Dreams Do Come True
By: Linda Ferris
[1.24.07]
Five years ago Geoff Dutton, then twenty-five, took a trip to scenic Newport, Rhode Island with his girlfriend. While there they visited a small casino and Geoff found his way for the first time to a racebook. He didn't know anything about horse racing and he wasn't exactly sure what an exacta was but he played one and it paid $70.00. That caught his attention.
Two years ago, Geoff decided if he wanted to be good at handicapping when he was older he should start getting serious about it. He read everything he could get his hands on. He went to Suffolk Downs in Boston and Rockingham Park in New Hampshire. He began developing his handicapping techniques. His basics? Nothing complicated or elaborate. He likes races with big fields and he skips first time starters.
How did this "first time starter" in contest play win the 2007 Horseplayer World Series? Well, to begin with Geoff Dutton believes in pursuing his dreams. He dreamed about coming to Las Vegas. He dreamed about playing in a handicapping contest. He went on-line and he discovered a way to make his dreams a reality....the 2007 Horseplayer World Series at the Orleans in Las Vegas. He left his home in Lowell, Massachusetts on a shoestring. He bought into the tournament and got a hotel room downtown. Everyday he put on his Boston Red Sox Cap. Everyday he took the bus to and from the Orleans. Imagine that - a CAT bus carrying you to your dream...amazing!
The first day he didn't do very well only garnering $334. The second day was better and put him into contention. The third and last day he had two bombs back to back in his first two races. In Santa Anita's 8th Race he played a horse named "Saved". The horse not only "saved" him but propelled him into the winners circle.
It seems that Geoff had other dreams as well which he pursues with equal ardor. His girlfriend is now his fiancee. Two weeks ago he left his job as an EMT to pursue a degree in accounting. A little advanced ESP perhaps.
Having been born and raised in New England myself, I am well aware of the passion, love and dedication of fans who wear Boston Red Sox hats. It is usually part of the legacy and inheritance passed down from one generation to another. I can't help but wonder if his beloved Red Sox reaching for the "Impossible Dream" and attaining it inspired Geoff to reach for his own dreams as well. When I spoke with him early Sunday morning, I'm not quite sure it had really "sunk" in. He was remarkably calm. When he learned his picture was going to be taken, he went to the barbershop for a cut. "It wasn't open. I guess I'll have to wear my hat," he said. "Prefect", I thought "just as it should be".
No bus ride for him that morning. He stayed at the Orleans on Saturday night and had a short elevator ride to collect his winnings. This unassuming young man inspires us all to have dreams..the bigger. the better, to believe in ourselves and to pursue them with determination, dedication and a joyful heart.
May every new dream you have in life, Geoff, come true as this one has.
[1.24.07]
Five years ago Geoff Dutton, then twenty-five, took a trip to scenic Newport, Rhode Island with his girlfriend. While there they visited a small casino and Geoff found his way for the first time to a racebook. He didn't know anything about horse racing and he wasn't exactly sure what an exacta was but he played one and it paid $70.00. That caught his attention.
Two years ago, Geoff decided if he wanted to be good at handicapping when he was older he should start getting serious about it. He read everything he could get his hands on. He went to Suffolk Downs in Boston and Rockingham Park in New Hampshire. He began developing his handicapping techniques. His basics? Nothing complicated or elaborate. He likes races with big fields and he skips first time starters.
How did this "first time starter" in contest play win the 2007 Horseplayer World Series? Well, to begin with Geoff Dutton believes in pursuing his dreams. He dreamed about coming to Las Vegas. He dreamed about playing in a handicapping contest. He went on-line and he discovered a way to make his dreams a reality....the 2007 Horseplayer World Series at the Orleans in Las Vegas. He left his home in Lowell, Massachusetts on a shoestring. He bought into the tournament and got a hotel room downtown. Everyday he put on his Boston Red Sox Cap. Everyday he took the bus to and from the Orleans. Imagine that - a CAT bus carrying you to your dream...amazing!
The first day he didn't do very well only garnering $334. The second day was better and put him into contention. The third and last day he had two bombs back to back in his first two races. In Santa Anita's 8th Race he played a horse named "Saved". The horse not only "saved" him but propelled him into the winners circle.
It seems that Geoff had other dreams as well which he pursues with equal ardor. His girlfriend is now his fiancee. Two weeks ago he left his job as an EMT to pursue a degree in accounting. A little advanced ESP perhaps.
Having been born and raised in New England myself, I am well aware of the passion, love and dedication of fans who wear Boston Red Sox hats. It is usually part of the legacy and inheritance passed down from one generation to another. I can't help but wonder if his beloved Red Sox reaching for the "Impossible Dream" and attaining it inspired Geoff to reach for his own dreams as well. When I spoke with him early Sunday morning, I'm not quite sure it had really "sunk" in. He was remarkably calm. When he learned his picture was going to be taken, he went to the barbershop for a cut. "It wasn't open. I guess I'll have to wear my hat," he said. "Prefect", I thought "just as it should be".
No bus ride for him that morning. He stayed at the Orleans on Saturday night and had a short elevator ride to collect his winnings. This unassuming young man inspires us all to have dreams..the bigger. the better, to believe in ourselves and to pursue them with determination, dedication and a joyful heart.
May every new dream you have in life, Geoff, come true as this one has.
