We all know our own personal reasons for heading out and wagering at our local racetrack. Now, writer and horse-racing enthusiast Jay Cronley has offered up his reasons for hitting the tarmac and taking in a live program at the raceway instead of via simulcast

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In his most recent column on ESPN.com, Cronley states that it is both the tangible and intangibles which make the live experience better for your bottom line. Cronley wrote the book which went on to become the much-beloved horse-racing and gambling film Let It Ride.

Cronley claims that handicappers win more at the races. "You see things live that don't translate to a simulcast TV set," he wrote. "Racetrack bias is more obvious when jockeys return as though from a mud wrap, cussing the inside part of the track."

He also states that the experience is second to none, and, "Leaning over and looking up the track from the rail at your 20-1 shot running its guts out, it beats the tube."

Cronley also touches on the experience. "Remember the time at the simulcast place? Neither do I."

To read Cronley's column in its entirety, click here.

(With files from ESPN.com)