Gabr admits too that much has changed in terms of those who come to the track to watch the races. Forty years ago, the owners were big people who had lots of money and when people came to the course they felt like they were coming to the movies. People used to be well dressed and many women used to come. They would even bring their children and it would be like a family outing. Today, there are only a few women that attend as they have no interest.
People come to the races just for the betting.
But the specter of cheating and the aging face of the racecourse haven't managed to dampen Gabr's love for the sport. Thirty-five years ago I started coming to the races. There is something beautiful about the event. It is a wonderful feeling to see the horses, the color, and the fresh air. I still love the event as much as I did then, despite the fact it has changed so much.