The Mug is off on a sojourn to the capital of the free world, Washington DC. For the bulk of the trip, the Mug will be staying in Bethesda, Maryland (yep, the chicken). Maryland just happens to be the home one of the bastions of US racing, Pimlico racetrack, which is home to the Preakness Stakes, one of the US triple crown for 3yo’s.

The Preakness is actually being run in mid-May which unfortunately is after the Mug’s visit (and apparently tickets are pretty rare, anyway). However, it is the stakes racing season so the Mug will get a chance to donate some cash to some underprivileged yankee bookmakers. So off I go looking for how to get some bets on, thinking a visit to Pimlico could be in order (and may still be).

Our comrades in the war on terror don’t really have the concept of the pub tab, as far as I can remember from past journeys. They have what are called OTBs (Off Track Betting establishments) and they have simulcasting - which are essentially tracks that are not running meetings broadcasting races on the TV at and running a tote. So off I went searching for a local OTB or simulcasting venue and I happened across possibly the best discovery known to man - The Cracked Claw. Or to go by it’s full name - The Cracked Claw at Peter Pan - Restaurant and Sports Palace. Imagine, pub, crab eating and horse racing in the one venue!!

I’m still not sure if this is an OTB or a simulcasting venue (has a track), but I don’t care. Somehow, I’ll have to get there for a report and a couple of wagers - even if I need to get on the trots!