Last race

Bobby, Kathleen and Don -- St. Paul natives

Rain fell softly on the Canterbury Park infield this morning as the regulars at the Third Floor Race Book quietly reminisced about their long-time pal Robert Lang.
Back then neither one knew it, but Kathleen graduated with Bobby in the same big class at St. Paul Central, a happy discovery both would make many years later.
We often enjoyed friendly banter with Bobby and friends while these gentlemen of leisure studied the Racing Form and the possibilities of the day's thoroughbred races simulcast to flashing monitors mounted above their private table overlooking the home stretch.
Bobby died of a heart attack two days ago, and when we dropped by The Book this morning to look in on the regulars, Don gestured glumly over to the empty chair and said "He's gone."
The races run on as ever, horses will win, place and show as usual, but the little circle on the Third Floor is smaller today, another player has crossed the finish.
He's in the Winner's Circle now, and we'll miss him.

File photo by Stan Rolfsrud