Christine Whelan FEO, July 20, 2023, VOL. 4 ISSUE 24
After 62 years, the entertainer is still considered a mainstay at the track with quite a following.
In his youth, Nagel came over from Germany on a boat and stayed at a farmhouse on the property that is now a parking lot for the race track. In 1961, when he was 15 years old, he auditioned and got the job as a bugler.
The teen started at $11/day and when he eventually learned to ride a horse and play his bugle, he got paid $15/day.
James Culic, Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications at the Fort Erie Race Track had nothing but wonderful things to say about the long-time bugler.
“Kids love him. He’s quite a character, always has a smile, always entertaining people,” Culic commented. “He’s got a real musical talent. He can pretty much pull any jingle out of thin air.” He added that the jingles bring smiles to the kids’ faces.
He likened Reinhold to a travelling troubadour, referring to lyric poets and poet-musicians who flourished from the 11th to the end of the 13th century.
Culic talked about the years the race track had restrictions due to the pandemic. “I know Reinhold really missed the crowds around him during those years. He plays well with a live audience. So, he was very excited to have the crowds come back, the kids come back.
“Being a former teacher, he’s incredible with kids. I know that he looks forward to our Family Day when he’ll get to put a lot of smiles on kids’ faces.” Family Day was July 2 this year, for the first time since the pandemic.
The Manager of Marketing & Corporate Communications commented that family events are something they are looking to bring more into the track. Reinhold will play a big part in those plans.
Another special day is Weiner Dog Day, “We’re packed full of kids on that day. It’s a riot. The dogs bring smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s another day Reinhold gets a kick out of being a part of the kids coming out to the track.”
The 4th Annual Weiner Dog Race is July 16 at 1:00 pm. To find out more about the Fort Erie Race Track events and activities, check out the track’s Facebook Page.
Beyond the scheduled tunes and entertaining jingles of a day at the races, Nagel is a proficient musician. James shared a story about a day a few years ago when the Howling Horns, a local band, was playing at the track. “One of the players was sick that day. And because Reinhold is such a talented musician, he doesn’t need any warning. He can just step in and play right along with them comfortably.” And he did.
Everyone knows Reinhold at the track. “They look for him when they get here. Watch him kick things off with that iconic jingle he does for the first post.”
The bugler plans to continue entertaining at the track as long as he can do the bugle call. The feelings are mutual according to Culic, “We’re going to bring him back for as long as he is able to do it. He’s a real staple here. As long as he can still work that trumpet of his, he’s always got a home here at the Fort Erie Race Track.”
Photos provided by the Fort Erie Race Track Facebook Page
