Reflections of Past Kentucky Derby Champions

Louisville KY Churchill Downs

Do you mark time by the Derby Winner?

Like many historical events, I sometimes equate time frames with that years' Kentucky Derby winners. For instance, the first time Grandma went to Derby and picked the winner was in 1962 with Decidedly ridden by Bill Hartack. In 1964, Grandma was right on the money with Northern Dancer, jockeyed by Hartack. I joined 4-H in 1969, when Majestic Prince won the Derby race. Guess who the jockey was? Yep, it was Bill Hartack.

By 1973, I was a teenager. Grandma and I would stretch out in the floor with newspaper prognostications strewn all about and pick out our favorites. In my mind's eye I still clearly see red circles drawn around the name Secretariat Seventy three was a good year, as Secretariat and Ron Turcott not only won the Derby; but went on to Triple Crown victories. All Hail Big Red!

Sweet Sixteen in 1976, and finally a Kentucky Driver's License! (Click this link if you need Kentucky Auto Insurance)  Hat's off to Bold Forbes and Angel Cordero!

In 1977, Seattle Slew and Cruguet were the rage, with another Triple Crown. The horse even got mention in the popular film "Harper Valley PTA" starring Barbara Eden. Grandma and I could not agree in 1978, as she loved Calumet anything. But fellow teenager, Steve Cauthen lived less than ten miles from me...so I said Stevie and Affirmed all the way.

By the time I headed out for UK, my Derby passion had to be put on hold. How could they put Derby on the same week as finals? It was truly a travesty! Looking back at some of my grades I should have partied in the Churchill Downs infield. My grades probably wouldn't have suffered anymore than they already had. Giggle.

But during college I did study the "old" Derby winners. As a UK "aggie" I had spent many hours out on UK's Maine Chance agricultural farm once owned by cosmetics mogul, Elizabeth Arden. Did you know Arden owned Jet Pilot the 1947 Kentucky Derby Winner? See, I did learn something in college!

I was pulling for Willie Shoemaker in 1986 mounted on Ferdinand. In 1992, the joy and elation I felt for Pat Day and Lil E. Tee was beyond measure. (I have a little Pat Day statue on my desk at work I loved watching Pat ride, especially at Keeneland!)

Now Charlie, who is all about Kentucky Sports, is not as passionate about horse racing as I am. But his first sports broadcast, was just a few weeks before Monarchos won the Derby at 1:59:97. Not too shabby!"

In recent years, I have been fairly accurate at choosing the Derby winner. However, in 2004, Birdstone just couldn't pull it off, yet went of to win the Belmont. Now Birdstone was owned by Marylou Whitney who has the greatest HATS ever, and with Nick Zito and Edgar Prado on the team I was so sure Smarty Jones would be defeated.

So what about this Kentucky Derby? Grandma has been gone many years now. I don't lay in floor with red crayons circling picks in the Kentucky Post. I'm much more sophisticated. I print racing forms off the internet, and circle them with a blue felt tip marker. Now that's technology!

Who do you think is going to win the Kentucky Derby? As time comes closer, I'll share my thoughts...but I want to hear from you.

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Author Joyce Pinson enjoys Kentucky history and collecting all things Kentucky Derby. Her most prized collectible is a bobble head of fellow Boone County native and Triple Crown jockey Steve Cauthen. Joyce is a Kentucky health insurance agent.Visit www.pinsoninsurance.com for Kentucky insurance quotes.

Kentucky Derby 1978 Remembering the Magic

Alydar vs Affirmed

In May of 1978, the senior class of Boone County High School Florence KY was counting down the days until graduation. Across the county, jockey Stevie Cauthen was counting down the days until the Kentucky Derby. The class of 1978 was dreaming of making history...but Steve Cauthen made it.

Could that have really been over thirty years ago?

For generations, my family has had a fascination with the Kentucky Derby. Grandma's people had ties to Calumet farm, grandest of the Lexington KY horse farms. She even painted her house white with red trim, in honor of Calumet. In 1978, she was thrilled Jorge Velasquaz would be wearing the devil red and blue silks. So it comes as no surprise, Grandma was pulling for Alydar.

