NCTony congrats again.

Mall let me set the record straight. My reference to Patti Hunt and Brooke Beaman had nothing to do with their good looks, intelligence and friendly personalities. I’ve have never met either but I will certainly take your word on it knowing for sure that you know Miss Patti because you won the Stampede Park Contest two years back to qualify for the NTRA/DRA Vegas Finals.

My reference to both of them was from the perspective that the DRF.com handicapping page gives more notability to the Contest organizers than the actual Contest winners. Completely the opposite from Poker, which manufactures stars out of nobody’s while racing keeps theirs in the closet. Mall with three consecutive years of qualifying for the Finals, and an overall third, you yourself are a Texas Dolly of sorts of Racing Contests. Except no one knows you. The Contests themselves are becoming more and more prevalent and the Purses are beginning to grow. Start making celebrities out of those who compete in them and win them, will interest others to take a shot and it will grow even more. That’s what Poker did.

TGJB I beg to differ on your surprise of an attractive and competent woman holding a high profile position in racing. Perhaps you didn't mean it the way I took it but there are plenty, Start with Jeanine Edwards and begin working your way down. Jan Rushton, Carolyn Conley, Blonde Rhonda at Calder whose job it is to stroke the high rollers. (Don’t they wish). Kim Goodwin formerly of the Maryland circuit was attractive until she swallowed a whole cow. There are too many others to name.

Now the story. I made my annual courtesy visit to the Paddock before this years Kentucky Oaks to visit good friend D.Wayne “The King” Lukas. Chit chat was casual until up walked Salesman, Hustler, Womanizer, Jockey Agent Ronnie Eubanks with his good friend Poker Superstar Phill Hellmuth. Introductions were made until Hellmuth felt compelled to clarify his introduction.

Hellmuth: Listen guys I am still the youngest person ever to win the World Series of Poker Main Event and am the proud owner of Ten Bracelets.

Lukas (humbly): Oh really, well I’ve won this next race Four Times and have won Fourteen Triple Crown Races.

Hellmuth: You don’t understand, Ten Bracelets is bigger.

Lukas: Not in my world it isn’t.

Laughter all around. Lukas then quickly changing the subject.

Lukas: Hey guys I had a first occur to me today when I was leading my horse over. A woman yelled out from the stands, “Wayne will you Marry Me”.

Eubanks: Have you two set a date yet. Everybody knows that’s one question you don’t know how to say no to..