Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Slew — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:41:06 GMT

As I watched a Derby post parade one afternoon, one, almost black colt bit a groom, then reared up on his hind legs, and was intensely fractious...and then he added some dance moves. I fell insanely in love with that colt in that moment. Such independence would surely be rewarded. It was. The year was 1977, the colt was Seattle Slew, my hero and favorite memory.

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Jen R. — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:57:27 GMT

Esther, Alex, and the rest of the BH video team:

You guys did SUCH a great job on the Red Carpet!!! It's great to see these people enjoying our sport, whether or not they do it any day of the year other than the first Saturday in May.

You guys rock!

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Chris — Thu, 06 May 2010 06:23:41 GMT

"One Eye" completely owns this post.

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Glassoniongirl — Thu, 06 May 2010 05:00:03 GMT

My favorite moment is seeing Calvin win again and seeing his reactions, he`s a great character. :)

Then probably seeing General Quarters win, he`s got a great story behind him. :D

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

GunBow — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:32:06 GMT

I had been to the Derby 4 of the last 5 years, 05', 06', 07', and 09'. And in 3 of those 4 years(05',07', and 09') I also attended the Kentucky Oaks.

Thus, I was able to witness two of the highest priced Derby winners in history(Giacomo, Mine That Bird), one of the most dominant Derby winners in history(Barbaro), the only Breeder's Cup Juvenile champ to win the Derby(Street Sense) and Borel win 2 of his historic 3 Derbys(in 4 years).

As for the Oaks, I saw, in person, 2 of the greatest Oaks winners and 3 year old fillies ever, Rags to Riches and Rachel Alexandra, both of whom would win a Triple Crown race next out vs. the boys.

This year, I was out in Cali and had to take the weekend in from my spot infront of the tv. Having seen, in person, Blind Luck and Evening Jewel battle nose and nose in the Las Virgenes, the Oaks was the more memorable for me. The Derby, with Calvin winning again and Pletcher and WinStar getting off the snide, had good human stories, but I didn't have any attachment to the top equine performers. The best finish for a horse I had seen in person was Make Music for Me in 4th.

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

emily — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:47:54 GMT

That same goat head butted me too!!

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

ALB — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:38:35 GMT

Thank you for an insider's look in to the Derby! I have never been yet, but look forward to it in the future! I watch it every year on tv, but love all the stuff that they don't cover on tv or on the horse racing channels! Keep up the good work & remember that all of us who can't go yet, are definitely interested in the behind the scenes!!

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

margie — Thu, 06 May 2010 01:32:28 GMT

my best memory watching calvin win again in the mud and his excitement and joy he displays i got so excited watching at hoosier park with standing room only and the cheering crowd in indiznz loved you calvin congrads to todd also

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Big Brown's Buddy — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:18:18 GMT

Great blog! I must say that I echo Kelsey Riley's sentiment. Although I've never been to Churchill Downs, I've wanted to go ever since I learned what a horse was. I can only imagine how awing it must be - just looking at the picture you used of the winner's circle, I can see in my mind 136 lucky,talented horses standing in that very spot. Someday I'm gonna' get there to see it in person for myself!!

Thanks for sharing! I love the pictures of "One Eye" (looks like a character!) and the barn cat. It's all this stuff you miss, just watching on TV.

re: Top 10 Memories of 2010 Kentucky Derby/Oaks

Zookeeper — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:44:30 GMT

Esther,

That was really enjoyable! Thank you!

Is Diane Lane beautiful or what??? She seems easy to talk to. I was thrilled when I found out that she plays Penny Chenery in the Secretariat movie.

I've only attended one Derby in person. It was in 2005. The year of Giacomo. Although I enjoyed the Derby and the Oaks that year, my favorite part of the trip was our visit to several farms and the absolutely gorgeous Kentucky contryside. Unforgettable!