Comments on: The Derby… and What It All Still Means

By: Derby Fan

Derby Fan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:13:14 +0000

It’s funny. Over here in England the Grand National is the most famous horse race yet real sports fans prefer the Derby (the English version I mean). I think it’s like the Kentucky Derby – a great mix of sporting endeavour coupled with years of history. A great sports event, whatever side of the pond you’re on.

By: frankpos

frankpos — Sun, 10 May 2009 13:22:49 +0000

Roz,

No, I don’t attend the Derby or Oaks anymore. I may again one day. Like many natives, I have been overwhelmed by the crowds, even on Oaks, formerly the day for the locals–now that’s become Thursday, or even Wednesday…

I may go again one day, just for the color and pageantry. There is nothing quite like it for fashion at a sporting event– or for the mad dash of excitement in the mere minutes between “My Old Kentucky Home” and the scream of the crowd at the wire.

The bugle sounds and the horses come onto the track; the crowd stands, some on their seats, craning for a view.

You look out. The whole enormity of the track and crowd and event sweep over you as My Old Kentucky Home starts up. And you cry…yes, you will cry.

Now that I’m old(er), I find I cry even more (er).

As with you perhaps, tears welled as Borel screamed out in joy and sorrow and pride for his parents.

And yes, the old jock made a Hall of Fame ride thru spots so narrow that Sports Illustrated pics make you wonder “How the Hell??!!…”

By: Roz

Roz — Mon, 04 May 2009 00:11:30 +0000

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.

By: Roz

Roz — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:46:00 +0000

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!

By: kylures

kylures — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:47:03 +0000

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.