He may be down to his last dollar, but Carlos Neri still enjoys the exciting yet comfortable atmosphere in the Race Barn. Photo by Phil Houseal

Details:
The Race Barn is open Thursday through Sunday. They simulcast horse and greyhound racing from 20 to 25 tracks daily. They open at 11 a.m., with the last races run typically around 10 to 11 p.m. The phone number is 830-997-4058, and the web site is www.theracebarn.com.

webmaster: phil@fullhouseproductions.net

Race Barn

by Phil Houseal
Aug 22, 2007

What could be more fun than a weekend of racing - the excitement of betting, the thrill of horses thundering past, and the swell of the crowd?

But then there are also the lines at the windows, the waits between races, and the smell of the crowd.

Now, imagine all the thrills of live racing, but add in the comfort of air conditioning, a full bar, delicious food, and a friendly waitress to bring it to you.

That is what you will experience at the Race Barn, that limestone building sitting at the entrance to the Fair Grounds that we drive by on our way to our kids' soccer matches.

I was doing just that, when I realized I hadn't ever been inside. It has been open since 2001, according to Sammy Burton, Manager.

"This is just like going to live racing," he informed me. "You can make bets, cash your tickets, gamble, watch the races, and get the same payouts as at the actual track."

That's a pile of action, as the Race Barn shows live racing on 33 TV screens, relayed live from more than 20 horse and greyhound tracks around the country. Each track generally runs 9 to 10 races a day, with the action starting around 11 a.m. and going well into the evening.

Many first-time visitors to the Race Barn are surprised at the welcoming atmosphere inside. This is no den of inequity. People of all ages, backgrounds, and genders mingle. Some come to eat, some to drink, some to gamble, some just to watch the races. On Sundays, the back dining area fills up with the church-going crowd that has fallen in love with Travis Graham's all-you-can-eat shrimp special. ("They just come to eat," Burton explained. "They might watch a few races, but they don't ever bet on anything.")

"We do lot of specials, so the menu changes every day," added Graham, Executive Chef. "It's a family atmosphere as well, and that makes us different from other places."

The menu includes hamburgers, club sandwiches, and chicken fried steak, but you can also order grilled chicken, roasted corn, and ribeye steak. Graham wants people to know he will set up seating for special events, private parties, and business meetings - all at no extra charge.

But the regulars come to satisfy a different type of appetite.

"When the gamblers walk in, they are looking at 30 screens - they're not looking at the kitchen!"

Everyone stands ready to help make the wagering experience fun. Burton pointed out brochures that explain pari-mutuel betting, and every employee will gladly help even the neophyte who doesn't know a quiniela from a kumquat.

There was no ambiguity about why Carlos Neri was there one recent Friday night.

"I come pretty much every weekend," he admitted, laughing. "I bet on both the perros and the caballos. I like the people, it's peaceful, nobody bothers anyone else, and the drinks, food and service are great."

Neri, who works construction with Ace Hardware, wasn't having much suerte on this night.

"I will probably go home, because I can't even make a two-dollar bet with this," he said, holding up his last crumpled one-dollar bill. He shrugged, "Sometimes I win; sometimes I lose."

Yeah, but at the Race Barn, you sure can be comfortable while you're doing it.

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