My old bones, they ain’t what they used to be, but I still remember that River Downs live racing. The horses, the people, the shouting! Lordy, it was somethin’ else. You know what I mean? Back then we called it River Downs, these days they call it Belterra Park. Whatever you call it, it was a sight to behold!
They say it’s been around since 1925, long before I was even a twinkle in my daddy’s eye. Coney Island Racetrack, that’s what they used to call it. Then it became River Downs, and now this new name. Doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s still that place where the horses run like the wind. It’s by the Ohio River, you know. Pretty scenery, if you like that sort of thing. Me? I was always more interested in the horses.
That River Downs live racing, it’s like a whole other world. Big hats, people hollering, and the smell of the horses… and somethin’ else I can’t quite put my finger on. Excitement, maybe? Yeah, that’s it. Pure excitement in the air. You could bet on the horses, too. Some folks got lucky, some didn’t. I always picked the horse with the prettiest color, and sometimes I even won a few dollars.
- That place, it’s right there in Cincinnati, by the Ohio River.
- They got two tracks there, they say. Thoroughbred horses. Fancy, huh?
- Back in my day, we just called ’em fast!
- You could always bet, if you had the money.
- Some folks, they say they were “bookmakers”. I always though they were just good at taking your money.
They race all summer long. That’s what they tell me. Hot days, dusty track, and those horses just flyin’. It is something to see, even if you ain’t much of a gambler. They say that river downs place has more horses per race than any other track in the country. I don’t know about all that, but I know there were always a lot of horses running. It was hard to keep track, to be honest!
If you like horses, you’d like that River Downs live racing. They say it’s in the “heart of Cajun country” down in Louisiana. I ain’t never been there myself, but it sounds like a place where they know how to have a good time. I bet they have good food, too. And maybe some music? Cajun folks, they like to dance, or so I hear.
This place, Belterra Park, or River Downs live racing, whatever you wanna call it, it’s got history. They say it’s been there for over 90 years. That’s a long time. A lot of horses have run on that track. A lot of folks have cheered, and a lot of money has changed hands. That’s just how it goes, I reckon.
They race horses every day of the week somewhere, or so I heard. And they say that’s a good day out for everyone. Or you can stay at home to watch it. I bet there are many folks watching it and hollering.
You go down there, you just pick a horse by its number. Then you tell the fella how much money you wanna put down. And what kind of bet you wanna make. It’s simple, really. But like I said, some folks are just better at it than others. I always say, it ain’t about the money, it’s about the thrill of the race.
Now, if you find yourself down by the Ohio River, and you hear the thunder of hooves, well, you know you’re at the right place. Might be called Belterra Park these days, but in my heart, it’ll always be River Downs live racing. And that’s all I gotta say about that. It is a good memory, and if you go, you may also get a good day. Don’t be shy, just go and enjoy the race.