More on Selin Memorial Happy Minute

Below is the latest info on the Pete Selin Memorial Happy Minute, honoring the late Lone Star Park press box staffer, from a letter distributed by the organizers. I'm happy to say that I booked my flight tonight, and my wife-to-be is coming, too. Strangely enough, we're using transportation vouchers that we've been saving since last year's Kentucky Derby, when our flights home were overbooked. The racing gods have provided for us once again!

Pete Selin Memorial Happy Minute

Rillito Park, in Tucson, Ariz., will host the inaugural Pete Selin Memorial Happy Minute on Sunday, March 4, 2007. The race is named after the University of Arizona RTIP alumnus and turf writer who passed away on January 27, 2006, following a multi-year struggle with chronic leukemia.

This event has been assembled in Pete’s honor, and we believe it is a fitting tribute to a one-of-a-kind friend and mentor who rarely missed a day of racing at Rillito Park or a Happy Minute at the Buffet Bar and Crock Pot.

Pete touched the lives of many, and while some of you have already contacted us wishing to contribute to the purse, in order to have the race promoted with the horsemen at Rillito Park in a timely manner, this year's edition has been set at $3,000 guaranteed (with an additional 15 points, the maximum under the Rillito purse structure). Including the entry fee, we anticipate the total purse to be $4,000+.

In lieu of donating to the purse, we ask that you make an attempt to come to Tucson for the race. We realize that this isn’t an option for everyone, but it would be great to see a large turnout for what promises to be a memorable weekend.

We are planning to run this event each year, so after the inaugural 2007 edition, we can begin talks of raising the purse money for the 2008 running. One day we hope to label the Pete Selin Memorial Happy Minute as the richest event offered at Rillito Park.

We are in the process of reserving a block of rooms at the University Marriott, and the more rooms we can fill, the cheaper the rate will be. If you are interested in staying at the Marriott, contact us at selinmemorial@yahoo.com before you begin the reservation process.

Hope to see you at the races on March 4.

Scot Waterman
Richard Scheidt
Michael Costanzo