Wednesday, July 4, 2007

And They're Racing

The annual outing at Canterbury Downs for Independence Day was today, Independence Day. The cast of characters pictured below does not include TT, who was the photographer.


We were treated to horse racing, free hot dogs, a race among a whole bevy of wiener dogs, and a hot dog eating contest. The dachshund race was won by Gage, a 2-year old male, in a close race for his second consecutive win. The hot dog eating contest has become tradition for the 4th. Last year's champ, "Gus De Dog", a large man in a red teeshirt, returned to defend his title against several rotundish men and a single filly. Gus was able to defend, eating six dogs in about 90 seconds, if I remember the contest correctly. He dedicated the win to his departed parents in an emotional moment after the fray. The woman, who finished last, was asked about the contest and about what went wrong. She replied, "I like catsup."

This horse, Gentleman's Club, raced in the 5th race a few minutes after the photo was taken in the paddock. He was a lovely piece of horseflesh.


A photo of the horses coming to the finish line in the 5th race. Gentlemen's Club is in blue and somewhere in the photo, I think, tied for third at the time.


We had a fine time at the track. The hot dogs were much improved by the condiments supplied by Gino and family: saurkraut, banana peppers, and a fine variety of grey poupon mustard. The betting on the horses was just entertainment and we all went home with some money still in our pockets.

Wimby update. Venus beat Sharapova fairly easily, but Serena went down to Justine Henin in three sets, leaving the family honor (or should i say "honour") in Venus' capable hands. Federer plays again soon.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

A fine example of Minnesotans having fun on the fourth of July. Family traditions being honored. Or should I say honoured? SS