Note:
This is the first part of two recap posts that will talk about the Run for the Roses and encompass all of my other experiences on Derby day.
Photo: Robert Bolson
The Race:
Hands down, the 134th Kentucky Derby was amazing. The race was incredible and resulted in stories and excitement during the stretch run. "It dosn't get much better than that," one coworker exclaimed right after the field crossed the finish line. I have to agree; the race itself was just phenomenal to watch and experience. I was lucky enough to watch the race from the rail, which was an unique experience.
At the same time, I am not going to downplay the events that unfolded after the end of the race. Eight Belles was a big, beautiful horse with so much to gain from this performance. She beat 18 highly skilled horses who were all impressive.
Photo: Robert Bolson
History was made with her performance. I know most of my coworkers were torn to pieces with her going down after the race, and I was pretty upset myself. I must say her injuries somewhat bittered the sweetness of the race itself.
I stood near the finish line, and I saw the horse ambulance fly across my view of the track. I said out loud, "that isn't good," and then whispers and confusion broke out because of something happening around the first turn. "The filly" was the next thing I heard in the increasing commotion.
People were trying to figure out what had happened after such an indescribably thrilling race. "A horse was down" and "I think it was the filly" echoed around me. Then a phone call came in from another media ally and confirmed that Eight Belles was down, injured, and "it was bad." I was trying to imagine what the trainers and owners who have lived with this horse, were feeling at a time like that. I can relate because, my best friend Abby Roo, my dog, recently had to be euthanized as it tore me apart.
After the first hour or so I began wondering, aside from Eight Belles' personal tragedy, how tough this blow was going to be for the horse industry. First George Washington in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. 1) and now Eight Belles on the first Saturday in May. I was a huge George Washington fan, thanks to Marta who really introduced me to him. Two talents whom I greatly admired have been lost. I know the questions that will come, the common questions about an amazing sport.
Here are my thoughts. Recent amazing horses such as Curlin, Smarty Jones, Barbaro, and Eight Belles, as well as most names we have come to love from the past, like Secretariat, are a result of this amazing industry. Without this industry, the emphasis for greatness in Thoroughbreds would not exist and the emphasis on creating talented horses would not be present. Thus, we would very well have never witnessed the absolutely jaw-dropping performances of Secretariat, Curlin and the late Barbaro.
Photo: Robert Bolson
I am so amazed by Eight Belles' race, and it is awful how she is gone. But as this was my very first Kentucky Derby, I will forever remember the images of Big Brown and the gallant filly enjoying themselves in quite possibly the race of their lives.
So to have loved and lost or to have never loved at all? It is a question I related to in this situation. I am glad that Eight Belles ran in this race because she proved so incredibly that she was worthy of racing among the best. That's right, the best. No one knew she was going to be injured, and she was fine in the race.
She might have won the Oaks, but she proved herself amongst the boys. Plus, her injury could have happened in any race. So many people were able to get behind the lady among men idea, and it tackles issues far deeper than just simply a horse race. It was personal. That is priceless in my mind. It was a freak injury that even renowned veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said, "I have never seen before." Eight Belles earned the right to race in this historical event and by golly she proved it.
Photo: Amanda Duckworth
On a lighter note:
On a lighter note, my main bet for the race was an exacta, because I did not want to pay too much for a trifecta since about 10 horses looked REALLY good. A benefit from filming and spotting along the track earlier in the week.
So my strategy was this. Big Brown was either going to win or not finish on the board at all. It was that simple, so as a back up plan I bet Big Brown across the board (win, place, and show). I also bet three longer shots to show, to help earn back money if my exacta did not pay out. Dennis of Cork, Z Fortune, and I don't remember who the third was...
The main bet was a boxed exacta with my favorites: Colonel John, Pyro, Z Fortune, Dennis of Cork, and either Court Vision or Cowboy Cal. I'll have to find my ticket and update the horses.
I did place a bet for my mom, as she wanted Recapturetheglory, Monba, and Eight Belles. I mistyped the ticket on the automatic machine, but I had enough money to bet Eight Belles to show for her, since the exacta replaced Cool Coal Man with Eight Belles for whatever reason. It was one of Churchill's older machines.
I did not cash the Eight Belles ticket for my mom though. I figured it would mean more to have the ticket rather than the payoff. As for me, I made all of my money back with my Big Brown and my Dennis of Cork bets. So I did not lose any money on the day, and breaking even was the plan, if I did not make money on the exacta.
As for Big Brown, he proved it all. What an amazing talent he has, and I can't wait to see him run more. The Triple Crown is an achievement overdue in the racing realm for many reasons, the sport needs it.
Photo: Robert Bolson
Next Post:
In part two you will read about working the red carpet, various sights and sounds, Einstein, watching a race from the turf rail and more!
