Penn Nationalʼs Big Night

Racing on the Penn National turf course. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire. All other photos courtesy of Geoff Worden)
With racing 51 weeks of the year, Penn National probably struggles to break out of a routine sometimes. Saturday night took care of that with over a million dollars in stakes racing on what is, far and away, their biggest night. Happily, I was in Pennsylvania with my daughter visiting my mother. Miss Wright even flew in Friday night and we all enjoyed an adventure.
Family friends from Vermont relocated to Lancaster, Pa. a few years ago and we decided to meet them for lunch. Our drive into Amish country afforded us a few glimpses of horse-drawn buggies and farms but there were more strip malls and sprawl. We marveled at the unusual juxtaposition of two very different ways of life.
Our lunch destination was Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant. We met at the Lancaster location, there are ten others scattered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The town of Lancaster looks almost like part of Philadelphia with tree-lined streets and old, brick row houses. The restaurant was busy. Perhaps it was the focus on May being burger month (“31 burgers. 31 days”) or maybe the hero theme for the day - servers dressed in superhero t-shirts (some with masks). My daughter left with a mask, a cape and a huge smile. Iʼm guessing the real reason for the crowd, however, is the tasty food and fresh beer.
The burgers were juicy and well made. Miss Wright and I shared ours, one beef and one turkey - both with bacon. I thought the best flavor at our end of the table was the pulled pork sandwich my daughter ordered. Happily for me, she didnʼt finish and I got more than just a taste. The beers were delightful and I would welcome a return trip to explore some more. Everyone left happy, even those who ordered salad.
We headed out to Lititz for a stop at Wilbur Chocolate and a walk around town. Wilbur was crowded and tantalizing, with lots of chocolate treats to tempt you. The smell alone is a bit intoxicating. We debated touring the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery but decided it was too hot to be near all the ovens. Ice cream won instead. Isabellaʼs Ice Cream Parlor has pretzel cones, making my daughter feel like she got the best of both worlds.
If you venture to Lititz, be sure to make some time to relax near the pond in the center of town (adjacent to Wilbur Chocolate). We were all delighted to see so many baby ducks, and their different looks, exploring their world.
PENN NATIONAL

Our next stop was Penn National and we arrived in the rain. No one under 21 is allowed to enter through the casino so, despite dropping everyone off close to an entrance, they had to walk around the building to the paddock and come up some stairs. After some confusion on my end as well, I found them and marveled at the setting. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, the view is picturesque and the glass-centric design of the clubhouse allows for sweeping panoramic views.
Miss Wright and I both called ahead to investigate seats, dining and being inside due to the crowds and predicted rain. I made reservations at the aptly named Mountainview Dining and Miss Wright got us some box seats. We kept both once we learned more. Counter to the order of most other race tracks, Penn National ran their stakes races first that night. Mountain View was so busy they needed us to wait to sit until after the Penn Mile, the 4th race, a featured Grade 3.
Usually I like to be down in the mix at the rail and the paddock but this trip was about family so I stayed with the group. Miss Wright told me about a balcony with a view of the horses. Unfortunately, itʼs also the place smokers go to puff away but at least itʼs open air.
Mom was picking by name, my daughter was picking by name and odds. Miss Wright was looking for multi-race bets and being swayed by the excitement of the others while I tried more traditional handicapping. We all had a blast being together and having a rooting interest in each race.
There were some horses we were particularly excited about seeing: Benʼs Cat who came up short in the Governorʼs Cup, East Hall because Miss Wright and I saw the horse win the Indiana Derby last year (and she chatted with the owner for a while after) and certainly Ocho Ocho Ocho, even after a lackluster Derby performance. None of those won but the horse sharing the name of my recently deceased step-father did, making my momʼs night! King Henry took the 7th race to the delight of everyone in our group.
PENN NATIONAL PADDOCK VIEW

Miss Wright asked that I share a public service announcement about the seating in the box seat area. They operate like theater seats, folding up when you stand. The excitable Miss Wright leapt up a few times during the racing and twice sat down, forgetting the seat was not going to be there. She has a large bruise to show for it and recommends you donʼt do this.
After the fourth race, we made our way down one floor and then a long walk to our table for the focused menu of the night at Mountain View. Amusingly, we ended up less than 30 feet from our box seats, about five rows toward the track. On the table we had chowder, shrimp and crab meat, a salad course and some chicken, prime rib and flat iron steak. An assortment of deserts appeared at the end. The strawberry whoopie pie was the highlight for me.
As is all too often the case at race tracks, the food in the fine dining outlet is good, not great. The same goes for the safe, ʻyou can get it at the grocery storeʼ wine list. No one had any complaints though and there were some contented sounds from around the table throughout the night. It was also very busy, which rarely creates perfect versions of menu items. (Have you ever had the best food of your life on Motherʼs Day?)
Mountainview was so busy our excellent server, Megan, was moved from Skybox for the night. She recommended we return to Penn National and try the chicken and waffles: “hand dipped chicken, blueberry waffles, peppered red bull gravy.” My daughter was ready to go immediately. We lingered and watched the eighth race and decided it was time to head home, satisfied and happy to have made the visit.
Mention horse racing and the first thing to spring to mind is not necessarily family togetherness. I think this is changing and hope the trend of race tracks embracing inclusivity continues. No doubt, kids will enjoy nights like the upcoming “camels ‘nʼ ostriches ... zany exhibition races” (June 5 at Penn National). I hope families will discover the joys and excitement of live thoroughbred racing as well. My recent visit to Evangeline Downs featured a crowd that clearly embraced the family outing, even at a racino.
On the long ride back, my daughter drifted off to sleep, Mom kept telling me I was doing a good job driving and Miss Wright kept smiling at me and holding my hand. If an excursion to the races can create this kind of magic, please let me go every day.