Nov 24 2010 Intro

 It may not be as American as baseball, but horse racing is a sport with a long history in the US. The first racetrack was built in 1665, long before baseball was even invented. These days, there are two different stereotypes of horse racing. One involves rich people in fancy hats and expensive summer clothes sipping iced tea while they watch a derby. The other image of horse racing involves desperate people hoping to make a killing by gambling on the races. The new movie Secretariat shows a different side of horse racing altogether. It’s the true story of the horse that won the Triple Crown in 1973 against all odds. Find out if Amy and Mason will be racing to see this movie new words

Vocab

against all odds expr.

Definition when something happens even though it's extremely unlikely Example It is against all odds that you'll win the lottery, even if you buy a hundred tickets.

more power to you expr.

Definition good for you Example More power to you for quitting your job to pursue your dreams.

Triple Crown n.

Definition in horse racing, when a horse wins three major races

Example It's been several years since a horse won a Triple Crown. gambling n. Definition betting with money Example Gambling is the biggest business in Las Vegas.

make a killing

expr. Definition make a ton of money Example Andrew made a killing when he sold his baseball card collection.

derby n.

Definition horse race Example My sister and I went to the derby last Saturday.

jockey n.

Definition a person who rides horses in races; a person who races horses for a living Example I have a friend who is a jockey. She is very small and light, so she's not too heavy on the horse's back.

underdog n.

Definition someone who doesn't usually win or have very much success

Example I always cheer for the underdog because they rarely win.

choked up adj.

Definition unable to speak due to sadness, emotion and/or tears

Example I could barely break up with her. I kept getting too choked up to finish what I was saying." "During his acceptance speech, the coach got a little choked up. He was just so proud of his team.

tug at the heartstrings expr.

Definition make one feel emotional

Example Movies about sick children always tug at the heartstrings..