The Derby… and What It All Still Means
Posted by frankpos on April 28, 2010
“This Kentucky Derby, whatever it is–a race, an emotion, a turbulence, an explosion–is one of the most beautiful and violent and satisfying things I have ever experienced.”
John Steinbeck
The Derby in 1902 appeared to be a festive and elegant affair, as shown in these two vintage postcards.
With horse racing as a sport continuing its decades old steep decline in the public imagination as well as in bottom-line ratings….does the Kentucky Derby truly still stand among the great, must see, sports events in this nation? Does it mean anything, to anybody, anymore?
I think the Derby unique among the major events — it embodies history as no other–even more so than the Masters. A thread of history runs through the Derby that ties the elegance and refinement of sporting for over 150 years through today.
And…unlike even boxing, it packs a knockout punch every year, condensed in a two minute explosion of power, emotion, and drama, fueled by the screams of over 100,000 people, as the cavalry charge of over 20 horses whips and pounds down the stretch to the wire.
Don’t believe me? Here are some others who are willing to bear witness to the Derby’s greatness….
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2858706
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1129634/index.htm
http://www.chrudat.com/derby.html
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Roz said
Almost made me cry to see that young old man aboard the winner, kissing the win up to God and his long gone “Mommy and Daddie.”
Another Cajun, too…the horse trailered half-way across the country, by an owner who walked to the winner’s circle in crutches after busting a leg… the three year old ignored, no, DISMISSED, by those in the know. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so good for somebody, and I didn’t even have a ticket on this unlikely winner.
Frank, I enjoyed several Anchor Steam lagers, and some decent Kentucky bourbon…not the top shelf stuff that you normally require, but good, nonetheless. Watched it with my beautiful wife, Elaine, and I haven’t seen her so “into” a race since Smarty Jones won a few years back.
And one last thing…I have NEVER, EVER, seen such a tight quartered rail move. It’s been said time and time again, often in hyperbole, but this time in reality…this year’s Kentucky Derby winner passed horses like they weren’t even moving.
We needed something special.
We got it.
Roz said
Frank,
CNBC has a piece on the financial side of Churchill Downs this evening. I thought it might be something you’d find interesting.
By the way, will you be attending?
Don’t get stuck in the tunnel and miss the race…and oh yes, no s t r e a k i n g for you this year!
kylures said
On Bob Costas HBO this week, they pointed out that one of the issues with sports and sports on TV is that we now see so many events, so many baseball, football, soccer, world series of poker, and every other major and minor sporting event, that no event is now exciting like it was in the past. Every sporting event has become common, and every person worldwide can and has watched them from their home. Since ESPN started in 1979, we have seen it all. But somehow, the Kentucky Derby is maybe one of the last events that still evokes excitement like no other event (unless the Cards make the final game of the NCAA next year). Surely, no other sporting event captures the varied audience of fans like the Derby. At the time the derby started, and well into the beginning of the 20th century, there were only three national sports of note; horse racing, baseball, and boxing. Louisville contended with all of them, and was at the top of the world with the Derby. Today, it still stands with the Derby, the greatest sporting event in the country.