Horseplayers in Las Vegas and throughout the country lost a true friend with the passing of Randi Muniz, Dec. 29, after a year-long battle against illness.

Randi was one of the driving forces behind the Horse Player World Series conducted each year at the Orleans Hotel & Casino and all the additional contests conducted by Boyd Gaming here in Las Vegas.

Most handicappers rely on numbers, but Randi’s statistics – age, 49; length of residency in the valley, 36 years; tenure in the race book industry, 22 years – don’t begin to tell the story.

Randi was a loving mother, a caring daughter and definitely a friend to many, including ex-husband Joseph Muniz, who was at the top of her list.

But she also touched thousands of horseplayers during all the various handicapping contests she conducted over the years. They will remember her for her hard work, dedication, kindness, consideration and generosity. No matter how busy or hectic things got, Randi always had time for the players.

It won’t be easy emotionally for Randi’s friends, co-workers and even the contestants when horseplayers convene at the upcoming Horse Player World Series on Feb. 23-25 at the Orleans. Yes, the great staff will be able to take up the administrative slack left by Randi’s passing. But replacing the friendly smile and "can do" attitude Randi always exhibited will be a lot harder.

Would it be easier not to mention the loss to Randi’s friends and co-workers or would a steady stream of condolences be a better way to go? No point in getting overly analytical. In times of sorrow we can usually stumble on the right thing to do.

We were told Randi did not want a service – she wanted everyone to just get together and celebrate life. At the Horse Player World Series, as those long shots rumble down the stretch, that’s just what will happen! Somehow, we think Randi will be pleased.

God Bless, Randi.

A REFRESHING DOWN DOG: With the holidays over and the New Year settled in, many of us are already struggling to maintain all those pesky resolutions, especially the ones about losing weight, eating sensibly and getting in shape.

So, if you are looking for something new and different to keep you inspired, you might want to check out the spa at The Mirage where they offer "Yoga Among the Dolphins."

The one-of-a-kind classes are conducted in the underwater viewing area within Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat so participants can easily see these magnificent creatures effortlessly gliding through the water, which is sure to put everyone into a deep state of peace and relaxation, and encourage a smooth flow from pose to pose.

"Guests from all over the world cherish the dolphins at The Mirage," Spa Director Stephanie Doud explained. "When I looked at adding yoga to our spa menu, it only made sense to take advantage of the property’s exotic, wondrous dolphin world and the atmosphere of relaxation provided by the animals."

Available Friday through Sunday at 8:30 a.m., the 60-minute classes are open to the public and can be customized to accommodate all skill levels. The cost is $50 per person and includes use of a yoga mat, post-class smoothie and day pass for the fitness center, spa vanity, wet areas and lockers. Space is limited so reservations are necessary.

We can hardly wait to see if it improves our down dog. Maybe we’ll even pick up some pointers on dolphin pose.

See you around town.