Digital Camera SIG
Away to the Races!
by Ken Beattie
he popular Camera SIG ran away to the races on the Labour Day holiday weekend. We were given the opportunity to see the harness racing as few others can. Our members Ann and Tom Widdowson took us behind the scenes to see the backstretch, which is not usually open to the public. This area includes the horse barns, tack up area and rider station.
Victoria has a long history of horse racing. The Victoria Driving Club hosted harness racing at Beacon Hill Park as early as 1889. In 1954, Sam Randall, the B.C. Thoroughbred industry’s principal founder and most important personage, purchased the Matson Farm near Sidney. This and adjacent properties would become Sandown Park. Business was so good at Sandown by 1980 a decision was made to invest almost $1 million on a new grandstand, private boxes, a clubhouse dining area and backstretch improvements.
Light rain was falling off and on. The announcer suggesting this would give a ‘fast track’. There was a large crowd in the grandstands but many empty seats out in the rain. Mary preferred to watch from under her umbrella.
The sounds of the “call to the post” caught my attention, as a race was about to start. Horses with their carts and drivers began to warm up then return for the moving start. Race start was on the far side of the track. The race was usually one and a half times around the track before crossing the finish line in front of the grandstands.
Then came the swell of excitement as the Announcer yelled, “They’re off!” The crowd gathered at the rail to watch the jostling for position. Drivers are looking for an opening to pass the one ahead and the leader working hard to stay out front.
Rounding the final turn horses and drivers give it their all. Mud splattering. Legs flying, tails swishing in the wind as the pack rushes to the finish. The excitement peaks with the crowd cheering on their favourite.
Number one pulls away to a commanding lead and takes home the win.
In addition to watching the action on the track, there was the excitement of being able to bet on the out come of each race. As a first timer to the track, I had to have it all explained to me by one of our experienced betting members, Rolande.
She helped me place my bet. It certainly added to the excitement (stress?) of that race. Wonder of wonders the one I picked won! I went to collect my winnings. Now I could take the group out for a celebration. The clerk congratulated me and rang up my winnings. A whole $3.70.
Under the stand’s apron, out of the rain, a band was playing. To the side, the concession was filling the air with the smell of burgers and hotdogs. 
Yet, despite all of the action going on, two boys found it more exciting to try get closer to the horses by digging under the fence.
Horse racing has been called the “Sport of Kings”. Is it any wonder with so much excitement, action and the Camera SIG Photoshoot all happening in one place?
