By Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA
Kentucky Derby weekend was
special this year for lots of reasons. With apologies to David Letterman, here
is my list-in no particular order, I must admit-of 10 reasons why the Kentucky
Derby is one of the most exceptional events in all of
sports.
10. The Susan G. Komen Foundation and the many breast cancer survivors
participating in the "Survivor Parade" who, for the second year in a row,
helped make Kentucky Oaks day a memorable event.
9. The hard-working Churchill Downs staff and their marvelous facility, which
accommodated two six-figure crowds beautifully.
8. NBC for excellent coverage on Saturday and its great cross promotional efforts
leading up to the big day.
7. Mother Nature for parting the clouds at just the right moment for the singing
of My Old Kentucky Home.
6. Track Superintendent Butch Lehr and other Churchill Downs racing officials who
showed why Churchill is fully deserving of its NTRA Safety & Integrity
Alliance accreditation by giving us two days of safe, fair racing despite
challenging weather conditions.
5. Todd Pletcher, who finally got his first Derby win. I don't think it will be
long until his second such victory.
4. Calvin Borel,
whose patented rail skimming ride proved to be the difference-yet again.
3. Super Saver, for peaking when it mattered most and running the race of his life
against a full, competitive field of 3-year-olds.
2. Super Saver's owners/breeders Kenny Troutt and Bill Casner and their excellent
WinStar Farm team including Doug Cauthen and Elliott Walden for putting their
heart and soul into a business that doesn't always reward or appreciate good
guys like them.
1. The City of Louisville and its community leaders, media and public safety
personnel, and citizens whose largely unsung support and hospitality over many
years are a prime reason why the Kentucky Derby is the phenomenal event that it
is.
That's my list. Who or
what would you add to it?