The “Sport of Kings” is a lure too great for many. The battlers work hard, desperately trying to get their shot. The rich simply buy their way in.

Then there’s Ricco Diangelo, who mysteriously arrives on the horse racing scene and creates quite a stir. ‘Seems like a likeable fellow,’ say many, ‘he’s a good guy, funny, smart and warm.’ But some describe an entirely different side of Ricco. ‘Watch him – remember that if you lie with dogs, you will get fleas.’

It seems like Ricco will spread his fleas into the racing community and many will not notice they have been bitten until it’s too late.