As for me, well I went to 4-H Camp with Steve Cauthen. He was less than a month older than me. He was a local kid I could identify with...and so of course I championed Affirmed. Never mind that I had never heard of Harbor View Farm.

On that glorious Saturday in May, all was well with the world. We gathered around the TV, got misty eyed when they sang "My Old Kentucky Home", then held our breath as they shouted "Riders Up!" And then, They were OFF!

It was not until the second turn that Steve and Affirmed seemed to get control. But then at the quarter mile, things got pretty exciting. After some checks, bumping, and literally jockeying for position, it was Affirmed who crossed the finish line first.

I was elated. A few weeks later, Affirmed prevailed at the Preakness and the Belmont. A triple crown!!!!

I still remember Grandma getting me a copy of Time Magazine with Stevie Cauthen on the cover in pink silks. How great was that?

In retrospect

Many horse racing enthusiasts believe that the Alydar and Affirmed rivalry, was perhaps the best in recorded history. The great equines met ten times, with Affirmed winning seven of those match ups. Alydar was to be the saving grace for Calumet, and his untimely and suspicious death may have been the nail in the coffin for bankrupt Calumet. So sad.

It's been a long time since there was a pairing the likes of Alydar and Affirmed. But you never know, the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday. Business obligations will keep me away from Louisville KY and Churchill Downs, but you can be sure we'll gather around the TV, get misty eyed when they sing "My Old Kentucky Home" and wait excitedly for the greatest two minutes in Kentucky sports.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky insurance agent, who is passionate about the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky horse racing. On Saturday, you might hear her sing "My Old Kentucky Home" as she anticipates another great day of Kentucky sports history. Her husband, fellow insurance agent and Kentucky sportscaster Charlie Pinson, wonders how he will ever build a house big enough to store all of Joyce's Kentucky Derby memorabilia. Help Charlie.Get Kentucky Auto Insurance online

Kayla Lowe Signs with Murray State

Pike Central HS Player has College on her Mind Pikeville KY

Pike Central star Kayla Lowe signs a national letter of intent with Murray State making her the first division one player in school history. Kayla has been one of the best players in the 15th region for the last four years culminating in being named All-State by Louisville KY's Courier Journal.

I am glad to see her get this opportunity. Kayla is a great person and will do well at this level both in the classroom and on the court. I have watched her play throughout her carrier and think that she will be a good college player. Lowe has the size and quickness to play forward at this level. Her family support will be a big part of her success at Murray and I know that here family will be there for her. Congratulations Kayla!

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We will miss Kayla here in the mountains! The staff at Charlie Pinson Insurance KY wishes Kayla Lowe all the successes she strives for. Our Kentucky insurance agency supports Kentucky sports athletes and their endevours on and off the court. Best wishes Kayla!

A Quartet of UK Wildcats to Go NFL

Woodson going to the New York Giants

The University of Kentucky Athletics site is reporting that four football Wildcats will be going pro.

• Jacob Tamme to the Indianpolis Colts


• Keenan Burton to the St. Louis Rams


• Andre' Woodson to the New York Giants


• Steve Johnson to the Buffalo Bills

Andre' Woodson, a quarterback, led the Wildcats to victory in back-to-back Music City Bowls. Named the most valueable player in both of those match-ups, Woodson really made my day with the New Year's Eve win in 2007. Charlie and I, along with my sorority sister and her husband, sat right beside the Florida State Band during that battle. Believe me, the Seminoles War Chant with tomahawk action was very annoying. Thank you for the win Mr. Woodson!

Woodson was recently here in Pikeville signing autographs during our local festival. He was sponsored by Appalachian Wireless. Charlie and our six year old nephew, Jacob, went to the booth to get signed prints of Commonwealth Stadium and a photo poster of Woodson donned in his Number 3 UK Wildcat uniform.

As UK alums, Charlie and I are proud of all Kentucky athletes. We wish the quartet success, happiness, and good health as they move to their new teams.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky health insurance agent. During her college days at UK, she sat at the UK vs TN football game until her hair froze. Joyce, and husband Charlie, have made the trip to Nashville for the Music City Bowl two times. They danced, they partied and they brought back the T-shirts. Go Big Blue!

