Nathan Klein: Colonial Downs
This summer I completed my first internship at Colonial Downs. The track was in a unique position inheriting the Secretariat Stakes, Beverly D, and Arlington Million, making it the most lucrative racing season in the commonwealth’s history. My focus was to make race days fun and more family oriented. I helped in any way possible, including scanning and selling tickets in the grandstand. The fifth floor of the track is where a lot of the magic happens including where the stewards watch the races, photo finishes are determined, and where the announcer calls the races. As an aspiring racing announcer, I might be biased by saying it was my favorite spot at the track. Getting to meet announcers Travis Stone and Jason Beem and hear their different and equally effective styles of preparation and race calling was an excellent reminder that there is not one way to call a horse race. I had the opportunity to go to the paddock during some of the big races of the meet, getting a close look at the beautiful athletes. I will cherish meeting Penny Chenery’s daughter Kate Tweedy. It was surreal to be a part of history and it’s something for whichI will always be grateful. — Nathan Klein