Published Aug. 20, 2024

A few years ago, one of my favorite things on X (it was still Twitter then) was writer Evan F. Moore’s daily “Who y’all mad at today?” post. Sometimes he offered a poll of possible targets of ire, sometimes he let people hammer whoever had irritated them recently.

In horse racing, somebody is always mad at somebody. You might be mad at the jockey that you think gave a bad ride. You might be mad at an executive for making a decision that ruins your favorite spot at the track. You might be mad at a handicapper or analyst for steering you towardsa horse that doesn’t win.

On Friday, Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) will give customers at Saratoga Race Course the chance to take aim at some of racing’s most recognizable faces, all for a good cause.

Three of the New York Racing Association’s highest profile employees have agreed to get dunked by the two highest bidders in an online auction. Handicappers/analysts Andy Serling and Jonathon Kinchen and president/CEO David O’Rourke will take their spot in a dunk tank located near the Dunkin’ Donuts stand in the backyard at the track.

“This sounds corny, but I’ll do anything to raise money for the good causes here,” said Serling. “Do I love getting dropped in a tank? It’s kind of a shock to the system, but it’s good fun, and I’m all for giving back in a fun way to the people who work on the backstretch. Anybody can write a check and I appreciate anyone who does that, but this way, BEST gets supported and if people can have fun dunking me, all the better.”

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