Billk - We are of similar age and experience. I grew up in Arlington Heights and first went to the track with high school friends, maybe 1972.

I married and moved to the south side of Chicago circa 1988. I met Roger V when he lived near Halsted and Taylor. The TG sheets were still hand written. I remember when Roger got married (Linda?) and moved to Park Ridge.

When I retired I made a rule along the lines of - Don't stress about things out of your control. Yeah, I see all the stuff going on now, but I don't for a minute consider walking away or cutting back. I have one interest now, and it is the same as it ever was (my interest).

Sure, Brad Cox still fools me. Knicks Go taught me the hard way. You adjust. If racing contracts, or consolidates, oh well - not up to me. I can still find a bet here or there.

I applaud serious people who want to address the serious issues in racing. I'm just not one of them. But I will never despair. I still love racing.