And They're Off, As If On Q: Photos From Arlington Park Racetrack on Chicago Blackhawks Day, August 6, 2016

It had been a few years since I'd gone to bet the ponies at Arlington Park, and last Saturday seemed opportune.

My sister Allison was open to joining me and became all the more interested when we learned that it would be Chicago Blackhawks Day at the racetrack.

Though both big Hawks fans, her even more so than me, we didn't see much need to "pony up" $85 for a special Blackhawks package, especially as no current players were scheduled to be in attendance.

And as it turned out, with Coach Joel Quenneville signing autographs in the paddock area from 2:30-3:30pm--Hall of Fame goalie Tony Esposito was doing likewise--we were able to simply queue up for Q and say hello, get a signed photo and even snap a couple pictures with the second winningest coach in NHL history (behind only Scotty Bowman).

Here are a few photos from a fun day, including a new hat for me and one that Allison envied.

All photos (except Joel Quenneville autographed photo) by Seth Arkin, copyright 2016. Do not repost without permission and attribution.

When the Whip Comes Down: Capturing a Day at the Races

I can't claim to be the biggest horse racing aficionado, nor much of a bettor.

But the Arlington Park racecourse has always been a pleasant place to spend a nice summer afternoon, and having not been there for a few years, I decided to go yesterday.

With many of the races sporting reduced fields, supposedly due to scratches emanating from turf races being switched to dirt due to soggy conditions, odds on nearly all the horses were rather low.

So I tried my hand at a couple exactas and trifectas, but only won on a single Show bet that paid out a dollar or so (the horse actually won and paid $15). And after 5 of 9 races, I decided I'd had enough.

But it was a nice few hours and I always enjoy taking photos of the thoroughbreds. Here are a few of the best from Sunday, June 30 at Arlington Park: