Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Graddy Johnson — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:32:47 GMT

We raised a glass on Derby Day for our dear friend John. I have to think he was heavy on to Calvin Borel and Super Saver last Saturday! Thanks, Evan, for such an eloquent tribute. My memories of his Derby Party are etched upon my mind, however fuzzy they became. Cheers!

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

KentuckyFan — Sun, 02 May 2010 13:47:15 GMT

Your piece reminds me that racing is as much about the people you meet, and the relationships you foster, as it is about horses. Sorry about your loss but I hope you can find some comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your friend.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Rick Seelye — Sat, 01 May 2010 18:23:40 GMT

You have to believe that on this day, Johnny has his form, scribbled with the losers and marked with his well researched knowledge of those forever runners.

With the finest of Brown liquid, our Friend John should be toasted at the sound of “And their in the gate” this afternoon on the first Saturday of May.

I will raise mine.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Bill Mahan — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:25:13 GMT

Thank you Evan for saying so much about a good, good person in so few words. I am John's oldest brother, 17+ years older in fact. In 1980 we were in our own separate worlds and John never said anything to me about the lockup in Shelby County. An experience he had I never knew about.

John loved racing and the thoroghbred industry and in the sport of kings where all are gentlemen he was, in my book, both a king and a gentleman.\

Unfortunately mother nature is offering us rain on Derby Day, but rest assured all the moisture won't be from the clouds.

Thanks again!

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Evan Hammonds — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:14:31 GMT

The 'holidays' hit us like milestones--they evoke a lot of emotions within us of the good days, and great people we've known, in our lives.

I want to thank everyone for the kind words here and on Facebook.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Margaret C — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:05:30 GMT

What a wonderful tribute to one of the best lost recently. I hope he will be looking down on all of us with many other greats lost too soon. We will miss this year's party due to a filly running tomorrow at Churchill, but we will be back next year.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

rowner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:37:22 GMT

Also, I do like Stately Victor like you do.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Rowner — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:36:14 GMT

wonderful story, I too have reason for tears to moisten my eyes on Derby Day. On April 28th my father passed away suddenly after being home from the hospital one night. He had cancer surgery the previous Friday. Eventhough our familiy is grieving I know he would not want me to miss this day.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Convene — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:44:21 GMT

It seems the Derby evokes this kind of memories for so many of us as we remember old friends and beloved treasures who were a part of this unique race. I have never yet made it all the way through My Old Kentucky Home on Derby Day without weeping. The event has its own magic - and that magic just might be part of what keeps this wonderful sport going, no matter what. Happy Derby Day to everyone, in this world or the next. Thanks for reminding us of this special aspect of the day.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

nina — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:39:35 GMT

We'll toast John, James and all those great contenders in all the races. Great writing.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Karen Parido — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:52:26 GMT

Evan your words say it all, John would be so proud!

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

GreyK — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:17:23 GMT

You make me wish I'd known him - THAT is good writing, and a fitting tribute to your friend. Thanks.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

makarra — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:31:56 GMT

He was obviously a dear friend. It is always a painful reminder when occasions come around of those who are no longer with us. I would like to mention that we are celebrating Ky. Oaks day this year without James Jones, a beloved and well known blacksmith in Lexington who passed all too soon. The irony? From a small band of broodmares, James Jones is the breeder or co-breeder of no less than TWO starters in the Oaks. I can only assume that he will be watching from somewhere on Friday...maybe he and John will be both cheering them on.

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammonds

Sondra Whaley — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:25:28 GMT

A beautiful piece - Thank you--

re: Derby Weekend: Tears and Roses - By Evan Hammond

Mathilda Young — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:10:06 GMT

I have tears in my eyes reading this and have thought of John so much this week. Thanks for putting this in writing. I think there are so many of us that miss him and especially this week. I'm thankful that Diana is letting us gather again this Derby as a group.