Banquet on Sunday April 27 Lexington KY

FORCHT GROUP OF KENTUCKY/KHSAA REGIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP WINNERS

Kentucky High School Athletic Association
2280 Executive Drive ° Lexington, KY 40505
º www.khsaa.org º (859)299-5472
(859)293-5999 (fax)
Kentucky Sports News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 17, 2008

The 2008 Forcht Group of Kentucky/KHSAA Sportsmanship Recognition Banquet is set for Sunday, April 27,beginning at 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Lexington. This marks the 12th year of the program recognizing outstanding sportsmanship.

KHSAA member schools each select one boy and one girl as the local school sportsmanship winner. School winners are then eligible to be selected as the regional winner. From the 32 regional winners, one boy and one girl will be selected as the state winner and receive a one-time $3,000 scholarship courtesy of Forcht Group of Kentucky. Selection criteria includes: Grade-Point-Average; letters of recommendations; leadership roles/honors; response to case study essay; verification of no game disqualifications.

Each regional winner receives a plaque, a mantle clock from the KHSAA Officials Division and a chair and $200 book scholarship courtesy of Forcht Group of Kentucky.

The following individuals are regional winners to be recognized and are eligible for the overall statewide award.

Region 1 – Rachel Adams (Calloway County), Jared McCuiston (Mayfield)
Region 2 – Mandy Gray (Caldwell County), Spencer Workman (University Heights)
Region 3 – Jayleigh Gatton (Frederick Fraize), Kevin Buntin (Owensboro Catholic)
Region 4 – Jerri Beth Gee (Monroe County), Sam Kendrick (Russellville)
Region 5 – Kristia Worthy (John Hardin), Josh Gumm (Taylor County)
Region 6 – Anna Roarx (Holy Cross-Louisville), Ryan Vincent (North Bullitt)
Region 7 – Megan Payne (Jeffersontown), John Hester (DuPont Manual)
Region 8 – Kelsey Williams (Owen County), Ryan Gallas (North Oldham)
Region 9 – Ashley Jolly (Lloyd Memorial), Joey Neal (Villa Madonna)
Region 10 – Dana Figgins (Bracken County), Evan Bennett (George Rogers Clark)
Region 11 – Kaylyn Pratt (Model), Evan Schroader (Tates Creek Lexington KY)
Region 12 – Allison Dailey (Mercer County), Thomas Waddle (Somerset)
Region 13 – Mary Elliott (Pineville), A.J. Jones (Middlesboro)
Region 14 – Brittany Taulbee (Wolfe County), Tyler Phipps (Wolfe County)
Region 15 – Tiffany Lemaster (Johnson Central), Josh Staggs (Pikeville HS-Pikeville KY)
Region 16 – Erica Irwin (Ashland Blazer), Seth Harper (Raceland)

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As a Kentucky Sportscaster, Charlie Pinson has witnessed many outstanding Kentucky sports match ups. Congratulations to Josh Staggs of Pikeville High School. Josh is a lineman for Pikeville Panthers football, and is an outstanding pitcher for Pikeville HS Baseball team. Click for Kentucky Insurance Quotes.

Louisville KY Mini-Marathon Kentucky Derby Festival

Saturday, April 26

As for me, the only thing that makes me run is a fabulous shoe sale or a friend in need. Now I can move quick when I want to, particularly if it involves dancing. But that's another story.

So for those of you who consider running a Kentucky sport, I hope you got your registration in early for the Derby Festival Marathon and Mini-Marathon. Usually, registration is available right on up to Bluegrass Family Health Insurance's Running Wild trade show event, but this year's response was overwhelming.

If you would like to watch the Marathoners, they'll start at 7:30 am out at Iroquois Middle School. (Southern Parkway) They will continue on to Market Street and finish on Sixth. There is no charge to watch.

Billed as "Kentucky's other big race" it is the 35th year for the mini-marathon and the 7th year for the full marathon. Upwards of 11,000 people participated last year, and this year promises to break more records.

