Clinton’s Mother Visits Laurel, Gets Winning Tip

Mrs. Virginia Kelley, mother of President Bill Clinton, closed her inaugural week in Washington with a visit to Laurel Race Course on Saturday.

Kelley was given a tour of the facility by track executives, and got a tip from trainer Eddie Gaudet for the fourth race on the 12-race card. Gaudet’s horse, Yen Of The Irish, won and paid $7.

Track officials said Kelley bet on the horse, but they did not know how much.

“I’m enjoying the afternoon,” Kelley said. “I enjoy horse racing.”

Kelley, a regular patron at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, said she plans to attend this spring’s Kentucky Derby.

“I’ve already been invited,” she said.

Asked if her son might accompany her to Churchill Downs for the Derby, she said it would be unlikely.

“He’s a lot busier than I am,” she said.

Kelley watched Saturday’s races from a box in the clubhouse. Even that seemed a bit hectic for her, though. “For my handicapping, I need it to be quiet,” she said.