Quote from Bgtolex25 on June 25, 2026, 6:18 PM

Really cool to see.  Next week I have been offered the opportunity to shadow the judges at The Red Mile for qualifiers and at the fair in nearby Versailles.  Can’t thank them enough, as a try to figure out how I want to spend my retirement in horse heaven.

Quote from Purple Aura on June 25, 2026, 7:19 PM

Norm, you'll be a better judge than any horsemen. Here in Michigan back in the day if you couldn't make it as a horseman you became a judge. Working in the mutuel dept. When the horses hit the wire the judges make a early call on the finish. Tote enters the results has prices ready if the judges make the right call. They were often to busy watching Red Wing games to make the call when the horses hit the wire. 

Quote from Lonnie on June 26, 2026, 1:53 PM

Quote from Bgtolex25 on June 25, 2026, 6:18 PM

Really cool to see.  Next week I have been offered the opportunity to shadow the judges at The Red Mile for qualifiers and at the fair in nearby Versailles.  Can’t thank them enough, as a try to figure out how I want to spend my retirement in horse heaven.

@bgtolex25, that is so cool!  I can't wait to hear about your experience.

Quote from Bgtolex25 on July 3, 2026, 2:41 PM

Today was day #2 of shadowing the Presiding Judge, Casey Lawson and team.  Wednesday was at the Red Mile for mainly baby qualifiers.  Today and tomorrow at Highbramble Park in Versailles for the Kentucky Proud Series.

A couple of photos from today in the judges stand.

Included in the first shot:

1.  Presiding judge
2. Assoc. judge
3. Timer
4. Photo finish staff
5. Charter
6. Race Announcer. Unbelievable talent.  Churchill Downs’ very own Travis Stone calling his 12th harness race card.  It didn’t register when I introduced myself to him.  After the first race I was bewildered, as were others in attendance.  You could see people taking pictures and probably like me doing quick google searches to verify who we were hearing on the call.

I have some thinking to do.  You can’t own horses in Kentucky and be a judge or a racing official.  It could be a conflict as well if your out of state trainer brought horses into the Commonwealth, even if the horses are not your own.  Some jobs you can perform…others you can’t, so I have to figure that out.

Spoke to Eric Patalan and Kathy, while Boitano was racing.  They were disappointed with the break in stride.

Quote from Lonnie on July 3, 2026, 2:52 PM

Quote from Purple Aura on June 25, 2026, 7:19 PM

Norm, you'll be a better judge than any horsemen. Here in Michigan back in the day if you couldn't make it as a horseman you became a judge. Working in the mutuel dept. When the horses hit the wire the judges make a early call on the finish. Tote enters the results has prices ready if the judges make the right call. They were often to busy watching Red Wing games to make the call when the horses hit the wire. 

Cammie Haughton went that route.

Quote from Lonnie on July 3, 2026, 2:54 PM

Quote from Bgtolex25 on July 3, 2026, 2:41 PM

Today was day #2 of shadowing the Presiding Judge, Casey Lawson and team.  Wednesday was at the Red Mile for mainly baby qualifiers.  Today and tomorrow at Highbramble Park in Versailles for the Kentucky Proud Series.

A couple of photos from today in the judges stand.

Included in the first shot:

1.  Presiding judge
2. Assoc. judge
3. Timer
4. Photo finish staff
5. Charter
6. Race Announcer. Unbelievable talent.  Churchill Downs’ very own Travis Stone calling his 12th harness race card.  It didn’t register when I introduced myself to him.  After the first race I was bewildered, as were others in attendance.  You could see people taking pictures and probably like me doing quick google searches to verify who we were hearing on the call.

I have some thinking to do.  You can’t own horses in Kentucky and be a judge or a racing official.  It could be a conflict as well if your out of state trainer brought horses into the Commonwealth, even if the horses are not your own.  Some jobs you can perform…others you can’t, so I have to figure that out.

Spoke to Eric Patalan and Kathy, while Boitano was racing.  They were disappointed with the break in stride.

Very cool.  Decisions.  Decisions!

Quote from Purple Aura on July 3, 2026, 8:11 PM

Pretty cool day. Whatever you decide Norm good luck!!!

Quote from MaywoodAl on July 3, 2026, 9:30 PM

Can you do what many harness people do, make the wife the owner?