I have to admit ... when I decided to visit the new (after a two year hiatus) incarnation of Les Bois Park, post Eric Spector-era (he having allegedly been kicked out of Idaho before Montana, allegedly), I wasn't quite sure what I was going to find. What I really expected, at 5:30 on a Wednesday night, was crap. (And P.S., after a nearly 8 hour drive from Butte, I did arrive 10 minutes BEFORE the 5:30 post time, thank you very much.
But it was amazing. A HUGE crowd, by bush track standards, betting real money by bush track standards, showed up, making lines at windows and concessions stands ... helped in no small part I'm sure by the fact it was Ladies Night and free admission for them (unlike my oppressive $2). And those ladies did show up for Ladies Night, in lots of Lady looking outfits.
I was impressed. It has been a long time since a visit to a racetrack has been a "happening", like this night was.
The most acclaimed horse of Ladies Night, winner of the 5th, #6 Chicswithbadhabitz. Our announcer (name not noted in program, sorry dude) had fun with that one, and disparaged the good women of Montana in the process - you DOG! - but hey, if this is what they go for in Boise ... thumbs up!
But even for the 1-1 winner of a 4 horse race, they were screaming their heads off. They were havin' a blast, and that's what it's all about. Now just bottle some up, and send it to the rest of USA Racing.
Then at one point I talked to an Idaho trainer, the nicest guy in the world, (Taylor?), about Idaho racing and Montana racing and the effect of a certain operator in both states, and I wish this guy the best in his future.
Boise you rocked.