I was only 12 years old at the time. My mother had taught me to read the past performances in the racing form at age 9, but I really didn't get interested in the sport until the 1964 Belmont Stakes and Quadrangle.

I carefully perused the past performances for the 1964 Belmont Stakes the morning of the race, and announced to my parents, with all the confidence of a 12-year-old prognosticator, that Quadrangle at 10-1 on the morning line would indeed be the winner.

Now, in 1964 there were no simulcast outlets, just local (ahem) "businessmen" who would take your bets. Surprisingly, my dad announced (I'm sure to teach me a lesson) that he would call a "businessman" that he knew if I would produce the $2 that was needed for the transaction.

I returned from my secret stash of allowance money and produced not $2, but a $5 bill for the investment. My dad shook his head and made the phone call.

When Quadrangle won the Belmont Stakes and paid $15 to win, I was hooked on a great sport with great tradition and color. Forty-four years later, after following the races up-close and personal, I'm thrilled to be covering the sport for the Grand Island Independent.

I hope you will join us for coverage this year on not only the local racing scene at Fonner Park, but a look at the horse racing industry overall.

From the great equine athletes whose speed, power, and beauty thrill us all, to the most underrated great athletes on the sports scene today jockeys to some of the hardest working people in sports, which includes the trainers, grooms, valets, outriders, gate crew, etc., that makes the industry viable and fun.

Hopefully, we'll also pass along some information to help the most neglected part of the racing industry the gambler gain some insights on the races.

Obviously, "businessmen" are no longer necessary to place bets as Fonner Park not only plays host to a 35-day live meeting, but features daily simulcast wagering from outstanding racetracks coast to coast.

Just remember to wager within limits. There have been days when I know I feel like "The King," and other days when I feel like Quadrangle in 1964 was my last winner.

As Fonner Park opens live racing for its 55th consecutive year of thoroughbred excitement, we hope that you'll join us at The Independent for Grand Island's own rite of spring.

You can feel it in the air, that exhilarating feeling of winter turning to spring, the kind of weather that race fans join together to call "Fonner Weather."

Join us for the ride.