Virtual Horse Owner's Very Real 9/11 Tribute

TwinTowersRacing is one of the leading stables in the virtual horse racing world of HorseRacingPark. His remarkable career tally of close to 800 wins from more than 7000 races run and earnings exceeding $24,000 is in itself a fitting tribute to the memory of 9/11 to which his stable name pays homage.

This gentleman trainer of virtual horses takes things a step further, however and plays his part ensuring the memory of the victims and commemoration of the heroes of that day by sponsoring a race in their honor, to the tune of $100. This year will be the fifth that  TwinTowersRacing has obligingly bolstered the purse of the race known as the World Trade Center Memorial. Our correspondent, Negdog Racing, caught up with him to pose him some questions on his virtual racing career and what 9/11 means to him.

Where does your interest in racing come from?

My interest in racing come from my mom. She started taking me to the track with her when i was about six. The bus to Aqu/Bel was only a couple of blocks away from my house. At night it was Yonkers and Roosevelt raceway, then came the Meadowlands.

What for you is the appeal of playing at HRP?

The appeal for me at HRP is that I have fun with it. I always tell myself that only a fool gets mad at horse, especially when it ain’t even real. I enjoy the two year olds, training them up to the races, never knowing what your gonna get.

Are there any features you would like to see introduced in the future?

As far as features of the game go I”m happy with the game as it is. From time to time it does change so I try to roll with the punches.

Does any one horse or victory mean more to you than all others?

I have no  particular favorite horse as I never had a true standout. Some day maybe. I’d like to win the Kentucky Derby. I’m probably the only one, ya think?

What one piece of advice would you give to a new player?

I’d advise new players to go slow and learn the game as best you can, be patient and above all have fun. Play to win but have fun doing it.

What does 9/11 mean to you?

At the time of 9/11 I was out of the hospital for about 5 weeks recovering at home from a massive infection (I was told to get my affairs in order by an infectious disease specialist) because of a perforated colon. My youngest son was three months, my oldest four years. My poor wife worked all day then came home to take care of me and the kids. I was already in a very bad place when the first plane hit. I became very withdrawn, filled with rage. A news junkie. Each time I closed my eyes I saw people jumping from the towers. All those police and fireman that died so bravely. All those funerals, people with photos of loved ones lost, roaming the streets. As I write this my eyes are tearing and I need a dewars. The love of my wife and kids brought me back from the brink. I’m a changed man in a changed world. My eyes are now wide open.

If your sponsorship of the race causes people to pause and remember that day, what thought would you hope they might take away with them?

Mostly the sponsorship is to honor the memories of the victims but also to remember how we as Americans came together black, asian, white, latino all of us. It was impressive to say the least.

Do you plan to enter the race yourself?

I might enter but if I do I will ask HRP to exclude me from the prize money.

Do you have any ambitions still left to fulfil at HRP?

What ambitions are left at HRP?   All of ’em! I’d like to be able to say one day that I bred a horse that won the Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic.

World Trade Center image: Wikipedia