The thoroughbred industry is interesting...lots of high rollers and big money. I have one regular at the restaurant I play who hosts a small party of 12 twice a month. His tab, including wine, is always $3,000 plus, and he tips me and the server $500.00 each.

$100.00 per hour is the rate for the top events here, in Louisville and other cities around the area...is that so much more than other areas? I have a Derby day brunch in Louisville...$500 for three hours, a Derby party in the afternoon on a farm in Lexington that raises Derby contenders....$1,000 for a trio, and my regular evening restaurant job ($150.00).

Of course, the Derby happens only once a year, but there are Keeneland horse sale sessions, racing sessions and many events hosted by farms for potential buyers.

It's a very close-knit group, and two of us get most of the work. I attribute it to luck and old age!

Russ