Discovering the Right Key to picking a winner
About €70 down and five days still to go. My head tells me to listen to the experts but a kink in my reasoning throws caution to the wind once I hit the totes.
I can’t resist the pull of the pin-stick winner and the name of a horse can excite more than a ‘certainty’ to win.
I dithered over Talking Cents and Ross Moff in the second and opted for the latter choice. Bad move. My horse came second for the second time in a row, a familiar pattern by now. Everyone loves a winner, but when you’re constantly picking the runner-up, it’s akin to playing bridesmaid and never the bride. I am an ‘also ran’.
Beginner’s luck my arse.
But enough of my whinging. If my mood seems gloomy, it’s not. “Winning isn’t everything,” as the man said, and if the Galway Races are robbing me left, right and centre, it feels like a victimless crime.
Temperatures yesterday were a distinct improvement on the opening day and race-goers were lapping it up. From the well-heeled to the well-oiled, they poured in and out of marquees parting with cash as readily as a drunk parts with his dignity.
Bertie, our Taoiseach, was among the masses, surrounded by a gang of heavies, and I don’t mean security staff.
He was astride Lady Luck, having picked The Posh Paddy, winner of the first race.
As with every big event, the races bring highs and lows, and this year was no exception.
Rory Cleary’s win in the fourth race, on board Palace Star, was a celebration tinged with sadness. His brother, Sean, died tragically last year while competing.
If the races inspire mixed emotions, the predominant one is enjoyment.
I finally savoured victory in the fifth race.
I chose Right Key, not because it was an anagram of my name (recommended method in Horse Racing Ireland’s beginner’s guide) but because my typing was flawless despite the odd glass or five of champagne.
Roll on the Galway Plate. My day in the sun is upon me.
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