Sports
The Inside Track
Herbert “Blue” Chase has placed bets at Pimlico Race Course every day for 70 years.
Since returning from the Army in 1946, where he fought under General Patton in World War II, Herbert “Blue” Chase has gone to the same place nearly every day for 70 years. The Park Heights resident makes the half-a-mile trek from his house to Pimlico Race Course to place bets. He’s a handicapper. Now 91, Blue might be Pimlico’s biggest fan, though he says he doesn’t go to Preakness because “it’s too expensive.”
As the fate of the annual Preakness Stakes hangs in the balance, he is not unlike the track itself—a fixture in Park Heights that’s not quite as young as he used to be, one of the last bastions of a fading horse-racing industry.
Blue looks out over the track during a brief winter storm.
Winter storm at Pimlico.
Pimlico "Old Hilltop" Racecourse towers over homes in Park Heights.
The Park Heights neighborhood from a window at Pimlico.
Herbert "Blue" Chase served in General Patton's division in Europe during WWII. Pictured here at his apartment overlooking the track.
Taking a break from betting at Pimlico's Clubhouse.
Blue holds a photo of his eldest son, who died in Texas in October.
Blue walks alone on the vast Pimlico parking lot. His apartment is about a half-a-mile from the race course.
Herbert "Blue" Chase wakes up every morning at 5 a.m. to start his day. He's been going to Pimlico since 1946 following his time in the Army during WWII. Blue, who got his nickname when he was born, has worked as a pool hustler, bookie, and numbers runner to make ends meet over his 60 years in Park Heights.
Blue greets the guard at the track every day.
Dozens gather daily at The Clubhouse level at Pimlico to bet on races across the country.
Going over horse magazines with the guard at the front desk.
Blue taking a break in the afternoon.
A fall afternoon at Pimlico in the off season.
Blue sits alone watching his races simulcast on TV screens.
Blue's lucky penny given to him by his mother with his birth year on it.
Waiting for his race to start.
Early betting at the track. A few dozen gamblers will show up throughout the day.
Taking a break from betting.
Blue reads the Racing Form before placing a bet.
Blue and friend go over their bets for the morning.
