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By Prof. Gordon Jones
Jay Cohen likes to climb towering mountains like Kilimanjaro rising sharply from the distant plains of Africa.
He also likes to come back down to earth and lay them in the aisle with some of the quickest wit and funniest routines from comedy clubs to Fairplex Park.
Is that Fairplex Park, as in one of the 10 biggest racetracks when it comes to daily business?
None other than that for the endlessly talented host, entertainer, musical virtuoso and sometime standup comic between horse races.
“There’s just no place quite like it,” Cohen says as he pauses to offer birthday greetings.
He blows a catchy tune to attract attention to a young lady sitting in the turf club.
“Folks, let me introduce you to my very good friend, er, uh, . . .” He pauses in mock confusion while the young lady whispers her name. “Yes indeed, my good friend Lauren who is celebrating her, uh . . . . (another whisper) . . . . 22nd birthday with us today.
“We’re going to celebrate by sending her on an all-expenses paid trip to the corn dog stand just outside”
Jay Cohen is everywhere at once in top hat, stylish red or green tails and dark boots almost to his hips.
He needs those muscles that Kilimanjaro toned to maintain his seemingly effortless pace all afternoon long. And to have enough breath left to play his own special versions of “Boots and Saddles” for the multitudes a dozen times a day.
“I love the people out here at Fairplex,” he declares. “They are always here to have fun
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