. It made him feel like a celebrity going out onto the track and be part of this photo. Greg was a successful mechanical engineer who would travel to all our offices working on various projects. I always looked forward to seeing Greg. He was part older brother, part father-figure to me. His office at my facility was right across from my desk.
As you can tell from all the past tense references, Greg died suddenly this past spring. Why do I share this? Mostly to thank the entire Burke gang for allowing us (Greg included) to share in their success with this simple photo. At Greg's visitation his wife and son thanked me for inviting Greg to Balmoral for our annual outing. Apparently he would "brag" and show this win photo to neighbors, family, even at church. Greg even knew that Foiled wasn't just any horse, but a special horse on the verge of being the richest harness horse of all time. (I told him, lol) As is tradition, there were pictures all over the room at Greg's visitation. One of them was this win photo. His wife told me that's what he would have wanted.
Looking forward to November 9th. Let's have a drink (or two or three) in Greg's memory.
TonyB
im sorry to read of the loss of your friend.condelences to his family and friends.
it is always sad when we lose another avid racing fan.surely he is in heaven with all the others like rtp capping and cheering them home.
im sure he will be at balmoral in spirit on the 9th
