Kentucky Downs was a pleasant surprise. When I pulled up, I wasn\'t even sure it was a racetrack. Looked nothing like the traditional grandstand at most other tracks. Nice brick building could be mistaken for a cross between a colonial manor and a hotel. Small parking lot with spots available almost at the front door. The course itself is huge, but when they say that the races are on the \'weeds\', you can take that word literally.
Ruidoso was another pleasant surprise off the beaten path. Not the track, but the city. Refreshing getaway from the heat way up in the mountains. Beautiful pines as far as the eye can see. Memorable rustic watering holes in the evening, which I hope still have the charm that I remember from more than 30 years ago. I must admit that my fond recollections may be somewhat biased, as I had the company of a lovely lady who, unbeknownst to both us at the time, would later become my bride, and who is still with me to this day.
Must admit that the old Hialeah tops my list of all-time favorite tracks. Was so gorgeous back in the day. Not just the architecture of the building, but the gardens were so well designed and maintained that they were the site of many weddings during the off season.
