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Esquire Horseplayers Episode 9 Recap; The Good Luck Voodoo Cleanse

Lizzy Park
On April 3, 2014

Esquire Horseplayers Episode 9 Recap; The Good Luck Voodoo Cleanse: The Horseplayers are at Fairgrounds in episode 9 of Esquire’s Horseplayers, which is located in Michael Beychok’s home town of New Orleans. We are given a little bit of history about Fairgrounds and how it was flooded during Hurricane Katrina but was rebuilt and really like a landmark. Viewers were given a glimpse into some of the fun traditions held at Fairgrounds including camel and ostrich races. Viewers also got to see some of the fun to be had in New Orleans as the handicappers got to have some fun. Team Rotondo even visited a voodoo priestess to try to turn their luck around.

The 9th episode of the Horseplayers ends on a soft note following Kevin “Cowboy” Cox as he visits Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm outside of Saratoga, NY for retired race horses.

Beychok has also been feeling the pressure as he has yet to qualify for the national handicapping competition in Las Vegas. Beychok and the rest of the handicappers were all competing in the TwinSpires, which is a high roller tournament where the top 5 get a national handicapping seat. There are 4 tracks with 15 races in the TwinSpires. Matt Bernier was also hoping to get a seat along with Team Rotondo.

Viewers got to see a softer more personal side of Lee Davis, who is a part of Team Rotondo and are left really rooting for him and Team Rotondo to get a seat. Thankfully, in the eleventh hour, Team Rotondo’s luck does change and with Lee Davis finishing in the top 5, Team Rotondo does secure a seat to Vegas. It is a joyous and warm moment that viewers get to share in watching Team Rotondo celebrate.

Unfortunately, Beychok still was unable to get a top 5 position and secure a seat in Vegas. The show ends on a soft note following Cowboy Cox as he visits Old Friends retirement farm outside of Saratoga, NY for retired race horses.

Watch Horseplayers every Wednesday at 10:00 PM EST.