I know @jmpaquette is a lightning rod around here on HRT. Let’s face it, she could turn into Tom Durkin and would still get shit on by many. I’m not saying she’s everyone’s cup of tea (but I know there are some popular guys that I don’t care for), I’m not even saying you have to like her, but damn it, you better give her some respect. Show me another announcer this weekend that’s had to call over 250 horses through 26 races. She’s been on point both days and despite all the hate, always carries herself like the consummate professional. So I’m gonna go out and give her the flowers she deserves cause nobody else will. Great job today Jess, you nailed it.

So long, America🫡🇺🇸 49 days ago we landed in the USA to follow our country at the World Cup. We had no idea it would turn into the trip of a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who followed along, and to all the people we met who made this journey even more special. We honestly don’t have the words to express how grateful we are for everything you did for us. This trip exceeded every expectation we had. We came here with an open mind, wanting to experience as much of the country as possible. I still remember telling my friends on the flight to Atlanta that I hoped we’d get to meet a few locals on this trip. Now we’re flying home with friends all across the USA. Before we came, we heard so many stereotypes and warnings about America. People told us about safety concerns, that they might check our social media at the border, and all kinds of other things. None of it matched our experience. This was probably the most welcoming country we’ve ever visited. So if you have the chance to travel, do it. The world isn’t nearly as bad as the media often makes it seem. 99% of people are awesome! I heard this quote somewhere during the World Cup, and I think it sums up our experience perfectly: “If you want to hate the world, watch the news. If you want to love it, travel it.” Thank you, America ❤️🇺🇸

Buehler's day.