To learn more about the Louisville Kentucky Derby Festival or to learn more about the Marathon events check outwww.derbyfestivalmarathon.com.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a Kentucky Health Insurance Agent representing several companies including Bluegrass Family Health Insurance Louisville KY. The Pinsons are fans of most Kentucky sports including ballroom dancing. For Kentucky Insurance quotes visit the agency website at www.pinsoninsurance.com

Former Pikeville College Coach Performs Pikeville KY Hillbilly Days 2008

It's always good to see old friends; and surely many of our friends returned to Pikeville Ky for Hillbilly Days 2008. The festival benefits Lexington KY Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.  Featuring a carnival, quilt show, motorcycle and car show, and many many many musical and dance performances, Hillbilly Days is the second largest festival in Kentucky.

This year, we were particularly pleased to welcome back Jerry Minet, former football coach of the Pikeville College Bears. Charlie and Jerry appeared many times together on WPRG-TV 5's "The Bear Facts" coachs' show. Jerry left Pikeville a few years back to pursue a career as a pharmaceutical rep.

Performing on Harley Davidson of Pikeville's music venue set up in front the the East Kentucky Expo Center, Minet wooed the crowd with a number of his own song compositions. Many of his former Pikeville College players were in the audience. So were some of the East Kentucky Miners  Diamond Girls.

Jerry may have a Nashville song writers career in his future. Charlie and I wish him well, and we will always remember his time spent in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

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Author Joyce Pinson is a big fan of Kentucky Sports including Pikeville College Bears. Her husband, Charlie, may sit in the press box, but he runs on Joyce's press box brownies. In addition to sportscasting, Charlie owns a Kentucky Insurance agency.

UK Sports Medicine Partners with :Lexington KY Horsemen

UK Media Contact: Amy Ratliff, (859) 257-1754, ext. 252

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 11, 2008) − The University of Kentucky Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine has been selected to return to the sidelines as the sole health care provider for the Lexington Horsemen arena football team.

UK Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine previously contracted with the Horsemen during the 2004, 2005 and 2006 seasons. Through this partnership, the department will provide the Horsemen with a certified athletic trainer for coverage of all practices and games. UK's sports medicine physicians will also be present at each of the Horsemen's eight home contests during the 2008 slate and will provide any medical care needed by the team.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work closely with these professional athletes and we look forward to supporting the Horsemen throughout the season," said Dr. Darren Johnson, UK's chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

The Horsemen will open their 2008 season on March 29 when they host the Daytona Beach Thunder Birds in Rupp Arena at 7:30 p.m. To keep up on events with the Lexington KY Horsemen check out their website at www.lexingtonhorsemen.com

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Michael Madrazo, Number 67 for the Lexington KY Horseman is an alumni of Pikeville College. Charlie Pinson, "Voice of the Pikeville College Bears," displays a Horseman souvenir football with Madrazo's signature in his Kentucky Insurance Office. Click for Kentucky Insurance Quotes.

Can Sports Go Green?

Pondering Earth Day 2008

I love baseball be it the big leagues or the little leagues. The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, the rhythm of pitchers in the warm up box, and the roar of the crowd when someone slides into home.....now that's what I am talking about!

Have you ever thought about how professional baseball teams could "go green?" Me either. Until today, when we decided this blog should be launched and I needed something to talk to you about.

Is Baseball environmentally friendly?

Well, apparently so! As a Kentucky insurance agent I became aware of the inititatives of Progressive Field and Safeco Field, Progressive Insurance and Safeco Insurance being two of the companies we represent. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is behind the effort which they tag Go Green Sports Venues.

At Progressive Field, solar panels have been introduced to power television sets inside the park. The Cleveland Indians campaign, "Our tribe is green, are you in the tribe" focuses on using recyclable and biodegradable items from the concessions area.

Over on the west coast, Safeco Field's Seattle Mariners are not to be outdone. According to resourceventure.org, the stadium has been recycling paper since 2000. Captain Plastic appears at home games to encourage plastic recycling. New programs are in place to reduce electric and natural gas consumption by the park.

So Happy Earth Day to you! Support your local baseball team, be it the kids next door or the big leagues. Get out to the ballpark!

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Author Joyce Pinson grew up in Northern Kentucky and is a big fan of the Cincinnati Reds. She confesses skipping high school to see the Big Red Machine play. (Apologies to Principal Toadvine) She enjoys the hometown atmosphere at Lexington KY's Lexington Legends baseball games. True to her Cincinnati roots, she insists that only brown mustard can be served on a stadium hot dog. Joyce is a Kentucky Insurance Agent.