My love affair with Woodbine and horse racing started over two decades ago when my grandparents kicked off an annual tradition, inviting our family to Mother's Day at the track. We would head upstairs to Favorites Dining Room, a six-tiered full-service restaurant with a spectacular view overlooking the races.
As the horses entered the paddock area we would examine them with earnest from table top flat screens as we gorged on prime rib and made-to-order omelettes, washed down with the champagne of ginger ales. Toonies in hand, we would proudly approach the betting counter to place our wagers. We cheered on our favorites and willed them with all our might to win, place or show.
As every race day wore on and eventually came to a close, we would depart, bellies full, wallets thickened or thinned depending on our luck and always eager to return the following year.