In the Crevices: Top Five Ways Racing Infiltrates My Life

Courtney, second from right, at the races at Santa Anita Park. (Photo courtesy Penelope P. Miller)
I like to think that I lead a pretty full and exciting life.
I’m 22 years old, and I am the current Miss Connecticut and got to be a semifinalist in the Miss America pageant. I am a dance teacher, a college student, and a businesswoman, running a nonprofit for off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). In other words, I’m a little busy. Like, all the time.
Somehow, between all of these various activities and more, I manage to squeeze in something else. A friend of mine told me the other day that my eyes light up when I talk about horses and racing, even more so than when I am discussing any other subject that excites me. This sport and these animals that I am passionate about, they seep into the tiny gaps in my life and infiltrate themselves into my occupations and pastimes.
How very romantic that sounds.
The reality is that I spend my days thinking about horse racing when I should be focusing on something related to my job or education. I like to joke sometimes that I am a degenerate gambler at heart. To prove my dedication, I am constantly searching for little ways to fit my sport of choice into that minute here or there that is yet to be occupied by some other commitment. In the crevices of life, if you will.
This past Saturday, racing fans were blessed with a day full of reminders of why they love this sport. There was Dortmund’s win by a nose over Firing Line in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The impressive win by Far From Over in the Withers Stakes, who launched from his last place position to the front of the pack, in the process making him a new early Kentucky Derby choice. The culmination of the day was #TheRematch between Shared Belief and California Chrome in the San Antonio Stakes, where Shared Belief achieved what many considered redemption after his controversial fourth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It was one of those days that only got more exciting as it went on.
SHARED BELIEF WINS THE SAN ANTONIO

Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
This got me thinking – with racing all over the country and the world, especially on great race days such as this, how do we ensure that we don’t miss anything? Moreover, there must be ways to stay updated when life takes over and there is no time to spend hours handicapping, before spending more hours actually watching the races, and then most likely spending even more hours crying over all the money just lost.
With so much available online and the prevalence of social media, it’s much easier these days to avoid some serious FOMO (fear of missing out) when your favorite horse is running but your boss has insisted that your latest project must be done by Monday, or your wife is adamant that those windows need to be washed today.
Or, if you’re like me and it’s completely normal to write a paper on the influence of philosophy in popular culture, and then go put on fake eyelashes, high heels, and a crown and mingle with people you have never met before. Typical day, right?
On Saturday after the San Antonio, I went as Miss Connecticut to a charity wine tasting event put on by a local exchange club. I spent a great deal of my time there talking about the epic Shared Belief/California Chrome showdown (disclaimer: Chromie for life). I find that people love to talk about my involvement in the racing world because, unfortunately, you don’t meet many young women like me who know an absurd amount about Thoroughbred breeding and conformation.
COURTNEY AT A WINE TASTING ON SATURDAY

Photo courtesy of Acacia Courtney
Beyond being a fan, staying up to date with what is happening in the horse racing industry is a great way to be educated and full of stories to tell to new, prospective fans. I promise, your “Chromie is my homie” temporary tattoo will always be a great conversation starter.
Happy conversing, friends. 
My top 5 ways to stay up to date with horse racing:
1) Subscribe to Horse Races Now.
You’ll get a daily newsletter emailed to you with all of the latest stories in racing, and some great guest commentaries. This is what I read in the mornings with my coffee when I probably should be doing homework.
2) Make friends at the racetrack, and have them keep you updated.
Go ahead, be social. It’s not going to hurt you. In fact, it will only help you. I’ve learned so much from talking to random people at the racetrack and then following their subsequent visits or at-home race commentary.
3) Make friends with DVR.
Pay attention to the upcoming races that you want to see, then record them at home and watch at your convenience.
4) Follow @ABRLive and all the America’s Best Racing ambassadors on Twitter.

Horse racing people in general are very active on Twitter, posting updates, videos, and photos. If you do nothing else, do this step.
5) Tweet your own thoughts and join (or start) a conversation.
You already live-tweet the Grammy’s and Scandal on Thursday nights, so why not dive in and share your thoughts on horse racing?