The start of Summer

A lot of people have a single event that they can point to that marks the 'official' beginning of their summer season. For some it is the first time they have to mow their lawn or start the planting of veggies in the back yard. For me the start of summer is marked by an event that occurs every year on the first Saturday of June. It happens out on Long Island where spectators come to watch the third leg of the triple crown, the Belmont Stakes.
The race itself is great every year as there is no telling which horse will win. Over the past six years I have seen favorites, long shots, and marginal horses win the third jewel of the triple crown. Never a triple crown winner in the past six year but hopefully that day will come sooner rather than later. I was never a huge horse racing fan until going to my first Belmont in 2004 where I saw Birdstone with a burst of late speed go on to beat Smarty Jones who was running for the crown. It didn't hurt that I won 160 bucks on that race but watching that horse take off late was just incredible.
The first Saturday in June really is more than just a day for great horse racing but instead a chance to grill burgers have some beers and spend time with friends. The relaxed feel in the parking lot is really what summer is all about to me. People just sitting back relaxing and soaking in the fun that is taking place all around them. The past couple of years have been even better experiences due to the terrific weather that has occurred on race day.
The race yesterday was another great one with the three favorites; Mine that bird, Dunkirk, and Charitable Man battling it out in the last 50 yards of the longest leg of the triple crown. These three only had their dreams broken by 11-1 shot Summer Bird who passed them all to win the 2009 Belmont Stakes. I can't say that I was too pleased to see Summer Bird pass the three favorites because I would have won a lot more money if things had stayed the way they were before that horse passed the three leaders. All was not lost though because my mom had money on Summer Bird to win it.
All in all the race was not the best part of the day, it was being around good friends and having a great time for the official start to my summer.