I use to tell my kid I was taking him to the "zoo", to watch the pretty horses...worked every time...
My dad started me out really early.. He would pick me up from school and take me to the park, and my mom wouldn't get mad.. until she found our it was Sportsman's Park.. LOLOL
Has anyone watched the old movie "LET IT RIDE"? It will become one of your favorites. It's great because it is soooo close to the truth at the racetrack.. Rent-it, you'll love it!