Oops!

Oops! Brilliant Speed didn't win the Kentucky Derby, as I predicted. He's still a great horse. After watching replays of the race, I noticed he got boxed in by the other horses. Number 2 post position is not a good place to be in the starting gate. There's no chance to settle into a pace.

I'm always thankful the jockeys made it around safely and the horses, except for one, didn't get hurt. Archarcharch went back to his stall after the race in a  horse ambulance for an xray, for a possible minor fracture. It always bothers me when horses pull up with any kind of injury. They give their all when they run.

It'll be interesting to see what Billiant Speed does with the rest of his racing career. You never know what can happen in the world of thoroughbred horse racing.

P.S. Congratulations, Animal Kingdom, for winning the Kentucky Derby.

My Kentucky Derby Pick

Brilliant Speed

"For one to fly, one needs only to take the reins." ~ Melissa James

I don't normally do this, but I'm going to this time. After checking all the pedigrees of the 20 horses, their jockeys, and their trainers, I'm going to give you my Kentucky Derby pick. He's not a choice by the top professionals, in fact, he's not a choice by anyone, but the colt is my pick based solely on pedigree.

My Kentucky Derby pick is Brilliant Speed. His sire is Dynaformer, his dam is Speed Succeeds. Dynaformer produced Barbaro one of the top speed and distance horses in racing history. Speed Succeeds comes from the Mr. Prospector blood line. Mr. Prospector was one of the top throughbred stallions in the world. In fact, most of the Derby contenders have Mr. Prospector as part of their pedigree. Should be an interesting race.

We all know anything can happen in a horse race. But, I feel really strong about this pick. I'm hoping Brilliant Speed takes after his half-brother, Barbaro. We need a hero.

Magic Moment

Sixteen more days to the Kentucky Derby. It's that magic moment when the equine contenders become heroes for the day. We all need a hero. A real hero with no agenda. It's the day when a simple animal shows us there is always hope for a better tomorrow. A day when we see what true heart and courage really is. A day when sixty seconds of time creates the ultimate dream for owners, trainers, and jockeys.

The only thing our equine athletes expect in return for their hard work is a pat on the neck, a few quarts of grain and some quality hay. I call them "simple animals" for a reason. They respect and trust their human handlers unconditionally and give 150%. They have no agenda. Their needs are uncomplicated.

Over the years, I've learned a great deal from my horses and other equines I've worked with and studied. I've come to the conclusion, I have a long way to go before I come remotely close to their greatness.

Who Woulda Thought

Never in a million years, did I ever think a 50-1 shot would win the Kentucky Derby! Mine That Bird proved most people wrong with a stunning upset in the "Run for the Roses".

Calvin Borel's love for the horses and brilliant riding proved you need a good jockey with a can-do horse under you to make it the perfect run. Congratulations to both horse and rider in one of the best horse races I've ever seen.

Most important, I'm glad the field of 20 horses and jockeys made it around the mile and a quarter, clean with no injuries. My prayers are answered.

Now for the Preakness on May 16th! I'd love to see a Triple Crown winner. The world needs a hero.

How to Make a Mint Julep

The mint julep has been the traditional drink at the Kentucky Derby for 100 years. I won't be going to Kentucky to see the races, but I thought I'd be a good sport and share Churchill Downs' mint julep recipe with you.

Early Times Mint Julep
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Ideally, a mint julep should be served in a silver cup.

Sounds a little fancy to me, and too much like work.

Personally, I'd rather have a couple of shots of Jack Daniels in a paper cup with some ice, and a lemon wedge. I'll even bypass the mint. Jack Daniels is good Tenessee sipping whiskey. None of that Early Times stuff for me.

I don't even have to fight the crowds. After an early morning gallop on my own two horses and a nice hot shower, I can enjoy all the preliminary Derby horse stories and then watch the race on TV with my feet propped up and my two shots of "Jack". I think I like the idea of being an afternoon armchair jockey...just for today.

Run for the Roses

Tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby. In 1904 the red rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby, dubbed the "Run for the Roses" by sports columnist Bill Corum in 1925, who later became president of Churchill Downs.

Each year 400 red roses are sewn into a satin backing to be draped over the shoulders of the horse who wins this pretigious race.

Each garland is also adorned with a "Crown" of roses, green fern and ribbon. The "Crown," a single rose pointing upward in the center of the garland, symbolizes the struggle and heart necessary to reach the winners' circle.

My two thoroughbred mares, Silver Lining, and Silver City Sadie will be hand galloped tomorrow, not on a track, but over fields of lush green grass, which they will later graze on.

On Derby Day I have my own tradition. Each of my horses gets one long stemmed red rose in a plastic vial attached to their stall door. They're both winners in my book, but for different yet similar reasons. They each have an indomitable spirit and a big heart.

My "girls" have carried me over all sorts of terrain, and protected me from barn prowlers, fire pits, and coyotes. They each get only one rose, but they also get a five pound bag of carrots apiece and two boxes of sugar cubes...and a bubble bath if the weather is warm. I'm not sure the Kentucky Derby winner gets that.

Saturday is Derby Day

It's the time of year when breeders, owners, trainers, and arm chair jockeys are anxiously waiting to see who the next triple crown hopeful will be. Tradition, glamour, and big bucks starts with the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby Day is the first Saturday in May, which happens to be this Saturday, May 2nd. The Run for the Roses is the first $2 million jewel in the triple crown of horse racing held at Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky. The second race is the $1 million Preakness at Pimlico Park in Baltimore, Maryland on May 16th. And the final jewel and most grueling race is the $1 million Belmont at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on June 6th.

Kentucky Derby distance: 1 and 1/4 miles. Blanket of roses draped over winner.

Preakness distance: 1 and 3/16 miles. Blanket of black-eyed susans.

Belmont distance: 1 and 1/2 miles. Blanket of white carnations.

I always pray that both horses and their jockeys get around the race course safely. Then I can celebrate.

My bet is on the current longshot, General Quarters, trained by retired biology teacher, 75 year old Tom McCarthy. Tom deserves to win, with his only horse ever making it to the Derby. May the sun and the stars shine on you Saturday, Tom, so you will know the thrill of winning the Kentucky Derby.

I think it'll happen for many reasons too deep to mention here.