Ernie The Entertainer - Munick Wants To See You At The Track!

The latest issue of Down The Stretch newspaper has hit the shelves, and along with a feature on the Top 50 Stories of 2008, there's also my story on one of racing's brilliant personalities - Ernie Munick.

Munick is a multi-tasker of infinite talents. His website features a combination of writing, photography, music and handicapping. It's the sort of website you add to your favourites list because it can surprise you with a laugh just as easily as it can open up a deluge of memories.


Munick belts out a tune at Pimlico.

Like many of us, Munick started going to the track as a kid and when you start following the game so young, the foundation is laid to enjoy racing for the sport that it is and the love of the horse. Meeting Ernie at Aqueduct this past November, it was immediately apparent that wagering was secondary for him to watching the horses.


Ernie laughs at Keith's latest wager.

Through frigid temperatures we enjoyed much of the Discovery Handicap card as Munick shared stories of his time as a professional handicapper for the New York Daily News. As we spoke, he took photographs of the paddock action and pointed out the trainers and owners readying their mounts for the upcoming race. Popular with a capital "P", Munick was known by both the racing professionals and the local punters, who would wave hello or call out his name.


Keith with Teresa of Brooklyn Backstretch (Photo by Munick)

When he's not at the track, Munick is working hard to promote racing via his Facebook usergroup, Thoroughbred Racing in New York (TRNY), which is a who's who of the local scene.

However, what Munick may be best known for is his guitar playing. Somehow, he finds the time to write and record songs about the sport he loves. Munick has gigged at Saratoga, Pimlico and Belmont and developed an avid following, while also introducing more fans to the racing game.

Munick's most famous track is the foot-stompin' Belmont Park Boogie:



On his website, you can listen to Ernie rock two more racetrack refrains:

I Lost My Money

and

Granny Caught The Bus Out To Belmont Park

While racing is Munick's passion, his talents as a guitar player are considerable. Inspired by Jorma Kaukonen, most famous for his work with Jefferson Airplane - Munick gigs in the New York area both solo and with his band Woof. You can watch Munick's nimble guitar pick work as he covers a few of Jorma's songs on his Youtube channel, Floppydog.

I'm obviously a Munick fan. Not only for his talent, but because I think he's on point with getting racing fans back to the track. With so many blogs discussing what's wrong with racing at the moment, it seems to me that what racing needs most is more fans.

More Fans = More Wagering = More Revenue?

A day at the track used to be a family event. While slots and casinos bring in revenue, it isn't doing much to create new fans of horse racing. What kid will remember staring at a slot machine? However, a few exciting races combined with a little bit of music might actually create an environment that teens and college kids will want to attend. They may even come back with their friends and family.

Blogs and Facebook usergroups like TRNY provide younger fans an outlet to discuss and learn about the names of the sport which, in turn, will help generate a following for a sport in dire need of some fresh faces.

It seems to me that Munick has covered all the bases. He's a one man PR machine for all the things people should love about the Sport of Kings. So, Woodbine Execs - if you're reading - how about having Ernie gig the Queen's Plate in 2009?

(At the very least, it might inspire Ernie to write a song about Woodbine.)


"Take Her To The Park, People!"